Rex to add more 737s this year, upgrade FFP, lounges. Delta interline 'a whole new ball game'

The Australian airline Rex is preparing to take some important steps in its efforts to expand its services and compete more directly with its larger rivals in Australia's domestic market.

Rex has historically been a regional turboprop operator, but it began to diversify last year (2021) by introducing Boeing 737s on major domestic trunk routes. The airline currently operates six Boeing 737s and has plans to grow the jet fleet and network in 2022.

Rex also intends to: sign an interline deal with Delta Air Lines; upgrade or add more passenger lounges; and launch a new loyalty programme. These are intended to help overcome differences in services and customer offerings between Rex and full service domestic competitors such as Qantas and Virgin Australia.

Competition in the Australian domestic network is heating up, with Qantas the incumbent, Virgin Australia growing its fleet close to pre-pandemic levels, Rex also expanding, and newcomer Bonza planning to enter the fray. It will no doubt be a tough market - particularly on east coast trunk routes.