Regional Express : No Undue Delays By Rex in Publishing Fares

9 DECEMBER 2021

MEDIA RELEASE

NO UNDUE DELAYS BY REX IN PUBLISHING FARES

Rex is responding to an article published online by the Courier Mail under the Western Star masthead that accuses Rex of creating confusion and uncertainty.

Rex wishes to set the record straight so that the residents of the Maranoa region are aware of the sequence of events.

On 18 November 2021, Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) awarded the Brisbane- Roma-Charleville Central 1 route to Rex. Rex immediately wrote to the Maranoa Regional Council on 19 November 2021 to request confirmation of the need for security screening and also to confirm the head tax rate to be charged. For obvious reasons, fully inclusive fares cannot be determined without confirmation of the head tax rate or the security screening charges.

Council responded on 3 December 2021 to confirm that there would be no security screening as regulations do not require Rex's aircraft to be security screened. Council also confirmed the Head Tax would be $32.90 (including GST).

This rate represents a 25% increase on the head tax rate at the time Rex tendered for the contract and which was still being published up to 1 November 2021. Rex wrote again to Council on 6 December 2021 to request a review of Council's decision to exorbitantly increase the head tax.

Today, Council responded that it is entrenched in its position to apply the 25% increase in head tax rate. Rex has no choice but to accept this rate, one of the highest in its network of 62 destinations, and accordingly will publish its fares today.

Rex makes no excuse for trying to get a better outcome for the community which is the cause of the additional six-day delay in publishing fares. Rex is offering the Roma community 28 weekly returns to Brisbane and we believe the 3-week lead time is sufficient for making plans in the new year.

Rex is Australia's largest independent regional and domestic airline operating a fleet of 60 Saab 340 and six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 62 destinations throughout all states in Australia. In addition to the airline Rex, the Rex Group comprises wholly owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (air freight, aeromedical and charter operator) and the two pilot academies, Australian Airline Pilot Academy in Wagga Wagga and Ballarat.

Media Contact

Rex Corporate Communications: 0402 438 361 or [e-mail]