Summary
- Rex is assembling a solid team with highly experienced operators to bid for the aerial services contract in Antarctica.
- Enterprise Aviation Group, with its extensive knowledge and experience in polar regions, has joined Rex's team for the turboprop capabilities.
- With the collaboration between Rex, Helicopter Resources, and Enterprise, the team is well-equipped to meet the requirements of the Australian Antarctic Division and provide a safe and efficient solution.
Last week Australia's largest independent regional and domestic airline Rex launched its latest 737 domestic service between Melbourne and Hobart, the capital city of the island of Tasmania. The Rex Group also announced that Canada's Enterprise Aviation Group had joined its team, preparing to bid to supply aerial services in Antarctica.
A strong team is coming together
Last month Rex Group announced it was responding to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Australian Antarctic Division (AA) to supply aerial services. The AAD plans to release a tender for the contract in November, and Rex is moving quickly to assemble a team of highly experienced operators for the specialized operations.
The RFI requires the capabilities of one large intercontinental passenger jet, four intracontinental turboprop aircraft able to operate on skis, and four twin-engine helicopters that can operate on land and sea, including the RSV Nuyina. At the start of this month, Rex said it was working with Helicopter Resources to supply the rotary component. It has enlisted Canada's Enterprise Aviation Group (Enterprise) for its turboprop capabilities.
Enterprise first supplied aerial services to the AAD in 2001 and has been the first provider of similar services to various government programs on the continent. It operates a fleet of De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter and DC-3T Basler aircraft to transport essential supplies, equipment, and personnel to remote Antarctic and Arctic locations. Enterprise has logged more than 27,000 accident-free hours in the past decade in these challenging polar regions.
In assembling the team for the AAD contract, Rex is bringing together the top operators with the knowledge, experience, and impeccable safety records to back up their bid. Helicopter Resources has been operating in the Antarctic for over 40 years, supporting nations including Australia, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, China, and Pakistan, clocking up more than 35,000 flying hours.
Specialized needs for the frozen continent
On that point, Rex's Antarctic Project Manager Craig Martin said the collaboration highlights Rex's dedication to assembling the best possible team of complementary capabilities to meet the requirements of the AAD, adding:
"Enterprise brings unparalleled contemporary knowledge and operational expertise to the table. As we work to identify and bring the next generation of intracontinental fixed-wing turboprop aircraft into service for the AAD, Enterprise's deep experience will ensure delivery of a safe, effective and efficient enhancement to the AAD's intracontinental fixed-wing turboprop aircraft capabilities."
Enterprise was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Oshawa on the shores of Lake Ontario, around 37 miles east of Toronto. Its main activities include charter flights, fixed base operations, aircraft management, and maintenance. Apart from the Twin Otter and Basler planes, the fleet consists of King Air 90 and Falcon 10 aircraft.
Director and chief pilot Brian Burchartz said Enterprise is honored to join Rex in this exclusive sub-contract agreement for the upcoming RFT with AAD. He believes that the company's experience in supporting tourism and scientific missions for various government agencies positions it well in the combined effort to provide the best solution for the intracontinental fixed-wing turboprop component.
By bringing together these two very experienced and highly credentialed operators, Rex is well-positioned for a successful outcome. Over the next few months, it will work with all its partners on developing a winning bid.
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