Regional Express (Rex), Australia’s largest independent regional airline, unveiled its ‘Kay Hull Plane’ on Wednesday 3 August at a special presentation to honour Member for the Riverina, Mrs. Kay Hull. This is the first time that Rex has bestowed such an honour.
Amid great anticipation, Rex revealed a large caricature of Kay Hull, MP attached to the aircraft’s fuselage near the main cabin door of one of its Saab 340 aircraft (VH-TRX) in recognition of Mrs Hull’s continuous dedication and contribution to the airline.
In making the presentation, Rex Managing Director, Geoff Breust praised Mrs Hull’s commitment to Rex since the collapse of the Ansett Group which also meant the collapse of Kendell and Hazelton Airlines and publicly thanked her for her tireless efforts in supporting the acquisition and commencement of Rex.
“Without Kay’s unwavering commitment to Rex, in a number of very important ways, we would not be where we are today.
“During the initial days following the collapse of the Ansett Group, Kay was totally committed to getting the airline flying again. She worked hard putting pressure on the Administrators to commence operations and set up fundamental meetings which were the turning point in Government’s consideration of the future of Kendell and Hazelton.
“Kay met and lobbied Government Ministers and Departments as well as the Administrators to get our airline into the air – not just during Administration but also during the acquisition and establishment of Rex by Australiawide Airlines Limited. Even after the commencement of Rex, Kay continued to support the airline in a number of significant issues. Kay has also been one our most frequent travellers and proponents urging others to support the airline and its staff,“ Mr Breust said.
“Kay’s singularly targeted goal of getting Rex up and running and saving the jobs of the Kendell and Hazelton staff is recognised in return by those staff who now take this opportunity to publicly thank Kay for her support and commitment.
“The decision by Rex staff, management and Board, to give Kay a special honour by recognising her contribution in a symbol on one of our aircraft, is in great appreciation and to show our immense gratitude to Kay”.
In formal presentations, the Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Kerry Pascoe, the Hon. John Sharp, Deputy Chairman of Rex and Eilish Kendell, Rex Special Ambassador, joined Mr Breust in thanking Kay for her dedication and support.
The special presentation to Kay was held at 5:30pm at the Rex Engineering complex at Wagga Wagga Airport amongst some 200 guests, including family and friends of Kay as well as local dignitaries, Rex staff and customers.
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