Albany airport screening up in the air

Passengers who travel to Perth from Albany Regional Airport may no longer be required to undergo security screening when Regional Express takes over the regulated transport route next year.

Last week, the State Government announced Rex, which is the country's largest independent regional airline, was the preferred airline to carry out the service after Virgin Australia declined to renew its contract, which expires on February 27.

Virgin Australia's aircraft, the Fokker F50, seats up to 46 people, while the Saab 340 operated by Rex only seats 34 and is under the 20,000kg take-off weight threshold for security screening.

It is understood Rex has been opposed to screening its flights in the past, and last year lost a court case against Dubbo City Council in the NSW Land and Environment Court when the airline argued it should not have to pay screening charges at Dubbo City Regional Airport and pass those costs onto its passengers.

"Some airports do screen if they have competitors in there who do require screening … our aircraft don't need screening," a Rex spokeswoman said.

The City of Albany was required to upgrade to a security-controlled airport when new Commonwealth legislation was introduced in 2012 and it is currently a category three facility.

In April, the City awarded MSS Security a new contract to act as the screening authority for Albany Regional Airport, which was worth more than $500,000 but, according to City documents, the cost is covered by a passenger levy fee of $41.60 an adult and $31.45 a child.

The levy for flights not requiring security screening is currently $20.30.

It remains unclear whether the City's contract with MSS Security would be jeopardised by Rex having smaller aircraft operating the service and whether the passenger levy will be reduced.

City of Albany tourism and development executive director Matthew Bird said the City was not able to form a position on the need to maintain security screening until more information was provided on the proposed service.

"The City of Albany … has commenced discussions with the Department of Transport and Rex regarding these issues. Once more detail is known, the City will present a paper for council's consideration."

Albany MP Peter Watson said if security screening was lifted, jobs could be on the line.

"Jobs are hard to find … so it would be disappointing for security people who thought they had a secure job to have it taken from under their feet, if it happens."