Rex to fly between Australian capital cities

[Harrison_133]

I'm assuming the 1215-1330 & 1415-1530 timings have to do with fleet availability? You'd think that if loads remain strong that REX would look to increase it soon enough.

Not really. They have the 8th aircraft to play with, but all they’ve added with it are the MEL-HBA-MEL flights. Those timings don’t clash with the other carriers, but I’d also say they are deliberate to allow connections to Adelaide, Brisbane & Sydney.

I do find it odd that they’ve taken on the extra jet and only added 2 flights — that could have been added by flexing the existing fleet. No other routes have had frequency increases. SYDMEL even had a temporary reduction. The addition of SYDADL also doesn’t count as it slotted into downtime of the existing schedule.

With the next jet only a few weeks away, it’s cutting it fine to have nothing else announced or on sale. I was half expecting something to be revealed during the media circus for the Hobart launch. But maybe they’re not going for high aircraft utilisation and are happy having their jets sit on the ground for long periods.

Perth is the next logical step, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Perth Airport are playing hardball. Would there be room for Rex to slot some RPT jet services into Terminal 2? Maybe if they settle for back of the clock times like Tiger did.

 

[Saab34]

It would appear they are conducting heavy maintenance across the 737 fleet with one out of action at any given time for a couple of months which would explain the downtime.

However, they have a BNE base now, no reason why BNE-CNS couldn’t kickoff, or SYD-HBA. They could pretty much start these tomorrow, they have the fleet downtime. Perhaps they just don’t have the crew?, or being ultra conservative with cash.

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

It would appear they are conducting heavy maintenance across the 737 fleet with one out of action at any given time for a couple of months which would explain the downtime.

However, they have a BNE base now, no reason why BNE-CNS couldn’t kickoff, or SYD-HBA. They could pretty much start these tomorrow, they have the fleet downtime. Perhaps they just don’t have the crew?, or being ultra conservative with cash.

Would BNE-CNS fit what REX want to do though? CNS is well served by QF, VA and JQ, and being a tourist destination it's already fairly price-sensitive. Originally I would have thought TSV might make more sense from BNE, however REX *does* have the QLD Government regulated routes predominantly out of CNS as well.

 

[anyonebutqantas]

HBA is a country town so makes sense for this to be a major focus for Rex.

 

[jrfsp]

Not really. They have the 8th aircraft to play with, but all they’ve added with it are the MEL-HBA-MEL flights. Those timings don’t clash with the other carriers, but I’d also say they are deliberate to allow connections to Adelaide, Brisbane & Sydney.

I do find it odd that they’ve taken on the extra jet and only added 2 flights — that could have been added by flexing the existing fleet. No other routes have had frequency increases. SYDMEL even had a temporary reduction. The addition of SYDADL also doesn’t count as it slotted into downtime of the existing schedule.

With the next jet only a few weeks away, it’s cutting it fine to have nothing else announced or on sale. I was half expecting something to be revealed during the media circus for the Hobart launch. But maybe they’re not going for high aircraft utilisation and are happy having their jets sit on the ground for long periods.

Perth is the next logical step, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Perth Airport are playing hardball. Would there be room for Rex to slot some RPT jet services into Terminal 2? Maybe if they settle for back of the clock times like Tiger did.

Should be terminal space at T2 easily enough.

Runway slots are harder to come by, nothing available in the peak hours which might suit them fine

 

[Harrison_133]

A temporary frequency increase has been loaded for Melbourne to Hobart over Christmas/January school holidays.

Schedule for the second flight:
• ZL717 MEL 1815 HBA 1930
• ZL720 HBA 2020 MEL 2135

Operates on certain days between 18DEC23 and 21JAN24. It’s not a daily service. Days of operation vary each week.

 

[Saab34]

You would think they would do the same to the relatively pointless one daily MEL/SYD-OOL. Melbourne especially should be 2/3 daily during any school holidays.

 

[Harrison_133]

Brisbane to Adelaide commences 30th October 2023. Fares from $149.

Schedule:

• ZL913 BNE 1315 ADL 1630 Daily
• ZL906 ADL 1030 BNE 1230 Daily

Melbourne to Adelaide timings are adjusted to facilitate the ADL-BNE-ADL rotation.

 

[Saab34]

Well that is now the MEL/BNE/SYD Triangle competed.

SYD-HBA surely next.

Perth obviously not a priority at the moment

 

[Saab34]

Would BNE-CNS fit what REX want to do though? CNS is well served by QF, VA and JQ, and being a tourist destination it's already fairly price-sensitive. Originally I would have thought TSV might make more sense from BNE, however REX *does* have the QLD Government regulated routes predominantly out of CNS as well.

BNE-CNS from Nov 22.

However, with a Q400. And 3 hours! No thanks.

 

[dajop]

BNE-CNS from Nov 22.

However, with a Q400. And 3 hours! No thanks.

Once a week, Wed out (1200/1500), Thu back (1330/1615). I guess a repositioning flight for the aircraft that National Jet will use to fly the CNS-TSV-MOV FIFO charter.

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

BNE-CNS from Nov 22.

However, with a Q400. And 3 hours! No thanks.

Having done BNE-MKY in a Q400, that was generally a 1:40ish flight time...surely 3 hours is a bit generous?? Admittedly I'm not signing up for it, although if it was at the right price I'm sure there might be a few takers...

 

[PineappleSkip]

Sounds about right to me, just under 500 miles to MKY, 862 to CNS.

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

Sounds about right to me, just under 500 miles to MKY, 862 to CNS.

Fair enough. I'm used to 2:20 to CNS and didn't think it would extend out that far for a Q400

 

[Saab34]

That means an ATR would probably take 4 hours.

 

[nonrev-jez]

It's pretty disappointing that they didn't have the new BNE lounge ready to open at the launch of the ADL - BNE route. Poor Planing.

 

[henrus]

It's pretty disappointing that they didn't have the new BNE lounge ready to open at the launch of the ADL - BNE route.

I’m confused why it’s taking soooo long, the space was already setup for a lounge (unless they’re crazy enough to be doing a full refit)?

 

[jase05]

I’m confused why it’s taking soooo long, the space was already setup for a lounge (unless they’re crazy enough to be doing a full refit)?

A couple of Bunnings plastic chairs and one of those old style hot water urns and it would still be better than their other lounges

 

[Chicken]

I’m confused why it’s taking soooo long, the space was already setup for a lounge (unless they’re crazy enough to be doing a full refit)?

A couple of Bunnings plastic chairs and one of those old style hot water urns and it would still be better than their other lounges

Um, no. REX lounges are all themed lounges: 80s factory lunch rooms. They need to go to antique stores to find furniture items to make the lounge looks like a lunch room from the 80s in like Elizabeth or Altona or Smithfield. It's not easy to find furniture from the 80s in 2023.

 

[dajop]

You're missing the point. People don't need lounges for Rex (jet) flights, as they are less likely to be cancelled and stuck there for more than 10 minutes at a time