Locals-only airfares to stay, as hundreds take advantage

REGIONAL Express Airlines’ trial run of resident-price fares has proven so popular in the southwest, the company has extended the program for the rest of the year.

Rex made the announcement at the end of January, when the trial period finished, citing a jump in passenger numbers as a main driver for continuing with the discounted fares.

A Regional Express Airlines spokeswoman said about 600 people in the southwest along bought a Community Fare during the trial period, bringing passenger numbers up significantly.

“Since introducing the Rex Community Fare scheme on the regulated Western One and Two routes in August 2019, the percentage of passengers travelling on the Community Fare has steadily increased from around 10 per cent of the total passengers travelling on the routes, to between 20 and 30 per cent,” she said.

“We have seen around 600 passengers travel on the Rex Community Fare across the Western One and Two routes since the trial began, which is a great outcome for Queensland’s regional communities.”

Regional Express services five southwest towns along its two western routes – St George, Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, Charleville, and Quilpie.

Under the continued Community Fares, flights to or from Brisbane will cost:

• St George – $155
• Cunnamulla – $185
• Thargomindah – $199
• Charleville – $179
• Quilpie – $185

In addition to the fares between local destinations and Brisbane, Rex Community Fares are also apply for commutes between regional towns along the routes.

Community Fares are available when booked more than 60 days before departure, and on any remaining seats within 24 hours of departure.

Fares can be purchased online at rex.com.au.