SkyBus partners with Perth Airport on bus services

• Perth Airport awards 10-year landside contract to SkyBus
• SkyBus to launch with 11 buses including two battery electric buses, transitioning to 100% electric fleet during the contract term
• Perth Airport is currently undergoing a significant transformation, with the airport hitting record numbers of passenger traffic in FY25 

Perth Airport has awarded a major new 10-year ground transportation contract to Kinetic-owned SkyBus to deliver comprehensive landside bus services across the airport precinct.

The contract marks SkyBus’s first entry into Western Australia, bringing the brand’s proven airport expertise to one of Australia’s fastest-growing airports. 

The Perth Airport services will operate under Kinetic’s established SkyBus brand, best known for its airport-to-city services in Melbourne and Hobart, but which has since expanded into comprehensive ground transportation services across Australia and New Zealand’s major airports. 

SkyBus will commence services at Perth Airport on 3 November 2025, launching with a fleet of 11 branded buses including two battery electric buses. Kinetic has announced plans to transition the entire operation to 100% electric within the contract term. 

This follows Kinetic’s recently announced commitment to transitioning its SkyBus operations in Melbourne to 100% electric by 2031, and its airside and landside bus services at Sydney Airport to go 100% electric by 2030. 

The contract creates 45 new jobs in SkyBus Perth operations, including bus drivers, and operational support roles. 

Kinetic Executive General Manager (WA) Sarah Ismail said the partnership represents an exciting milestone for SkyBus in Western Australia and comes in a period of rapid expansion for Perth Airport. 

“This contract allows us to support Perth Airport’s ambitious growth and expansions plans whilst delivering the operational excellence and sustainability leadership that SkyBus is known for across Australia. 

“Transitioning to a fully electric fleet demonstrates our commitment to sustainable airport transport and positions Perth Airport at the forefront of clean transport innovation.” 

Ms Ismail said the investment in electric vehicles and depot infrastructure reflects Kinetic’s long-term commitment to Western Australia. 

“We are a regional leader in bus electrification, we’re excited to bring zero-emissions bussing to Perth Airport from day one, delivering quieter, cleaner transport for passengers.”

Perth Airport Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, Kate Holsgrove said that Perth Airport is committed to providing outstanding airport services that provides a quality customer service and a high level of passenger satisfaction.

“SkyBus has an outstanding track record in delivering services within the Australian aviation industry, so we look forward to partnering with their experienced team to ensure a seamless experience for our passengers.

“We will also work with Kinetic to transition the entire operation to 100% electric within the contract term aligning with Perth Airport’s commitment to net-zero by 2032.”

SkyBus is renowned for its airport-to-city express and airport precinct services, carrying close to 3 million passengers annually across its Australian and New Zealand operations. The brand’s airport expertise includes comprehensive ground transportation services ranging from passenger transfers to critical operational support. 

The Perth Airport contract expands SkyBus’s airport operations to its sixth major location, joining established airport precinct services at Melbourne Airport (airside and landside), Adelaide (airside), Auckland Airport (landside), and the recently announced Sydney Airport operations (airside and landside).