A REGIONAL passenger airline that operates over the Victorian border says it is open to new opportunities to expand its services into other airports.
Sharp Airlines – which operates a passenger service to Melbourne from Portland and Hamilton – yesterday did not rule out investigating options at Mount Gambier Airport.
“We have an open mind to any new opportunities,” Sharp Airlines chief executive officer Dallas Hay told The Border Watch yesterday.
His comments come amid a growing community backlash against Regional Express in Mount Gambier over claims of high airfares and unreliable flight scheduling.
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell announced last week he would “boycott” using Rex due to cancellations and customer service concerns.
Mr Hay – who worked for Mount Gambier’s O’Connor Airlines, which collapsed in 2007 – said Sharp Airlines had been operating in the wider region for “many years”.
But he said a second airline establishing at the Mount Gambier Airport would need long-term commitment from the regional community.
“We do look at opportunities … but they have to be viable,” Mr Hay warned.
He revealed the average price between Melbourne and Portland or Hamilton on Sharp Airlines was $125 one way.
“We provide the best service and economic fares,” Mr Hay said.
He warned a second airline would not set up at Mount Gambier if there was a chance the community would abandon it if the other carrier dramatically dropped prices.
“O’Connor Airlines was a great family-run business that was run out of town – it received no support from the community,” Mr Hay said.
“Any airline would need tangible and measurable support.”
He warned no carrier would set up an operation at the Mount Gambier Airport based just on “hearsay”.
“It needs to much more than that … the Mount Gambier community needs to reflect on this,” Mr Hay said.
He said the demise of O’Connor Airlines had been to the “detriment” of Mount Gambier.
Explaining he was not targeting any criticism towards Rex, he said often airlines dropped prices when competition arrived.
Grant District Council chief executive officer Trevor Smart said council would encourage new opportunities at the airport.
While council had held discussions with other airlines such as QantasLink, he said no carrier had made a formal proposal at this stage.
“We try to be ready for when a willing partner comes along,” he said.
The council executive said patronage had “stabilised” but was well below the 117,000 passengers recorded when there were two carriers at the airport.
Mr Smart said these numbers started “disappearing” following the collapse of O’Connor Airlines.
Moreover, council is keen to assess the data being compiled through the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce airport survey of regional businesses.
The chamber has had a “strong” response to its survey that was sent to nearly 400 business operators.
Meanwhile, Mr Bell said he was disappointed with Rex’s reply to his concerns aired in The Border Watch and sent to the carrier last week.
“We have taken note of your letter to Rex dated November 21, in addition to your comments made to The Border Watch both relating to the reliability of Rex and our customer service,” the Rex statement said.
“We would like to confirm your intention to ‘boycott’ Rex and if you wish to proceed we will help to facilitate your request.”
The Border Watch also sought comment from QantasLink.
