Rex Airlines to Increase Capacity on One of Australia’s Busiest Air Routes by 90,000 Seats
Rex stated that consumers can expect to benefit from increased competition with both Qantas and Virgin Australia.
Rex Airlines is set to launch new Boeing 737 flights between Melbourne and Perth five days a week, further expanding its presence in a market dominated by Qantas and Virgin.
Recent data from Statista indicates that approximately 4.46 million domestic overnight visitors traveled to Perth in 2023, marking the second-highest number of domestic travelers to the capital of Western Australia since 2019.
This new service from Rex Airlines will introduce close to 90,000 seats to one of the nation’s busiest routes, anticipated to boost trade and tourism between the two cities.
“We are excited to introduce our Boeing 737 fleet to Perth, connecting more Australians with their friends, colleagues, and loved ones. We eagerly anticipate welcoming all passengers on board,” said Warrick Lodge, Rex’s general manager of network strategy.
Rex also emphasized that increased competition on the route will be advantageous for customers.
The new service will offer economy return fares starting at $299, with business class options available for $999.
Moreover, this new route will be Rex’s 11th domestic service operated with the Boeing 737 fleet, as it continues to expand its reach beyond the traditional “Golden Triangle” route and other key destinations.
“This is great news for Victoria, as direct flights between Melbourne and Perth with Rex will create local employment opportunities, enhance our connectivity on a vital flight path, and attract more visitors to our wonderful state,” stated Victorian Government Minister for Jobs Nathalie Hutchines.
Western Australia’s Deputy Premier Rita Saffotti expressed that Rex’s entry will provide a boost to state tourism.
According to the Ministry of Tourism in Western Australia, tourism supported 110,800 jobs and contributed $13.2 billion to the state’s economy in 2022-2023.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism in Victoria reported that 89.2 million tourists visited the state in 2023 from both domestic and international sources.
Earlier in the week, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) raised concerns about reduced options for domestic flight travelers heading to regional destinations following the collapse of start-up airline Bonza.
According to the latest Domestic Airline Competition in Australia report, 4.9 million domestic passengers flew with Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Rex, and Bonza in March, accounting for 98.8% of the passenger levels observed in March 2019.
