Rex - Regional Express

Rex Airlines, commonly known as Rex or Regional Express, is an Australian scheduled carrier founded in 2002 following the merger of regional operators Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines. Its legal name is Rex Airlines Pty Ltd, and its identity has long centred on providing essential air links between metropolitan gateways and regional communities. The airline entered voluntary administration in 2024, although its regional turboprop services continued operating.

Sydney is Rex's busiest departure hub, with Adelaide and Melbourne also serving as important bases. Its network comprises 34 destinations and 90 routes within Australia, linking state capitals with centres such as Broken Hill, Mildura, Merimbula, Albury, Ballina, Bathurst, Dubbo and Griffith. Many services are designed around regional access, including journeys that would otherwise require lengthy travel by road.

The aircraft type recorded for Rex's current network is the Saab 340, a twin-engine turboprop suited to shorter regional sectors and airports with relatively modest traffic. These aircraft have a compact single-class cabin rather than the multiple cabin classes found on large mainline jets. Travellers should expect limited overhead space, smaller boarding facilities at some airports and a straightforward regional service tailored to comparatively short flights.

Rex is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Its loyalty programme is Rex Flyer, through which eligible travellers can earn points and receive benefits under the programme's current rules. Because Rex operates independently of the major global alliances, passengers should not assume that alliance-wide lounge access, through-checking or reciprocal status privileges will apply when connecting to another airline.

Rex's principal strength is the direct connectivity it provides to Australian communities that have fewer scheduled air links than the major capitals. Its smaller turboprops are practical for these markets and can reduce the need to connect through distant hubs. The trade-off is that schedules may be less frequent than on trunk routes, while operational disruption can leave fewer same-day alternatives, so passengers with important onward arrangements should allow a sensible connection margin.