Rex Airlines has gone into voluntary administration with flights between major airports cancelled.
The carrier has grounded all its Boeing 737 jets, with Virgin Australia allowing REX customers on those flights to transfer to their services free of charge. Affected customers are being contacted directly by REX.
Regional Saab 340 flights in areas including Merimbula and Moruya are currently unaffected and will continue to operate.
Prepaid ticket holders will continue to have their tickets honoured by the Rex Group on regional routes.
The announcement comes just months after budget airline, Bonza, went under but the Federal Government has hinted at helping the embattled regional carrier.
Eden Monaro MP and Minister for Regional Development, Kristy McBain told ARN Bega Bay that REX was critical to Australians, especially in communities like ours.
“Having a strong regional aviation sector is incredibly important to so many of our towns and communities,” Minister McBain said.
“Like many people on the coast, I use REX pretty often and it is for so many of us, the only option that we have,” she continued.
“We don’t want to see a decline in operators, and we know that the industry is tough following the covid-19 pandemic, but we’re really hopeful REX will work through this and the Government will continue to monitor the situation.”
A statement released by REX states that eligible REX customers who wish to take up Virgin Australia’s rebooking offer, must contact the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 or visit www.virginaustralia.com by Wednesday 14 August 2024.
“Eligible customers will be re-accommodated on Virgin Australia flights as close as practicable to their original time of travel. Holders of affected tickets should not come to the airport until they have rebooked their flights,” A REX Spokesperson said.
“REX and Virgin are also exploring opportunities to support regional customers, which include Virgin selling REX’s regional services through codeshare or interline arrangements, and making Velocity Frequent Flyer benefits available to REX’s regional customers.”
“The Administrators would like to thank Virgin Australia on behalf of impacted REX customers and regional communities for its support during this difficult time.”
Images: Rex Airlines
