Rex takes fight to Qantas and Virgin [Jets for REX?]

[Max C]

Most likely it'll be ATR42's as well which won't have a problem at any of the Rex ports.

If their pockets are deep enough, there is an ATR42-600STOL

http://www.atraircraft.com/newsroom/...s-1571-en.html

800m puts Lord Howe as a possibility when the tender for those services is up next.

[Kent Broadhead]

Given the operating model to date, I'd be very surprised if the discussion was around new build ATR. ATR also facilitates a leasing program, and I'd suspect quite a number of 72-600 will come onto the leasing market soon unless VARA continues largely unchanged.

[Yusef D]

Kent, the ATRs aren't part of VARA. They're on the VAA AOC along with most 737s. The crew are part of VAA with their own EBA. VARA is just F100 and A320. All parties have been suspiciously quiet on the fate of VARA. It would be relatively easy to hive off VARA, it's complementary but not a core part of the business. It could go to a new owner and be contracted to fly some flights on behalf of Virgin.

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by Yusef D

Kent, the ATRs aren't part of VARA. They're on the VAA AOC along with most 737s.

yep, we’re transferred in 2015

[Kent Broadhead]

Thanks Yusef and Mark - not sure how I'd missed that. They may still come onto the leasing market if VA reduces regional ops.

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by Kent Broadhead

Thanks Yusef and Mark - not sure how I'd missed that. They may still come onto the leasing market if VA reduces regional ops.

There are still four in storage for three years that are yet to find a new home.

[Greg Hyde]

Rumor has it, that REX are negotiating for the lease 10 X B737 that are surplus to VA requirements.

[Torin Wilson]

Rex eyes VA 737

[MarkR]

REX LOCKS IN SIX BOEING 737-800 NG FOR DOMESTIC JET OPERATIONS
Rex today announced that it had yesterday evening signed Letters of Intent with two Lessors for the lease of six Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft.
The first 737 will be delivered on 1 November 2020 with the remaining five aircraft being phased in over the following four months in readiness for the launch of Rex’s domestic jet operations.
Rex’s Deputy Chairman, the Hon John Sharp AM, said, “Today I am pleased to announce that we have selected the Boeing 737-800 NG as the aircraft for our domestic jet operations. These aircraft are well received by passengers and have proven to be very suitable for operations in Australia”.
“Three of these aircraft will be deployed in the first phase of our launch on 1 March 2021 on the Sydney – Melbourne route, with another two aircraft beginning service before Easter. From there, Rex will continue to grow the domestic fleet in line with the return of passenger demand and hopes to see its fleet of 737-800 NGs reach ten by year end.”
“The signing of these letters marks another significant milestone for our entry into the domestic jet market. Our preparations are progressing very well and on schedule and we hope to obtain regulatory approval by December. Advanced ticket sales are also envisaged for December, subject to regulatory approval.”
Rex recently signed a long-form term sheet with the investment firm PAG Asia Capital to entirely fund its domestic jet operations.
This announcement is authorised by Mr Lim Kim Hai, Executive Chairman, Regional Express Holdings Limited.

https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/202009...gq39wgnlm9.pdf

[Erik H. Bakke]

Does anyone know if the first aircraft is still planned to arrive this weekend?