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THURSDAY AUGUST 08, 2024
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Leaders call for support for regional aviation sector
# # WHAT'S ON
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Rex Airlines has assured regional communities flights will continue as they enter voluntary administration. MP Michael McCormack is calling on the Australian Government to "pull out all the stops" to support the airline. File pictures
IT'S SHOW TIME!
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REGIONAL leaders are calling for support for "critical" air services to our region to continue, one week on from the news that Regional Express had gone into voluntary administration. Flights to and from Parkes do continue, and our Mayor and Federal MP are shining the spotlight on the importance of that service.
The connection Rex provides to the city is critical, says Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott. "Rex provides a 45-minute connection for our region to Sydney, the next most expeditious form of travel is private vehicle, which takes five to six hours," he said. "Our region is so very reliant on the connectivity to
Sydney, for access to medical services not available in the regions, for commerce, for training, for business and to connect regional communities nationally and internationally." Cr Westcott described the airline as "a friend of the regions, without which our regional towns will be very severely disadvantaged".
"We would greatly encourage any positive intervention to ensure the continuation and sustainability of Rex Airlines, which is so critical for the well-being of our regional communities," Cr Westcott said. Regional Saab 340 flights are currently unaffected by the administration and will continue to operate, but
flights between major airports have been cancelled, with Virgin Australia offering impacted Rex passengers free of charge rebooking. Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP, described the news Rex had gone into administration as "extremely concerning" for those in the regions. ■ To page 3
# WELL DONE, MARIAH
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Air services 'critical'