Regional Express (Rex) is muscling in on the domestic aviation game to give Qantas and Virgin Australia a serious run for their money. Offering high-quality and full-service flights between Sydney-Melbourne at budget airline prices to begin with starting next year, as per the SMH, this may very well be the “biggest shake-up in Australian aviation” since the arrival of Virgin Blue in 2000.
“We’re a Qantas with a Jetstar price,” says Rex Deputy Chairman John Sharp.
“This is an exciting opportunity for travellers. For the first time, they don’t have to choose between low fares with minimal service and premium pricing for more reliable flights.”
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Officially launching on March 1st with nine Sydney-Melbourne services a day accomplished by three Boeing 737-800s previously operated by Virgin Australia, every Rex flight between capital cities will include “all the usual perks” of a full-service carrier:
- 8 x Business Class seats w/ complimentary lounge access & onboard Wi-Fi access
- Checked baggage allowance
- Food
- Pre-assigned seating
- Online check-in
Sharp projects that two additional 737s will be added to the Rex fleet by Easter, expanding the domestic network to include the remaining Australian capital cities starting with Brisbane. And if all goes to plan with the “ambitious assault” on the country’s golden triangle, the fleet may even double within a year’s time.
“We hope to grow our fleet to 8-10 by the end of 2021.”
Tickets for the Rex Sydney-Melbourne service go on sale today starting from $79 progressing (travel within 12-month period, limited to 100,000 promotional fares, terms & conditions apply).
