Connecting regional Australia, one community at a time.
Founded
2002
Headquarters
Mascot, Australia
Regional Express, commonly known as Rex, is Australia's largest independent regional airline, operating scheduled passenger services to numerous regional and rural communities across the country. Founded in 2002, Rex emerged from the collapse of Ansett Australia and its subsidiaries, taking over many routes that had been served by Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines.
The airline has long been a lifeline for remote and regional communities in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania. In 2021, Rex made a significant strategic move by entering the competitive domestic trunk routes between major Australian capital cities, directly challenging Qantas and Virgin Australia.
Rex has faced financial turbulence in recent years, entering voluntary administration in July 2024 before being acquired by an investor group. The airline continues to operate and remains an important part of Australia's regional aviation network.
Hubs & network
Rex operates primarily out of Sydney Airport (SYD), with significant regional bases at Melbourne (MEL), Adelaide (ADL), and numerous smaller regional airports throughout Australia.
Fleet
Rex operates a fleet consisting primarily of Saab 340 turboprops for regional routes, with Boeing 737-800 jets used on capital city trunk routes.
Notable facts
- ›Rex was formed in 2002 from the remnants of Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines after the collapse of Ansett Australia.
- ›The airline launched jet services on major domestic trunk routes in 2021, competing directly with Qantas and Virgin Australia.
- ›Rex entered voluntary administration in July 2024, marking a major crisis for regional aviation in Australia.
- ›The airline serves over 60 destinations across Australia, many of which have no other regular air service.
- ›Rex is Australia's largest independent regional airline by number of destinations served.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
