Australia’s largest independent regional airline, Regional Express (Rex) today celebrates not only its inaugural flight between Brisbane and Maryborough but also entry into Queensland.
Rex, in conjunction with the Maryborough City Council and Brisbane Airport Corporation, is holding ceremonies at Maryborough Airport for the departure of the inaugural flight and a special welcome presentation at Brisbane Airport on its arrival at 9.55am.
Commenting on the new service, Rex Managing Director Mr Geoff Breust said today heralds the importance of a substantial regional airline commencing services within Queensland.
Rex operates services from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to 24 regional centres with a fleet of 34 Saab 340 aircraft and carries 1.4 million passengers annually.
“Rex has worked closely with the Maryborough City Council over many months to bring the service to fruition. Maryborough was left without an air service when Sunshine Express ceased services last year. Both the City Council and Rex understand the vital need for the service and we have entered into a partnership to co-invest to make the service a success for the long term,” Mr Breust said.
Rex’s commencement of services to Maryborough and entry into Queensland has been well received including support and encouragement from the Queensland and Federal Governments.
“Although Brisbane to Maryborough is Rex’s first route in Queensland, we see a bright future in providing services linking regional centres with Brisbane.
“Queensland and northern New South Wales are significant growth centres and the need for quality and affordable air services for those growth areas will increase. While we have no definite plans at this point Rex will actively consider opportunities over time. We note the Queensland Government has called tenders for various State regulated and subsidised routes and Rex is actively considering what services we could provide in that context also,” Mr Breust said.
The Mayor of Maryborough City Council, Mrs Barbara Hovard, along with Councillors, local dignitaries and customers will join Mr Breust on the inaugural flight which departs Maryborough at 9:10am to arrive in Brisbane at 9:55am. Upon arrival, representatives from Brisbane Airport Corporation, Queensland Transport and Queensland Tourism will greet passengers and attend the special welcoming presentation at 10am.
Before the inaugural flight departs Maryborough, Rex will donate the proceeds raised from its family Open Day held at Maryborough Airport on Saturday 29 September 2007, to the Maryborough Branch of the Queensland Cancer Council.
“Rex is pleased to donate $3,600 raised from the scenic flights, sale of our merchandise and other activities held on the day to support the Cancer Council in its great work,” Mr Breust said.
The Rex schedule between Maryborough and Brisbane comprises 36 flights per week 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).
Services are operated with 34 seat Saab 340 regional turbo-prop aircraft. The aircraft is pressurised, air conditioned and fitted with a toilet. A light refreshment service is provided and a bar service is available on afternoon and evening flights.
Rex’s standard, fully inclusive entry web fare Brisbane to Maryborough is $109.00. Reservations can be made on the web via www.rex.com.au by telephoning 13 17 13 or through your local travel agent.
The Rex Group comprises Regional Express, air freight and charter operator Pel - Air Aviation and Dubbo based regional airline, Air Link. Combined the Rex Group operates 70 aircraft in regional airline, charter and air freight services.
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