Rex is launching new twice-daily return service between Melbourne and Canberra starting June 10, 2021. The route will be operated with a Boeing 737-800NG, adding 200,000 seats annually. Celebrating the launch of the route, Rex is offering one-way fares from only $69.
On Tuesday (May 18, 2021), Rex announced the launch of twice-daily return service between Melbourne and Canberra from June 10, 2021. The flights will be operated with a Boeing 737-800NG, adding 200,000 seats on the route annually. The announcement follows last month’s launch of seven daily weekday return flights between Sydney and Canberra. To celebrate the launch of the new Melbourne-Canberra route, Rex is offering one-way economy fares from $69, which according to Rex is over $100 cheaper than the lowest available airfare on the route in May 2021.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Rex’s Deputy Chairman, the Hon. John Sharp, AM, said,
“Qantas has perfected the art of price gouging, ripping off passengers with sky-high fares on a route with only a weak competitor to keep it honest. This will now change with Rex’s entry. We are sure that both Qantas and Virgin Australia will immediately match our fares as they have done every time. We estimate that Rex’s entry will save Canberrans over $150 million a year in lower fares once travel returns to pre-COVID levels. This is on top of an equivalent amount for the Sydney-Canberra route. The savings will make a big difference to many families during this trying period and will be funneled into the local economy and create more jobs. The cheap fares will add a further boost to the tourism and hospitality industries in the ACT and make it really affordable for Canberrans to visit friends and family and attend sporting events in Melbourne.”
Also commenting on the new route launch, ACT’s Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, said,
“It is a further vote of confidence in Canberra’s tourism and hospitality industry and today’s announcement will be welcomed by both leisure and business travellers.”
Canberra Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Byron, added,
“This announcement cements Rex’s commitment to Canberra and the region, now servicing our two biggest markets – Sydney and Melbourne, and provides choice and a tremendous opportunity for the people of Canberra and Melbourne.”
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline. The carrier operates a fleet of 60 Saab 340s and Six Boeing 737-800NGs to 61 destinations throughout all Australian states. The Rex Group also includes wholly-owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (an airfreight aeromedical and charter operator) as well as two pilot academies, Australia Airline Pilot Academy in Wagga Wagga and Ballarat.
Source: Rex