Australian carrier Rex says it has signed leases for an additional two Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Rex currently operates seven 737-800s and the additional two aircraft will take its 737 fleet to nine, bolstering its domestic network and expansion plans.
Sydney-based Rex anticipates the new additions to be in country by the end of July and mid-September respectively, with the first of the arrivals entering service in mid-August.
Rex’s next 737 is currently in Singapore completing its final checks.
Rex features a dual-class configuration on its domestic 737s, comprising eight business class seats in a 2-2 configuration, and 168 economy class seats, many with additional legroom.
The airline competes with Qantas and Virgin Australia.
Rex will begin daily flights between Melbourne and Hobart on 17 August, seven weeks after it began flying between Sydney and Adelaide.
“The arrival of these new aircraft is yet another step in fulfilling our ambition to fly to, and between, every capital city in Australia,” said Rex deputy chairman, John Sharp.
He also revealed Rex may add two more 737-800s to its fleet before the end of the current financial year to 30 June 2024.
“We believe it’s best to grow in a measured way, ensuring capacity meets demand. But we also need to be flexible as aviation is a dynamic industry where the only constant is change,” he said.
“Rex currently has flights to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, as well to the Gold Coast and we invite expressions of interest from other cities who want a share of Rex’s trademark reliability and country hospitality at affordable fares.”
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline operating a fleet of 58 Saab 340 and seven Boeing 737-800 aircraft to 57 destinations throughout all states in Australia.
