Rex Airlines is set to introduce new Boeing 737 flights between Melbourne and Perth, operating five days a week to increase competition with Qantas and Virgin Australia.
Statista’s latest data reveals that approximately 4.46 million domestic overnight visitors traveled to Perth in 2023, marking the second-highest number since 2019.
This new service by Rex Airlines will add nearly 90,000 seats to one of the nation’s busiest routes, benefiting trade and tourism between the two cities.
Warrick Lodge, Rex’s general manager of network strategy, expressed excitement about bringing the Boeing 737 fleet to Perth to connect more Australians and enhance travel experiences.
Rex emphasized that increased competition on the route will be advantageous for customers, offering economy return fares starting at $299 and business class at $999.
Furthermore, this new route will be Rex’s 11th domestic service using its Boeing 737 fleet, expanding its reach beyond the “Golden Triangle” to cities like Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, and the Gold Coast.
Victorian Government Minister for Jobs Nathalie Hutchines welcomed the direct flights between Melbourne and Perth, emphasizing the positive impact on local jobs and tourism in Victoria.
Western Australia’s Deputy Premier Rita Saffotti echoed the sentiment, highlighting the boost in state tourism with Rex’s entry.
According to the Ministry of Tourism in Western Australia, tourism contributed significantly to the state’s economy, supporting jobs and revenue. In Victoria, tourism numbers remained strong, with millions of tourists visiting from domestic and international locations.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently raised concerns about reduced options for travelers to regional destinations following the collapse of Bonza. Despite this, domestic airline competition remains robust, with major carriers serving millions of passengers across the country.
