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MidCoast Council has released the following statement regarding the decision by Regional Express (REX) to end the Taree to Sydney route.
Following discussions last week with representatives from Regional Express (REX), MidCoast Council can advise that REX will not be operating in or out of Taree Regional Airport from Saturday 27 January 2018.
The decision comes after on-going concerns by MidCoast Council that direct flights to Sydney have not been provided to the community.
The current level of service provided by REX is outside their license conditions and a key factor in council’s reluctance to invest in a service that does not meet the needs of the local community.
“Continuity of an air service for our community is a priority and we are currently in discussions with an alternative provider to ensure service is maintained,” community spaces and services director, Paul De Szell said.
“We have also considered carefully what types of services are required, with a focus on providing direct flights to and from Sydney.”
REX announced it would exit the Taree to Sydney route with the last service operating on Saturday, January 27, 2018.
In a statement REX said it had been informed recently by MidCoast Council that a replacement airline has been sourced.
“The Taree route is loss-making for REX however, the impetus to withdraw from the route originated from the MidCoast Council’s refusal to supply a three-phase power outlet to the airport apron (an investment of less than $1000) when REX was prepared to invest $23,000 for a new three-phase ground power unit that would improve operating efficiencies and reliability on the route,” REX general manager, network strategy and sales Warrick Lodge said.
“Rex commenced servicing the Taree to Sydney route more than 10 years ago in February 2007. This followed the collapse of Big Sky Express Airlines in late 2006 and a request from the Greater Taree City Council.
“REX was dismayed by the decision of the MidCoast Council to hold back key services for the primary user of Taree airport given that council had spent in excess of $4.2 million on airport upgrades over the previous three years without consulting with REX to understand its needs.
“REX had earlier given the MidCoast Council one year to find a replacement airline.
“As Taree to Sydney is a licensed route, REX has provided more than the required four weeks’ notice to Transport for NSW of its intention to withdraw from the route.”
The REX services between Newcastle and Sydney, shared with Taree, would continue to operate as normal with 36 weekly services between Newcastle and Sydney.
Passengers holding reservations for travel beyond January 27, 2018 will be offered a full refund.
EARLIER:
Regional Express (REX) announced on Friday, December 15 that it will exit the Taree to Sydney route with the last service operating on Saturday, January 27, 2018.
In a statement REX said it had been informed recently by MidCoast Council that a replacement airline has been sourced.
“The Taree route is loss-making for REX however, the impetus to withdraw from the route originated from the MidCoast Council’s refusal to supply a three-phase power outlet to the airport apron (an investment of less than $1000) when Rex was prepared to invest $23,000 for a new three-phase ground power unit that would improve operating efficiencies and reliability on the route,” REX general manager, network strategy and sales, Warrick Lodge said.
“REX commenced servicing the Taree to Sydney route more than 10 years ago in February 2007.
“This followed the collapse of Big Sky Express Airlines in late 2006 and a request from the Greater Taree City Council.
“Rex was dismayed by the decision of the MidCoast Council to hold back key services for the primary user of Taree airport given that council had spent in excess of $4.2 million on airport upgrades over the previous three years without consulting with Rex to understand its needs.
“REX had earlier given the MidCoast Council one year to find a replacement airline.
“As Taree to Sydney is a licensed route, REX has provided more than the required four weeks’ notice to Transport for NSW of its intention to withdraw from the route.”
The REX services between Newcastle and Sydney, which are currently shared with Taree, will continue to operate as normal with 36 weekly services between Newcastle and Sydney.
Passengers holding REX reservations for travel beyond January 27, 2018 will be offered a full refund.