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Regional Express (ASX: REX) will operate 88 return service flights per week under various funding arrangements that will see the federal and state governments support the airline.
The airline was rescued from COVID-19 uncertainty at the end of March when the Federal Government announced a $198 million Regional Air Network Support (RANS) program.
Under the program regional airlines like Rex will be provided financial assistance to maintain a minimal weekly schedule and remote ports. The RANS program will provide Rex with funding for up to six months with an initial approval for six weeks.
Further, Rex has received support from the Queensland, Western Australian and South Australian governments.
The Queensland support agreement only came about because the airline declared a force majeure for the contract and suspended all services in the sunshine state.
Since then, Queensland and Rex have come to an agreement enabling the regional airline to continue a reduced schedule for the time being.
Agreements with the South Australian and Western Australian governments will be confirmed in the coming days according to Rex.
"Regional Australia owes the DPM Michael McCormack and the Morrison Government a great debt of gratitude for providing funding to ensure that it continues to receive minimal essential air links to the capital cities for medical, professional and other essential travel needs," says Rex deputy chairman John Sharp.
"Without this intervention, many smaller regional communities would risk not having any air services for at least six months.
"With the Commonwealth assistance packages for regional carriers in place, we are confident that we will be able to help all regional communities who are willing to work in partnership with us to rebuild their regional air services to their full potential over the next two years."
The 88 services to be operated by Rex are detailed below:
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