.JPG) |
| REX BOEING 737-85R VH-MFM (MSN 42805) |
Rex revealed in a media release it had responded to a request for information from the Australian Antarctic Division over the airline's "intention" to become the next aerial operator of the Australian Antarctic Program.
The Division, based in Kingston, Tasmania, operates the Program in Antarctica with aims of scientific discovery, international cooperation, and strategic strength. As well as maintaining a flagship, the icebreaker RSV Nuyina, the Program also makes use of air transport.
Rex said the new plan called for "significantly expanded capabilities" including one large intercontinental passenger jet, four intracontinental turbo-prop aircraft able to operate on skis, and four twin-engine helicopters which can operate both on land and on the Division's flagship the RSV Nuyina.
The new operator will also have to provide a "significant scaling up" of uncrewed drone capability for operations during the "summer" months of October to March.
"This ambitious and challenging Program requires an operator that has deep knowledge of aviation across a whole range of platforms as well as proven organisational excellence in operating special missions," Rex Antarctic project manager Craig Martin said.
 |
| REX SAAB 340B VH-ZLW (MSN 340B-387) |
He said Rex had expertise from operating a fleet of 150 aircraft in every Australian state.
"We also have deep knowledge of special mission work, having carried out tactical flying for the Department of Defence for 20 years as well as specialised aeromedical services for over 12 years as the selected air ambulance operator for both the state governments of New South Wales and Victoria, with another 10 years running on both contracts," he said.
Rex is preparing ahead of an expected request for tender in November this year.
Australia operates three year-round research stations: Casey, Davis, and Mawson on the Antarctica mainland. It also has a base on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.
Each station has up to 100 residents in the summer - including scientists, doctors, tradies, and chefs - declining to around 15 to 20 in the winter.
"We also have deep knowledge of special mission work, having carried out tactical flying for the Department of Defence for 20 years as well as specialised aeromedical services for over 12 years as the selected air ambulance operator for both the state governments of New South Wales and Victoria, with another 10 years running on both contracts," he said.
Rex is preparing ahead of an expected request for tender in November this year.
Australia operates three year-round research stations: Casey, Davis, and Mawson on the Antarctica mainland. It also has a base on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.
Each station has up to 100 residents in the summer - including scientists, doctors, tradies, and chefs - declining to around 15 to 20 in the winter.
No comments:
Post a Comment