Flights between Sydney and Adelaide, the fourth capital city in the airline network, have begun as part of Rex’s debut of its capital city services.
The maiden flight, operated by REX utilising its Boeing 737-800 planes fleet, departed from Sydney on Thursday. REX will operate daily flights between the two cities. The route has already experienced “strong demand from eager travellers,” claims John Sharp, deputy chairman of Rex.
“What Rex brings to the market is a wide range of affordable fares combined with an exceptional customer experience.” “We are not surprised that Adelaideans are excited about flying with Rex to Sydney, just as they are excited about the Rex services between Adelaide and Melbourne, which launched in 2021,” he said.
“When Rex launched domestic services, our primary goal was to strengthen and expand our regional network.” As Australia’s most dependable airline, we continue to work as hard as ever to keep Australians connected.”
Rex’s addition to the market will increase competition on the Sydney–Adelaide route, which is already served by Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar and is Adelaide’s second most popular route.
According to Brenton Cox, managing director of Adelaide Airport, this will improve travel times between regional New South Wales and Adelaide and between regional South Australia and Sydney.
“By introducing the Adelaide-Melbourne route in 2021, Rex has once again demonstrated its strong support for the Adelaide market.” “Today’s launch also coincides with the peak of the July school holiday season,” Mr Cox added.
“I congratulate Rex on recognising the growth opportunity in Adelaide and encouraging travel with their enticing launch fares.” The airline has been a strong promoter of the Adelaide market for many years, including regional linkages.”
In addition to its current Saab 340 regional flights to Burnie, Devonport, and King Island, Rex announced a daily Melbourne-Hobart 737 service to commence on 17 August.
Despite citing a worldwide skills shortage and persistent supply chain challenges for the unexpected $35 million operating deficit for FY23, Rex is focusing on the nation’s capital.
With the news that over a third of its Saab 340s remain grounded, the company was compelled to cease trading on the ASX and cut services on nine regional routes in May.
Reduced service began on nine routes operated by Saab 340 turboprop aircraft in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland on 1 May, with four more routes seeing schedule adjustments and the Mildura-Adelaide service being discontinued entirely.