Regional Express (Rex) is ceasing its flights between Sydney and Canberra, a route launched in April last year, citing higher competition and increased costs.

John Sharp, Rex deputy chairman, says in a statement the entrance of an additional operator and high charges imposed by Sydney Airport from 1 June makes the route no longer viable. Resources will be diverted to other routes which provide a better return, he adds.

Smart Aviation Asia Pacific previously reported that Link Airways would be wet leasing Saab 340s for the Canberra-Sydney route to Virgin Australia starting in April this year.

Link Airways and Rex operate Saab 340s on this route, while QantasLink operates De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Dash 8-400s and Boeing 717s on the route.

With the cessation of service, Rex will fly its last Sydney-Canberra flight on 29 May. This is the same date as its last Albury-Melbourne flight as Smart Aviation Asia Pacific has previously reported.

Sharp explains that Rex launched the Sydney-Canberra services in April last year as part of the airline’s network expansion. This has brought much needed competition to the Sydney-Canberra route and airfares have never been cheaper, he says.

 

Picture Source: Rex

Related Stories:

Australia’s Rex Attributes Closure Of Route Due To Qantas (20 May 2022)

Australia’s Regional Express Reportedly Eyeing Cobham Aviation Services (6 May 2022)

Australia’s Link Airways Set To Launch New Route (4 April 2022)

Qantas Airways Expands Domestic Network (31 March 2022)

Australia’s Rex Gets Six Out Of Seven Queensland Regulated Routes (23 November 2021)

Australia’s Rex Appoints Legal Team To Pursue Actions For Qantas Anti Competition Behaviour (5 August 2021)