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Can Last Ditch Lifeline Rescue Struggling Airline Rex?

October 8, 2024 11:42 am in by
Image: William West / Getty Images

A recent poll reveals a striking 71 percent of Australians back the idea of increased government intervention to ensure Rex can keep servicing vital regional routes, with only 10 percent opposing this notion. Interestingly, the remaining 19 percent are still on the fence, saying they “don’t know.”

Among the 1,044 respondents in the YouGov poll, a significant three-quarters believe the government should take an equity stake when bailing out struggling companies like Rex.

According to news.com.au, Michael Kaine, national secretary of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), emphasised the importance of these findings, asserting that Labor has a clear mandate to invest in the airline.

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Transport Workers Union (TWU) national secretary Michael Kaine said the polling was proof Labor had a mandate to buy into the airline.

“Regional Australia needs Rex, and this poll shows overwhelming support for the federal government to step in and safeguard its future,” Kaine stated.

“Not only are hundreds of aviation jobs on the line, but these routes are also critical to regional Australia’s business, tourism, healthcare and community services. The federal government must keep Rex flying.”

In the meantime, the government has stepped up to guarantee the continuation of the airline’s regional flights.

Following Rex’s recent struggles, customers who booked fares between capital cities can also rebook through Virgin Australia and Qantas at no extra cost—a silver lining amid the turbulence.

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