Australia’s largest independent regional airline Rex has Darwin services on radar

AUSTRALIA’S largest independent regional airline, Rex, says it could have services operating from Darwin next year

Australia’s largest independent regional airline, Rex, says it could have services operating from Darwin next year

THERE’S still a few bridges to be crossed, but Australia’s largest independent regional airline, Regional Express (Rex) says it could have services operating from Darwin next year if the business case stacks up.

And the airline is promising cheaper travel if it comes to the Territory.

Rex’s deputy chairman John Sharp and general manager, network strategy and sales Warrick Lodge have just completed a two-day fact-finding mission in Darwin as a precursor to putting a business case to the Northern Territory Government.

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The meetings follow last month’s NT News report that the airline was looking at starting passenger services in the Northern Territory based out of Darwin.

Mr Sharp said the decision came in the wake of financial problems that have beset Darwin-based Air North’s parent company, the Bristow Group, in the US.

He said Rex had been contacted by remote communities wanting the airline to look at providing them air services.

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“We definitely think the opportunity to establish Northern Territory services out of Darwin is now,” Mr Sharp said.

“Our meetings in Darwin are about looking at what the requirements of us would be. We have met with government departments, ministerial advisers, the Darwin airport and other important stakeholders.

“We are extremely happy with how the meetings have gone. They have given us confidence going forward with putting our business case.

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“One thing we do from a community perspective is we do actually make the aviation scene more competitive.”

Mr Lodge said the number of inquiries from remote Territory communities about future services was particularly encouraging.

“The reliability of services and the cost of ticket prices were raised,” Mr Lodge said.

“We have a community fare scheme, which is about us selling any unused seats close to departure and giving regional and remote communities access to affordable fares.

“Regional air services are Rex’s bread and butter and we know well how to meet the needs of regional communities. It has been a very successful trip to put a solid business case together. We think there is a strong business case.”

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Rex operates a fleet of more than 50 Saab 340 aircraft on some 1500 weekly flights to 60 destinations throughout all states in Australia.