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Airport Board vows to fight on to save Rex serviceThe Latrobe Regional Airport Board has approved a concerted campaign toward the continuation of scheduled passenger air services between Sydney, Canberra and Latrobe City at a special meeting held Thursday. By Latrobe City Council - 21st July 2003 - Back to News "The Board recognises the importance of this air service to the City of Latrobe and Gippsland and the vital role it can play in the future development of our community and economy," Chairman Richard Hancock stated after the meeting. "The Board has agreed to redouble its efforts to either retain the current REX service or seek a new replacement service if REX does discontinue the present service," Mr Hancock said.
"The Board is confident that a viable business opportunity exists on the route either for REX or another operator," Mr Hancock added. "Since February this year daily patronage has averaged around a dozen passengers – and this is without daily public service patronage of around a dozen passengers which REX estimates it is losing on the route at the present time.
"We also believe the route has significant growth potential, with patronage certain to increase as the Gippsland economy grows, major projects commence and confidence in the service increases," added Mr Hancock.
The Latrobe Regional Airport Board agreed to seek urgent support from the corporate sector in Central Gippsland for the retention of air services to Canberra and Sydney and to continue negotiations with alternative operators should REX Airlines proceed to withdraw from the route.
"Meetings are already scheduled early next week with potential operators and other key parties," Mr Hancock explained. Mr Hancock asked that any business, community group or private traveller wishing to support retention of air services to Canberra and Sydney contact Latrobe City Council by telephoning 1300 367 700 to register their support.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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