Originally Posted by
nomess
Link is probably the exit option here for the regional areas. Near free equipment, staff available, and Virgin who can flog sales off via its website. They will need capital however to make such growth happen.
Not just Link. Between the operators around Australia, there’s probably the ability to cover 95% of the single operator routes provided by Rex. Maybe not in a Saab, but it could be done.
FNQ: Skytrans (Gulf & TSV routes)
S-QLD: Link Western runs. And or Qlink to Roma/Charleville
NSW: most routes are in competition with Qlink.
VIC/TAS: Sharp across Bass Strait, possibly Link on others.
SA: Sharp again (Ceduna, Coober Pedy etc).
WA: Skippers to Carnarvon/Monkey Mia, Nexus the rest.
Personally I’d rather see Rex emerge under new ownership. Fix the engine issues, throw $$ at the training department and start making money again on the core regional business.
But I also think the “Rex must survive cause the bush needs it” argument isn’t as strong as some think. There are enough players to make it possible to fill the huge gaps left behind.