REX to transition to ATRs, start domestic jet ops

[Ladloy]

That’s it ????? LOL…….do you work for REX ?
What’s their terms and conditions for Captains?
1. Bend over
2. Take pineapple
3. Swear allegiance

[74world]

1. Bend over
2. Take pineapple
3. Swear allegiance

that’s from experience ? 😂

Well I guess I’ve posted on the wrong forum. I was only looking for info on the company. 😏

[anonfly]

That’s it ????? LOL…….do you work for REX ?
What’s their terms and conditions for Captains?

As far as I’m aware of you look up the award for 737 captain that’s the pay. Award pretty much describes the conditions.
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/872/air-pilots-award-ma000046-pay-guide.pdf.aspx
There a few ex VAA guys there that I’m sure could give you a run down.
Rex’s whole strategy for the jet was “project mother.” Makes for interesting reading. Someone here could post it for you with some luck

[PoppaJo]

From the Project Preso. Good luck to them no doubt they will need it one day.

Salary expectations will also be very constrained and a fresh EBA (enterprise bargaining agreement) will get rid of the decades of accumulated entitlements.”

Those EBAs would be “pegged at 10% lower than Jetstar”, the presentation says.

[74world]

Thank you for the reply.

[SilverSleuth]

Shirley the bigger question has to be how long the "jet operation" will continue. " And don't call me Shirley"

[Capt Basil Brush]

Anyone has any idea/info on what’s involved in the REX (737) interview ? Thanks.

I have heard they are now upgrading FOs which ‘should’ mean the end of direct entry commands.

[minigundiplomat]

How are Rex doing on the Bamaga run now they’ve got Skytrans operating Horn-Bamaga-Cairns?

[Arnold E]

There is a rumour that 737 naintenance is to be taken in "house".

[KRUSTY 34]

Anyone know how the 737 crews are doing, now the Government tap has all but turned off?

[1A_Please]

Anyone know how the 737 crews are doing, now the Government tap has all but turned off?
Press reports today indicate that the NSW and Vic premiers are now discussing the complete reopening of their Murray border probably from when Victoria reaches 80% double-vaxxed in early November. This is obviously great news for the airlines as it will reopen MEL-SYD but I wonder if REX will reopen this route at the same time as VA and QF given how poorly REX has performed between the 2 cities.

[Beer Baron]

I know we are all getting hammered by stand downs but in a way I feel it is particularly unfair for Rex 737 crew.

To be hired in the middle of a pandemic by a company that is boasting that the pandemic is offering up a uniquely favourable operating environment to enter (cheap leases, availability of staff, airport slots) but then stands you down due to the same pandemic seems completely unjust. It was a known quantity when they started the operation and when they hired you. It provides multiple benefits to Rex that they are happy to embrace. But when the pandemic proves difficult terrain, it’s the staff who get cast aside.

I know stand down provisions are baked into Fair Work rules but for an operation commenced during a pandemic and benefiting from its effects to claim it an an external effect seems very unfair.

[JoeTripodi]

Rex were a **** company to work for before the pandemic. Getting a few 737s wasn’t going to change that.

[pinkpanther1]

737s back on the Syd Mel run from 15 November

[SHVC]

Good luck to them, they’ll need it!

[1A_Please]

737s back on the Syd Mel run from 15 November
They will lose more money flying than when they were just parked; that is one weird business model they've got going.

[Green.Dot]

Depending on the Bonza pay structure will be interesting to see if any/how many jump from Rex. The biggest selling point for the pilots will be perceived job security

[galdian]

Depending on the Bonza pay structure will be interesting to see if any/how many jump from Rex. The biggest selling point for the pilots will be perceived job security

What - better security in Rexjet or Bonza??

[De_flieger]

What - better security in Rexjet or Bonza??
I suspect Green.Dot might've been making a very dry, sarcastic joke.....:ok:

[Green.Dot]

What - better security in Rexjet or Bonza??

That is the million dollar question! In all honesty I hope it works out for all players. Pilots have been through enough already

[galdian]

That is the million dollar question! In all honesty I hope it works out for all players. Pilots have been through enough already

I only thought of it later, my question should have been

What - better security in Rexjet or Bonza....or Virgin MK2??

With the border delays I'm sure Bain will require a lot more lipstick before the pig can go to market.

[PoppaJo]

737s back on the Syd Mel run from 15 November
Looks like off peak slots. All the big twins returning from abroad fairly soon, there goes all the Rex slots!

Virgin keeps its Tiger slots it seems. Rex has very little to play with.

[SHVC]

Rex plans to start the 73 operation up again next month, yet they’re all taped up in storage. All these 73s will need maintenance and a quick circuit with out passengers before revenue flights. They don’t seem to be in a rush.

[PoppaJo]

Rex plans to start the 73 operation up again next month, yet they’re all taped up in storage. All these 73s will need maintenance and a quick circuit with out passengers before revenue flights. They don’t seem to be in a rush.
Perhaps getting cold feet watching the price of crude heading towards $100?

I actually don’t think it would be unreasonable for Rex next year to ‘rest’ it’s 737 operation if crude starts to head well north of $100, especially if your flying empty.

[DanV2]

Australia has sure became a aviation 'battleground' for the Private Equity Firms. the Qantas/Jetstar group doesn't have too much to worry about, even if the PE firms behind their 3 rivals decide to escalate a fare war even on niche routes in Bonza's case.

Out of 777 (Bonza), PAG (RexJet) and Bain (Virgin): who has the deeper pockets to survive.

[Bull_Shark]

The only thing that Regional Express Airlines needs right now is a spattering of inspirational quotes from Rudyard Kipling and all will be good 🙏

[Paragraph377]

Not-so-Sharp grabbed himself a little spot on the Box yesterday with that fool Koche. His latest ploy, which is an understandable move, is to offer 100% refunds and guaranteed peak fares. The problem being, they really offer nothing else because Virgin and Qantas offer lounges, mileage points and other tidbits that exceed anything REX offers.

By the way John, please get a haircut. You looked like a 60 year old washed up porn star.

[EPIRB]

I’m just curious as to why VH-RYU departed Darwin heading off through Asia today?

[Double_Clutch]

Heavy Maintenance?

[aussieflyboy]

REXjet is great!

It’s virtually the same price to fly a confirmed seat on Rex as it is to fly non confirmed staff travel on Qantas.

QF upping their staff travel prices is handing Rex a heap of extra passengers. Hopefully they hang around!

[DirectAnywhere]

REXjet is great!

It’s virtually the same price to fly a confirmed seat on Rex as it is to fly non confirmed staff travel on Qantas.

QF upping their staff travel prices is handing Rex a heap of extra passengers. Hopefully they hang around!

If true, flying paying pax for the same $$ as staff travel isn’t really conducive to “hanging around”.

[No Idea Either]

REXjet is great!

It’s virtually the same price to fly a confirmed seat on Rex as it is to fly non confirmed staff travel on Qantas.

QF upping their staff travel prices is handing Rex a heap of extra passengers. Hopefully they hang around!

Outside of the pandemic schedule, I would take my chances with the QF staff travel ticket on a schedule of 29-30 ML-SY flights rather than the 2 Rexjet flights………….just saying………

[markis10]

Heavy Maintenance?


Not too heavy, she will be back mid week

[aussieflyboy]

Outside of the pandemic schedule, I would take my chances with the QF staff travel ticket on a schedule of 29-30 ML-SY flights rather than the 2 Rexjet flights………….just saying………

If you’re that intent on flying QF group, staff are simply using the Jetstar price guarantee and getting 10% off Rexjets price. The longer Rex hang around the cheaper the flights are and more pilots remain employed… win win

[turbantime]

If you’re that intent on flying QF group, staff are simply using the Jetstar price guarantee and getting 10% off Rexjets price.
I know of a people (non-aviation) who utilise this tactic. They have no idea that Rex is ‘full-service’ because of their price point, they just assumed Rex is another LCC. That’s another problem they face; a business’ price should match its product proposition.

[Ladloy]

Their saabs are yet to increase in the schedule. Too busy claiming that sweet government dough.

[KRUSTY 34]

Their saabs are yet to increase in the schedule. Too busy claiming that sweet government dough.

Any news on when the normal Regional RPT services will recommence?

[Ladloy]

Any news on when the normal Regional RPT services will recommence?
I don't work there but I have a few good friends that do. The week of the 15th it's progressively picking up. Everyone's best mate nifty mentioned to the cohort that Rex's strength is ramping up faster than Qlink can. Qlink has already started ramping up and it's eating into their routes which will most definitely mess with their demand.

[Bull_Shark]

We’re long overdue for a whinge.

What do you reckon, I give it until the end of next week before Sharp (and his amazing management team) hits the media moaning about how hard done by Rex are and how they’re here to save the world but big bad Qantas are being meanies?

[Green.Dot]

We’re long overdue for a whinge.

What do you reckon, I give it until the end of next week before Sharp (and their amazing management team of Turboprop pilots) hits the media moaning about how hard done by Rex are and how they’re here to save the world but big bad Qantas are being meanies?

Surely having a go at Bonza for capacity dumping 737s at their SAAB destinations is worthy too :}:ugh:

[Arnold E]

We are long overdue for a whinge
Seems to me most of the whinging is being done here

[Ladloy]

So when are they getting ATRs? The Saabs aren't getting any younger.

[Bull_Shark]

So when are they getting ATRs? The Saabs aren't getting any younger.

Rex fly Saab’s? What are they? What’s an ATR?

Rex aren’t about turboprops anymore, it’s all about the mighty 737.

How many parts does a 737 have? What does a 737 weigh? Check out our no blackout period for the Christmas holidays! Check out how one of our 737s went to Singapore for maintenance! Now you can buy your very own Rex 737 desktop model!
(It’s all their social media pages are about now!)

There must be a hell of a lot of eggs in that basket 😬

You’ve got to feel sorry for the long term Saab pilots, I can’t see ATRs or any replacement arriving unless the jet operation proves profitable 🤷‍♂️

[LostWanderer]

Rex fly Saab’s? What are they? What’s an ATR?

Rex aren’t about turboprops anymore, it’s all about the mighty 737.

How many parts does a 737 have? What does a 737 weigh? Check out our no blackout period for the Christmas holidays! Check out how one of our 737s went to Singapore for maintenance! Now you can buy your very own Rex 737 desktop model!
(It’s all their social media pages are about now!)

There must be a hell of a lot of eggs in that basket 😬

You’ve got to feel sorry for the long term Saab pilots, I can’t see ATRs or any replacement arriving unless the jet operation proves profitable 🤷‍♂️

Ha. Was thinking the same thing, it's all about the shiny new (old) 737s. Almost wouldn't know they operate turboprops if you look at their social media presence!

[Bull_Shark]

Ha. Was thinking the same thing, it's all about the shiny new (old) 737s. Almost wouldn't know they operate turboprops if you look at their social media presence!

Long suffering regional passengers are now asking questions such as why it’s costing over a $1000 for a return airfare in a 30 year old turboprop to one of their regional destinations yet less than $120 between Sydney and Melbourne?

It’s a bit hard to accuse Qantas and Virgin of being uncompetitive when this is the case.

All this flashy talk of jets and focus on the big cities is fast alienating Rex’s core group of passengers and not doing anything to promote their “country heart’.

[Colonel_Klink]

Putting out a press release because your aircraft has headed to Singapore for maintenance is certainly strange.

Can we expect the same whenever the SAABs head to Wagga to have some work done?

[Dehavillanddriver]

Maybe to quell rumours that the 737 fleet is already being sent back to the leasing companies? :)

[Ladloy]

SAAB Pilot and engineers have a 2 to 3 year expired EBA. I honestly don't know how they will crew the turboprops next year. They have dug their own grave

[Bull_Shark]

Putting out a press release because your aircraft has headed to Singapore for maintenance is certainly strange

That bit of information backfired for Rex too because all the public commented about and wanted to know was why were they sending an aircraft overseas for maintenance.

Rex set up their social media accounts less than a year ago (and pleaded with staff to like and follow because they didn’t have the capacity for large scale advertising) and while they think all of these posts about the jets (and bashing Qantas) are helping the reality is they’re digging a bigger hole for themselves and exposing the company for what it is.

[pinkpanther1]

Sharp has had a big interview on why Bonza will not succeed with the 737..........
This guy is unbelievable.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/simpleflying.com/john-sharp-rex-questiona-bonza-startup-viability/amp/

[Bull_Shark]

I’ve been in this game a long time,” Rex’s Deputy Chairman said. “And during that time, every couple of years somebody would come forward. Usually, they’re former employees of an airline or they’re a group of pilots who come together who reckon they can run an airline better than the management team.

Well isn’t Rex run by a group of pilots who have no other experience outside of flying turboprops who reckon they can run an airline better than anyone else?

The arrogance of the ‘Rex management team’ is breathtaking!

[430W]

Sharp is something special. The same logic he uses to shoot down Bonza equally applies to Rex with their 737 Op. What route do they operate on that was not adequately serviced by the QF Group or Virgin?

Rex are about to see what competition is as the others come up to near full capacity. QF and VA are not going to let market share go easily.

[Ladloy]

They are advertising internally for 737 FOs now. They can't even crew the Saab fleet at full schedule.

[Alfie.floor]

They are advertising internally for 737 FOs now. They can't even crew the Saab fleet at full schedule.
Yeah…nah! No internal advertisement for FOs.

[snakeslugger]

Yeah…nah! No internal advertisement for FOs.

True story… commencing early 2022. Good for the Saab guys to get some 737 time and then do as they please.

[Colonel_Klink]

They are advertising internally for 737 FOs now. They can't even crew the Saab fleet at full schedule.

Maybe they were sick of all their 737 pilots leaving to go back to Virgin.

Good opportunity for the turbo prop guys - but if what people are saying on here is true, it might be a difficult 2022/23 for Rex to maintain a properly sized pilot workforce.

[Ladloy]

Maybe they were sick of all their 737 pilots leaving to go back to Virgin.

Good opportunity for the turbo prop guys - but if what people are saying on here is true, it might be a difficult 2022/23 for Rex to maintain a properly sized pilot workforce.
The way the turboprop guys have been treated I doubt many pilots will be applying. I think most of them are looking for the door!

[galdian]

Maybe they were sick of all their 737 pilots leaving to go back to Virgin.

Good opportunity for the turbo prop guys - but if what people are saying on here is true, it might be a difficult 2022/23 for Rex to maintain a properly sized pilot workforce.

Well when the person employed re the 737 crewing (in co-ordination with the REX CP) was ex VA longhaul a fair assumption ex VA pilots might have a leg up.
Not as if there wasn't a ****load of diversified airline 737 experience to choose from....as well as VA and associated entities.

Numbers are not mentioned but IF the 737 recruitment was VA heavy then various managers within REX should have "please explain" as to why they have cost REX $$ in crew training/turnover.

[Derfred]

I’m pretty sure Rex is familiar with the concept of crew training/turnover.

[Ladloy]

I’m pretty sure Rex is familiar with the concept of crew training/turnover.
They are but they refuse to acknowledge the reason behind it. It has become very evident that they expected to be taking in many redundant pilots in all of their operations post covid to stock crews. That hasn't eventuated and next year will be brutal for the group.

Rumour has it they can't crew the Air Ambulance NSW contract!

[aussieflyboy]

Rumour has it they can't crew the Air Ambulance NSW contract!

They can’t crew it for the price they want to pay the pilots*

It’s an easy fix if they increase wages.

[galdian]

I’m pretty sure Rex is familiar with the concept of crew training/turnover.

Fair enough but it's about the rate of crew training/turnover, if you recruit heavily people who could have somewhere else to go - if offered - rather than people for whom such an offer will never happen you've built in additional costs the business can do without.

Of course suppose doesn't really matter when you're making squillions of dollars in profit. ;)

[PoppaJo]

Would be far better off taking Tiger rated NG crews as they are way down the bottom of the Virgin List so chances of a comeback in the short term are low.

[Marauder]

Would be far better off taking Tiger rated NG crews as they are way down the bottom of the Virgin List so chances of a comeback in the short term are low.


They have already taken several that I know

[Ladloy]

They can’t crew it for the price they want to pay the pilots*

It’s an easy fix if they increase wages.
Yep! It's a beautiful thing to watch. Well deserved. The turboprop crew will have fun with their EBA negotiations in the coming months too.

[minigundiplomat]

The subsidised routes in Qld went out to tender recently - the SAAB crews may not be in as much demand as at present.

[dijical]

Speaking of Queensland, from a REX media release today:

15 NOVEMBER 2021
MEDIA RELEASE

REX ADDS BRISBANE TO DOMESTIC NETWORK'

Rex today announced the launch of double-daily flights between Melbourne and Brisbane from next month. Brisbane becomes the fifth capital city destination in the Rex domestic network, enabling the airline to take a major step towards realising its long stated goal of servicing the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ (Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane).
.....
Rex also revealed it was well advanced with plans to begin flying to major Queensland regional centres and tourist destinations.
“We have no intention of stopping our growth as we’re determined to make up for time lost due to the pandemic and push ahead with plans to expand our network, particularly in Queensland,” said Mr Sharp.

[SHVC]

How is rex 737 slots going in Sydney?!

[PoppaJo]

RexJet launches again today, to once again, terrible loads. Virgin no seats out of Melbourne this morning.

[Ladloy]

RexJet launches again today, to once again, terrible loads. Virgin no seats out of Melbourne this morning.
Do you have specific loads?

[Bull_Shark]

Rex today announced the launch of double-daily flights between Melbourne and Brisbane from next month. Brisbane becomes the fifth capital city destination in the Rex domestic network, enabling the airline to take a major step towards realising its long stated goal of servicing the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ (Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane).

When Rex fly to a new destination the press release usually details how the airport or council have ‘partnered’ with Rex (or been bullied) by agreeing to lower fees and charges.

Nothing in this about Brisbane doing the same so I guess Rex must of bitten the bullet and given up on trying to get a better deal for their access?

[PoppaJo]

Do you have specific loads?
Average for today is about 70.

Bodies. Not %.

[Tubman601]

Actually, Virgins load factor Melbourne - Sydney today so far is 92%

[Ken Borough]

Load factors mean little apart from how many seats were occupied. What matters is how much is being paid for these seats. :ugh:

[KRUSTY 34]

Load factors mean little apart from how many seats were occupied. What matters is how much is being paid for these seats. :ugh:

JH commented some months ago that they will match whatever fares the competition throws up, in order to secure their market share.

In what will ultimately be a war of attrition, load factor will probably be the only thing!

IMHO of course.

[PoppaJo]

JH commented some months ago that they will match whatever fares the competition throws up, in order to secure their market share.

.
Working well for Virgin it seems. Virgin this morning 95%. Rex....er...about 14%.

[SHVC]

How do you get your info? Can you show the rest of us?

Rex will be around they’re the new tiger they will tread water be the annoying ankle biter pestering QF, JQ and VA.

[KRUSTY 34]

How do you get your info? Can you show the rest of us?

Rex will be around they’re the new tiger they will tread water be the annoying ankle biter pestering QF, JQ and VA.

TIGER?

Probably not the most encouraging of comparisons.

[galdian]

How do you get your info? Can you show the rest of us?

Rex will be around they’re the new tiger they will tread water be the annoying ankle biter pestering QF, JQ and VA.

....pestering QF, JQ, VA and BONZA.

There fixed that for you. :ok:
You're welcome. ;)

So what's the BONZA designation going to be? Can't see British Airways giving up BA willingly.

[No Idea Either]

I love all these comparisons to Tiger. They were a basket case. Sold for $1 a decade ago to VA who took on the $200 million in debt that they owed. Then operated on the mother’s teat for years, finally barely scrapping a profit just before the disaster of COVID-19, but always with the safety net of the mothership. REX the new tiger, I think not. You may be right SHVC, they might just plod along but they will incur massive debt unless something happens…….like say an airline collapse…..oh wait a minute, didn’t that happen already but they didn’t really collapse…………..

[No Idea Either]

So what's the BONZA designation going to be? Can't see British Airways giving up BA willingly.

Don’t think they’ve looked that far ahead Galdian…..

[SHVC]

....pestering QF, JQ, VA and BONZA.

There fixed that for you. :ok:
You're welcome. ;)

So what's the BONZA designation going to be? Can't see British Airways giving up BA willingly.


Hahahahaha Bonza! If they ever get off the ground and that’s a big if! They can’t even get their timeline right.

[Buster Hyman]

So what's the BONZA designation going to be? Can't see British Airways giving up BA willingly.
BS..........

[Alfie.floor]

I love all these comparisons to Tiger. They were a basket case. Sold for $1 a decade ago to VA who took on the $200 million in debt that they owed. Then operated on the mother’s teat for years, finally barely scrapping a profit just before the disaster of COVID-19, but always with the safety net of the mothership. REX the new tiger, I think not. You may be right SHVC, they might just plod along but they will incur massive debt unless something happens…….like say an airline collapse…..oh wait a minute, didn’t that happen already but they didn’t really collapse…………..
After spending some time at Tiger I can tell you that there was nothing wrong with the operation. Loads were excellent on most routes. The only thing that Tiger inherited from the mother’s teat was clapped out 737s and clapped out CEOs and managers. It was never given a fair crack.

[Trevor the lover]

Hahaha. "Tiger sucked off the mother's teat"??? Are you kidding? the mother's teat was dead empty. Would probably say VA was the bigger basket case.

[DanV2]

Tiger Australia wasn't that flash either when it was wholly owned and operated by the SQ group. That 'Airways' show also came to mind.

This was prior to SQ group selling TT to VA for $140mil (for the first 50%) and then VA paid $1 for the remaining 50%.

[Alfie.floor]

Tiger Australia wasn't that flash either when it was wholly owned and operated by the SQ group. That 'Airways' show also came to mind.

This was prior to SQ group selling TT to VA for $140mil (for the first 50%) and then VA paid $1 for the remaining 50%.
Yep! 15 CEOs in 14 years would do that. Everyone of them a Michael O’Leary wannabe!

[morno]

Tiger was doing terrific until Virgin forced those heaps of **** 737’s on them and tried to “Virginise” the management.

The one time they did make money they made more money per aeroplane than Virgin did.

Everyone at Virgin hated Tiger, except of course if they could go over and take the commands. Those exact words heard from a Virgin FO.

[Servo]

Tiger was doing terrific until Virgin forced those heaps of **** 737’s on them and tried to “Virginise” the management.

The one time they did make money they made more money per aeroplane than Virgin did.

Everyone at Virgin hated Tiger, except of course if they could go over and take the commands. Those exact words heard from a Virgin FO.

Bulldust. Not everyone at Virgin hated Tiger. I NEVER heard anyone at Virgin say they hated Tiger. Management are management. Let's be honest management for either company hasnt been the best.

[morno]

Bulldust. Not everyone at Virgin hated Tiger. I NEVER heard anyone at Virgin say they hated Tiger. Management are management. Let's be honest management for either company hasnt been the best.

Yeah ok, maybe that’s probably a bit too strong. But I will still never ever forget that day that FO from Virgin absolutely trashed Tiger, but then in the very same breath, said that if she could come and take a command, then she’d love it. What a disgrace.

[Derfred]

Cases like that exist in every company, in every industry. Best to sort it out on an individual basis, rather than trash an entire group of pilots.

[PoppaJo]

There is snakes in every company, been watching that play out pretty much everywhere in this, and a previous industry for the last 40 years. The pandemic has also exposed the worst in some people. I’ve had people in the same base, however on a different fleet type, tell me to my face they are superior due widebody, so I need to stand aside, or give up my command, whilst they take my job. They even all banded together, drew up some sort of plan to present to the company, narrow body pilots please stand aside...you pieces of trash came to mind etc....There has been a new division that had unfortunately been created between certain groups of people in some workplaces.

[Derfred]

Fortunately the “elephant in the room” was given his place reasonably promptly, and he went and took VR.

Are there other elephants influencing AIPA right now?

[KRUSTY 34]

Hello everyone.

REX Thread!

[V1 rotated]

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/rex-sydney-brisbane?fbclid=IwAR1u5xsCEH5MwddLpS90m5t-NtthOUS08LWb6zGbGCXGiVowKiXgBT4tl9A
The golden triangle will now be complete, will be utilising the heck out of 6 airframes!

[PoppaJo]

Struggling to crack 15% on many flights today.

Clearly this isn’t working. I don’t understand expanding the network when flights are largely pulling 10-40 people.

[43Inches]

What I find truly amusing is that people are choosing to pay $200+ each way when they could be paying 1/3rd of that at $69. I think marketing may be the main offender here. I have no loyalty to airlines when travelling, to pay 3 times more just to have the same service seems a bit stupid honestly. Or is this a matter of people using up credits so no cheap seats available on the others. It would be crazy stupid if you had some weird idea that paying $200 more for a ticket somehow validated the $10 worth of frequent flyer points you get.

[Ken Borough]

JH commented some months ago that they will match whatever fares the competition throws up, in order to secure their market share.

In what will ultimately be a war of attrition, load factor will probably be the only thing!

IMHO of course.


What's the point of achieving a 95% seat factor if you’re not making money? Seat factor is nothing more than an indicator of how many seats were occupied.

[KRUSTY 34]

What's the point of achieving a 95% seat factor if you’re not making money? Seat factor is nothing more than an indicator of how many seats were occupied.

I absolutely agree with you Ken, unless......

[Traffic_Is_Er_Was]

What I find truly amusing is that people are choosing to pay $200+ each way when they could be paying 1/3rd of that at $69.
Maybe they do remember Tiger and what happens when your flight (singular) for the day does not happen, and how much of a valued customer you turn out to be.

[KRUSTY 34]

Yep! It's a beautiful thing to watch. Well deserved. The turboprop crew will have fun with their EBA negotiations in the coming months too.

Interesting article in the Border Mail from 7th August this year may give the negotiators some perspective?

[EPIRB]

Interesting article in the Border Mail from 7th August this year may give the negotiators some perspective?
Care to enlighten us?

[KRUSTY 34]

Care to enlighten us?

I would, but I can’t seem to link and post the article. Perhaps someone here with better tech skills might be able to put it up.

A quick search however, and it becomes apparent.

[MickG0105]

I would, but I can’t seem to link and post the article. Perhaps someone here with better tech skills might be able to put it up.

A quick search however, and it becomes apparent.
Are you talking about this (https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/7375003/rex-airline-prepares-12-million-worth-of-staff-bonuses-after-bailout/?cs=12) one on the $12 million executive bonus scheme? It's behind a paywall.

[KRUSTY 34]

That’s the one Mick.

[MickG0105]

That’s the one Mick.
Bull Shark and I commented (https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/633642-rex-transition-atrs-start-domestic-jet-ops-69.html#post11078382) on that little rort back in July. It should certainly get a run in negotiations.

[minigundiplomat]

Yep that little nugget emerged shortly after Sharpie was bumping his gums about none of the REx team earning more than 200k, even though their own annual report showed several execs earring base salaries over 200k.

But then, who listens to Sharpie anyway…..

[SIUYA]

But then, who listens to Sharpie anyway…..

From the picture in the link posted by MickG0105 at #1608, politicians perhaps? :ok:

[aviation_enthus]

There is snakes in every company, been watching that play out pretty much everywhere in this, and a previous industry for the last 40 years. The pandemic has also exposed the worst in some people. I’ve had people in the same base, however on a different fleet type, tell me to my face they are superior due widebody, so I need to stand aside, or give up my command, whilst they take my job. They even all banded together, drew up some sort of plan to present to the company, narrow body pilots please stand aside...you pieces of trash came to mind etc....There has been a new division that had unfortunately been created between certain groups of people in some workplaces.

And that is a perfect example of when unions are “bad” for pilots. Unions serve a purpose, to a point. After that we start screwing each other over for more benefits.

It’s also an argument for fleet pay and the downsides of seniority systems!

[Ladloy]

So they won the QLD routes plus a few more. How are they possibly going to crew all this?

[SHVC]

They will need a few more in the complaints department also, pax won’t like these SAABs without air.

[morno]

More like they have retained the routes.

They’ve been doing them for about the last 5 or 10 years now, pretty sure everyone on those routes is pretty used to no ground air con. Where they can they just do single engine turnarounds anyway.

[Ladloy]

More like they have retained the routes.

They’ve been doing them for about the last 5 or 10 years now, pretty sure everyone on those routes is pretty used to no ground air con. Where they can they just do single engine turnarounds anyway.
They've picked up a new route off qlink. SETS do not compare to an APU.

[BEACH KING]

They've picked up a new route off qlink. SETS do not compare to an APU.
Yeah...we learned today that Rex have picked up the western route out this way from Qlink..
Can't wait for those luxurious SAABs with no ground aircon,... and good riddance to those bloody Q400s with their ample space, extra seating that is usually full load and 100% reliability.

I mean APUs and ground aircon are so not carbon friendly.. and who needs aircon on the ground anyway on a 46 degree day.
The added excitement of betting if the SAAB will actually turn up.. and how many days it will spend spend sitting U/S on the tarmac while the pax get a fabulous all expenses paid BUS trip to their destination will add a new dimension to air travel.
Hang on.....maybe we are getting 737s!!!

[morno]

They've picked up a new route off qlink. SETS do not compare to an APU.

Apart from the new route, the rest have had Rex for years. And the people in places like Birdsville are just happy to have a flight, they’re not that picky about how the air conditioning runs during a turnaround.

[Brakerider]

I daresay Qlink didn't fight very hard to keep these routes.

[SHVC]

That’s what I’m thinking! Unless Rex have made some promises that will be hard to keep.

[Kiwiconehead]

while the pax get a fabulous all expenses paid BUS trip to their destination

At least the bus has airconditioning on the ground!!! ;)

[Ladloy]

Yeah...we learned today that Rex have picked up the western route out this way from Qlink..
Can't wait for those luxurious SAABs with no ground aircon,... and good riddance to those bloody Q400s with their ample space, extra seating that is usually full load and 100% reliability.

I mean APUs and ground aircon are so not carbon friendly.. and who needs aircon on the ground anyway on a 46 degree day.
The added excitement of betting if the SAAB will actually turn up.. and how many days it will spend spend sitting U/S on the tarmac while the pax get a fabulous all expenses paid BUS trip to their destination will add a new dimension to air travel.
Hang on.....maybe we are getting 737s!!!
I'm not defending rex or their saabs but I wouldn't say Qlink's reliability is any better or worse than Rex.

[Trevor the lover]

Yep, as I sit here right now waiting for my now one hour late Qantas flight with no departure in sight. All hail qf

[TimmyTee]

Apart from the new route, the rest have had Rex for years. And the people in places like Birdsville are just happy to have a flight, they’re not that picky about how the air conditioning runs during a turnaround.
Ever sat on a non-airconed aircraft in the summer outback heat? Obviously if there's no other option then you simply cop it, but it's another thing when going from a cooled service to the giveaway "we'll keep this turn as short as possible".

[morno]

Ever sat on a non-airconed aircraft in the summer outback heat? Obviously if there's no other option then you simply cop it, but it's another thing when going from a cooled service to the giveaway "we'll keep this turn as short as possible".

Every single day buddy.

I’ve also done one of these routes in summer on Rex. I had to admit, they did a pretty good job of keeping the cabin cool on those turnarounds.

[Brakerider]

Truth is, these routes are not suitable for a Q400. The SAAB (air con aside) is a great sized aeroplane for the runs. As is a Dash 8-100. Skytrans must really be hurting.

[aviation_enthus]

Ever sat on a non-airconed aircraft in the summer outback heat? Obviously if there's no other option then you simply cop it, but it's another thing when going from a cooled service to the giveaway "we'll keep this turn as short as possible".

You guys know they have ground A/C carts right?? That does a pretty good job of cooling the cabin down, even in summer.

Or does that get in the way of the constant need to slag off Rex?

I’d imagine they’ll install these in Charleville and Roma given the expected frequency every day.

Crikey the reaction on here to what is welcomed as positive news by the regional councils affected, you’d think the world had ended! If anything it shows the limitations (and real world effect) of QF moving up in size on regional routes. IE, people want frequency as well as a reasonable price. A Q400 is too big for these slimmer routes, perfect for a Saab though.

[holdingagain]

I assume Qlink will be a bit more serious to retain the Longreach run, surprised they let Roma slip with all their Gas industry contracts but maybe they will continue with those

[TBM-Legend]

You guys know they have ground A/C carts right?? That does a pretty good job of cooling the cabin down, even in summer.

Or does that get in the way of the constant need to slag off Rex?

I’d imagine they’ll install these in Charleville and Roma given the expected frequency every day.

Crikey the reaction on here to what is welcomed as positive news by the regional councils affected, you’d think the world had ended! If anything it shows the limitations (and real world effect) of QF moving up in size on regional routes. IE, people want frequency as well as a reasonable price. A Q400 is too big for these slimmer routes, perfect for a Saab though.


SAAB 340 has a Hotel mode that allows the RH engine to run with prop stopped to provide ground air [same at ATR]

[Bull_Shark]

You guys know they have ground A/C carts right?? That does a pretty good job of cooling the cabin down, even in summer.

Don’t know how many summers you’ve done in the Saab (or if you’ve used an air conditioning cart anywhere north of Melbourne) but A/C carts do sweet FA cooling the cabin down on even a slightly warm day and the A/C on the aircraft even less so especially on short sectors.

[Brakerider]

SAAB 340 has a Hotel mode that allows the RH engine to run with prop stopped to provide ground air [same at ATR]

On REX SAABs this feature does not exist/has been disabled

[Ladloy]

Don’t know how many summers you’ve done in the Saab (or if you’ve used an air conditioning cart anywhere north of Melbourne) but A/C carts do sweet FA cooling the cabin down on even a slightly warm day and the A/C on the aircraft even less so especially on short sectors.
second this

[Brakerider]

An ideal aircraft for shorter sectors/quick turns (if not equipped with an APU) would be something with a vapour cycle machine. Like a B1900D, Of which Rex previously had access to.

[Going Nowhere]

I assume Qlink will be a bit more serious to retain the Longreach run, surprised they let Roma slip with all their Gas industry contracts but maybe they will continue with those

It was the Roma-Charleville run. As far as I'm aware QLink is still free to operate to Roma as a standalone run and no longer need to block out seats for Charleville passengers.

Agreed with others, the Q400 is far too big for Charleville, especially if the contract stipulated a daily service.

There is already an air cart in Charleville as Rex already operate through there on one of the other TMR runs.

[morno]

Don’t know how many summers you’ve done in the Saab (or if you’ve used an air conditioning cart anywhere north of Melbourne) but A/C carts do sweet FA cooling the cabin down on even a slightly warm day and the A/C on the aircraft even less so especially on short sectors.

So what aircraft do you propose then? A realistic one.

I’m not a fan of Rex either, but they do a pretty good job on these runs considering. The locals love them and reliability is way up there as well.

You will find the people who live in these small towns aren’t too snobby to turn their noses up at an aircraft without an APU, unlike most on this forum it appears.

[aviation_enthus]

Don’t know how many summers you’ve done in the Saab (or if you’ve used an air conditioning cart anywhere north of Melbourne) but A/C carts do sweet FA cooling the cabin down on even a slightly warm day and the A/C on the aircraft even less so especially on short sectors.

Just a couple… Around North QLD in both Dash 8 and Saab. When it’s 40C outside, everything struggles. But that’s from my actual experience, not whatever bias the rest of you are basing your comments on!

Dash 8 even with an APU struggled and never cooled down on short sectors.

The Saab was actually much better once the engines were running, cooled down much faster.

The a/c carts did a reasonable job of cooling the cabin, didn’t helps us up the front though.

[Ladloy]

Rex management just made a lowball offer to their saab crew for their 4 year expired EBA. The company is delusional to think that they still hold the power over the pilot group. 2022 will be their undoing.

[PoppaJo]

Just wait until EK starts ripping through the Rex ranks again in a few years.

It will become nothing but a ticket to gain access to bigger operators. I know a few who have said this. Do a few years then apply for the real job.

Will be one of those places where people are already leaving before they have even started.

[Bull_Shark]

So what aircraft do you propose then? A realistic one.

Not proposing any aircraft, just saying the air conditioning carts are sh!t.

[Ladloy]

Just wait until EK starts ripping through the Rex ranks again in a few years.

It will become nothing but a ticket to gain access to bigger operators. I know a few who have said this. Do a few years then apply for the real job.

Will be one of those places where people are already leaving before they have even started.
From what I have heard it's only months, not years before attrition starts hurting.

[SHVC]

EK calling redundant pilots now which have already started inductions 2.0! One day when China opens up and they start looking again it will be a vortex as there will be people wanting to re coup 2+ years of wages.

[transition_alt]

From what I have heard it's only months, not years before attrition starts hurting.

Gee you say a lot of bollocks and seem to “hear” a lot.

They’ve played this game before, they know what’s going on. The entire pandemic there has been pilot expressions of interest open. Do you really think no one has applied? If 2018 showed us anything, it’s how Rex can train pilots - and do it well!

You clearly work for Rex and aren’t very happy. If so, go accept your $5k and run. Just remember the grass isn’t greener.

[C441]

It was much better in 1985 when the Australian Airlines J-31 ran out there with the pax while their bags went on Tillair/Transair's Conquest.
The punters loved it when their bags were already lined up on the tarmac as they stepped off the Jetstream! :ok:

It didn't last very long though.

[Wizofoz]

It was much better in 1985 when the Australian Airlines J-31 ran out there with the pax while their bags went on Tillair/Transair's Conquest.
The punters loved it when their bags were already lined up on the tarmac as they stepped off the Jetstream! :ok:

It didn't last very long though.

From what I heard, they liked it less when the Conquest got in but the J31 didn't- thus they weren't where their bags were...

[Ladloy]

Gee you say a lot of bollocks and seem to “hear” a lot.

They’ve played this game before, they know what’s going on. The entire pandemic there has been pilot expressions of interest open. Do you really think no one has applied? If 2018 showed us anything, it’s how Rex can train pilots - and do it well!

You clearly work for Rex and aren’t very happy. If so, go accept your $5k and run. Just remember the grass isn’t greener.


I used to work there but have moved on. I cherished my time there, it was great. The people are what make it great. I'm still very close with a few pilots there and that's where I get my information from. All of my mates have no plans of leaving Rex.

The fact of the matter is they have hired a handful of pilots since covid, while more than a handful have left for various reasons. They were extremely short pre covid and training bottlenecks were becoming a big issue. They need Saab captains which take a lot of time. Direct entries take up to 6 months training from memory. Meanwhile they have internal EOI for 737 FOs which is only available to Saab captains.

The chief pilot has told half a dozen captains in Adelaide to bid for empty bases or be moved, which I'm sure has gone down well. Many Adelaide and Perth captains have already applied for alliance and network. Many guys are waiting on Qantas SO dates.


They are the facts and not 'bollocks'. And facts don't care about our feelings.

The company always has drama and it's a fascinating thing to watch from the sidelines.

[Bull_Shark]

Meanwhile they have internal EOI for 737 FOs which is only available to Saab captains.

Is it true that any Rex Captains applying for 737 positions have to accompany their application with a 2000 word essay on why they’ll never leave and how committed they are to the company?

[SilverSleuth]

Is it true that any Rex Captains applying for 737 positions have to accompany their application with a 2000 word essay on why they’ll never leave and how committed they are to the company?

WTF 😳………..

[morno]

I’d say he’s taking the piss mate, like when they told the cadets they had to do something similar years ago.

[Brakerider]

I’d say he’s taking the piss mate, like when they told the cadets they had to do something similar years ago.

I mean yeah he probably is taking the piss, but no doubt there is something along those lines required…think 5 year bond for a 737 type.

[430W]

More dribble from Sharp.

https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/rex-airlines-wants-to-be-the-tesla-of-the-skies-20211128-p59crz

Does he think about what he says.

[SHVC]

Can’t wait for the SAAB to get hooked up to Lithium batteries for a broken bill return.

[PoppaJo]

If it involves adding cost forget it. I can’t imagine Rex investing into anything on the sustainability front. That costs money. It’s a tightarse operation, they would need to employ a GM Sustainability which according to market rates, is well out of the Rex Management price range. Flying around all these 737s empty isn’t doing much for the planet either. Maybe they should work on fixing that instead.

[minigundiplomat]

Surprised they haven’t started using the hot air produced by Sharpies bullsh1t as an alternative energy source.

[TimmyTee]

A quick trip back to year 10 science, with plenty of back of the envelope doodles:

A 1hr flight in a 340 is ~500kg of A1, which has a specific/chemical energy of 46.36Mj/kg.
Telsa Model S cars with the leading edge 100kW battery has about 360MJ of energy.

Multiplying 46.35 x 500 gives a total energy requirement of 23,180MJ required for our 1 hour flight.
Given the worlds best transportable batteries currently hold about 360MJ, we will need a lazy 65 Model S batteries.

each one of them weighs roughly 540kg, so that will just require us to carry 35T of batteries.
Google says the MTOW of a SAAB is 13T.

Old Sharpie is having a decent old yank. And to suggest Hydrogen will be fuelling aircraft anytime soon is even more nuts. Why not just chuck in mini nuclear fusion for the trifecta!

*I may or may not have failed high school science - and I’m certainly not against new greener energy - i just know the limitations of my electric car’s battery

[Icarus2001]

Timmy I am not able to check your figures right now but let’s say you were out by a factor of ten. That instead of needing 35 tonne of batteries the aircraft only needed 3.5 tonnes of batteries. It is still unviable.

[MickG0105]

Pretty robust technical assessment of the viability of electric power using a Beech 1900 as the comparison aircraft done some time back - https://leehamnews.com/2021/07/08/the-true-cost-of-electric-aircraft-part-2/

Bottom line - not practical using current technology.

[TimmyTee]

Rex seem to be adding Avalon to their destinations

[SHVC]

Hahahaha AVV, JQ only do good there because it’s heavily subsidized. I’m guessing Rex wants to walk on in and expect the the same!

[TimmyTee]

Hahahaha AVV, JQ only do good there because it’s heavily subsidized. I’m guessing Rex wants to walk on in and expect the the same!

I should have added "unplanned" addition to their network - I don't think the Rex punters coming down from Syd this arvo expected a stop in at the thriving Avalon airport

[PoppaJo]

I should have added "unplanned" addition to their network - I don't think the Rex punters coming down from Syd this arvo expected a stop in at the thriving Avalon airport
14% load doubt they will get many complaints.

[minigundiplomat]

Hahahaha AVV, JQ only do good there because it’s heavily subsidized. I’m guessing Rex wants to walk on in and expect the the same!

or because Tullamarine is 3rd world.

[717tech]

I should have added "unplanned" addition to their network - I don't think the Rex punters coming down from Syd this arvo expected a stop in at the thriving Avalon airport
I haven't got a clue, but was it weather related? If so, you can't really have a go at them for a diversion.

[1A_Please]

I haven't got a clue, but was it weather related? If so, you can't really have a go at them for a diversion.
Yes, it was a weather diversion due to thunderstorms around MEL yesterday afternoon.

[Bull_Shark]

Virgin have just announced a partnership with Airlink to operate Saab 340s to Canberra.

I wonder if this is the beginning of a wider move to muscle in on Rex with Airlink Saabs on the traditional Rex routes?

[43Inches]

Unless virgin is willing to sacrifice peak time 737 slots for a regional SAAB services into Sydney, it's the same issue as always. Can't fly the commuter slots, the regional flights wont do much to dent anyone else. There's also the matter of fleet size, which will barely cover the 53 flights they are proposing, and the aircraft choice is not readily available and out of production.

[SHVC]

Can a jet slot be traded for a regional slot I know a regional can’t be traded for a jet.

Virgin still have the ATR slots?

[Colonel_Klink]

There's also the matter of fleet size, which will barely cover the 53 flights they are proposing, and the aircraft choice is not readily available and out of production.

Without knowing a whole heap about Link Airways - how will they manage this significant uptake in their operation? Will they need to recruit more staff / acquire more aircraft or will they cancel some of their previous flying on certain routes?

[Alfie.floor]

Without knowing a whole heap about Link Airways - how will they manage this significant uptake in their operation? Will they need to recruit more staff / acquire more aircraft or will they cancel some of their previous flying on certain routes?
With all that profit they’ve just posted maybe the can purchase Link Airways, buy a heap of ATR 72s, for their operation and perhaps a low cost carrier whilst they’re at it….

[Going Nowhere]

Link recently acquired 2 additional Saab’s and are currently recruiting.

[43Inches]

Can a jet slot be traded for a regional slot I know a regional can’t be traded for a jet.

As far as I'm aware there is no such thing as jet slots, just slots and a small amount of protected slots for regional access. Anything that's not the protected regional slots can be used for what fits. Sydney is the only airport that has the fixed slot system, anywhere else is using fleet size to bully the airservices terrible anticompetetive first in system that grossly favors existing large players.

[Servo]

Link recently acquired 2 additional Saab’s and are currently recruiting.
Hopefully some of the ATR guys and girls get a job with them.

[SHVC]

Is it a sign of desperation the size of a story about JS in the Australian, a true hubris moment if you can get through the whole article.

[430W]

And another one today. Quite a PR blitz. You have to wonder why! Normally this goes on just before the fall.

[SHVC]

I would think the 73 had done puff left in it, if rumors are true that SA will impose a hard border with NSW and VIC this afternoon then their supposedly money making route is gone. if what I seen yesterday is regular numbers out of SY their SY- ML route is very dismal.

[PoppaJo]

What on earth happened today. Absolutely horrendous numbers across the board. Did they take Tuesday out of the search engine?

This is worse than Ozjet.

[SHVC]

Unless you elaborate we can only guess you’re still in complete shock about Anna’s random meaningless 5th day test on arrival.

[middleman]

MEL - SYD Monday.
137 PAX

[PoppaJo]

Average load yesterday was about 15%. Today a tad higher 20%. Canberra about 10%.

[1A_Please]

Average load yesterday was about 15%. Today a tad higher 20%. Canberra about 10%.
I hope they have paid their Directors' and Officers' insurance policy because the risk of a class-action from pi$$ed off shareholders increases by the day.

[Trevor the lover]

Where do you get these figures you quote Papjoe

[MickG0105]

MEL - SYD Monday.
137 PAX
Was that the aggregate across all four flights?

[pinkpanther1]

https://australianaviation.com.au/2021/12/capacity-wars-return-as-rex-aims-to-grow-737-fleet-from-6-to-14/

Rex more than doubling it's 737 fleet and planning to serve 'every major city' next year......

[SHVC]

They intend to expand next yr, the article mentions they got the first 6 cheap due covid. Will the next 8 be dirt cheap also? The world is opening up again.

[Atticus Finch]

You sir are a legend:)

[middleman]

Someone I know flew that 1 sector.

[Trevor the lover]

Note Papajoe has been asked a couple of times now where he plucks his load figures from…..
doesn’t answer. Come on mate, fess up. I suspect you have an agenda rather than load figures

[Bull_Shark]

How dare you post anything positive about Rex... that's not how it works around here. If you haven't got something bad to say then don't say it. Basic prune rules and I'm sure the mods will back me up.
Why on earth would we want another airline creating employment for the masses of unemployed pilots?

I often hear this argument that just because Rex are employing pilots it must be good and we should all rejoice.

But do we really want a company like Rex gaining a substantial share of the domestic market here and becoming the new normal when it comes to employment conditions, remuneration and management style?

There are a lot of current and former Rex employees out there and while we all agree that there are some amazing people that work there and we all want to see our friends and colleagues in continued employment, do we want to see an entity like Rex become the new normal for airline standards here in Australia?

Let’s have a look at what Rex are.

Rex is a company with a history of bullying and intimidating staff (google “rex bullying”) along with anyone it needs to engage with (such as regional councils or pilot unions, search ‘Rex’ and ‘council’) not to mention it’s disregard for passengers (do a search for Griffith doctor and Rex) to see how arrogant and disengaged management is (not to mention the massive bonuses paid out to the management team this year while staff were stood down and receiving government assistance.)

This is an airline who have threatened 13 times to drop regional routes because they aren’t getting what they want yet have only carried through on this promise 3 times.

This is also an airline whose staff have to take Uber as crew transport and drive themselves in company provided cars to accomodation at regional outports.

This is also an airline who proudly tout how they’re going to pay wages 10% less than Jetstar.

This is an airline who charge $1000 for people to fly one way out in to the country in a 30 year old Saab yet boast about how they’re saving aviation in Australia because they’re offering $29 fares between Sydney and Melbourne. Heart in the country I don’t think so!

This is an airline who constantly cry poor and moan about how hard done by they are when faced with any competition yet have been responsible for the demise of many great regional airlines that used to compete with them. It’s ok for Rex to have a monopoly on a country route and use their larger scale to destroy any competition but they don’t think it’s fair when faced with larger competitors on any other routes.

This is an overseas owned entity who cares not for the travelling public (or its staff) but on its own ego driven agenda and the only people benefiting are a small group of esoteric managers and hangers on.

Rex is an airline that never has anything positive to say and is constantly moaning and being negative about everything around them, so much so that Qantas even have a whole page set up to debunk all of the rubbish and false claims they’re constantly spewing ( https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/qantas-responds/qantas-responds-to-false-claims-from-rex/ )

When Virgin were in administration Rex were not shy in sinking the boot into Virgin by slamming the company, it’s management and it’s staff in the hope it wouldn’t survive. I can guarantee there was absolutely no care from Rex for the thousands of employees that would of been out of work if Virgin hadn’t been saved.

Rex rolled the dice big time when Virgin went into administration and they lost when it was saved.

No company or Airline is perfect and all have their drawbacks, but is Rex the sort of airline we really want to see gain a substantial foothold in Australia?

[PoppaJo]

I’ll never forget all those media interviews,... ‘we’re gonna strip all those Pilots from all those entitlements they have built up over the years’...’10% below Jetstar’.

I have no time for operations like this and I really don’t think many who work there do either. Get the hours and get the heck out of the place.

If Virgin collapsed they would have destroyed this profession and it’s entitlements we have built up over time. They are currently paying Captains what I earned 17 years ago. Disgrace.

[Ladloy]

I often hear this argument that just because Rex are employing pilots it must be good and we should all rejoice.

But do we really want a company like Rex gaining a substantial share of the domestic market here and becoming the new normal when it comes to employment conditions, remuneration and management style?

There are a lot of current and former Rex employees out there and while we all agree that there are some amazing people that work there and we all want to see our friends and colleagues in continued employment, do we want to see an entity like Rex become the new normal for airline standards here in Australia?

Let’s have a look at what Rex are.

Rex is a company with a history of bullying and intimidating staff (google “rex bullying”) along with anyone it needs to engage with (such as regional councils or pilot unions, search ‘Rex’ and ‘council’) not to mention it’s disregard for passengers (do a search for Griffith doctor and Rex) to see how arrogant and disengaged management is (not to mention the massive bonuses paid out to the management team this year while staff were stood down and receiving government assistance.)

This is an airline who have threatened 13 times to drop regional routes because they aren’t getting what they want yet have only carried through on this promise 3 times.

This is also an airline whose staff have to take Uber as crew transport and drive themselves in company provided cars to accomodation at regional outports.

This is also an airline who proudly tout how they’re going to pay wages 10% less than Jetstar.

This is an airline who charge $1000 for people to fly one way out in to the country in a 30 year old Saab yet boast about how they’re saving aviation in Australia because they’re offering $29 fares between Sydney and Melbourne. Heart in the country I don’t think so!

This is an airline who constantly cry poor and moan about how hard done by they are when faced with any competition yet have been responsible for the demise of many great regional airlines that used to compete with them. It’s ok for Rex to have a monopoly on a country route and use their larger scale to destroy any competition but they don’t think it’s fair when faced with larger competitors on any other routes.

This is an overseas owned entity who cares not for the travelling public (or its staff) but on its own ego driven agenda and the only people benefiting are a small group of esoteric managers and hangers on.

Rex is an airline that never has anything positive to say and is constantly moaning and being negative about everything around them, so much so that Qantas even have a whole page set up to debunk all of the rubbish and false claims they’re constantly spewing ( https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/qantas-responds/qantas-responds-to-false-claims-from-rex/ )

When Virgin were in administration Rex were not shy in sinking the boot into Virgin by slamming the company, it’s management and it’s staff in the hope it wouldn’t survive. I can guarantee there was absolutely no care from Rex for the thousands of employees that would of been out of work if Virgin hadn’t been saved.

Rex rolled the dice big time when Virgin went into administration and they lost when it was saved.

No company or Airline is perfect and all have their drawbacks, but is Rex the sort of airline we really want to see gain a substantial foothold in Australia?
This is a great summary.

[rodney rude]

What about the load factors questions Papajoe. Still dodging that one!

OK, we know, you make it all up

[TimmyTee]

No idea about the rest of PopaJoe's numbers, but I was on a previous flight that he quoted and the number looked very much like what I saw onboard

[No Idea Either]

It’s not that difficult to work out Rodney….he has a source and he doesn’t want to ID them……..or are you just trolling……

[SHVC]

What will JS do when Mascot goes back to normal from tomorrow?! International is open and there will be a steady increase towards 2019 over the next few weeks. Rex do not have slots for their 737s at all. JS has already commenced the process on taking VA on for holding onto slots. To me VA should be able to hold on as they will grow.

[PoppaJo]

What about the load factors questions Papajoe. Still dodging that one!

OK, we know, you make it all up
There are muitple industry platforms which provides data for hundreds of carriers across the numerous types of systems they use. Rex uses these. Many others do also. It’s no trade secret if you go searching. I know about these because someone in Commercial in my employer told me. They wrote off RexJet months ago.

I wish I did make up the numbers. Remember the early Tiger days? Sure wasn’t the below which is what is happening out there today.

30
30
20
15
15
15

It’s a dead duck.

[rodney rude]

No Idea Either - no not just trolling. Just wanting papajoe to answer the question put to him 3 times. Not sure how that is considered trolling??!!! If you want to quote figures, substantiate them, particularly if challenged on the veracity of said figures.

Now he's answered it without actually answering it - he's now quoted more figures, again unsubstantiated, with no source given - well, except to see it's not hard to find out, just search.

Well here's what I put in google 1. Australian aircraft domestic passenger load figures - I got nothing
2. How many domestic passengers did Rex carry today - again, I got nothing, except one article in the Fin Review quoting 2 low figures from an "Industry Source." Now being a bonehead journalist, I'd say his source was PPRUNE and papajoe.

I don't think my google searches could have been more direct.

So until Papajoe provides a source, go on, I dare you, then I will contend he is making them up.

[pinkpanther1]

No Idea Either - no not just trolling. Just wanting papajoe to answer the question put to him 3 times. Not sure how that is considered trolling??!!! If you want to quote figures, substantiate them, particularly if challenged on the veracity of said figures.

Now he's answered it without actually answering it - he's now quoted more figures, again unsubstantiated, with no source given - well, except to see it's not hard to find out, just search.

Well here's what I put in google 1. Australian aircraft domestic passenger load figures - I got nothing
2. How many domestic passengers did Rex carry today - again, I got nothing, except one article in the Fin Review quoting 2 low figures from an "Industry Source." Now being a bonehead journalist, I'd say his source was PPRUNE and papajoe.

I don't think my google searches could have been more direct.

So until Papajoe provides a source, go on, I dare you, then I will contend he is making them up.

Oh mate you really don't know what you're talking about haha. I'm guessing you're some fresh Rex cadet loyal to the company and taking all this a bit too personally.

There are a multitude of ways to find out loads. Baggage handler contractors have access, so do airport security, airport ops etc. Not to mention staff from the airline.

I'm guessing if you're googling this stuff you don't understand back of house airline ops.

Pipe down mate it's embarrassing.

[engine out]

And every time the question has been asked you’ve got his name wrong!

[PoppaJo]

Rod. I suggest punching in Airline Seat Maps. Some are more accurate than others, the below one, is 100% accurate, post departure.

1 (https://i.ibb.co/P66qBfy/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-5-59-07-pm.png)
2 (https://i.ibb.co/26Ht7vv/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-5-59-50-pm.png)
3 (https://i.ibb.co/pZs5RCm/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-6-02-07-pm.png)
4 (https://i.ibb.co/Xj8T91g/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-6-03-31-pm.png)
5 (https://i.ibb.co/wNRYpH3/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-6-04-14-pm.png)

Geez this one is full.
6 (https://i.ibb.co/ZGhLthC/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-6-17-31-pm.png)

[On Guard]

Rod. I suggest punching in Airline Seat Maps. Some are more accurate than others, the below one, is 100% accurate, post departure.

1 (https://i.ibb.co/P66qBfy/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-5-59-07-pm.png)
2 (https://i.ibb.co/26Ht7vv/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-5-59-50-pm.png)
3 (https://i.ibb.co/pZs5RCm/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-6-02-07-pm.png)
4 (https://i.ibb.co/Xj8T91g/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-6-03-31-pm.png)
5 (https://i.ibb.co/wNRYpH3/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-6-04-14-pm.png)

Geez this one is full.
6 (https://i.ibb.co/ZGhLthC/Screen-Shot-2021-12-14-at-6-17-31-pm.png)

apology coming I assume?

[rodney rude]

No apology at all necessary. But I will thank PappaJoe for finally giving substantiation to his figures. What should I apologise for, I just asked him to substantiate where he got his figures from.

And as for you PinkTutu. No not a fresh faced Rex Cadet at all. Just a 38 year industry veteran seeking clarification of numbers. Does asking someone where he got his numbers from make me a fresh faced cadet??? 38 years and now happily retired. How dare I ask where someone got his numbers from. You D!ckhead.

[pinkpanther1]

No apology at all necessary. But I will thank PappaJoe for finally giving substantiation to his figures. What should I apologise for, I just asked him to substantiate where he got his figures from.

And as for you PinkTutu. No not a fresh faced Rex Cadet at all. Just a 38 year industry veteran seeking clarification of numbers. Does asking someone where he got his numbers from make me a fresh faced cadet??? 38 years and now happily retired. How dare I ask where someone got his numbers from. You D!ckhead.

You must be fun at parties.

[Ken Borough]

I don’t have a dog in this fight but aren’t the allocated seats shown in these websites simply the seats for which an additional fee has been paid? Many punters elect to save money and will sit wherever allocated just prior to departure.

[PoppaJo]

I don’t have a dog in this fight but aren’t the allocated seats shown in these websites simply the seats for which an additional fee has been paid? Many punters elect to save money and will sit wherever allocated just prior to departure.
No they are all occupied seats post departure, for this specific website especially. It gets a bit messy with FF Reward seats and upgrades etc, however Rex is a bare bones simple operation so the data is bang on. They are helpful for playing around and working out award planning. Pretty useless for carriers like Rex, however it does give an indication of how many seats they are filling post departure.

The numbers are what the are. If you dive into some numbers today, many more rows of blue seats on some, however some near single digits on others. Extremely volatile sort of loads across the board, no real sign of anything sort of levelling out yet.

[Low Pass]

PoppaJo, Appreciate the load updates

[SHVC]

Given these loads, and how busy Mascot has been how long does this operation have left as a guess? Do they persist for a few yrs.

[pinkpanther1]

So a couple of weeks into the new Brisbane runs. Anyone know how they've been going?

[PoppaJo]

So a couple of weeks into the new Brisbane runs. Anyone know how they've been going?
Same old same old. Today looks like a disaster. Looks like one went out with 60 though. The rest you could fill a Saab.

[43Inches]

Was stuck at SY for a while and counted at least one with 80+ and another with over 100, I hope you didn't pay for the software you are using.

[SHVC]

Well I seen two of the 737 in the long term parking in SY that have not moved in a few days, one would guess they’re not busy.

[PoppaJo]

Was stuck at SY for a while and counted at least one with 80+ and another with over 100, I hope you didn't pay for the software you are using.
Your right, seems like there is a 150 and 120.

However do note they have cancelled and combined half the flights on the route at the moment. I don’t think that is an issue unique to Rex either at the moment. Looks like Rex has pulled ML-SY down to twice a day from this week, most other routes only one a day.

The software shows Virgin is pretty busy however.

[Mr Proach]

I wonder if they have a lot COVID cash to support the start up operation?

[Arnold E]

there you go

[SHVC]

SAABs are going, I don’t see to many 73s going, few parked up in SY.

[Ladloy]

SAABs are going, I don’t see to many 73s going, few parked up in SY.
Saab schedules have been cut slightly but still a lot of movement. Pax loads have been bad for the 737, but I don't have specific numbers.

[PoppaJo]

737 operation is basically in hibernation mode for the moment. Tomorrow eg only 8 flights. I don’t see demand improving at all until April. Next few months will be very quiet.

Come back at Easter. Only really a two airline market at the moment, if that.

[Bull_Shark]

737 operation is basically in hibernation mode for the moment. Tomorrow eg only 8 flights. I don’t see demand improving at all until April. Next few months will be very quiet.

According to the famous Project Mother strategy these new jets at Rex should be raking in the cash by now.

Obviously with the ongoing Covid situation that isn’t happening so the question has to be how much is this costing Rex and how much longer can they continue to prop up an unviable business model?

Have Rex renegotiated lease rates? All airlines are hurting and bleeding cash, what are Rex doing to minimise this?

Or are they by some miracle actually making enough money to see them through despite indications otherwise?

[Bull_Shark]

Rex share price dives a massive 33% last year while Qantas edges higher (https://www.fool.com.au/2022/01/07/why-did-rex-asxrex-shares-nosedive-33-in-2021-while-qantas-edged-higher/amp/)


It is interesting to note that the Rex share price dropped 33% last year while Qantas edged a few percent higher…

[MickG0105]

Rex share price dives a massive 33% last year while Qantas edges higher (https://www.fool.com.au/2022/01/07/why-did-rex-asxrex-shares-nosedive-33-in-2021-while-qantas-edged-higher/amp/)


It is interesting to note that the Rex share price dropped 33% last year while Qantas edged a few percent higher…
The time frame for the comparison is critical to the outcome, basically driven by the optimistically high REX share price coming into 2021 (cos, you know, there'd never been a better time to expand into the domestic market) versus the more subdued pricing for QAN.

Interestingly or otherwise, if you look at the comparative performance of the two shares starting from when Rex first listed back in 2005, there's not much between the two with Rex up by about 30 percent over those 16 years and Qantas up by around 24 percent over the same period.

[Ladloy]

Rex share price dives a massive 33% last year while Qantas edges higher (https://www.fool.com.au/2022/01/07/why-did-rex-asxrex-shares-nosedive-33-in-2021-while-qantas-edged-higher/amp/)


It is interesting to note that the Rex share price dropped 33% last year while Qantas edged a few percent higher…
The general consensus for investors is that Qantas is "too big to fail" and the government will just throw more money at it and Rex market cap has been well overpriced since the jet announcement

[No Idea Either]

Is the REXJET operation going to survive………probably not (IMHO)
Is it going to drags down the turboprop side………hopefully not
Will VA buy out a distressed REX in a year or two………who %#&$ knows!!!

BUT, having seen the redundancies and rejoin ‘angst’ at VA, I hope any ‘rusted on’ drivers at REX who may have jumped to the jet have a ‘plan B’. If the jets go, anyone associated with them will go as well, as we saw at VA, and that included people who were here from the beginning!!!! Not saying it would come to this but if I was at REX I would be thinking about my long term future rather than short term ‘shiny jet’ time, unless of course you’re a youngster and planning on leaving any way….

[1A_Please]

Is the REXJET operation going to survive………probably not (IMHO)
Is it going to drags down the turboprop side………hopefully not
Will VA buy out a distressed REX in a year or two………who %#&$ knows!!!

BUT, having seen the redundancies and rejoin ‘angst’ at VA, I hope any ‘rusted on’ drivers at REX who may have jumped to
the jet have a ‘plan B’. If the jets go, anyone associated with them will go as well, as we saw at VA, and that included people who were 5here from the beginning!!!! Not saying it would come to this but if I was at REX I would be thinking about my long term future rather than short term ‘shiny jet’ time, unless of course you’re a youngster and planning on leaving any way….
Like you, I doubt the REX 737 operation can survive but I don't think it would bring down the turboprop side; you'd hope the directors have enough brains to know what is their core business and protect it.

I would be very surprised if VA were interested in acquiring REX. Bain seem very disciplined in delivering on their strategy and there is no indication that regional ops (outside FIFO) play a part in this. Were they to eventually throw a lifeline, it wouldn't be before the jet operation is put out of its misery.

[PoppaJo]

You can’t buy RexJet because there is nothing to buy. Jets are leased, Sydney slots are International borrowed, passenger base is non existent. What exactly are you buying? The employees and Jets you can hire and lease without the need to buy the airline. You just wait for it to fall over. We all know who the leasing company will be approaching basically immediately when it falls over. The passengers won’t be crying on employees shoulders because there is none. The only losers here are the front line employees.

All people want is a cheap fare. That market is covered with Jetstar. They don’t want country hospitality.

[Arnold E]

Yeah, made a bit of a mistake asking about REX bashers, I was hoping that people would note that they are still going , I was hoping to get some positive post , but there you go

[43Inches]

Too many failed the space shuttle training program and never got over it, take out their frustrations on here instead of enjoying the greener pastures that are out there.:E

[Bull_Shark]

Interesting article about load factors with Rex’s apparent break even load factor 80%….

https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/half-empty-planes-are-bad-news-for-qantas-but-worse-for-its-rivals-20220127-p59rqq.html?fbclid=IwAR35KGMw0y_YVE23XVRyie5nAnVGXYDRr2buTJ9 60RnJLsYYRL10zQApANo


Qantas’ two brands can fly profitably with the fewest passengers on board, he estimated, with Jetstar needing to fill only 43 per cent of seats to break-even, and the red-tailed Qantas aircraft needing to fill 55 per cent.

In contrast, he estimated that Virgin’s break-even “load factor” was 76 per cent while Rex – which last year launched jet services between capital cities to compete directly with Qantas and Virgin - needs to fill 80 per cent of seats. Rex deputy chairman John Sharp said this estimate was “wrong by a wide margin” but would not provide the accurate figure.

[SHVC]

I’m sure they would be struggling either way at the moment. How much if the 150m would be left is anyones guess. To be fair tho VA, QF and JQ are struggling.

[PoppaJo]

I worked for a small startup once, and the managing director told me they didn’t even have a breakeven figure forecasted until at least 2 years in. Initially it’s all about raising awareness, bums on as many seats as possible, and low fares below the competition. The picture of where the place was going was much clearer at the 2 year mark, with all that volatility behind them.

I would assume Rex’ investor would want a 12-24 month disruption free period to see the potential of its investment. However I don’t think that’s going to be possible with Virgin ramping up further, with Jets arriving monthly for the next few years starting shortly. Then time wasters like Bonza on the side destroying margins in the leisure end.

[Colonel_Klink]

Interesting article about load factors with Rex’s apparent break even load factor 80%….

https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/half-empty-planes-are-bad-news-for-qantas-but-worse-for-its-rivals-20220127-p59rqq.html?fbclid=IwAR35KGMw0y_YVE23XVRyie5nAnVGXYDRr2buTJ9 60RnJLsYYRL10zQApANo

There must be some significant assumptions put into that modelling:
- Ultimately if you are talking about break even points and load factors, there has to be an assumption on yield?
- The article seems to suggest that JQ (being a low cost carrier) needs to fill less seats that QF (the mainline full cost carrier). That seems to be a pretty basic contradiction in how LCC’s work
- Despite Virgin coming out of administration with significantly less debt, renegotiated EAs that resulted in lower cost bases for cabin crew, pilots, engineers and ground staff, and the renegotiation of commercial contracts including aircraft leases - the article suggests VA have to carry 34% more passengers than JQ and 21% more than QF.

Plenty in that article doesn’t stack up.

[PoppaJo]

- The article seems to suggest that JQ (being a low cost carrier) needs to fill less seats that QF (the mainline full cost carrier). That seems to be a pretty basic contradiction in how LCC’s work
-.
Compare the wages for similar performed jobs in those two companies and you have your answer. One has a much lower cost base by paying staff **** all and continually trying to squeeze every last cent out of them. How can we increase staff productivity but not pay them a cent more for that? That’s why they have a 43% breakeven.

[Ladloy]

I’m sure they would be struggling either way at the moment. How much if the 150m would be left is anyones guess. To be fair tho VA, QF and JQ are struggling.
Has PAG invested more than 50m at this stage? 150m is the total amount they're willing to part with but in 50m increments. I cant find anything on the ASX to say they have shovelled more 50m to Rex.

[SHVC]

In that case, Rex could very well be running a tight ship and still under the first 50m or, they’re subsidizing it via the turbo prop operation as PAG are unwilling to tip the next 50m. Last scenario the 73 is actually breaking even or making money.

[43Inches]

There is not a snowflakes chance in hell that J* breaks even at 43%, unless they are acknowledging that QF pays for all their aircraft and equipment costs.

Prior to Covid J* was hovering around 86% LFs with 9% margins on that magical EBIT rubbish they use to prop up non performing businesses. "Oh we would be profitable, here look here's a number of how much profit we would have, had we not been in a loss...." If J* was indeed doubling its break-even numbers why are they not at 20%+ margins even domestic with lower average LFs has a higher margin throughout the same time at around 12%. Are they saying that while J* is extremely efficient in flight operations they are somehow squandering millions in profit to non operational matters?

[Shane Sanders]

In the midst of unprecedented flooding in the middle of South Australia, Rex are charging $590 for a YCPB to YPAD seat. Sure supply and demand etc but how is this not price gouging to the point illegality?

Regional Express: Our heart is deep in the wallet of a stranded country traveller.

[MickG0105]

... I cant find anything on the ASX to say they have shovelled more 50m to Rex.
In Rex's FY21 Annual Report, issued on 30 September last year, they stated that they had "drawn down an additional $25 million from PAG bringing the total drawdown to $75 million." (p.24, Section 13)

Their half-year report will be out in a couple of weeks. If their total draw down isn't up to $100 million I'd be surprised.

[SHVC]

In the midst of unprecedented flooding in the middle of South Australia, Rex are charging $590 for a YCPB to YPAD seat. Sure supply and demand etc but how is this not price gouging to the point illegality?

Regional Express: Our heart is deep in the wallet of a stranded country traveller.


Where is ACA with this story! They’re quick to vilify QF and do a 15 minute roasting on prime time.

[Bull_Shark]

Word on the street is that there has been some very high level crisis meetings involving John Sharp and senior Rex management because Mr Sharp has run out of people/companies to blame and is having trouble formulating a press release framing Qantas/Jetstar or Virgin…

[MickG0105]

Word on the street is that there has been some very high level crisis meetings involving John Sharp and senior Rex management because Mr Sharp has run out of people/companies to blame and is having trouble formulating a press release framing Qantas/Jetstar or Virgin…
If it wasn't for the fact that they knew that there was a pandemic shutting down air travel when they decided to launch their jet ops, I'm sure that they'd be looking to blame COVID-19. We were nine to ten months into a global pandemic with vaccines just starting to be released when Sharp announced, on at least two separate occasions,
There’s never been a better time to expand into the domestic market.

[Ladloy]

In the midst of unprecedented flooding in the middle of South Australia, Rex are charging $590 for a YCPB to YPAD seat. Sure supply and demand etc but how is this not price gouging to the point illegality?

Regional Express: Our heart is deep in the wallet of a stranded country traveller.
Thats a pretty normal flexi fare price to Coober Pedy, that being said the route is subsidised by SA

[minigundiplomat]

Word on the street is that there has been some very high level crisis meetings involving John Sharp and senior Rex management because Mr Sharp has run out of people/companies to blame and is having trouble formulating a press release framing Qantas/Jetstar or Virgin…

that’s because JS is what happens when siblings marry.

[SHVC]

With EK doubling their weekly services from March in to SY and I’m sure QF, AA and many more will increase their services over the coming months. Has Sharpie done anything to get slot for the 73 to land in SY or will he have to land in CB or WLM and bus them the rest of the way

[KRUSTY 34]

With EK doubling their weekly services from March in to SY and I’m sure QF, AA and many more will increase their services over the coming months. Has Sharpie done anything to get slot for the 73 to land in SY or will he have to land in CB or WLM and bus them the rest of the way

I guess that depends on how the slots are allocated.

Genuine question: Are they retained by their original users and merely “on loan” to REX, or do the slot gods hand them out to the needy as required?

[Colonel_Klink]

I guess that depends on how the slots are allocated.

Genuine question: Are they retained by their original users and merely “on loan” to REX, or do the slot gods hand them out to the needy as required?

From what I gather from here - the slots are allocated to international, domestic and regional flying.

Again from what has been posted here, Rex has been making use of the international slots which are not currently being utilised (on a side note, it’s hard to imagine when all of those international slots will be used given the number of Chinese carriers that aren’t flying into Aus given China’s closed border).

I can’t actually find any reference to the above other than what people post here though 🤔

[SHVC]

I thought the slots were allocated to airlines accordingly at a cost, those airlines pay for those slots regardless if you use it or not a bit like day care. I would think all domestic airlines will still be wanting theirs and paying as such. As said above the Chinese won’t be back for a while so if international is open and they still don’t use them not sure what would happen. I would hazard a guess those unused would remain for foreign or VA/QF and JQ to pay for and use internationally.
SY airport does not seem to have much info on how and who these prized slots are allocated to.

[Ken Borough]

I thought the slots were allocated to airlines accordingly at a cost,

Not so when allocated by the airport slot co-ordinator. There is a secondary market at airports where slots are impossible to secure in which case airlines will lease or sell slots to another airline. AFAIK, Sydney requires slots to be used on a certain % of occasions. If not they revert to the pool and will be reallocated. This practice was suspended during the pandemic but I don't know if it's yet been reinstated. I stand to be corrected on any of this!

[PoppaJo]

The issue is the Tiger slots, Rex say it’s not fair that Virgin get them long term, and Virgin say they plan on using them long term. I understand Rex are using some Tiger slots temporarily in the current season.

It will no doubt get interesting when things start getting busy again on both sides of the runway, probably this time next year onwards.

It’s all a bit pointless though if Rex cannot fill its Jets. I think they have proved that more frequencies, does not equal more passengers. It does for the others, not Rex. Perhaps try and fix that first.

[pinkpanther1]

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/02/rex-seeks-to-drastically-expand-737-fleet-from-6-to-30/

Rex wants to expand to 30 737s adding one a month 🤔🤔

[SHVC]

Good luck I guess. Current established operated are struggling and they think adding a jet every 2-3 Mo thanks a great idea.

It will make Sydney and Melbourne gate wars interesting.

[Turnleft080]

It will make Sydney and Melbourne gate wars interesting.[/QUOTE]

Pier Foxtrot is an absolute dogs breakfast. Walk out of the old Ansett/Kendell aerobridges or standoffs, you enter into an extension of Chadstone. Rex,Virgin,Jetstar aircraft are all intermixed at these gates. Rex wanting 30, VA 25 Maxes and lets throw a thumbs up for a few more Maxes, Melbourne will have a Bonza ****fight

[PoppaJo]

2014-2019 Domestic capacity was flat. The capacity to be thrown at the market in the next 5 years is off the charts. Virgin I count 32 on order, Rex claim 30?, Bonza said 12, Jetstar plan around 20, the Singapore and Japan machines have already arrived. All the above appear not to be fleet replacements. Not only that, VA and JQ are adding machines that can hold an extra 25% more people.

Unless Rex is planning on upgrading its Saab fleet to 737s. They did state they had plans to create 1200 new jobs in the next 2 years (they don’t even have that many employees).

[43Inches]

Melbourne has tons of gates, the problem will be runways, if things do ramp up then Virgin is going to have to find a place for all those parked planes at Melbourne. Most of the gates are occupied by parked aircraft at the moment. Sydney, that's another matter, not sure what's happened to the plans for Dom 4 and 5, seems to have stalled.

[Ladloy]

2014-2019 Domestic capacity was flat. The capacity to be thrown at the market in the next 5 years is off the charts. Virgin I count 32 on order, Rex claim 30?, Bonza said 12, Jetstar plan around 20, the Singapore and Japan machines have already arrived. All the above appear not to be fleet replacements. Not only that, VA and JQ are adding machines that can hold an extra 25% more people.

Unless Rex is planning on upgrading its Saab fleet to 737s. They did state they had plans to create 1200 new jobs in the next 2 years (they don’t even have that many employees).
Thue have roughly 1300 employees. Most are claimed to be indirect jobs so it's just magic government accounting

[airdualbleedfault]

I'm guessing JS will be praying every night that Scomo pulls off another miracle. Will be very interesting to watch him trying to get donations, sorry, grants out of Albo

[PoppaJo]

Labor was going to bailout Virgin don’t forget. I do remember the scenes of Labor MPs and Shadow ministers on the pavement in front of T3, having a whinge at the Feds, in why they wouldn’t bail out a $10b mess. Labor would have rescued it. Would have been the Aussie Alitalia, in and out of rescue deals for years ahead if they saved Virgin 1.0.