Australian regional carrier Regional Express (Rex) has signed an interline agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. The agreement will provide Rex passengers originating in any of the domestic Australian towns and cities served by the airline to seamlessly connect to Etihad’s international network of 72 destinations via its hubs at Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) airports.
Being a reciprocal agreement, passengers arriving in Sydney or Melbourne on one of Etihad’s regular nonstop services from Abu Dhabi will be able to transfer to the Rex domestic network of 56 destinations. Passengers taking advantage of the new arrangement will no longer need to collect their baggage in Sydney or Melbourne or recheck in for their onward connecting flight operated by the other carrier.
“Partnering with a world-class airline like Etihad brings a new era of choice and connection for Rex passengers,” said Rex’s General Manager of Network Strategy, Warrick Lodge. “Passengers will be able to fly to either Sydney or Melbourne on Rex and thereafter connect on Etihad to a further 72 destinations across the globe.”
“Etihad’s extensive international network includes Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the USA,” said Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer. “The entire journey, including Etihad and Rex connecting flights, can be booked under one booking and passengers can enjoy the convenience of through-check baggage (where permitted).”
“This exciting new partnership significantly expands connectivity options for Etihad guests, providing them with effortless access from our gateways in Sydney and Melbourne to pivotal destinations within the Rex network, including Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Equally, we are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Rex customers, enabling them to seamlessly integrate into our expanding global network,” he added.
Rex flights have already been loaded onto Etihad’s reservations system and went on sale on March 12, 2024. Etihad operates seven flights per week between Abu Dhabi to both Melbourne and Sydney, with double daily services three times per week to each gateway, plus an additional flight. The airline uses a combination of Boeing 777-300ERs and 787-9 Dreamliners on the routes.
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline. It also holds the accolade as the country’s most reliable airline, with the highest rate of on-time departures, and lowest cancellation rate of domestic carriers according to the latest Australian government data. The agreement with Etihad marks the second interline agreement for Rex as it already has one with Delta Air Lines.
The carrier currently operates a fleet of nine Boeing 737-800s alongside 57 Saab 340 turboprops to 56 destinations across the country. The airline’s parent company, Rex Group, is a 50% shareholder of National Jet Express, a regional carrier that specializes in Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO), charter, and air freight operations.
