Virgin to assist REX passengers after 737s grounded

Rex Airlines has announced it has entered into voluntary administration with flights between major airports cancelled, and the Rex Group's domestic fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft all grounded.

A statement posted a short time ago to the Rex website says

Regional Express Holdings Limited and a number of its subsidiaries under the Rex Group have entered voluntary administration, with Ernst and Young appointed as administrators.

It says Rex and Virgin are exploring opportunities to support regional customers, which include Virgin Australia selling Rex's regional services.

Regional Saab 340 flights were continuing and Virgin is offering customers on affected capital city routes free-of-charge rebooking.

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka has shared a media release outfling how the airline will help those affected by the situation at REX.

'This is a difficult moment for Australian aviation with Rex entering voluntary administration and announcing the immediate suspension of its 737 jet operations. It is also a reminder of the challenging nature of our industry. 

Our team is now moving quickly to support Rex’s customers and people.   

Impacted Rex customers will be supported with rebooking on an equivalent Virgin Australia service free of charge. Customers will need to contact Virgin Australia before 14 August 2024 to take up this offer. 

Rex customers with imminent travel in the next 48 hours should contact the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89. Those travelling outside 48 hours should visit the Virgin Australia website to complete a rebooking form. 

Virgin Australia is also offering support to Rex employees who may be impacted by today’s announcement. People whose employment has been affected should visit the expression of interest form on our website to apply for open positions. 

Recognising the importance for regional Australians to have access to a comprehensive domestic and international network, Virgin Australia also intends to partner with Rex’s regional business to enable seamless access to Virgin Australia’s domestic and international destinations through potential codeshare or interline arrangements in the future.  

The team at Virgin Australia are thinking about everyone at Rex today, an airline with a proud and important role in Australian aviation, particularly for regional Australia.  

Overlapping routes are:  

• Sydney to Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Adelaide 
• Melbourne to Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, Canberra, Gold Coast and Adelaide 
• Adelaide to Brisbane, Perth  
• Brisbane to Cairns