Media Release
22nd October 2004

Record Fuel Costs Force Another Levy Rise

As fuel prices spiral to yet another record high, Skippers has been forced to follow the majority of Australia 's airlines by increasing the temporary fuel levy from $8 to $12.

Skippers CEO Rob Swann said. “We've done all that we feasibly can do at this point to absorb costs from within the company. Even with this increase, we are still absorbing a significant portion of the actual cost increase which make up the ticket price. We are in a position where the situation is now politically controlled and we, along with consumers, are currently at the mercy of these influences.”

The cost of crude oil is currently hovering around the $US54.45 a barrel mark. Some experts have predicted the price may continue to rise in the ensuing months as high as US$60 a barrel.

“I regret that we are unable to protect our customers from this or other increases, and thank our customers for their understanding and patience to date.” Mr Swann said.

The $12 surcharge will be effective on all Skippers airfares from Monday, 25th October 2004. The levy will remain in place until the crisis subsides.

For further information, please contact:
Rob Swann on Ph: (08) 9478 3989