Rex Airlines cuts five return flights between Adelaide and Mt Gambier, following criticism of carrier

REX Airlines will immediately cut five return flights between Adelaide and Mt Gambier per week, to better use its “scarce resources amid a global pilot shortage”.

• Rex says it will reduce services between Adelaide, Mt Gambier
• South East left without doctors because of flight cancellations
• Mt Gambier airport’s plan for $9.2 million upgrade to capitalise on tourism

REX Airlines will immediately axe five return flights between Adelaide and Mt Gambier per week, to better use its “scarce resources amid a global pilot shortage”.

Regional leaders said the move would cause major disruptions for businesses representatives with key flights at the start and end of the working week, cut from the service.

Rex said the remaining 36 flights per week between the cities, providing 61,000 seats a year, would be sufficient to cater for the 47,000 passengers that use the route, annually.

The Advertiser today reported the Blue Lake city’s sole carrier had flagged its intention to reduce services in the wake of “unfair criticism” levelled against the airline.

Rex was responding to claims made to a Senate inquiry into regional aviation services that Mt Gambier’s healthcare was suffering because of the carrier’s erratic regional flights.

FLIGHTS AXED:

Monday and Thursday: Adelaide to Mt Gambier flight, departing 6.55am. Mt Gambier to Adelaide, departing 8.25am.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: Adelaide to Mt Gambier, departing 5.10pm. Mt Gambier to Adelaide, departing 6.40pm.

Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake.

Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast chairman Peter Gandolfi said it was disappointing the flights at the beginning and end of the working day had been axed.

“The reduction in flights will have a detrimental affect on businesses, particularly those who have regular meetings in Adelaide and vice-versa,” Mr Gandolfi said.

“I’m hopeful Rex will reconsider the reduction in flights as they recruit pilots to the company.”

Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said he had a constructive discussion with a Rex representative today.

“It’s my understanding that the relationship between the South East community and the airline can be strengthened and there is a capacity to rebuild services in the future if these challenges

are addressed,” Mr Whetstone said.

Federal MP for Baker Tony Pasin said it was “incredibly disappointing” the city and airline had come to this impasse and he was meeting with the Rex board next month.

“These are the flights that will cause maximum inconvenience to business,” Mr Pasin said.

“I’m seeking to do everything within my power to persuade the company to reverse its decision including accepting an invitation to address the board in Sydney, in early June.”

Rex had said a worldwide “crippling” pilot shortage forcing all carriers to reduce or cancel flights to cope, and Mt Gambier could not be sheltered from the phenomenon.

But the airport owner, Grant District Council, and Rex have been at loggerheads over recent years on rising airport charges and the council’s push for a $9.2 million upgrade of the airport.

Rex has said passenger numbers between Mt Gambier to Melbourne and Adelaide had declined from 117,000 in 2007/08 to 78,000 in the latest financial year.