Regional Express (Rex) today announced that it will commence a new non-stop air service between Mount Isa and Townsville. The new service initiative follows the recent decision by the Queensland Government to award Rex the Northern 2 route that links Mount Isa to Townsville via Julia Creek, Richmond and Hughenden three times per week. The new non-stop services between Mount Isa and Townsville will commence 31 January 2010, subject to regulatory approval.
Commenting on the new services, Rex GM Network Strategy and Sales, Mr Warrick Lodge said, “We are starting this service in response to the persistent and genuine pleas from the local community for an air service to Townsville that is affordable and which has a business-friendly schedule. We designed the new service to complement the Northern 2 licensed route that was recently awarded to Rex by the Queensland Government. When combined with the Northern 2 Services, the two cities will have two return air services every week day.”
“Rex will base a dedicated 34-seat Saab 340 B-plus aircraft in Mount Isa each evening that will enable local residents and businessmen to catch the convenient early morning departure at 6.50am to arrive in Townsville at 8.50am. They can spend a full business day at Townsville before catching the evening return flight back to Mount Isa at 5.40pm.”
“For the weekends, Rex has designed a schedule that allows Mount Isa residents to have a quick weekend getaway at Townsville before returning home on Sunday evening. In total Rex will bring an increase of about 39,000 seats annually to the route.”
“Rex’s decision to mount the new non-stop services between Mount Isa and Townsville is a perfect illustration of the benefits to be derived from the recent partnership with the Queensland Government. Rex has a proven track record of delivering high quality and reliable air services at affordable fares and we intend to bring these benefits to the communities of Northern Queensland that have been missing out on them.” Mr Lodge added.
Regional Express (Rex) is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of more than 40 Saab 340 aircraft on some 1,300 weekly flights to 35 destinations throughout New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland. The Rex Group comprises Regional Express, air freight and charter operator Pel-Air Aviation and Dubbo-based regional airline Air Link, as well as the pilot academy Australian Airline Pilot Academy.
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