By MATT NICHOLLS
CHEAPER flights to and from Sydney are on the horizon after Regional Express Airlines announced it was returning to Armidale yesterday.
Rex will start flying in and out of Armidale from 28 March, offering three flights per day.
The airline returns to the city having previously flown the route from June 2004 to June 2006.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce welcomed the announcement.
“It’s great to see another player in the marketplace,” he said.
“Reliable travel providers give our electorate and its constituents the opportunity to do what they do well with the support of good transport services,” he said.
Mr Joyce said Rex’s proposal would provide a total of 36 weekly flights between Armidale and Sydney, bringing an annual 60,000 seats to the route.
The MP said he’d made a number of representations on behalf of constituents from Armidale and other areas of the New England electorate about concerns regarding the cost of tickets and the lack of competition.
Rex’s network strategy manager Warrick Lodge said key factors in the decision included the current passenger numbers, growth potential of the route and the local community support.
“Residents can now experience what it is like to be serviced by the most reliable airline, both in terms of on-time performance and cancellations, in Australia – with fair ticket prices and our trademark heartfelt country hospitality,” he said.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said he urged travellers to get behind the new airline, as well as QantasLink.
“It’s fantastic news for the entire region that we have a second carrier, but it’s important that we support both airlines,” he said.
Travellers interested in flying with Rex can make reservations from today via www.rex.com.au or by phoning 13 17 13.
REX TIMETABLE
Armidale-Sydney
Monday to Friday
Depart 6.35am Arrive 7.45am
Depart 10.50am Arrive 12pm
Depart 5.30pm Arrive 6.30pm
Saturday
Depart 6.35am Arrive 7.45am
Depart 10.50am Arrive 12pm
Sunday
Depart 5.30pm Arrive 6.30pm
Sydney-Armidale
Monday to Friday
Depart 9.15am Arrive 10.30am
Depart 3.40pm Arrive 4.55pm
Depart 6.55pm Arrive 8.10pm
Saturday
Depart 9.15am Arrive 10.30am
Sunday
Depart 3.40pm Arrive 4.55pm
Depart 6.55pm Arrive 8.10pm
