The announcement comes two months after Rex received a Regional Passenger Transport License to service the region until 2013 by the NSW Ministry of Transport.

“Rex has been advertising heavily since they got the RPT license and have received a huge amount of interest leading up to the snow season, so I am surprised and disappointed to find out Rex’s new position,” Cooma Monaro Shire General Manager, John Vucic said.

Rex originally suspended its Snowy Mountains service in November and intended to resume services again on June 6, but now, with less than a month to go until the ski season, they have pulled out of Cooma.

The company’s decision has been highly criticised by community representatives, and Snowy River Shire Mayor Richard Wallace believes the reasons may be circumspect.

“I’ve been hearing it has nothing to do with the pilot shortage, so I’m calling on both sides, Rex and the airport owners, to come clean to exactly what has happened,” he said.

Airline General Manager, Warrick Lodge said the company had not enjoyed making the decision, especially after investing three years in the service.

“But at the end of the day we have seen a pilot attrition rate in excess of 50%,” he said.

“Even though the Snowy Mountains service is a good one, through winter we don’t have enough pilots to resume those services in June.”

The NSW Ministry of Transport confirmed it would put the RPT license out to tender for expressions of interest again shortly.

The first time this occurred only one airline, Rex, responded to the call. It is for this reason Cr Wallace has suggested the community look outside the square when it comes to local transport.

“I think the community should look at starting up their own air service,” he said.