In less than a week after announcing additional services to Port Lincoln, Regional Express (Rex) continues to strengthen its commitment to regional South Australia. On 7 August Rex will upgrade key services between Adelaide and Coober Pedy from 19 seat Metro 23 aircraft to 34 seat Saab 340s.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays Saab 340 aircraft with a flight attendant, in-flight service and toilet / washroom facilities will depart Adelaide at 10.15am arriving in Coober Pedy at 12.15pm. The return flight will leave Coober Pedy at 12.35pm arriving in Adelaide at 2.35pm.
Fresh from its 20th anniversary celebrations in Port Lincoln and Whyalla last week, Rex’s Managing Director Geoff Breust said “Rex is delighted to bring a higher level of service to Coober Pedy. This upgrade to Saab aircraft is a step closer to phasing out the Metro aircraft across our network and continues our successful strategy to grow regional air services in South Australia.”
Rex now operates a daily return service between Adelaide and Coober Pedy on Mondays to Fridays and one return service on Sundays.
“Rex is proud of its achievements in Coober Pedy, having grown passenger numbers by 70 percent over the last four years. This huge growth has been made possible by the partnership between Rex and the District Council of Coober Pedy.
“The Council has taken a long term, strategic approach to removing the Airport Passenger Fees from the deepest discount fares, the benefit of which is passed on directly to passengers along with an even greater contribution from Rex. This has enabled Rex to make fares more affordable and has grown passenger numbers considerably.
“As a result we are seeing the real benefits of working together in partnership with this next stage of upgrading the services to the larger and more comfortable Saab aircraft. It is a clear example of a local community airport and its regional airline working closely together to achieve the common goal of passenger growth, improved quality of service and the real spin-off to increased economic and social benefit to the community” Mr Breust said.
In related news, Rex and Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) announced last week new arrangements for passengers arriving at Adelaide Airport. From Monday 10 July, Rex passengers will be bussed directly from their arriving aircraft to a new Arrivals lounge in the former International Terminal Building. This does away with the time consuming and intrusive security screening of all arriving regional passengers. Arriving passengers will not be subject to the long walks, the four flights of stairs and the long process of exiting the building. The new Arrivals has convenient baggage collection and a quick exit to taxis and the car park. Passengers connecting on to other flights will walk a short distance to the main terminal to check-in. Rex staff will be advising all passengers of the new arrangements this week.
Rex is South Australia’s largest regional airline operating services to Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Mount Gambier, Ceduna, Olympic Dam, Coober Pedy, Kingscote and Broken Hill. Rex is also Australia’s largest listed regional airline operating over 1,100 flights weekly on 35 routes.
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Media contact: 0402 438 361 – Sara–Jane Uden
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