Rex launches Sydney-Adelaide flights

Regional Express is adding Sydney-Adelaide to its Boeing 737 jet service as the ‘country challenger’ squares up against Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar.

The daily flights will take off on June 29, and in keeping with previous form, Rex is offering special launch fares of $99 each way in economy, with $399 for business class, for travel until July 31.

Rex began Melbourne-Adelaide flights in March 2021, and Deputy Chairman John Sharp says Sydney-Adelaide – its eighth Boeing 737 route – “brings us one step closer to our ambition to fly between every capital city in Australia.”

Rex has two additional Boeing 737s on the way to help bolster its network.

Rex has two more Boeing 737 jets on the way...

Most of the Regional Express Boeing 737s were previously leased to and flown by Virgin Australia, and still sport the exact same eight business class and 168 economy seats (including 30 with extra legroom).

Rex's Boeing 737 business class.

Rex has, of course, removed the "Virgin" branding from these seats and imprinted its own logo into the headrest.

Rex's Boeing 737 business class.

Read more: Introducing Rex's Boeing 737 business class

Passengers in the premium cabin are served a "specially crafted meal box" which the airline says aims to "take in the flavour combinations of home-style country cooking with a weekly showcase of gourmet ingredients from some of our exceptional Australian producers."

Rex's Boeing 737 business class meal service.

Depending on the time of day, early highlights include Tasmanian smoked salmon, Australian artisan cheeses from Bruny Island and Gippsland, and hand-made desserts.

Complimentary drinks in business class will include tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, juice, beer, red and white wine, with wines "sourced from smaller boutique vineyards across Australia."

Read more: Rex Boeing 737 business class dining

Economy passengers will need to make do with complimentary snacks and drinks.

WiFi is also available on the Rex 737s, and free for some passengers while priced from $6.50 for others.