Jake Nelson

Speaking to media this week, Transport Minister Catherine King said she has “every confidence” that WSI will be able to attract and retain airlines. Currently, QantasLink and Jetstar, as well as Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand, plan to operate passenger services, with Qantas Freight to also fly cargo to WSI.

A twin-engine Cessna Conquest, VH-VEY, was used for test flights to ensure safe and accurate approach procedures, as well as to check that obstacles like trees, towers and buildings are correctly marked on charts for safe navigation.

Speaking to media after the announcement this week of the airline’s sale to US-based aviation group Air T, the transport minister said she “didn’t think Rex would be flying today” had the government not stepped in to shore it up, including buying the lion’s share of its debt and guaranteeing its operations.

The low-cost carrier cancelled just 1 per cent of flights last month according to the latest BITRE data, beaten only by regional carriers Hinterland at 0.2 per cent, and Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, which cancelled no flights at all.

Deborah Lawrie, who paved the way for female commercial pilots in Australia with her landmark High Court win over Ansett in 1979-80 and still flies for Virgin, recently attended a preview show of the play FLY GIRL at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre ahead of its opening on 22 October.

Airlines for Australia and New Zealand and the Australian Airports Association have congratulated administrator EY Australia and the federal government for the pending sale of Rex to American firm Air T, which will end a lengthy voluntary administration period.