CASA Gives Rex Green Light For High Capacity AOC

Rex today announced that it has been issued a High Capacity Air Operator’s Certificate (HCAOC) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This means that Rex is now approved for Regular Public Transport (RPT) services using the Boeing 737-800NG on its existing network where appropriate.

The way is now clear for Rex to commence domestic operations between Sydney and Melbourne from 1 March 2021 and thereafter to other major cities. Rex has launched its sales with a special promotion of 100,000 tickets offered at $79 on its nine daily return flights between Sydney and Melbourne.

In commencing domestic operations, Rex is proud to help in the national recovery effort by offering employment to some of the thousands made redundant by other carriers.

More importantly, travellers for the first time do not have to choose between cheap fares with minimal service or more reliable service with premium pricing. Just as it has done for the last 70 years through its founding airlines, Rex will provide domestic travellers with a safe and reliable yet affordable air service with its trademark country hospitality.

Rex wishes to acknowledge the herculean efforts of the CASA team for its professional and unwavering commitment to the mammoth task required in order for Rex to transition to a HCAOC.

Rex Executive Chairman, Mr Lim Kim Hai, said “CASA’s commitment and dedication to the recovery effort during this period of national emergency is nothing short of outstanding and exemplary. Under the leadership of Shane Carmody and Craig Martin, CASA has gone above and beyond to ensure that the aviation industry is fully supported by the regulator in all aspects. CASA’s assistance was critical at a time when all airlines were fighting for survival.”

“I take this opportunity to place on record my very best wishes to the CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety for his impending retirement. Shane has undoubtedly been the most effective and visionary of all the CASA CEOs I have worked with over the last two decades and he can be very proud of his impeccable service to the nation spanning some 45 years.”

Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline operating a fleet of 60 Saab 340 aircraft (pre-COVID) on 1,500 weekly flights to 59 destinations throughout all states in Australia. Rex will begin its domestic services with six 737-800 aircraft in March 2021. In addition to the airline Rex, the Rex Group comprises wholly owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (air freight, aeromedical and charter operator) and the two pilot academies Australian Airline Pilot Academy in Wagga Wagga and Ballarat.