Regional Express (Rex), in partnership with Snowy Mountains Airport Corporation Pty Ltd (SMAC), has today announced that it will commence Regular Public Transport (RPT) services between Sydney and the Snowy Mountains (Cooma) in March 2016.
Services will commence from Wednesday 23 March 2016 for the Easter period, with the core schedule of five return services per week commencing from Monday 28 March 2016. Additional services on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays will operate through the ski season.
The Snowy Mountains region has been without RPT air services since mid December 2013 when the prior operator Brindabella Airlines was placed into receivership.
Rex General Manager Network Strategy & Sales, Mr Warrick Lodge said, “Rex is thrilled to re-establish RPT services to the Snowy Mountains in partnership with Snowy Mountains Airport Corporation. We look forward to collaborating with SMAC to offer a quality service for the residents of the Snowy Mountains and for the many visitors to the region during both the winter and summer seasons. The air service is a vital link for the region, and will bring significant socio-economic benefits to the Snowy Mountains.”
“We have worked closely with SMAC to design the schedule and determine the seasonal timings of the service and will work with them and local tourism operators and organisations to promote the services.”
This is not the first time that Rex has operated RPT services to the Snowy Mountains. Rex operated services to the region for three years until the severe worldwide pilot shortage of 2007/08 forced Rex to suspend a number of services across its network. The Regional Express Group formed the Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA), its pilot training facility based in Wagga Wagga, to combat this issue.
Chairman of Snowy Mountains Airport Corporation, Kevin Blyton is delighted that Snowy Mountains Airport will again welcome Rex to the region.
“Rex delivered a very reliable and safe service in the past and the resumption of regular year round flights to and from Sydney provides an important link for the people of the Snowy Mountains.”
“We look forward to working with Rex in providing the best possible air service to satisfy the needs of both the business and tourism sectors for many years to come,” he added.
The services will be operated by Rex’s fleet of 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft and fares start at $149 each way (plus a booking/services surcharge).
From today, reservations can be made on the web via www.rex.com.au, by phoning 13 17 13 or through your local travel agent.
fantastic news of return of services to Cooma, but $149 sounds a little bit high for such a short flight.
Then drive lol
Sam, really! you think its expensive ? $149 do you have ANY idea on the cost of operating an aircraft?
Try driving instead moron!
You are NOT a moron by the way Sam – but $149 to get there quickly and not have to drive is a small price to pay
great news on the return of Cooma service – but Sydney to Snowy won’t really be that much time saved for Sydney folk….not by the time you check in still arrange commute to either Jindabyne or the resorts. One would think it a better idea to offer flights from Melbourne, Adelaide, NSW north coast or even GC. Just an observation? Or perhaps this is the testing ground fro flights further afield?
This makes a lot of sense. Living in Brisbane it was always too far to drive and indirect to fly to Australian fields. It would make me consider Perisher V Japan. Is there a rental car desk at the airport though?
All it takes is a few airlines such as BoganStar and Tiger and all of a sudden the travelling public think that any airfare over $59 “Is ridiculous’ wake up travelling public, regional airlines need to be supported or they simply cant survive. I would have said $200 each way was a reasonable fare and happily pay it. Rex, Jetgo, Sharp etc should all be applauded and supported.. I cant believe the comments of “$149 is too dear “