COMMENT By MATT NICHOLLS
A LOT of positives were spruiked by dignitaries at the launch of Rex Airlines on Friday, but no one was asking the hard questions.
No one had the audacity to ask if Rex would stick it out this time.
The big question the working-class people want answered is, what makes Armidale more viable in 2014 than 2006, when the airline left in a rush after operating for just a couple of years?
Can Armidale sustain eight return services to Sydney each day?
The arrival of Rex is a positive move on paper and will make airfares more affordable for residents of the Northern Tablelands.
But the people of this region have long memories and will take winning over.
QantasLink has its faults – being on time the biggest – but it has been loyal to Armidale for years and stuck with the city in good times and bad.
Times are tough for regional air services in Australia and more airlines are fighting for their slice of the pie.
It’s now up to Rex to deliver the goods.
– MATT NICHOLLS
