Airline eyes Albany route

Independent airline Regional Express has indicated an interest in vying for the operating rights for the Perth to Albany Regular Public Transport Route, which has been opened for tender by the State Government.

Last month,the State Government announced the Albany to Perth air route would remain regulated after the current contract with Virgin Regional Airlines expires in February and would award rights to a single operator after a competitive tender process.

Regional Express, or Rex, has contacted local stakeholders and has sought community feedback on preferred flight frequencies and timing as well as fare expectations.

Earlier this month, the _Albany Advertiser _ reported an Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry survey had revealed 92 per cent of respondents were dissatisfied with the current service.

Rex national airports manager David Brooksby said the airline specialised in regional services and Regulated Public Transport services in particular, currently operating regulated licence routes for the NSW and Queensland governments.

The airline operates 65,000 annual flights through 53 airports across South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and Queensland.

"We understand regional communities and their needs for air services to provide critical links for medical, business and government travel," Mr Brooksby said.

"We have provided sustainable air services over the last decade to small communities that may only have 10,000 to 30,000 passenger movements a year."

Mr Brooksby said the airline wanted to work with the community to achieve an optimal outcome for all stakeholders.

"We are a service provider and our service must fit into the needs of the community and not the other way around," he said.

ACCI chief executive Russ Clark said he was pleased to see an alternate airline expressing interest in making a submission to the State Government.

"It's great to see a bit of competition in the submission process, but it really comes down to what the strength of the tender is," he said.

Mr Clark said it was positive to see an airline engaging with the local community and stakeholders to gain an understanding of their needs.

While the City is not a signatory to the deed, Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the City was actively liaising with prospective airline carriers to ensure their tenders would be competitive.

Mr Wellington said increased competition would be better for the community. "The more people, the better, as far as we are concerned" he said.

The airline has also expressed interest in the Perth to Esperance route.

Feedback can be sent to to wafeedback@rex.com.au .