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

[Erik H. Bakke]

I don't know, but the colour scheme is growing on me. I find it doesn't look as bad on the 737 as I first thought. Still looks better on the 340, though.

[James Smith]

It looks as though VH-RQC has been flying around the south-east of Australia since 29 January, 2021 flying in and out of SYD, MEL, CBR & ADL on numerous occasions. I presume this is for crew training and also promotion for REX. No flights to BNE as yet since this date.

Has VH-RQG flown as yet from Wagga?

[Robert.M]

Originally Posted by James Smith

Has VH-RQG flown as yet from Wagga?

Only if it had engines! Engines were sent to Europe in December.

RQC has been training. Was able to get photographs in Canberra.


https://flic.kr/p/2kzKda4
https://flic.kr/p/2kzKdfu
https://flic.kr/p/2kzNHLk

[James Smith]

Nice photos Robert. Less than three weeks to launch and REX has one serviceable currently flying B738, one "glider" with its engines to be delivered and four future aircraft all still in CGK since last November. I hope that it is not too much of a mad rush for them to launch on 1 March.

Do you know what aircraft and airline took the engines to Europe by any chance? Will possibly be the same on return.

It looks as though VH-RQC is flying MEL-SYD-MEL via CBR both ways today and REX have just announced $49.00 fares SYD-MEL and vv for March. I might treat myself for a ride but not on the glider.

[Adrian B]

Originally Posted by James Smith

It looks as though VH-RQC is flying MEL-SYD-MEL via CBR both ways today and REX have just announced $49.00 fares SYD-MEL and vv for March. I might treat myself for a ride but not on the glider.

Does anyone know if the MEL CBR SYD and vv is a planned route? Will be nice to not pay an arm and a leg for MEL-CBR...

Cheers in advance

[Dennis McLean]

After I did some checking, I found that VH-REX was Saab340 c/n 384 which changed to ZPN on 3/12/20. CASA still shows nothing registered as VH-REX.

[James Smith]

No, Adrian. REX is just flying SYD-MEL from 1 March at this stage with SYD-BNE to follow at "Easter" but no date or schedule has been specified. The flights to CBR & ADL are for technical crew training purposes only. The shorter the sector the more take offs and landings can be performed and save fuel costs.

Dennis, I thought that the first REX B738 revealed to the public on Christmas Eve would have been in the REX registration, but it was not to be. I would think that the next aircraft to be delivered, one of the four currently in CGK, will be VH-REX as you would think that the first flight on 1 March will be with this registration for the publicity alone. REX have said that they will have three B738s at launch.

[Steve S... 2]

I agree with the logic there as you'd certainly expect that the first Rex 737 flight would be with VH-REX.

I've always wondered whether VH-REX would be the ex VH-VOM as it is the oldest of the six 737's and VH-REX also comes first on the alphabet before the RQ* series - if any logic is to be followed anymore.

Added after further thought:

VH-REX ex VH-VOM (possibly)
VH-RQC ex VH-VOP
VH-RQG ex VH-VUF

These are the oldest three 737's and further makes sense for VH-VOM to become VH-REX.

A gamble........... we will see

[Greg Hyde]

Next months Airliner World (April 2021) has an article on REX and jets

[Greg Hyde]

A couple of Rego changes

VUU to REX on 12/02
VUV to PAG on 09/02 (Note: Same Lease Co. as above REX)

Both currently at CGK