Regional Express (Rex) will introduce a new direct service between Broken Hill and Sydney from 26 March 2007 effectively doubling seats and frequency as part of a renewed agreement with Broken Hill City Council.
The agreement involves Rex and Council continuing to work together in partnership, with Rex investing heavily in an additional Saab 340 aircraft and associated flight crew resources and Council providing airport passenger charge incentives for annual passenger carriage over and above agreed growth thresholds. The revised agreement is designed to provide substantial increases in passenger numbers through Broken Hill Airport and bring benefits to the airline, the Council and especially the community.
Introduction of the new direct flights gives a total of 26 flights each week between Broken Hill and Sydney, nearly doubling the current services all of which operate via Dubbo. The current flights via Dubbo will remain.
Rex Managing Director Geoff Breust said, “In addition to the extra 204 seats per week, this direct service offers Broken Hill residents a convenient day return to Sydney with a peak time schedule. This is designed especially for those who need to spend more time in Sydney and return within the business day without the hassle of a stopover. It also means visitors from Sydney can arrange a full day in Broken Hill and return to Sydney in time for business the following day.
From 26 March 2007, the 2hr 10min service will depart Broken Hill at 6.30am arriving in Sydney at 9.10am and depart Sydney at 6.15pm and returning to Broken Hill at 8.05pm every Monday to Friday with one return service spreading over Saturday and Sunday.
“The new schedule timings, frequency and additional capacity are all major pluses for people wishing to use the service in either direction,” Mr Breust said.
Commenting on the partnership, Broken Hill City Council General Manager Frank Zaknich said that the Council will work closely with Rex for joint marketing activities to promote the services to Broken Hill as an excellent business, tourist, events and lifestyle destination.
“The City sees great merit in working with Rex to achieve this outcome, especially as we are on the threshold of exciting new developments in mining for the city and increased visitors for tourism and business,” Mr Zaknich said.
“The partnership between Rex and the City of Broken Hill has a proven track record, with Rex now operating all 34 seat Saab 340 services between Broken Hill and Adelaide after phasing out the 19 seat Metro 23 in October 2006. It is yet another great example of how the local community and Rex can work together to bring major improvements to such vital air services,” Mr Breust said.
Fares between Broken Hill and Sydney will start from as low as $215 one-way. Bookings can be made by contacting Rex directly through its Customer Contact Centre on 13 17 13 or through its website on www.rex.com.au.
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of 31 Saab 340 aircraft for over 1,200 flights weekly to 33 destinations from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Brand new services to Grafton and Taree will commence
25 February 2007. Rex has also announced the acquisition of 25 latest generation Saab 340 B Plus aircraft for delivery over the next three years. The aircraft will be used for fleet replacement and expansion opportunities.
Rex Schedule: Effective 26 March 2007
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