Regional Express (Rex) has praised the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) for the development of a policy document that highlights the most critical regional aviation issues.

The paper, entitled "Call for Action on Regional Aviation Policy", is a comprehensive document, presenting the RAAA's views on a range of issues that determine the viability of regional air services such as aviation regulatory reform, the En-route Rebate Scheme and the carbon tax. It also provides recommendations on policies to be adopted by the Federal Government. The RAAA's policies come from its grassroots members of the organisation whose front line experience is encapsulated in the document.

Rex Chief Operating Officer Garry Filmer said that Rex fully endorses the recommendations in the RAAA policy document:

"I would like to add our voice to that of the RAAA and join with it in calling for all the major political parties to clearly state their positions with regards to regional aviation issues in their election manifesto. Regional air services are critical for ensuring the well-being of the socioeconomic fabric of regional communities and the regional voters deserve to know the positions of their local candidates and their parties so that they can make informed choices in regards to regional aviation policy at the elections and thereafter hold the MPs and their parties accountable for the promises they make."

Regional Express (Rex) is Australia's largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of more than 40 Saab 340 aircraft on some 1,300 weekly flights to 35 destinations throughout New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland. The Rex Group comprises Regional Express, air freight and charter operator Pel-Air Aviation and Dubbobased regional airline Air Link, as well as the pilot academy Australian Airline Pilot Academy.

Rex Media Contact: Corporate Communications - +61 402 438 361