Rex to begin Sydney-Brisbane flights

Regional Express will begin flights between Sydney and Brisbane on December 20, just three days after launching Melbourne-Brisbane flights, as the country challenger takes on Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar for a share of the lucrative 'golden triangle' market between Australia's east coast capital cities.

However, the dogfight will focus on Rex's sharply competitive fares, which are likely to be matched by Virgin Australia and equalled or undercut by Jetstar, leaving Qantas relatively safe on its premium perch.

Rex will offer three daily Boeing 737 flights on the Sydney-Brisbane route from Monday to Friday, shifting to a double-daily service on weekends.

Kickoff fares of $69 fares are now on sale until November 30 for travel up to April 30, 2022, without any Christmas holiday blackout dates.

Regional Express says it will establish a Boeing 737 base in Brisbane and is also "looking very closely at a range of major regional and holiday destinations" within Queensland.

"Brisbane is a key gateway for Rex and will very quickly become the launchpad for further forays into the Queensland market in the months and years ahead," predicts Rex Deputy Chairman John Sharp.

The Rex Boeing 737s, all of which were previously leased to Virgin Australia, are fitted with the same business class and economy seats as Virgin, including rows of extra legroom economy.

Regional Express launched its first Boeing 737 service in March 2021 between Sydney and Melbourne, and has since added Canberra, Adelaide and the Gold Coast to the jet network.

Also read: Business class compared – Qantas vs Virgin Australia vs Rex