A community fare scheme at Mount Gambier Airport will now take flight following Grant District Council giving the historic partnership the green light last night.
The agreement will see one-way tickets fall to $129 one-way on 25pc of total seats.
The airline will commit to the resumption of five return services each week between Mount Gambier and Adelaide once Rex’s pilot numbers permit.
“This will see Rex increase from 18 to 23 return services between Mount Gambier and Adelaide,” the proposed agreement states.
Under the agreement, council will not charge Rex for any airport security screening if Rex’s services do not require such screening.
The agreement also gives Rex the option to opt out of the agreement by giving three months notice or if another airline starts flights on the two Mount Gambier routes.
Ahead of last night’s council meeting, Regional Express expressed “disappointment” the council had commented publicly on the pending partnership before it was finalised.
The airline released details of the proposed agreement to The Border Watch to “ensure full transparency” to the community.
“Should Grant District Council decide not to sign off on this agreement, Rex will no longer be pursuing the agreement with the council,” a Rex spokesperson said.
“Due to the council making public comments about the details of the agreement, Rex believes that it is important to disclose the detailed agreement with the public to ensure full transparency.”
The proposed agreement outlines the need for council to reduce its head tax from $9.50 to $7.50 exclusive of GST.
Rex will also contribute $2 exclusive of GST to the reduction of all fares, making for a $4.40 reduction to all fares inclusive of GST.
The Rex reduced fares will be implemented for sale 10 days after the agreement start date.
Community fares will be available on 25pc of total seats for sale outside of 30 days before departure and subject to the designated seats remaining available.
The fares will also apply to all unsold seats within 24 hours of departure.
Council is expected to promote local awareness of the community fare within the local community.
