REX announces reductions to flights

As foreshadowed in our earlier media release, Regional Express (Rex) has finalised the first stage of network reductions with effect from Monday 6 April 2020. Weekly return services between Moruya and Sydney have each been reduced from 19 to 12. Overall, Rex will be reducing capacity by 45% which includes suspending three routes. Rex's General Manager of Network Strategy & Sales, Warrick Lodge, said, "The operating environment is extremely fluid and we will be monitoring the situation closely. If the situation worsens we may be forced to further reduce capacity in the interests of maintaining essential regional air services." "This capacity reduction alone will not be enough and we have reached out to local councils (airport owners) to seek a reduction in airport charges to keep operating costs to a bare minimum so that the reduced services can be sustainable. Rex is appreciative of the heartfelt support of many councils, like Parkes Shire Council, who proactively approached Rex in the spirit of partnership to grant a total waiver of airport charges during Rex’s hour of need. Rex promises to also stand by these local councils in their moment of adversity when Rex is solidly back on its feet." While Eurobodalla Council have not yet formally considered waiving landing fees in the spirit of partnership there is an opportunity for them to do so at next week's Council meeting should it come forward as an URGENT motion.