Rex bolsters network with Brisbane-Sydney route as state borders reopen

The airline will become a fully-fledged Golden Triangle operator from next month when the group adds Brisbane-Sydney to its network.

Four glass aerobridges have been delivered to Gold Coast Airport after a 13,500km journey from China. Picture: Supplied

Regional Express Airlines will become a fully-fledged Golden Triangle operator from next month when it adds Brisbane-Sydney and Brisbane-Melbourne to its schedule.

The routes are in addition to Melbourne-Sydney which was launched in March and put on hold months later when the cities went into lockdown and state borders closed.

Despite operating a fleet of just six Boeing 737s, Rex plans to fly triple daily services on Brisbane-Sydney from December 17, double daily Brisbane-Melbourne and four return flights between Melbourne and Sydney.

More jets are expected to be added to the Rex fleet by mid-2022, in addition to the airline’s 60 33-seater Saab 340s.

To stimulate demand on the Brisbane-Sydney route, Rex will initially offer $69 one-way fares, in addition to $79 one-way fares for Brisbane-Melbourne.

Along with Melbourne-Sydney, those routes are typically the busiest in the country and among the busiest in the world, carrying close to 18 million passengers a year.

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia already operate on the Golden Triangle, so-called because it connects Australia’s three biggest cities and is particularly popular among business travellers.

Rex deputy chairman John Sharp said the announcement of Brisbane-Sydney services again demonstrated the carrier’s determination to grow its domestic network.

Sydney Airport chief executive Geoff Culbert welcomed Rex’s commitment to connect people in Sydney and Brisbane as domestic travel recovered.

“We are excited to see Rex’s announcement that they will be commencing this service and look forward to this route returning to being one of the busiest in the world,” Mr Culbert said.

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff was also thrilled to see a fourth airline on the two busiest routes out of the city.

“We applaud Rex for their decision to invest in Brisbane and look forward to working with them as they continue their growth,” Mr de Graaff said.

Rex also planned to restart flights from the southern capitals to the Gold Coast in coming weeks using Boeing 737s.

Travellers landing at the Gold Coast would notice a key difference by the end of the month with the airport taking delivery of its first aerobridges, to provide covered access between the terminal and aircraft.

The four glass aerobridges weighing 31 tonnes apiece, and measuring 22m, completed their 13,500km journey from Shenzhen in China on Wednesday morning, dodging typhoons to reach their destination.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said being glass, the aerobridges would deliver views of the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales for arriving and departing passengers.

“One of the things that makes Gold Coast Airport unique is our location near the coast and

hinterland,” said Mr Mills.

“Therefore, it is ideal that visitors will get glimpses of the region from the time they arrive

here and just before they leave.”

Each aerobridge had a green glass tint, and would be lifted into position next week by a dual 150-tonne crane lift.

Mr Mills said they would form a key part of the Gold Coast’s terminal expansion due for completion next year.

“There has been a lot of anticipation around the aerobridges and it is exciting to have them arrive, ready for installation,” he said.

“They are a central feature of the project and will be a real talking point for passengers when they see them in place from later this month.”