Rex Airlines reduces flights from Mt Gambier to Adelaide, after ‘unfair criticism’ by local officials

MOUNT Gambier’s sole airline is reducing services from the Blue Lake city to Adelaide, following “the amount of unfair criticisms levelled at Rex Airlines”.

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MOUNT Gambier’s sole airline is reducing services from the Blue Lake city to Adelaide, following “unfair criticisms levelled at Rex Airlines”.

Rex has for years threatened to cut services because of high airport taxes, but after criticism by “local officials” will scale back flights to “better utilise its very scarce resources”.

Rex was believed to be responding to claims made to a Senate inquiry that the city’s healthcare was suffering and patients were left without doctors because of the carrier’s erratic regional flights.

In a statement, Rex said there was a worldwide pilot shortage and all carriers had been forced to resort to reductions/cancellations to cope with the “crippling” shortage.

Rex said details of the changes would be announced shortly, but the State Government has sought an urgent explanation on the decision.

Regional leaders have expressed shock at the announcement and implored Rex to work with the community to ensure the longevity of “vital and valuable” service.

The Blue Lake is considered to be the gem of Mount Gambier’s tourist attractions. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Tourism Mount Gambier chairman Kent Comley saidflight prices had dampened demand — a ticket to Adelaide on Wednesday is $216 one-way — but the service was integral to the region.

“I think the community wants to work with Rex to make it a mutually beneficial relationship because we would hate to lose them as they provide a very valuable service to our community,” Mr Comley said.

“Mt Gambier is primarily a self-drive tourism market, so the effect on international tourism is negligible, the primary impact will be on the corporate market.

“It is a sensitive issue, but at the end of the day we really need a regular passenger service in and out of Mt Gambier.”

A Rex Airlines plane.

Chamber of Commerce president Lynette Martin said they were unaware of pilot shortages and it was disappointing a stakeholder meeting was not held to discuss the issues.

Mt Gambier to Adelaide is one of the three biggest routes for Rex in SA, the other two being in competition with QantasLink.

However, passenger numbers from Mt Gambier to Melbourne and Adelaide have declined from 117,000 in 2007/08 to 78,000 in the latest financial year.

Rex has previously blamed Grant District Council — which owns the airport — for imposing high airport taxes as the reason for reduced passenger numbers and flight services.

The carrier claimed its 2015/16 operational profit before tax averaged “a modest $4 per passenger” over a 400km flight and it spent $185 paying costs for the same passenger.

The council and Rex have had a combative relationship for years over increased passenger taxes and the council’s push for a multi-million airport upgrade.

Mt Gambier Airport general manger Ian Fritsch is in favour of a $9 million upgrade to the airport. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Mount Gambier independent MP Troy Bell also boycotted the service in November to protest over the carrier’s poor customers service, flight delays and cancellations.

Today, he said he had not resumed services with Rex, but believed a positive outcome for the community could be reached.

“Whilst disappointed with the decision by Rex to reduce frequency of flights, as a community I would encourage we work with Rex to progress into the future in a meaningful community relationship,” Mr Bell said.

“This may lead to positive outcomes in fuller planes, therefore potentially a reduction in costs for those flights. It could be a positive move for our community.”

Grant District Mayor Richard Sage could not be contacted for comment.

Qantas said it had no plans to start a new route between Mt Gambier and Adelaide.