G'day
Oracle,
Most of the rumours I encounter are written for me right here on PPRuNe.
I have often pondered the ABX-MEL route, I figure that the pax numbers just don't support an additional carrier. Perhaps DJ might try and force Rex off the route at some stage.
If someone was to leave from my house and fly Rex ABX-MEL and then commute to my Nan's house in the Western suburbs, and at the exact same time I set off to drive to my Nan's place, they would be lucky to beat me by 30 minutes. If we change the destination to my friend on the far Eastern suburbs, I could beat them there no problems and without speeding.
I guess most people here know that and therefore the route has fewer patrons. Also a ABX-MEL-ABX fare costs about $200 where as the family commodore will cost about half that for the same trip, with 5 pax and max baggage!
As for baggage handling I guess Rex will have to honour their contracts and 'suck it up'.
Cheers,