REX Regional Express : Increases Flights Between Orange and Sydney

4 JANUARY 2018

MEDIA RELEASE

REX INCREASES FLIGHTS BETWEEN ORANGE AND SYDNEY

Regional Express (Rex) has today announced an increase in the number of weekday flights between Orange and Sydney from four return services to five return services with effect from 29 January 2018. The increase will see a total of 58 weekly services between Orange and Sydney which represents almost 18,000 additional seats a year (schedule attached).

Warrick Lodge, Rex General Manager Network Strategy & Sales said, "The increased services, as well as the allocation of scarce Sydney Airport slots that go with it, represent a significant commitment by Rex to the Orange community, especially at a time when the whole of Australia is facing a massive pilot shortage."

"The additional services will start on 29 January 2018 after the holiday season. This decision is not without its risk as currently there are only 55,000 annual passengers for the 100,000 annual seats that will be available."

"Rex will begin negotiations with the Orange City Council to enter into a partnership agreement. A partnership with the correct framework would ensure that the additional services are sustainable and that fares could become lower while ensuring that the revenue to Council is maintained"

"This partnership framework has been demonstrated to be highly successful in the dozens of collaborations Rex has with the various local councils. A good case in point is the partnership with Parkes Shire Council where the partnership framework is delivering $99 fares between Parkes and Sydney to the benefit of the Parkes community and surrounding region. Rex is also working with Parkes Shire Council to deliver additional flights for the upcoming Elvis Festival which illustrates what can be achieved in the spirit of true partnership"

Regional Express (Rex) is Australia's largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of more than 50 Saab 340 aircraft on some 1,500 weekly flights to 59 destinations throughout all states in Australia. In addition to the regional airline Regional Express, the Rex Group comprises wholly owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (air freight and charter operator), Air Link (Dubbo-based regional airline) and the Australian Airline Pilot Academy.

Rex Media Contact: Corporate Communications: [phone]