Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka has extended support to customers and employees of Rex, as the regional carrier faces an uncertain future.
In a statement, Hrdlicka described Rex’s situation as a “difficult moment in Australian aviation,” saying it was a reminder of the challenging nature of the industry.
Impacted Rex customers will be supported with rebooking on an equivalent Virgin Australia service free of charge. Customers will need to contact Virgin Australia before 14 August 2024 to take up this offer.
Rex customers with imminent travel in the next 48 hours should contact the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89. Those travelling outside 48 hours should visit the Virgin Australia website to complete a rebooking form.
Virgin Australia is also offering support to Rex employees who may be impacted by today’s announcement. People whose employment has been affected should visit the expression of interest form on Virgin Australia’s website to apply for open positions.
“Recognising the importance for regional Australians to have access to a comprehensive domestic and international network, Virgin Australia also intends to partner with Rex’s regional business to enable seamless access to Virgin Australia’s domestic and international destinations through potential codeshare or interline arrangements in the future,” Hrdlicka said.
Talking to ABC News on Wednesday morning, Hrdlicka said delays in the arrival of new aircraft from Boeing means Virgin is looking to take three of Rex’s Boeing 737 aircraft into its fleet, which would also mean employment for staff linked to Boeing 737 operations.
“The team at Virgin Australia are thinking about everyone at Rex today, an airline with a proud and important role in Australian aviation, particularly for regional Australia,”Hrdlicka said.
