Regional Express will be stepping into the bustling bright lights and competing with the big dogs, with plans to start flying jet aircraft between capital mainland cities.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Regional Express (Rex), intends to reinvent themselves, stronger than ever.
According to the AFR, REX is aiming to raise $200 million to lease around 10 jets, hire staff, both on the ground, and in the skies, to be able to fly between our capital cities.
These new big city Regional Express services will compete directly with Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia – banking on the fact they’ll be saved from administration.
READ: “This Is Not The End For Virgin Australia” But What Happens Now?
REX In The City
As airlines around the world struggle, Rex is taking the storm of COVID-19 as an opportunity to expand and grow, potentially putting itself forward as a major competitor to Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin & Tiger.
According to reports, Rex would be interested in leasing 10 Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 jets to fly these planned capital city routes.
I guess now is the perfect time to lease planes at discount prices and pick up the slack on that extra capacity? Right, REX?
“The proposition is to fly between them and provide a domestic air service in place of the ones once provided by Virgin.”
John Sharp, Rex deputy chairman, via ABC radio
READ: Alan Joyce Suggests $19 Sydney To Melbourne Jetstar flights
Rex has indicated the new service (or airline perhaps?) would be a delicate balance between budget and full-service and fly between these five Aussie capitals: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.
The airline has also suggested it’ll offer competitive ticket pricing, with the possibility of price beating your Orange Jetstar friends.
REX entered a trading halt on Tuesday, pending what’s expected to be a formal announcement to the ASX.
We’ll keep you posted on REX’s big city dreams.