From March 28, the carrier will fly three times a day to Sydney, Rex network manager Warrick Lodge said yesterday.

The service was originally intended for Moree, however, local community support and negotiations with Armidale Dumaresq Council convinced Rex to restart its operations out of Armidale.

“Key factors in the decision included the current passenger numbers, growth potential of the route, and very importantly the local community support,” Mr Lodge said.

Regional Express last operated a service from Armidale Airport between 2004 and 2006, but was forced out after racking up a loss of nearly $1 million.

The collapse of Brindabella Airlines in December last year left many regional cities without a carrier. Rex called for expressions of interest from six of the cities affected.

Yesterday, Rex board members met and discussed options, including a submission from Armidale Dumaresq Council, which operates Armidale Airport.

It is understood Council negotiated pricing fees with Rex, such as  amounts charged for passengers embarking and disembarking at the airport.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall was instrumental in setting up an inquiry into regional air services late last year after venting frustration over services provided by QantasLink.

Yesterday he welcomed Rex’s return to Armidale and said: “We must remember that larger regional centres such as Tamworth, still have just the one airline, so it’s important that we don’t take this situation [two airlines] for granted.” 

Armidale Dumaresq Council Mayor Laurie Bishop said the additional service would provide benefits to the Armidale region.