The Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) has called on the Federal Government to consider the challenges facing all regional airlines in the wake of Regional Express going into voluntary administration.
Although REX was placed in administration last week, only the B737 services on trunk routes have ceased, with SAAB 340 operations into regional centres continuing. Training and charter/aeromedical operations are also not affected.
The Federal Government has been under some pressure to provide support to REX to ensure regional centres remain connected, but the RAAA says the problem is not isolated to one carrier alone.
“Aviation is the lifeblood of regional Australia and RAAA member airlines connect people, communities and businesses across our vast nation every day,” RAAA CEO Rob Walker said in a statement released today.
“Whilst Government considers the support required to ensure the continuation of essential regional air routes, the RAAA urges government to carefully consider all regional airlines that are currently servicing or are capable of servicing affected routes, and not to focus on any one individual operator."
The RAAA said it shared community concerns about the administration of REX, highlighting the plight of regional
communities serviced by the airline, and the REX staff that face an uncertain future.
"The RAAA highlights the importance of industry playing a key role in working with Government to ensure the best possible outcome for these communities, long term sustainability of regional aviation, and the Australian taxpayer," the statement says.
RAAA Chair Malcolm Sharp said the future of regional aviation required an all-of-industry approach.
"All sectors of the Australian aviation industry must step up and work together," Sharp said. "Governments, regulators, aviation agencies, airlines, airports, and industry suppliers must ensure regional aviation thrives and grows stronger for the benefit of the regional communities we serve."
The RAAA also said it hoped that the government’s long-term strategies for the aviation industry would "go beyond a focus on decarbonisation and address real cost reductions, equity in investment of training costs, ongoing removal of red tape, and consideration around the true costs of providing regional services in modern aircraft."
Last week, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said her department was looking into what could be done for REX.
"REX is an important airline for regional and remote communities and REX’s continuation is in the best interests of regional Australians, the travelling public, its workers and the aviation sector," King said.
"The government will work closely with the administrator to determine a path forward that ensures regional aviation has a strong future in this country."