Rex shows off new aircraft livery, as Sydney-Melbourne flights go on sale

Regional Express (Rex) has shared the first images of the livery for its newly acquired Boeing 737s, which will spearhead the airline’s capital city assault.

The first three of Rex’s Boeing 737-800s will take off between Sydney and Melbourne on 1 March 2021, and the airline will begin with nine return services per day between the two state capitals.

Rex will add another two Boeing 737s by Easter as part of its domestic network expansion to Brisbane and other capital cities.

If all goes to plan, Rex hopes to grow its Boeing 737 fleet to around eight to 10 by the end of 2021.

To celebrate the release of Rex’s livery for its domestic fleet, 100,000 promotional fares are on sale now for the Sydney-Melbourne service at $79 a pop for travel within 12 months.

Rex’s deputy chairman, John Sharp, said the airline’s capital city play would be a historic new era for Australia’s domestic aviation sector.

“This is an exciting opportunity for travellers. For the first time, they don’t have to choose between low fares with minimal service and premium pricing for more reliable flights.

“Over the past 20 years, Rex has been the most reliable passenger carrier in Australia and our domestic services will naturally enjoy this superior reliability at affordable prices.”

Sharp said Rex 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,” he said.

“Lounge access and onboard WiFi will be free for business class, whilst economy passengers can access these options for a small fee.

“In short, we will be offering premium full service with our trademark country hospitality, but at fares pegged at the budget carrier level.”

The aircraft livery reveal and fare sale come not long after Rex sealed a $150 million funding deal for its capital city operations, thanks to Asian investment firm PAG.