Regional Express (REX) has added new services to Northern Queensland, in a bid increase competition and meet growing demand for the regional area.
Commencing 6 July this year, the airline will introduce three weekly return flights between Cairns and Townsville.
These flights will be in addition to weekend services already operating between the two cities and the newly introduced direct four times weekly return services between Cairns and Mount Isa.
General Manager Network Strategy and Sales, Warrick Lodge, said the airline is hoping to start competitive air services on the route against Virgin Australia, which commenced operations between the two cities in January 2014.
He described the airline’s expansion into the North Queensland as ‘exciting and ambitious’ and expects it will create affordable airfares while also sustaining local communities.
“Rex’s significant investment in North Queensland will bring jobs and other important socioeconomic benefits to the region and will help in their economic development.”
Warrick Lodge, REX General Manager Network Strategy and Sales
“Further, our Cairns to Townsville services are estimated to deliver about $4 million in fare savings per year for the two communities in addition to providing better schedules more adapted to the needs of the business traveller.”
Aviation isn’t the only sector investing in North Queensland’s development, hoteliers have also started to open more doors in the region.
Last year, DoubleTree by Hilton opened its first property in Cairns – making it the fourth DoubleTree in Australia.
The property replaced the Holiday Inn Cairns to offer travellers a full service hotel brand.
