The District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula and Regional Express (Rex) have agreed to jointly invest in the air services between Port Lincoln and Adelaide which will result in the airline introducing a Port Lincoln overnight service.
At its meeting in Cummins on Friday 15 June, the District Council agreed to a proposal put by Rex to stimulate passenger growth. The scheme calls for Rex to invest in additional aircraft and resources to overnight an aircraft in Port Lincoln so that the much sought after early morning departure from Port Lincoln each weekday could be a reality. Rex also commits to other additional frequencies and to keeping the average fare at its current levels. In return, Council agrees to rebate part of the head tax where annual passenger numbers exceed specified thresholds for the next financial year.
The new schedule, to commence from 16 July, includes a further eight services per week resulting in early morning flights to Adelaide Monday to Friday. Late evening services will operate Sunday to Friday with a Rex aircraft stationed on the ground in Port Lincoln each night Sunday to Thursday. An extra late evening flight will operate to Adelaide on Friday nights, which will see a total of 9 departures from Port Lincoln to Adelaide each Friday.
The schedule will enable Port Lincoln residents to connect more readily with interstate flights as well as having a much longer day in Adelaide. Altogether Rex will provide a minimum of 191,000 seats annually compared to the current 176,800 seats. (A copy of the schedule is set out below).
“This is an historic agreement between the District Council which owns and operates Port Lincoln Airport and the airline servicing the community,” Mayor, Councillor Max Hill said.
“It provides an incentive for Rex to continue to grow and improve Port Lincoln and provide the much requested early morning departure while ensuring the airport continues to pay its way.
“In entering into the partnership the District Council recognises the excellent service which Rex provides for the region. The Council is pleased that the arrangements will result in improved services including the much requested early morning departures and will result in cheaper seats for passengers.
“However, the Council is also aware of its responsibility to provide quality facilities at the airport with upgrades required in the near future. The Council has commenced developing a business plan for the airport which will further analyse the financial arrangements required to support this vital component of the region’s infrastructure,” Councillor Hill said.
Rex’s Managing Director, Geoff Breust, supported Councillor Hill’s comments.
“Both parties are investing in the future and are fully committed to the partnership. Over time the partnership will be a win for all stakeholders, the District Council through increased passenger growth and ultimately higher revenue, Rex through increased activity, and most of all the community will benefit from more flights and low fares.
Mr Breust said that Rex and Kendell before it had been steadfast partners with the Port Lincoln community for the last 20 years.
“Our ongoing commitment has resulted in a record breaking 140,000 passengers carried in the last 12 months on 8 return flights most days.
“Port Lincoln is in an exciting phase of growth with massive investments in hospitality, housing and industrial infrastructure. The partnership gives us confidence that we will be able to provide an air service which will contribute to the success of Port Lincoln not only as a tourist and convention destination, but also as a place to live and work.”
“We thank the District Council for its support and vision in entering into this partnership. We also acknowledge the support for the new services by local members Mr Barry Wakelin and Mrs Liz Penfold, the Port Lincoln City Council as well as many local residents and businesses,” Mr Breust said.
Rex is South Australia’s and Australia’s largest regional airline operating a fleet of 31 Saab 340 aircraft on 1,300 flights weekly to 33 destinations from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Rex recently announced the acquisition of 25 latest generation Saab 340B Plus aircraft to be delivered over the next three years for fleet replacement and network expansion.
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