REGIONAL Express (Rex) has struck out at Senator Rex Patrick’s “alarmist comments” on new airport security measures, shooting down claims that proposed changes would hinder regional growth.
The Centre Alliance MP claimed new security screening regulations would prohibit the possibility of Qantas flying out of Mount Gambier.
In a statement, the airline supported comments made by Federal Barker MP Tony Pasin, who said Qantas’ smallest aircraft – 36-seat the Dash 8 200 – was similar in size to Rex’s 34-seat aircraft.
“Qantas has, in its fleet, aircraft that are similar size to Rex’s aircraft and below the purported threshold and so could deploy these aircraft or purchase additional ones if it does not wish to be lumbered with the purported additional screening charges,” Rex chairman Lim Kim Hai said.
“If any airline chooses to use larger aircraft then it must believe the economic case justifies such deployment.
“Saying that competition will be stifled is simply nonsense.”
Under current regulations, security screening are not compulsory for flights with 50 seats, but flagged changes seek to reduce that threshold to 40 seats.
Senator Patrick said the airline’s own deputy chairman John Sharp told a Senate Committee “security will be required for aircraft with 40 passengers or more”.
Mr Sharp said Rex’s Saab 340 fleet would not require bag or passenger screenings.
