Regional aviation - Queensland

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Regional aviation contracts on offer

Regional Queenslanders can expect improved flights and passenger services, with the Government calling for expressions of interest from air carriers interested in operating seven regulated regional air routes from 1 January 2015.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Invitation to Offer documentation is available online and delivers on key election commitments.

"We promised at the election to revitalise frontline services and we want the best value for money while still delivering quality air services to regional communities," Mr Emerson said.

"We are also seeking innovative solutions to ensure these routes remain viable and aim to increase patronage growth in the coming years.

"The documentation outlines criteria that interested organisations must satisfy to be considered for contracts on these regulated air routes.

"Contracts on offer are for a period up to seven years."

Mr Emerson said regulated contracts would be available on the following air routes, starting January 1, 2015:

• Brisbane-Toowoomba-St George-Cunnamulla-Thargomindah

• Brisbane-Toowoomba-Charleville-Quilpie-Windorah, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia and Mt Isa

• Cairns-Normanton-Gununa-Burketown-Doomadgee-Mount Isa

• Townsville-Winton-Longreach

• Townsville-Hughenden-Richmond-Julia Creek-Mt Isa

• Brisbane-Roma-Charleville

• Brisbane-Blackall-Barcaldine-Longreach

"There has been strong interest from the aviation industry during recent briefings in Brisbane and Townsville," he said.

Interested companies should log-on to the Queensland Government's QTender website, download the Invitation to Offer (ITO) documents and submit them prior to the closing date on June 6.

In February 2014, the Queensland Government announced three regional air routes would be opened up for competition in 2015, an outcome of the long-distance passenger service review.

For more information, visit http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/regionalconnect

[ENDS] 5 May 2014

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/568-new-deal-for-queensland-s-regional-airlines.html

New deal for Queensland's regional airlines

Queenslanders will continue to experience the same level of service on regional air routes from January 1 next year after the signing of a new series of contracts.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said following a review in 2013 and an extensive competitive tender process this year, some air routes will be serviced by different carriers.

"QantasLink and Rex have won the rights to service regional Queensland passengers across seven air routes," Mr Emerson said.

"Under the new contracts, the same number of services will be offered and all regional airports will remain the same – except Toowoomba's Wellcamp Airport will now be used.

"This is a great deal for regional Queensland and is part of our strong plan for a brighter future.

"I'd like to thank all carriers for their involvement with a number of very competitive bids."

QantasLink won the tender for two routes, while Rex will extend its current services from two routes to five, taking over three routes currently operated by Skytrans.

Routes Western 1 (Brisbane-Toowoomba-St George, Cunnamulla-Thargomindah) and Western 2 (Brisbane-Toowoomba-Charleville-Quilpie-Windorah-Birdsville-Bedourie, Boulia-Mt Isa) will use the new Wellcamp Airport, about 15 minutes west of Toowoomba.

Rex will be visiting its 16 new ports within the next two weeks to meet with stakeholders and to carry out the work required to obtain CASA regulatory approval.

With existing contracts finishing at the end of 2014, all current government contracted long distance aviation and coach routes were competitively tendered for, with the new contracts to commence on January 1, 2015.

As announced in February, a further three routes will be deregulated and opened up to competition.

The 2013 long distance service review by TransLink received more than 7200 completed surveys from passengers, while 18 forums were conducted throughout Queensland and 70 formal submissions were received from local government, transport operators and business groups.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Rex soars in Queensland as Skytrans falters

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Regional Express expands Queensland air network

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland airline Skytrans shuts down

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Regional Qld airline Skytrans falls victim to tough trading conditions

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Communities face isolation after Skytrans collapse

[achiruel]

Brisbanetimes --> Communities face isolation after Skytrans collapse

Poor choice of headline there by BT.

SkyTrans did not "collapse", it was wound up in an orderly manner with all staff being paid their entitlements, unfulfilled passenger airfares refunded and all suppliers paid.

Their CEO, Simon Wild, should actually be commended for ending the business properly rather than allowing it to "collapse".

[#Metro]

The removal of an operator is not a failure of the system, it is the system working.
Why haven't other airline operators collapsed? The answer is likely to be that they manage risk better, and have better fundamentals.

Gov'ts role is to see that transition is managed and that service is supplied and paid for, which it will. Won't be long until situation is resolve IMHO.

[pandmaster]

Brisbanetimes --> Communities face isolation after Skytrans collapse

Poor choice of headline there by BT.

SkyTrans did not "collapse", it was wound up in an orderly manner with all staff being paid their entitlements, unfulfilled passenger airfares refunded and all suppliers paid.

Their CEO, Simon Wild, should actually be commended for ending the business properly rather than allowing it to "collapse".

I concur. Many other airlines have collapsed in disastrous circumstances.

[frereOP]

Having lived in a town served exclusively by REX (starting before the Ansett collapse when they were still Hazelton Airlines based in Orange and prior to their merger with Kendall Airlines from Wagga Wagga - both wholly owned Ansett subsidiaries), I can say they provided a solid, reliable and level headed service.  They are not cheap but they are not expensive either.  They have a sustainable business model by having just 1 aircraft model - SAAB 340B - and factor aircraft replqcement costs into their fares unlike many airlines who end up going bust.  That doesn't mean they are not finding it tough, they are.  They provide a high level of customer service so I'm confident they will provide an excellent service for regional Queensland just as they have provided already (out of Townsville) and just as they do for regioanl NSW, Vic and SA.

I have to declare some interest here because a friend of mine and former instructor at the aero club where I learned to fly is now a senior Check and Training Captain with REX.

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/594-government-ensures-cape-york-air-connections.html

Government ensures Cape York air connections

04 January 2015

Air services to Cape York communities will continue from tomorrow, following the end of SkyTrans operations on Friday.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said services would resume into the Cape York townships of Aurukun, Bamaga, Coen, Edward River (Pormpuraaw), Kowanyama and Lockhart River tomorrow.

"The Queensland Government has come to an agreement with WestWing Aviation to ensure air services operate in these communities," Mr Emerson said.

"This is a short-term arrangement while my department speaks to private operators about their plans for this region.

"I'm encouraged by the response from operators who believe there is a viable market to operate services across the Cape.

"Regional Express has indicated it will seek approvals to operate in these markets by late January."

Member for Cook David Kempton said a number of affected local councils were keen to see services continue for their communities.

"I'd like to thank passengers and councils for their patience," Mr Kempton said.

"While this is a quiet time of year for travel in and out of the region, my priority has been to ensure these communities remain connected, particularly ahead of the monsoon season."

A review of government-supported air services led to three routes being deregulated and seven put out to tender.

The tenders were assessed independently, on the basis of service quality and value for Queensland taxpayers.

The same tender process occurred in 2009, when SkyTrans was awarded several contracts.

[frereOP]

REX's business model is for smaller aircraft (SAAB 340B rather than Q400 although SAAB do make a stretched version) and more frequent flights. Services to Griffith (NSW), are 5 per day - up from 2 or 3 a day when Air NSWwere flying Fokker 50's.

If towns are worried about loss of seat capacity, weigh that up against frequency of service. Seat miles could be similar or increased.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> West Wing to take more permanent airline role in Cape York

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Rex restores air services to Bamaga

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Skytrans flies again in far north Queensland

[ozbob]

25th April 2017

Media Release
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

New Skytrans schedule will change lives in Cape York

Skytrans has celebrated its second birthday under the ownership of Peter Collings and Johnathan Thurston by unveiling a new flight schedule which will see same day services introduced into some of the most remote communities around Cape York.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said this announcement was an unprecedented commitment to Cape York that will change lives, especially in terms of access to health clinics and facilities.

"I am thrilled that for the first time ever an airline will be offering fifteen same day return services into seven remote communities," Mr Pitt said.

"They are Aurukun, Lockhart River, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Coen, Horn Island and Weipa.

"Skytrans' new schedule will also enable patients from Aurukun, Lockhart River, Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw to fly to Weipa for day treatment at a Health Clinic – as opposed to flying into Cairns – which often means an overnight stay.

"Residents using the Local Fares Scheme will have more access to discounted flights as the new schedule will increase capacity."

Services for the new schedule commence from Tuesday 2nd May 2017 with bookings available now.

Skytrans CEO Michael Thinee said the new schedule would propel businesses and lift services in the Cape York and Torres Strait.

"We have been working with communities and really listening to what they need us to provide," Mr Thinee said.

"The clear message was they needed daytrip access into communities, so suppliers/services and passengers can visit a community and complete their business within the day.

"The new schedule will save clients thousands of dollars in private charters, they will now have the convenience and cost savings of just booking a return day trip on our service."

Skytrans employs a team of 141 people and the company estimates that it provides an economic benefit of around $15 million dollars.

The company's commercial operations across the Cape and Torres Strait extends to philanthropic engagement and community development.

"Our biggest achievement to date is the economic benefit we are putting back into North Queensland, and our social investment of $960,000 in community sponsorships," said Mr Thinee.

"Our sponsorships range from major events to grass roots programs and are all designed to improve the wellbeing of our neighbouring communities."

The schedule has also improved commuting time for passengers, who will be on-board for no more than two stops between departure and the final arrival destination.