Rex launches new Perth-Melbourne route just in time for winter school holidays

Budget carrier Rex is launching a new Perth-Melbourne route that will fly five times a week from the end of June.

The reigning Australian airline of the year is launching the service with one-way fares beginning from $299 in economy and $999 for business class.

It will be flown by a Boeing 737 — which can seat up to 176 — and bolster capacity across the popular east-west route, one of the busiest in the nation, by 90,000 seats a year.

Rex general manager of network strategy Warrick Lodge said the more competition resulted in lower prices and that Rex “delivers terrific value for money”.

“Rex consistently outshines its domestic rivals in on-time performance and cancellation rates, and when travellers are booking a route of this distance and duration, reliability is paramount,” Mr Lodge said.

“Our competitors cancelled 57 flights in total on this route in the first four months of 2024, while their combined on-time arrival and departure performance was only around 72 per cent.”

Rex becomes the third airline group operating between Perth and Melbourne, joining Qantas and Virgin.

Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the announcement was a major win for WA as it continues to rapidly add both domestic and international air connections.

“There’s so much to see, do and enjoy in our beautiful State all year round, so I certainly encourage Victorians to make the most of these new flights and book their next holiday to WA,” she said.

The new flights are on sale now, with the route commencing on June 28 - timed to coincide with the start of the winter school holidays.

Perth Airport set a new record for total passengers last year and chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove said it was exciting to continue building off that strong base.

“Currently Rex operate four successful regional services within Western Australia,” Ms Holsgrove said.

“The introduction of Rex’s first interstate routes from our Terminal 2 is a sure sign of their confidence in the Perth market.

“This gives Western Australians more options for travel and we look forward to working with the Rex Airline team to ensure the new routes are successful.”