Regional Express (Rex) had its inaugural flight between Townsville and Mount Isa in North West Queensland last night followed by the inaugural flight out of Mount Isa earlier this morning.
The new daily return non-stop air service between Mount Isa and Townsville is complemented by the Northern 2 route which links Mount Isa to Townsville via Julia Creek, Richmond and Hughenden on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Rex is also launching the Northern 1 route this week with services linking Townsville and Longreach via Winton each Tuesday and Thursday. The Northern 1 and 2 Queensland State Government’s regulated and subsidised routes have a contracted term through until March 2013.
Commenting on the new services, Rex GM Network Strategy and Sales, Mr Warrick Lodge said, “We have started the direct Mount Isa to Townsville service in response to the persistent and genuine pleas from the local community for an air service to Townsville that is affordable and which has a business-friendly schedule. Rex’s decision to mount the new non-stop services between Mount Isa and Townsville is a perfect illustration of the benefits to be derived from the recent partnership with the Queensland Government.”
“The new daily non-stop express services between Mount Isa and Townsville provide for a convenient early morning departure from Mount Isa that arrives in Townsville before 9.00am and the return flight from Townsville at 5.40pm allows for same day return travel from Mount Isa. The Saturday morning service from Mount Isa to Townsville and a return flight from Townsville on Sunday evening also provides for that perfect quick weekend getaway in Townsville.”
Mr Lodge added, “Several highly respected aviation magazines, including Air Transport World, have recognised Rex as the world’s best regional airline during the past three challenging years and Rex feels privileged to have this unique opportunity to bring Rex’s award-winning service at affordable fares to Northern and Western Queensland.”
Regional Express (Rex) is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of more than 40 SAAB 340 aircraft on some 1,300 weekly flights to 35 destinations throughout New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland. The Rex Group comprises Regional Express, air freight and charter operator Pel-Air Aviation and Dubbo-based regional airline Air Link, as well as the pilot academy Australian Airline Pilot Academy.
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