Rex enters Melbourne-Brisbane route with introductory discount

A fourth airline will operate on the popular Melbourne-Brisbane route from next month, offering double-daily flights at a discount.

A fourth airline will operate on the popular Melbourne-Brisbane route from next month, with Rex to begin double-daily flights in a move set to shrink domestic airfares even further.

The carrier had planned to begin services in April, but was forced to delay its plans when Covid dampened demand for interstate travel.

The route will take Rex closer to its stated ambition of servicing the “Golden Triangle” of Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane, with the airline’s ex-Virgin Australia Boeing 737s.

Flights between Sydney and Melbourne resumed on Monday, along with services from Melbourne-Canberra.

The Melbourne-Brisbane flights will start on December 17, when Queensland borders are due to reopen to Victoria and New South Wales without the need for home quarantine.

Sale fares of $79 one-way will be available until November 30, for travel up to April 30, 2022.

After the sale, travellers could expect to pay $119 one-way and $299 for business-class.

Rex deputy chairman John Sharp said he expected the entry of the airline to the route would put downward pressure on fares, to the benefit of travellers.

“Every time we’ve entered a new market, airfares have fallen dramatically as Qantas and Virgin Australia scramble to match our prices and I have no doubt this will be the case again,” Mr Sharp said.

“Consumers are the big winners from competition and Rex will continue to champion the cause of safe, reliable and affordable air travel.”

Rex is a step closer to its stated goal of servicing the Golden Triangle with plans to commence Melbourne-Brisbane flights from December.

The commitment to the route was welcomed by Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff, who said the flights were expected to be popular.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, about 3.5 million people a year travelled between Melbourne and Brisbane, making the route Australia’s third busiest behind Melbourne-Sydney, and Brisbane-Sydney.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Rex announcement offered new options for holiday-seekers and those seeking family reunions.

“We know there’s pent-up demand among Victorians for a Queensland summer holiday getaway and today’s announcement by Rex opens new options,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the new Rex flights were a further vote of confidence in Victoria.

“Since launching their first flight from Melbourne in March, Rex has brought renewed competition to domestic travel and we expect this expansion will help stimulate demand even further,” said Ms Argus.

Mr Sharp flagged plans for more flights out of Brisbane, with a Boeing 737 to be based in the Queensland capital.

“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.

Rex was expected to add more 737s to its fleet of six jets in coming months as the airline sought to steal market share from Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar.

The airline could have further competition next year, with new low cost carrier Bonza hoping to take-off in the first half of 2022.

The US-backed airline was expected to operate new Boeing 737 Max 8s, on mostly regional routes.

Meanwhile, Qantas has wasted no time making another bid for the business of other airlines’ most loyal passengers.

In its latest “status fast track”, top tier members of other airline loyalty programs are being offered gold status with Qantas but there is a catch.

To qualify, individuals must register their interest before November 30 and earn 100 status credits by February 28, 2022, which is the equivalent of taking five return economy flights between Sydney and Melbourne, or a one-way business class flight to Singapore.

Those participating in the fast track scheme, will be treated to complimentary Qantas Club entry on the way to 100 status credits, and get a more generous baggage allowance.

The offer was in response to demand, with Qantas fielding requests from about 1500 members of other loyalty programs, to have their status matched by the frequent flyer program.

“We know there are a lot of people who missed out when we did this previously, so if they’re willing to come across to Qantas, we will fast track them to gold status,” Qantas Loyalty chief executive Olivia Wirth said.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve had amazing support and loyalty from our members and we are repaying that loyalty by making it easier to access reward seats on domestic and international flights and providing new ways to earn and redeem points.”

Originally published as Rex enters Melbourne-Brisbane route with introductory discount