Kangaroo Island residents set to benefit from cheaper airfares

Rex Airlines has made getting to and from Kangaroo Island much cheaper, following a deal between the regional airline and the KI Council.

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Kangaroo Island residents and visitors are set to benefit from $99 flights announced by Rex Airlines this week.

Rex and the Kangaroo Island Council have entered into a five-year partnership arrangement that will see a Rex Community Fare introduced.

The $99 one-way fare will be available on morning flights from Kangaroo Island and evening flights from Adelaide, as well as middle of the day flights in both directions.

Rex will be making available a minimum of 25 per cent of seats on the nominated flights for advanced booking outside of 30 days prior to departure.

Rex Airlines and the Kangaroo Island Council have entered into a five-year partnership arrangement, paving the way for special fares.

Within 24 hours to departure all the remaining seats will also be available under the community fare rate.

Rex general manager network strategy and sales Warrick Lodge said the community fare scheme had been running since 2016.

It is now being run in 15 regional communities.

The only other community in South Australia with the scheme is Mount Gambier, but Mr Lodge said Rex was in discussions with the District Council of Ceduna about implementing community fares.

“For Kangaroo Island, we have tailored the scheme to deliver the maximum benefit to the local community,” he said.

Kangaroo Island Council mayor Michael Pengilly said the community fare offered a considerable reduction of more than 30 per cent on the standard lowest price fare.

“Kangaroo Island residents will be able to use the community fare for day-return travel to Adelaide and the inclusion of the middle of the day services will deliver benefits to both the local community and visitors to Kangaroo Island.”

Kangaroo Island Council mayor Michael Pengilly said the community fare offered a considerable reduction of more than 30 per cent on the standard lowest price fare.

Mr Pengilly said the community fare would be particularly helpful for Kangaroo Island residents who had doctors appointments in Adelaide.

He said it would also increase the use of the Kangaroo Island airport, which had a new terminal and runway extensions.

Qantas also offers discounted fares, with its recent Australia Wide Sale offering flights from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island for $99. Its year round lead in fare is $153.