Rex challenges criticism from Adam Marshall, emphasizes openness for dialogue

Monday, February 12, 2024

Rex is replying to public comments made by Adam Marshall, the Member for Northern Tablelands, who accused Rex of failing to fulfill a promise to resume flights to Armidale by March 31, 2024.

Rex Executive Chairman, Lim Kim Hai, said, “If Mr Marshall is genuine about improving air
services for his electorate, he could easily have picked up the phone and arranged a
meeting to talk to us. Two months ago, I granted his request for a face-to-face meeting but
he never showed up. It is interesting that now he is choosing to deploy a cheap political
stunt for his personal agenda.”

“Rex did not make any commitments to restart services. We have always been clear on the
cause of the suspension of flights and that the resumption of services between Armidale and
Sydney was subject to the situation improving.”

“The situation has not improved and Rex has publicly announced that none of the cities
affected by the 30% reduction in Rex’s regional network will see their services reinstated at
the end of March.”

Rex opts to decrease flight frequencies ahead of time instead of scheduling non-existent flights only to cancel them last-minute to monopolize slots at Sydney Airport. The expansion of Rex’s domestic 737 network is driven by supply and demand, a common principle in business. Finding captains for regional flights is extremely challenging, leading Rex to recruit internationally, whereas Australia still has available captains for domestic jet flights, who have training and endorsements for various aircraft types.

Claiming Rex has an excess of pilots or that it is prioritizing its domestic expansion at the expense of regional services is inaccurate and irresponsible.

“If Mr Marshall thinks that his grandstanding can put pressure on Rex, he will be disappointed.
Unfortunately for the city of Armidale, Mr Marshall’s antics will now put Armidale last in line for
any future resumption of Rex services.”

« Back to Page