24 January Continued operation of Rex key to future domestic aviation January 24, 2025 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 The Federal Government’s acquisition of $50 million of Rex Airlines’ debt is an important measure to ensure the future of a competitive domestic airline sector in Australia. QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (ATIA) CEO DEAN LONG: “We welcome the announcement that the Federal Government has taken this step to become the principal secured creditor of Rex. It’s great news for travelling Australians, the communities who rely on Rex and for the health of the Australian Aviation sector. Rex is too important to be allowed to fail.” “We need a third airline, and if Rex is allowed to fail, the reality is that even if another airline decides to enter this market, it will take so much longer for them to come into play. That’s a delay that would hit regional and rural Australia hard as well as the hip pocket of travellers.” “Allowing the company to continue means there’s also an increased likelihood that our Members, the travel businesses who are owed money as a result of having sold Rex tickets, are more likely to get at least some of their money back.” “Currently, 98% of passengers across this country only have a choice of two airlines, and that’s not great, especially considering we already have the most concentrated air market in the world. Ensuring the future of a third airline in Australia means we have competition in the skies as well as access for regional and rural Australia.” Related Articles Success on ATIA’s call for return of ACCC monitoring of domestic airlines The reinstatement of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)’s monitoring of domestic airlines is great news for travellers and travel businesses and will support increased efficiency and reliability of flights. ACCC report underscores need for urgent aviation reforms The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is again calling for reforms in the wake of today’s ACCC report, which underscores the critical need for public-policy settings that support competition within the aviation sector in Australia. ATIA’s major wins in Aviation White Paper Nine months of tireless advocacy has paid off with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) securing several significant wins in the Federal Government’s Aviation White Paper. ATIA Welcomes Key Recommendations in COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report to Strengthen Future Crisis Preparedness The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) welcomes the release of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report, which presents critical recommendations to strengthen Australia’s resilience and preparedness for future pandemics. ATIA urges immediate action on aviation reforms in Senate Inquiry 12 November 2024: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) today appeared before the Senate Committee Inquiry to press for immediate action on critical aviation reforms. New Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme: A win for consumer rights The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is welcoming the Albanese Government’s establishment of a new Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme. Showing 0 Comment