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ADL-MEL: REX Announces Second Capital City Service

Rex will introduce a new service for customers travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne from 31 March 2021, offering seats in both Business Class and Economy.

Rex will introduce a new service for customers travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne from 31 March 2021, offering seats in both Business Class and Economy.

Adelaide – Melbourne will be just the second service between capital cities offered by Country Airline Regional Express, with its Sydney- Melbourne service starting today.

The regional airline had previously planned to launch Sydney-Brisbane flights next to add a second route that was highly popular with business travellers. 

But it says it will instead launch the more leisure-oriented Adelaide and Gold Coast routes in time for the Easter long weekend in early April.

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mark Young, said: “We are excited that REX has chosen Adelaide-Melbourne as just its second route between capital cities.

“I congratulate REX on recognising the future growth opportunities on this route as we continue the COVID recovery.

Mark Young, Adelaide Airport Managing Director

“Rex has been a great supporter of the Adelaide market for many years – currently flying to several regional destinations across South Australia,” he concluded.

Rex’s new strategy

Rex

REX will be adding routes to Adelaide and the Gold Coast in a bid to challenge Qantas and Virgin Australia on more big-city routes. 

However, the airline has already cancelled some of its initial flight frequencies despite having offered one-way economy class tickets from just $49, in a deal that Qantas then undercut with $29 fares on budget airline Jetstar.

Rex said on Friday its big-city operations were not expected to be profitable in the financial year ending June 30, although they could be in the following year if the domestic recovery is strong.

READ: Rex Reveals New Network Strategy After ‘Predatory Moves’ By Qantas

The details

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©South Australian Tourism Commission

Twice daily flights will depart Adelaide at 6.00am and 1.30pm. Melbourne-Adelaide flights will depart 11.45am and 8.00pm.

A Boeing 737-800 aircraft, comprising 8 Business Class and 168 Economy Class, seats will be deployed for the flight, offering inflight catering, integrated inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi capability.

Fares include free 23kg check-in, 7kg carry-on baggage and refreshments on board.

Bookings are now available at a promotional fare of $69 for Economy Class and $299 for Business Class on the REX website.