Rex expands ‘consumer reach’ in new deal with Flight Centre

This deal follows a string of new contracts Rex has signed with multiple corporate travel managers and retailers over the last few months.

Rex Deputy Chairman, the Hon John Sharp AM said: “This will give consumers even greater access to both our national, regional and domestic networks and will further enhance our brand awareness.

“It also means we will be in an even stronger position once lockdowns are lifted and borders reopen to capture more of the pent- up demand from travellers keen to fly again.”

While the specifics have not been detailed, the deal will support Rex’s increasing services across Australia, including major cities.

Chief executive officer Graham “Skroo” Turner of FLT said the agreement would be a benefit to “customers who book through our diverse business streams.”

“Rex’s customer-centric principles align with ours and its dedication to providing vital air services, particularly to our remote and regional communities is significant,” he said, noting the move forms part of Rex’s growth strategy for the future.

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Last year, the New South Wales-based carrier announced it would expand its services beyond regional Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and the Gold Coast.

The decision to expand comes as the company pledges to access the metro city market against Qantas and Virgin, after dominating the regional market for so long.

“We see the opportunity to extend our regional air services – where we’ve flown between the regions and the capital cities – to flying between the capital cities,” said Sharp to Today in December.

The airline commenced flights between Sydney and Melbourne in March, but other metro routes have not been launched due to varying delays.

The partnership is announced only days after Rex confirmed it was standing down 500 staff from today until at least 12 September

The business also revealed all affected employees will be eligible for the federal government’s $750-a-week COVID payments and remaining shifts on essential flights will be shared around between flight attendants.

The employees let go will include pilots, cabin crew, engineers, airport workers, call center, ground and head office operational staff.

Competing airlines such as Virgin and Qantas made the same move earlier last week as the Delta variant continues to slump travel within Australia.