Hobart, get ready for a new airline. Rex has announced it will operate daily, full service flights between Melbourne and Hobart from 17 August 2023, making the Tasmanian capital the fourth destination for Rex in the state.
Joining Rex’s services to Burnie, Devonport and King Island, the MEL-HBA flights will depart Melbourne at 12.15pm and arrive in Hobart at 1.30pm, with the return leg leaving Hobart at 2.15pm and touching down in Tullamarine at 3.30pm.
According to Rex, the flight schedule will allow for “good connections” onwards to Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. But it will also offer cheaper tickets than rival Qantas, with economy and business fares starting from $79 and $349 respectively (one-way), compared to QF’s cheapest fares at $180 and $897.
Rex deputy chair John Sharp AM unveiled details of the route today in Hobart, where he was joined by Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Tourism Jeremy Rockliff, Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter, and Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark.
“Hobart is one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations which we are delighted to add to our network,” Sharp said.
“Our long-standing commitment to Tasmania spans more than 40 years through our regional airline services.
“For too long, Hobart has had to endure sky-high airfares because of capacity constraints and price gouging by our competitors.
“Our new service will provide passengers with affordable fares delivered with Rex’s trademark country hospitality and reliability.”
Two-way tourism boost
Premier Rockliff said the service would also be great for Tassie tourism.
“This is yet another sign of confidence in our tourism industry that has bounced back from the pandemic and is once again firing on all cylinders,” he remarked.
“Pleasingly, the new service will kick in before the busier warmer months, which will be welcome news for local businesses who will benefit from the increase in trade, as well as Tasmanians looking to head interstate.”
Hobart Airport CEO, Norris Carter, said Melbourne-bound travellers could look forward to arriving “into Melbourne in time for dinner”.
“Rex’s growth into Hobart is one more reason for Hobart Airport’s planned investment in expanding our terminal to support the growth of Tasmania’s tourism industry,” Carter stated.
Coast to Coast?
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Rex will bring interstate services to Western Australia.
The carrier already flies into and out of Perth, mostly via Pel-Air-operated FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) and charter flights.
But according to the Nine Network, Rex might be about to grow its footprint in Western Australia by adding jet services to the east coast for the first time. Karryon has contacted Rex for comment.
Last week, the airline announced it would be commencing a new service between Sydney and Adelaide.
In other Rex-related news, the airline has issued details of a public memorial for legendary aviator, Max Hazelton AM OBE. Interested parties can register their attendance at bit.ly/3CbvLyJ.
Founder of Hazelton Airlines, one of the two-component airlines of Rex, Hazelton passed away on 9 April.
