Although historically an airline exclusively serving regional Australia, Rex is now enacting plans which could see the carrier compete with Qantas and Virgin Australia with the creation of a new domestic operation.
Capital cities could now be on this the radar for Rex’s planned expansion, pending successful fundraising of at least $30 million, which is what the newly formed Rex Board feels is the minimum needed for the domestic start-up.
Rex’s domestic operations would springboard off their existing network of 60 destinations within Australia, as well as existing infrastructure in capital city airports.
“It will simply be an incremental extension for Rex to embark on domestic operations especially since one of every ten flights in Australia was already a Rex flight during the pre-COVID days”, said a confident John Sharp, Rex’s Deputy Chairman. “Rex has the biggest regional network in Australia and we are the only carrier in Australia that has been able to successfully navigate the turmoil and shocks over the last two decades with uninterrupted operational profits since 2003.”
Sharp states that the airline’s domestic operations will be competitively priced at affordable levels and will also include baggage allowance, onboard meals and pre-assigned seating. The airline will also offer lounge membership on a subscription basis.
Before COVID-19 struck, Rex operated 60 Saad 340 aircraft on 1,500 weekly flights to 60 destinations. It’s not a long-shot of the imagination to picture the airline competing comfortably with Qantas and Virgin given their reliable reputation across the country.
Rex Board has confirmed 1 March 2021 as the targeted start date for domestic operations, subject to fund availability and regulatory approval.
