Mineral Resources (MinRes) has announced plans to deliver an improved travel experience for its remote workforce with the pending launch of MinRes Air.

The company’s new internal flights department is set to provide charter services from a dedicated terminal in the Perth Airport precinct, with first flights planned to support employees travelling to the new Onslow Iron project in the Pilbara.

Launching MinRes Air will mark the next step in MinRes’ mission to redefine the employee experience and set new industry standards for facilities, food and flights.

MinRes is already introducing resort-style accommodation at its Onslow Iron project – alongside upgrades to services and amenities at its existing villages – complemented by the industry’s best food offering and a growing workplace wellbeing program.

MinRes Air is expected to launch in the second half of 2024. Seat capacity on the aircraft will be reduced from the standard 138 seats down to 108 to provide a more comfortable journey.

Executive General Manager People Logistics and Facilities, Bethanie Ibrahim, said the initiative will offer an elevated travel experience for its fly-in fly-out employees.

“Our focus is on providing more flight flexibility to our remote operations and allow our people to travel to and from site at attractive times five days a week,” Bethanie said.

“This industry-first investment will help improve safety and productivity while ensuring our people are transported as quickly and as conveniently as possible.”

The premium travel experience will start at the MinRes Air terminal, where employees will enjoy the same high-quality food and barista coffee served at the company’s state-of-the-art Osborne Park headquarters.

In January, MinRes also launched direct flights between Brisbane and Wodgina and Ken’s Bore to provide flexibility for employees living on the east coast.

With MinRes Air set to take off within months, the company is now recruiting experienced captains, first officers, flight attendants, ground handling crew and management to support the new service.