Rex Airlines will begin their latest route between Hobart and Melbourne this week in a bid to shake up the Southern Tasmanian air travel market.
Currently dominated by Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin, Rex will launch their new daily service on Thursday.
Operated by a Boeing 737, the 1 hour and 15 minute flight will take off from Melbourne at 10:00am before touching down in Hobart at 11:15am.
The return service will leave Hobart at 2:15pm for a 3:30pm landing in Melbourne.
The airline hope that the expansion will act as a potential catalyst for a more competitive airline landscape, resulting in more affordable airfares for travellers and potentially lower fares.
They say economy Rex fares start at $79, with bookings for the Melbourne to Hobart route ‘selling well’.
Rex Airlines to take on major carriers with Hobart to Melbourne route
Rex Airlines is set to shake up the Tasmanian travel market, with daily flights between Melbourne and Hobart to launch in just a few months.
The service, which will begin on August 17, marks Rex’s expansion into its fourth Tasmanian destination and will see one-way fares offered for as low as $79.
The move comes in direct competition with major carriers Virgin, Qantas and Jetstar, who have traditionally dominated the route.
The new flight schedule includes a departure from Melbourne at 12.15pm, touching down in Hobart by 1.30 pm.
The return service from Hobart to Melbourne will take off at 2.15pm, landing 75-minutes later.
Rex Deputy chairman John Sharp said Hobart is one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations, which they are delighted to add to their network.
“Our long-standing commitment to Tasmania spans more than 40 years through our regional airline services. For too long, Hobart has had to endure sky-high airfares because of capacity constraints and price gouging by our competitors,” he said.
“Our new service will provide passengers with affordable fares delivered with Rex’s trademark country hospitality and reliability.”
Premier Rockliff said the service will provide even more options for travel for both Tasmanians and visitors.
“This is yet another sign of confidence in our tourism industry that has bounced back from the pandemic and is once again firing on all cylinders,” the Premier said.
“Victoria is our largest visitor market, and this gives even more options for visitors to come down to Tasmania and experience for themselves the amazing experiences we have to offer.”
“Pleasingly, the new service will kick in before the busier warmer months, which will be welcome news for local businesses who will benefit from the increase in trade, as well as Tasmanians looking to head interstate.”
Hobart Airport CEO, Norris Carter, said he was delighted to welcome Rex to Hobart for the first time ever.
“This new service gives more choice for travellers flying between Melbourne and Hobart, and provides an additional mid-afternoon schedule option arriving into Melbourne in time for dinner.”
“Rex’s growth into Hobart is one more reason for Hobart Airport’s planned investment in expanding our terminal to support the growth of Tasmania’s tourism industry. We look forward to the arrival of Rex’s first flight on 17 August,” Mr Carter said.
Hobart will be the 4th Tasmanian destination in the Rex network with Burnie, Devonport and King Island.
