Following the announcement to the ASX on 13 May 2020 of the Regional Express Group’s intentions to explore the feasibility of commencing domestic operations in Australia, Regional Express (Rex) has been engaged in confidential exploratory discussions with various parties to assess the availability of funding for starting up domestic operations.
The Rex Board has now formed the view that Rex could successfully embark on domestic operations. Consequently, the Board has approved an initiative to raise a minimum of AUD$30 Million, which the Board now believes will be all that is needed for the launch of limited domestic operations, through one or more of the following avenues: sale-and-lease-back arrangement, equity injection and convertible notes. Due to the strong interest shown by various external parties to participate in the fund raising, including lessors willing to provide AUD$30 Million for 15 of Rex’s fleet of 60 unencumbered Saab 340 aircraft, the Board has now formed the view that funding will be forthcoming for the minimum target sought. Consequently the Board has authorised management to commence preparations in earnest for the operation of an initial fleet of five to ten narrow-body jet aircraft to be based out of Sydney and/or Melbourne to service the golden triangle (Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane). The Board has confirmed 1 March 2021 as the targeted start date for domestic operations, subject to fund availability and regulatory approval. Rex has also confirmed the execution of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with
Avions De Transport Regional (ATR), the world’s largest manufacturer of turboprop aircraft,
for a range of potential commercial co-operation that would complement Rex’s domestic
operations. “Rex’s domestic operations will be priced at affordable levels but will also include baggage
allowance, meals on board and pre-assigned seating. Booking channels will include both
Rex direct and Global Distribution Systems (GDS). Lounge membership will be available for
subscription. It will be a hybrid model that Rex has so successfully pioneered over the last
two decades for its regional operations.”
Above: An ATR 72
