In response to a call by the Member for Grey, Mr Barry Wakelin MP, for the District Council and Rex to work together so that Rex could introduce more flights, Rex confirms it is ready to take up the challenge if the District Council was ready to adopt a true partnership approach to the matter.
“We have discussed the issue with Mr Wakelin and would like to see a partnership in place as early as practicable,” Geoff Breust, Rex’s Managing Director said.
“In the last four years Rex has worked closely with many local councils to grow passenger numbers to record highs through partnership agreements whereby Rex and the council co-invest to bring more services at affordable fares to the community.“
“In every single instance the outcome has been of great benefit to all stakeholders – the local council saw its long-term airport revenues increase due to record numbers of passengers, the community reaped the socio-economic benefits of more and better services at affordable fares and also increased revenue eventually and Rex increased returns due to better loads.”
Mr Breust revealed that Rex offered the same arrangement to the District Council more than ten months ago and committed to investing in one additional aircraft and associated crew to be stationed overnight in Port Lincoln so that locals could have an early morning departure to Adelaide for an earlier start to the business day or for additional interstate connections.
“However negotiations lapsed and Mr. Wakelin’s call to restart the discussions is welcome and we will endeavour to do our best to achieve the right outcome”, Mr Breust said.
“Rex continues to shelter Port Lincoln fares from the $24.00 fuel surcharge – especially on our $99 fully inclusive fare. Through our policy of increasing frequency and seats (Port Lincoln residents now enjoy up to eight return flights per day) and lower fares, Rex has more than doubled passenger numbers over the last four years.”
“In the light of Mr Wakelin’s request, the Rex board has instructed management to redouble its efforts with the District Council. Rex’s Deputy Chairman, John Sharp, General Manager Network Strategy, Warrick Lodge and myself are to visit Port Lincoln the week of 21 May to seek urgent consultations with the District Council and other stakeholders.”
“Our aim is to achieve a true partnership with the District Council and local community so that Port Lincoln could have one of the best and most affordable regional air services in the whole of Australia,” Mr Breust said.
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