Messages of support from:
The Hon Peter Beattie MP, Premier and Minister for Trade
The Hon Warren Truss MP, Minister for Trade
Mr Chris Foley MP, Member for Maryborough
Councillor Barbara Hovard, Mayor - Maryborough City Council
Australia’s largest independent regional airline, Regional Express (Rex), will commence services from Brisbane Airport on Sunday 7 October 2007 with a new service to Maryborough.
The Premier of Queensland and Minister for Trade, Peter Beattie said that he was delighted to welcome Rex Airlines to Queensland with its first flights starting between Maryborough and Brisbane.
“Queensland’s distances are so great that flying is the logical way to go – something we Queenslanders have been aware of for a very long time,” he said.
“Today is Rex’s day and I congratulate your company and crew on your first venture into Queensland – the fast-growing hub of the Asia Pacific. No doubt this initiative will pay dividends on many fronts, with competition driving customer service, and Queenslanders in Maryborough enjoying their new regional service,” Mr Beattie added.
“Welcome to Queensland and my best wishes to Rex and all who fly with you!”
Announcing the introduction of the new service and the airline’s inaugural service involving Brisbane Airport, Rex’s Managing Director, Geoff Breust said Rex was delighted to enter this exciting new phase of development.
“Brisbane and Queensland are the growth engines of eastern Australia and it is fitting that Rex extends its wings to this go-ahead State.
“Maryborough is the ideal destination for our first service in Queensland. The city has been without an effective air service for quite some time and the community deserves the kind of service Rex successfully delivers across its network in south eastern Australia,” Mr Breust said.
The Rex service will be operated with the highly successful Saab 340 aircraft, a 34 seat turbo-prop. A total of 36 flights per week will be operated with first flights departing Maryborough Airport early each weekday morning. Three return services will operate weekdays enabling both Brisbane and Maryborough residents to spend a full day at their destination. Services will operate Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons and evenings. (See Schedule below.)
“Operations through Brisbane Airport make it easy for travellers to connect to and from intrastate, interstate and international destinations.
“Rex is the airline which has brought affordable fares to regional communities. The average Rex fare across our network excluding the fuel levy is 40% lower than what it was five years ago. Our strategy of low fares and frequent services combined with our country style customer service has resulted in substantial passenger growth on all our routes. Our standard, fully inclusive entry web fare Brisbane – Maryborough is $109.00. A special introductory all-inclusive web fare of $99.00 is available for sale until 30 September 2007.
“Maryborough City Council and Rex have entered into an agreement to co-invest in the establishment of the service. Council, through the efforts of the Mayor, Councillor Barb Hovard in particular, has not only thrown its investment support behind the Rex service but has committed to assist with marketing and promotion. It is a true partnership between the airline and the community and one where all stakeholders benefit,” Mr Breust said.
Councillor Hovard said the Maryborough business community had lobbied vigorously for the re-introduction of air services into Maryborough.
“It’s great news for our economy and tremendous to see activity at the airport again,” she said.
Mr Breust added that Brisbane Airport Corporation too had been very responsive and supportive in making facilities available for the new operation.
“Airlines and airports must work together to provide the best possible service for our customers and we look forward to a long and effective relationship with Brisbane Airport.”
Brisbane Airport Corporation Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Koen Rooijmans said Brisbane Airport is the fastest growing airport on the eastern seaboard with a record number of passengers using the airport to travel to the far reaches of the state, making Rex's expansions a critical link to the region's economy.
"Regional air services are a strong contributor to Queensland's economy, and it is critical to have competitive, efficient and modern links to help the growth of industry, especially in Maryborough, one of Australia's fastest growing regions and the hub of the Fraser Coast area."
"The continued growth of carriers like Rex shows just how important air travel is to the economy of the state and everyday life of Queenslanders. Rex's decision to introduce services to Brisbane is further evidence of the health of aviation across the regional, domestic and international markets," Mr Rooijmans said.
Mr Breust revealed that in addition to the great support and commitment by the Maryborough City Council and the local community, both the Federal Member for Wide Bay, the Hon Warren Truss and the State Member for Maryborough, Mr Chris Foley played an active part behind the scenes to make the service a reality.
Commenting on the new Rex services, Mr Truss said, “Over recent years Rex has established itself as one of the most successful regional airlines in the world. Their Saab aircraft are comfortable and quick and Rex has an excellent reputation for reliability and friendliness.” He urged the local people to make their new air service work and to re-establish the practice of flying to Brisbane.
Mr Foley also added his endorsement of the new services: “Our city will benefit greatly by having Rex Airlines provide a regular passenger service in and out of Maryborough, and this will benefit and help attract business to our city and to the airport.”
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional airline currently operating services to 32 destinations from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide with 32 Saab 340 aircraft. The Rex Group also includes the Dubbo based regional airline Air Link and the air freight and charter operator Pel – Air Aviation. (Please click here for Rex Fact Sheet)
Commencement of the Rex service is subject to all regulatory approvals being received. Reservations are available via the internet (www.rex.com.au), telephone (13 17 13) or via travel agencies world wide.
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