A month after accepting its first jet aircraft, tickets for its debut domestic services have gone on sale
Australia’s largest independent domestic carrier Regional Express Airlines (Rex) has unveiled the paint scheme set to adorn its new jet fleet.
The Mascot-based operator – which currently holds the world’s largest roster of Saab 340 turboprops – accepted its first Boeing 737-800, VH-VUF (c/n 34168), a former Virgin Australia example, on November 5 and plans to use a further five examples to fly the Sydney-Melbourne route from March 1 next year.
The carrier’s paint scheme has been lifted from its S340 fleet and largely remains unchanged. The only addition is the inclusion of the company’s slogan, “Our heart is in the country”, on the forward section of the fuselage.
Meanwhile, tickets for Rex’s services between the two cities have been place on sale. The operator is offering what it calls a “premium full-service” but with fares pegged at the budget carrier level.
John Sharp, Rex deputy chairman, commented: “[We] will offer all the usual perks of a full-service carrier including eight business class seats. All fares include checked baggage allowance, food, pre-assigned seating and online check-in. Lounge access and on-board Wi-Fi will be free for business class, whilst Economy passengers can access these options for a small fee.”
The first three 737s are expected to take-off between Sydney and Melbourne on March 1. The carrier will begin with nine rotations per day and by Easter, two additional jets will be added to expand its domestic network to Brisbane and other capital cities.
“If all things go as planned, we hope to grow our fleet to eight-ten by the end of 2021,” Sharp added.
To celebrate the launch and the release of Rex’s livery for the domestic fleet, 100,000 promotional fares have been offered for the Sydney-Melbourne service at AU$79 (£43), for travel within 12 months.
