The Federal Government has announced it will guarantee regional flight bookings for Rex Airlines customers throughout the company’s voluntary administration process.
In a statement, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said travellers can continue to book regional flights on Rex during this process “with certainty that they will either fly or get their money back”.
“Rex operates one of Australia’s largest regional air networks and provides essential connectivity to move people and critical freight on 41 routes to regional and remote communities, including 21 routes that are only serviced by Rex,” said Minister King.
“Rex’s continuation is in the best interests of Australia – and the Government is working closely with the administrators to ensure a strong regional aviation presence now and into the future.”
She said the guarantee is for all regional flight bookings made with Rex Airlines after it entered voluntary administration at 9:31pm on 30 July.
“This will give customers confidence to continue booking regional flights with Rex – flights that allow them stay connected to family, friends, healthcare and other services – while also helping to maintain regional aviation in Australia.”
“My department will continue to work with the administrator on their plans for the continuation of services to regional communities.
“We also expect the administrator to honour and prioritise the entitlements of Rex employees.
“This guarantee is a message to regional Australia that we know how important reliable air services are to you and that we are not going to allow your communities to be left behind,” the Minister said.
Voluntary administrators for Rex Group have welcomed the Federal assistance, describing it as a positive step toward securing the future of the airline’s 1,200+ employees and all Australians who rely on regional air services.
“We have experienced firsthand the importance of Rex’s regional services to the communities the airline serves and would like to express our gratitude to the Federal Government for stepping in with this support,” said Voluntary Administrator, Sam Freeman.
“The Federal Government’s flight booking guarantee will give Australians confidence to continue booking to or from a regional destination on Rex, ensuring that in the unlikely event that their service is not delivered – they will be entitled to receive a full refund.
“The guarantee will help Rex to keep flying while we undertake the recapitalisation of the airline and secure its future. We’re currently undertaking a process to find an investor committed to a sustainable commercial regional network.
“On behalf of the entire Rex community – from the dedicated crew to the community Rex serves – I would like to thank the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and the Commonwealth Government, for their support.
“Rex is here for regional Australia, and we encourage all Australians to see Minister King’s announcement today as a confidence boost and continue booking during the voluntary administration,” said Mr Freeman.
