❓ Mr. Watson questions the Minister for Transport about an incident on an Albany-Perth flight where passengers had to remove luggage to reduce weight. The Minister acknowledges the issue, defends Rex Airlines' overall record, and urges community support for the service.
AnsweredQoN 353Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
AIR SERVICES — ALBANY
353. Mr P.B. WATSON to the Minister for
Transport:
I refer to the Albany–Perth
air route serviced by Rex airlines and the issues that I brought to the
minister's attention in March concerning the removal of passengers'
luggage from flights.
(1) Is the
minister aware that on Sunday's flight, passengers who were already on
board were required to get off the plane and go through their luggage on the
tarmac, after luggage was removed from the plane so that the plane could make
weight?
(2) How is this
practice providing an appropriate experience for tourists and visitors to the
great southern?
353. Mr P.B. WATSON to the Minister for
Transport:
I refer to the Albany–Perth
air route serviced by Rex airlines and the issues that I brought to the
minister's attention in March concerning the removal of passengers'
luggage from flights.
(1) Is the
minister aware that on Sunday's flight, passengers who were already on
board were required to get off the plane and go through their luggage on the
tarmac, after luggage was removed from the plane so that the plane could make
weight?
(2) How is this
practice providing an appropriate experience for tourists and visitors to the
great southern?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) I
am really pleased that we have been able to ensure that a continuity of service
is delivered to the people of Albany. There have been a number of positive
compliments on the service that has been delivered and the fact that it —
Mr
P.B. Watson interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Thank you! I think we have all understood what you have said.
Mr
P.B. Watson : But he's not answering.
The
SPEAKER : He has got a short period to introduce the answer, and then he
will answer it, otherwise I will sit him down.
Mr
P.B. Watson : That's correct.
Mr
D.C. NALDER : Thank you, Mr Speaker, for correcting the member for Albany.
Rex airlines has been voted the best
regional airline in the world for a number of years. It has been in operation
for four months. I do not like to hear of the situations that the member
opposite has shared and that occurred on Sunday. Was I aware of it? No, I was
not aware of it. We have processes and standards of services that will ensure
that the best possible service is delivered to the people of Albany. We are in
the situation of the major airlines no longer wanting to deliver services to
the smaller regional areas. That is something that we find unacceptable. We
have worked very hard to ensure that we get an adequate service level not only
for the people of Albany but also for the people of Esperance. There is no
question that there have been a couple of hiccups along the way—no
question—and they will be reviewed and they will be discussed with the
airline. But Rex airlines has a fantastic track record right across Australia.
You know what? I really think that it is important and incumbent on anybody who
lives in that community that they start to support that service, because they
are very fortunate to have one.
Mr
P.B. Watson interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I call you to order for the first time.
am really pleased that we have been able to ensure that a continuity of service
is delivered to the people of Albany. There have been a number of positive
compliments on the service that has been delivered and the fact that it —
Mr
P.B. Watson interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Thank you! I think we have all understood what you have said.
Mr
P.B. Watson : But he's not answering.
The
SPEAKER : He has got a short period to introduce the answer, and then he
will answer it, otherwise I will sit him down.
Mr
P.B. Watson : That's correct.
Mr
D.C. NALDER : Thank you, Mr Speaker, for correcting the member for Albany.
Rex airlines has been voted the best
regional airline in the world for a number of years. It has been in operation
for four months. I do not like to hear of the situations that the member
opposite has shared and that occurred on Sunday. Was I aware of it? No, I was
not aware of it. We have processes and standards of services that will ensure
that the best possible service is delivered to the people of Albany. We are in
the situation of the major airlines no longer wanting to deliver services to
the smaller regional areas. That is something that we find unacceptable. We
have worked very hard to ensure that we get an adequate service level not only
for the people of Albany but also for the people of Esperance. There is no
question that there have been a couple of hiccups along the way—no
question—and they will be reviewed and they will be discussed with the
airline. But Rex airlines has a fantastic track record right across Australia.
You know what? I really think that it is important and incumbent on anybody who
lives in that community that they start to support that service, because they
are very fortunate to have one.
Mr
P.B. Watson interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I call you to order for the first time.
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