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Air Link (Rex) ceases RPT operations
Bad news for those folk out west (west NSW that is):
Change to Air Link Operations Monday, 10 November 2008 As part of the regular and ongoing review of its network, Regional Express Holdings Ltd (Rex) has today announced plans to terminate all the RPT operations of its wholly owned subsidiary Air Link Pty Ltd. With effect from 20th December 2008 Air Link will no longer operate the smaller routes currently serviced by 9 seat and 5 seat piston engine aircraft. The routes affected are those linking Dubbo to Bourke, Cobar, Coonamble, Lightning Ridge and Walgett as well as the Mudgee to Sydney run. Services currently operated by Air Link’s 19 seat Beech 1900 turboprop aircraft from Bathurst to Sydney and Dubbo to Sydney will be upgraded to 34 seat SAAB 340 aircraft to be operated by Rex. Air Link will continue to operate and develop its charter services in addition to growing its third party aircraft maintenance business. Rex Managing Director Jim Davis said, “Regional aviation all over Australia is in great jeopardy because of spiralling costs, ever increasing regulatory requirements and the shortage of pilots and engineers. In this climate the very thin routes that Air Link operates out to western NSW do not make economic sense.” “We are heeding the Federal Government’s advice to prepare for the termination of the en-route rebate by starting to phase out all marginal routes that would not be commercially viable without this incentive. Rex will continue to monitor the situation and make further adjustments as necessary.” Mr Davis added that these changes were not expected to have any adverse impact on the profitability of the group and would result in few retrenchments as most staff not required by Air Link would be offered positions within the Rex Group. Customers holding a flight reservation on the impacted routes for travel on/after Saturday 20th December 2008 can call 13 17 13 for a full refund. |
Good grief who saw this coming?
With a fleet of nicely maintained Beech 1900D's it will be sad to see this operator go, must be disheartening for the previous owner as well Wonder is the likes of Sharp or Brindabella will come in? |
Sharp's I wouldn't think so, what about Aeroduck? They would probably be in the best position to take quick advantage...:ok:
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Yes, i believe there is a spare 32 aswell
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Most of these routes are operated by 5-9 seaters, so why are we suggesting J32s? Much as its sad to say, I think the likelihood of another airline picking up the slack on these thin routes is quite low.
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If they can't make it work in a 1900 and PA 31 why would it work in a Jetstream?
and the shortage of pilots and engineers |
Most of these routes are operated by 5-9 seaters, so why are we suggesting J32s? Much as its sad to say, I think the likelihood of another airline picking up the slack on these thin routes is quite low. |
The issue isn't so much the 1900 routes, upgraded to Saabs. It's the thin routes out of Dubbo that rely on their air service as a link to the rest of the world, be it an overseas trip, getting to somewhere else to see relatives or just getting to Dubbo or Sydney to get to a specialist doctor.
The people of Cobar, Bourke, Coonanable, Lightning Ridge and Walgett are just that little bit more isolated when it comes to December. Sad that as time goes on the bush in a lot of cases gets worse air services than they did 20 years ago. |
JRD's crucial comment relates to Government subsidies. Has been the case for decades that thin routes only survive because of handouts. If the local folk really want a service, then they have to support it sufficient for the operator to turn a dollar or two profit.
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Lucky the cadets are comming to the rescue to crew this new SAAB service. There maybe a chance now of crewing the Cooma as well as the cancelled ABX, DBO and other uncrewed sectors and overnights.
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You'd sell your soul to get your name on the bottom of Rex press releases wouldn't you? You are kidding right? :bored::bored::bored::bored: |
aerocom.
I sincerely hope your comments are tounge in cheek! As for the cancelled REX services, get ready for more. And speaking of the Cadets, even though it's still early days, it seems they are impressing all they come into contact with. Their positive attitude, academic prowess, and overall dedication to the task, is truely a credit to them all. Now let's see how sitting in the right hand seat for the next 5 years (if not permanently) on 20-25% less than the average national wage adjusts their outlook! |
It is highly unlikely any other operator will be interested in taking on these routes vacated by Airlink. If they could'nt afford to run well maintained 310's & Chieftains on these very marginal routes, who else could do it ?
About the only pax on those services out west these days are those employed by govt departments who have their fares paid for. Most struggling bush families have no hope of affording the airfares to DBO from those smaller towns, possibly with the exception of CBA where the mining companies are. It's a sign of the times in the bush, it's another big blow to rural people in those small towns. The people from western NSW are now worse off than they were when Hazo's operated the routes 25 years ago. Govt personnel & specialists will still travel on charters but for the rest it will mean many hours of driving on the Mitchell & Castlereagh highways. Looks like the bookings on the countrylink coaches will be chockers for this Xmas ! |
Agree that its not a good situation for those in the affected community's, however just to stir the pot a bit and considering that its all transport related.
If the Federal Government is prepare to (again) spend Millions of our dollars on the big three car makers in OZ then why can;t they address supporting rural community air links? The big three make (generally) products that are not in demand by buyers...other than Government departments and fleet buyers where as rural community's depend on their air link. Know where I'd like my tax money going to. |
My first thought when I read about this yesterday was that Miller would be mighty pissed off...
...but I heard today that he's OK, Jack, he's going to work for a mining company with 2 x PC-12s based at Dubbo. Nice one, Captain Cranky :ok: |
Who is missing out?
Quote from Track Direct:
About the only pax on those services out west these days are those employed by govt departments who have their fares paid for. Most struggling bush families have no hope of affording the airfares to DBO from those smaller towns, possibly with the exception of CBA where the mining companies are. It's a sign of the times in the bush, it's another big blow to rural people in those small towns. It really amazes me how some still believe that those that CHOOSE to live in the Bush should be subsidised for every little inconvenience.
MOVE. Rant finished |
I heard that the AirLink drivers have been offered FO positions in REX. Not sure if it's only the 1900 drivers, or all their pilots regardless of aircraft type..
go_soaring! instead |
Yeah nice one socket...... if that actually happened then you'll be complaining about the fact the we have to import food from overseas. :ugh:
What I want to know is how will anyone get 500 multi command in the future? The companies available to get the experience are now just about all gone. Cairns companies going broke, Airlink winding down, Darwin is nothing on what it was..... how can anyone get the experience in this day and age. |
You can't Nev.
Wood for the trees mate, wood for the trees! |
damn hippie Krusty.
I thought you knew better |
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