Rex admits reputation “will not be completely repaired” as it seeks punishment for media

Sydney, Australia - January 17, 2019: Regional Express SAAB 340B taxiing at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport runway. Registration VH-KDV
By Travel Weekly


The deputy chairman of Regional Express (Rex) has warned the airline is looking to take action against those media outlets behind the reporting of “trumped-up and sensational” allegations against it.

In a statement to shareholders yesterday, John Sharp praised the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for its work in helping Rex clear its name, after a number of media outlets reported that the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) filed a complaint against the Aussie airline.

The complaint alleged Rex had committed “serious breaches of safety obligations” which included “coercion, intimidation and bullying of employees” to a point where they were fearful of reporting aircraft defects.

However, a safety audit by CASA and subsequent formal report delivered this week found no issues with Rex’s safety practices.

“CASA should be highly commended for devoting considerable resources in ensuring that the audit report was published soon after the audit so that the public can be reassured quickly of the excellent safety standards of Rex,” Sharp said.

“Although the report by CASA has unequivocally vindicated Rex on all the baseless accusations, the damage to Rex’s reputation in the minds of some members of the public is great and will not be completely repaired, as the media will not be so enthusiastic in now reporting the truth as they have been in reporting trumped-up and sensational charges that help sell their publications.”

Sharp said the media outlets and other organisations behind this should be condemned for their “irresponsible and unconscionable actions that played on the highly emotive issue of aviation safety to further their personal agenda”.

“Rex will be seeking advice on the appropriate actions to be taken against these irresponsible parties to safeguard the integrity of aviation safety in Australia,” he said.

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