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Rex confirms application granted to run subsidised schedule

written by Adam Thorn | April 21, 2020

A file image of a Regional Express Saab 340B VH-ZLQ. (Dave Parer)
A Regional Express Saab 340B VH-ZLQ. (Dave Parer)

Rex has had its application granted to operate services underwritten by the government’s $298 million regional aviation finance package.

Regional Express has also confirmed it is close to finalising separate deals with Queensland, WA and SA to provide services over and above what has been outlined in the national agreement.

Rex’s deputy chairman, John Sharp, said, “Rex would also like to thank, on behalf of all regional carriers, the Morrison government for extending this lifeline at an incredibly quick speed, without which all independent regional airline carriers would have collapsed in the coming days.”

The announcement would appear to end hostilities between the carrier and local and national governments, which saw it release a series of increasingly dramatic statements, which Australian Aviation has charted here.

The “barebones” schedule under the Regional Airline Network Support (RANS) program will include one to two return services per week on most of its network and will last for up to six months.

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In addition, Rex has also said it may be able to add extra flights because the federal government increased the number of funded services available for application late last week.

If successful, nominated Rex ports will see a minimum of two return services per week with some ports then having up to three return services.

“Never before has regional Australia been faced with such a massive and sudden threat,” said Sharp.

“Regional Australia is very fortunate to have a government which places the highest national priority in ensuring the regional socio-economic fabric is not permanently destroyed by this national emergency.

“With the Commonwealth assistance packages for regional carriers in place, we are confident that we will be able to help all regional cities who are willing to work in partnership with us to rebuild their regional air services to their full potential over the next two years.

“Rex will stand by all the regional communities that have stood by Rex during this global and national crisis.”

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Comments (7)

  • ANTONY J PHILIP

    says:

    Sorry and sad to see Virgin Australia in this position but hope it will bounce back sooner rather than later to give us Australians a. competitive choice.

  • Peter

    says:

    Time to standby your staff and get crews flying again. Cheaper to keep them current than sitting around, especially with the Jobkeeper subsidy kicking in and helping with the wages bill.

    • Peter

      says:

      Best news yet! An airline that serves communities that have no alternative. .
      GO REX. Hope NSW/VICTORIA Maintain services as well to BXH and southern NSW from VIC.

  • Neil

    says:

    It seems like the “bullies” at Rex have learnt from the Virgin experience that if you want something from this Government you don’t bully them or hold them to ransom.
    Kin Hai is more effective when he is in Singapore as his methods with Government and Council’s don’t work.
    Maybe he needs to concentrate on some fleet replacements for the geriatric Saab 340B’s to prove he is in the Australian market for the long term and not running the fleet to the end of their life and will just retreat to Orchard Road with his windfall.

    • Peter

      says:

      Your comment Bullies are unfoundid and out of place. REX serves communities that need them. Use them and do not complain.

      • Peter

        says:

        Will REX stil serve VIC and NSW?

  • Ken

    says:

    Who on earth is Kin Hai?

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