Regional Express (Rex) in collaboration with the Parkes Shire Council will host a special Rex Family Open Day on 20 August 2005 between 10am and 4:30pm at the Parkes Airport.
The day is designed to highlight the air service between Parkes, the surrounding region including Forbes, Condoblin and Lake Cargellico districts, and Sydney and beyond.
The main feature of the day will be three special scenic flights in a Rex Saab 340 aircraft over Parkes, Forbes and Condoblin with a special view of “The Dish”, the famous radio telescope just north of Parkes. The flights will be open to the public and will cost $40.00 per seat. Rex will donate all proceeds from the flights and money raised on the day to Angel Flight Australia.
Angel Flight Australia, which was selected by the Parkes Shire Council, is a charity which co-ordinates non-emergency flights for financially and medically needy people. All flights are free for patients or compassionate carers travelling to or from medical facilities anywhere in Australia.
Residents of the region can look forward to an assortment of fun activities and entertainment for all the family. People of all ages can enjoy performances by the Parkes Town Band and the Parkes Music and Dramatic Society amongst other band and dance groups, wander around the Market Day stalls, and have the a rare opportunity to inspect a Rex plane. There will be a range of other happenings including a barbecue, competitions, prize giveaways, and activities for the kids such as a jumping castle and face painting.
Rex’s Managing Director Geoff Breust said organising the family day has become one of the ways Rex is supporting regional communities and promoting regional air services.
”Parkes is a key airport for the Central West of New South Wales. Our aim is to strengthen its position as a regional port serving surrounding districts of up to 90 minutes travel by road which are without an air service
“While the Open Day will be staged at Parkes Airport, our intention is to encourage the participation and attendance of families, community organisations, and businesses from surrounding towns including Forbes, Condobolin, Lake Cargellico, Peak Hill and Trundle.”
“Rex is committed to serving the Central West region and has enjoyed considerable passenger growth on the Sydney - Parkes route in the last 12 months. As a result we introduced the larger Saab 340 aircraft on the route increasing seating capacity by almost 80 percent and we are now looking for greater passenger numbers for the service. This means greater availability of affordable fares and a much improved service over the previous Metroliner operation.
“The Saab is a much larger and more comfortable aircraft with more cabin space, toilet facilities and a Flight Attendant serving light snacks. Rex believes this is the type of aircraft this region requires for its air transport services.
Rex’s fares start from $99.00 fully inclusive via the internet on www.rex.com.au.
“We are looking forward to the Open Day and we will have various staff from Sydney and Wagga Wagga participating in the day. It should be great fun as well as being a fund raiser for a worthy cause in Angel Flight.”
“May I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate everyone for their continued support and especially thank the Parkes Shire Council for their commitment and support for the Rex service,” Mr Breust said.
Entrance to the open day is free, while tickets for the scenic flights are $40 per person. Those seeking a seat on a flight must book early to avoid disappointment by contacting the Rex Call Centre on 13 17 13 and making payment by credit card. Residents from Forbes and Condoblin are also requested to book early as the flights will provide quite a unique experience in a flight over their town in an aircraft like the Saab.
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating three return week day services and three return services across the weekend between Parkes and Sydney.
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