‘Rex and Etihad have entered into an interline agreement’
Regional Express (Rex), Australia’s prominent regional carrier, has recently finalized an interline agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. This partnership allows Rex passengers originating from various domestic Australian towns and cities served by the airline to seamlessly connect to Etihad’s extensive international network of 72 destinations through its hubs in Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) airports.
Under this reciprocal agreement, passengers arriving in Sydney or Melbourne on Etihad’s direct services from Abu Dhabi will have the convenience of transferring to Rex’s domestic network comprising 56 destinations. This eliminates the need for passengers to collect their luggage in Sydney or Melbourne or go through the check-in process again for their connecting flight with the other carrier.
Warrick Lodge, Rex’s General Manager of Network Strategy, expressed, “Partnering with a world-class airline like Etihad brings a new era of choice and connection for Rex passengers.” He highlighted that passengers can now fly to Sydney or Melbourne on Rex and seamlessly switch to Etihad for connections to 72 global destinations.
Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, emphasized, “Etihad’s extensive international network covers Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the USA.” Travelers can book their entire journey, including connecting flights with both Etihad and Rex, under one booking and enjoy the convenience of through-check baggage where permitted.
The interline agreement significantly expands connectivity options for Etihad guests, granting easy access from Sydney and Melbourne gateways to pivotal destinations within Rex’s network like Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Likewise, Rex customers can seamlessly integrate into Etihad’s expanding global network.
Rex’s flights have already been integrated into Etihad’s reservations system since March 12, 2024. Etihad’s operations include seven weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and both Melbourne and Sydney, featuring a combination of Boeing 777-300ERs and 787-9 Dreamliners on these routes.
As Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline, Rex holds the title of the country’s most reliable airline, boasting the highest rate of on-time departures and the lowest cancellation rate among domestic carriers as per the latest Australian government data. The agreement with Etihad marks Rex’s second interline agreement, following its existing partnership with Delta Air Lines.
Currently operating a fleet of nine Boeing 737-800s alongside 57 Saab 340 turboprops to serve 56 destinations nationwide, Rex Airlines is a subsidiary of Rex Group, which owns a 50% stake in National Jet Express. National Jet Express specializes in Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO), charter, and air freight operations.