Bega Valley Shire Councillors will consider a proposal which could see another airline serving the Merimbula to Sydney route, albeit for an initial 14-week schedule to determine route viability.
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A confidential report to council tables an unsolicited proposal from an unnamed company to commence Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) services to Merimbula Airport for council's consideration.
The proposed service would started December 18 with four flights per week service to Sydney Airport utilising the Q300 aircraft for an initial 14-week schedule to determine route viability.
This report details the options available to council and recommends that council authorise the general manager and mayor to enter into negotiations with the company with the view of entering into a commercial agreement for the company to commence RPT services from Merimbula Airport.
There has been speculation that the company concerned may be Qantas which would be looking to use spare aircraft pick up extra business.
Qantas is believed to be the only airline with Q300 aircraft around at the moment and among aviation watchers there is a belief that Qantas is going after Regional Express (Rex), which currently serves Merimbula, because of Rex's moves into major routes.
Qantas has already pushed into Orange and Ballina in direct competition with Rex.
However if that is the case, it is not without risk to the existing Regional Express services.
Council said that due to the Bega Valley's remote location it was important to ensure regular and reliable RPT services are maintained.
"Council need to ensure that all current and future RPT providers are provided with the same opportunities and support when using Merimbula Airport," council has said.
Rex has been known to withdraw services rather than go into competition particularly against a big player such as Qantas.
However the council officers recommend that council consider the proposal and authorise the general manager and mayor to enter into negotiations with the company to enter into a commercial agreement for the company to commence Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) services from Merimbula Airport.
Upon conclusion of negotiations and entering into an agreement a report would be brought back to council detailing the agreement specifics.
