West Australian Airways played a significant role in the development of aviation in Western Australia. The airline was founded in 1921 and initially operated as a flying boat service between Perth and the coastal towns of Western Australia.
The airline's first aircraft was a Short Solent flying boat, which was used for passenger and cargo transport. This aircraft was a key component in the airline's early success.
The airline's operations were initially limited to the coastal regions of Western Australia, but it eventually expanded to include routes to the remote mining towns of the Kimberley region. This expansion was made possible by the introduction of more advanced aircraft, such as the Short Mayo composite flying boat.
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Early Years
In 1928, the Commonwealth called tenders for an airmail service between Perth and Adelaide, leading to the construction of airfields at intermediate locations.
Airfields were built at Kalgoorlie, Forrest, and Ceduna by the Civil Aviation Branch to accommodate this new service.
The first flight left Maylands Airport in 1929, marking the beginning of regular air travel between Perth and Adelaide.
West Australian Airways Ltd was approved to conduct a two-day weekly service each way using a DH60 aircraft.
A hostel was established at the mid-point in the flight at Forrest to provide overnight accommodation for the crew and passengers.
Beacons were set up along the route to provide navigational assistance at night, helping pilots navigate through the desolate landscape.
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Expansion and Growth
West Australian Airways expanded its services in the 1920s, establishing new routes and increasing its fleet of aircraft.
The airline's growth was driven by the demand for air travel in Western Australia, particularly in the mining and pastoral regions.
By the mid-1920s, West Australian Airways had a fleet of five aircraft, including the Avro 504 and the Avro 618 Ten.
The airline's expansion also led to the creation of new jobs and the development of airfields and other infrastructure.
West Australian Airways played a significant role in the development of Western Australia's economy and infrastructure during this period.
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1934 to 1936
In 1934, the Federal Government awarded the five-year Perth – Daly Waters route contract to MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co., leaving West Australian Airways with only the unsubsidised Perth–Adelaide route.
This decision marked a significant shift for West Australian Airways, which had previously operated multiple routes in Western Australia and beyond.
On 19 April 1934, the Federal Government awarded the contract to MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co.
In April 1936, Adelaide Airways Ltd offered to purchase West Australian Airways.
The purchase was finalised for £A25,000 on 12 June 1936.
On 1 July, Adelaide Airways and West Australian Airways became part of the new Australian National Airways.
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Background and Context
West Australian Airways was a pioneering airline that played a significant role in the development of aviation in Western Australia.
The airline was founded in 1921 by a group of entrepreneurs who saw the potential for air travel to connect the state's remote communities.
Its first route was between Perth and Geraldton, a distance of 420 miles.
West Australian Airways was known for its reliability and safety record, with a fleet of modified Fokker F.VIIb/3m aircraft.
The airline's operations were often hampered by the state's rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions.
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