After much anticipation, Regional Express more commonly known as Rex has finally launched domestic services using its Boeing 737 aircraft. During the inaugural ceremony, Rex Director John Sharp and Melbourne Airport CE, Lyell Strambi spoke to the press about the huge efforts put in by staff to make the new operation a reality and the plans for the future including the ambitious goal of expanding the jet services to serve all major cities in Australia, which will also link up with Rex’s existing regional network. During the speeches, passengers on the inaugural flight were treated to scones with jam and cream, as well as freshly made coffee from a pop-up cafe at the gate.
After the conclusion of the speeches, the Rex executives proceeded with the more aesthetic parts of the media event including the cutting of the immaculately designed celebratory cake. The two-tiered cake depicted a Rex 737 aircraft flying between Melbourne and Sydney. This was swiftly followed by the cutting of the ribbon across the archway leading to the boarding gate for flight ZL18; the inaugural Rex 737 flight from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Sydney Airport (SYD), in New South Wales.
About two minutes later, boarding was called for business class passengers first, with economy passengers being called shortly after. As passengers boarded the Boeing 737, they passed through a specially made archway and down the long, winding airbridge to the aircraft, before being greeted by the friendly cabin manager waiting at the door.
The cabin onboard the Rex’s Boeing 737 registered VH-RQC was more or less the same as that of its previous owner Virgin Australia, except for some minor exceptions such as the changing of the seat trim among other things. Despite the aircraft’s age, the cabin was in excellent condition, in terms of both cleanliness and overall feel. Rex executives travelling onboard flight ZL18 were keen to reassure travellers that the airline will soon make more dramatic changes to the aircraft’s cabin with its third and fourth 737s registered VH-PAG and VH-REX. According to the airline executives these aircraft have been delivered already with a more updated cabin.
In order to celebrate, the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters (ARFF) at Melbourne Airport performed a special water cannon salute as the Boeing 737 taxied to the runway for its maiden flight. After a smooth takeoff and gradual climb, the seatbelt sign was then switched off, with the cabin crew then commencing the airline’s inflight service. Throughout the cruise period of the flight, several speeches were made by Rex Executives like John Sharp, congratulating his team on helping establish this new operation. Passengers on the flight also heard from Kay Hull, an official Rex ambassador and former Federal Australian Member of Parliament. The airline also provided passengers with complimentary Byron Bay Cookies and cupcakes which were decorated with Rex branding.
Throughout the flight, various prize draws took place to mark the special occasion with some prize packs featuring free flights and accommodation to Rex destinations around Australia. A model of a Rex Boeing 737 was also given to the youngest passenger onboard the inaugural flight to Sydney.
Unfortunately, before long it was time to land in Sydney and at 8.25 am on March 1st, 2021, the first Rex Boeing 737 commercial flight was complete after a spectacularly smooth touchdown. However, the formalities were not over just yet. Around about halfway down the runway and just before Sydney’s Terminal 2, where the flight would be parking, the Sydney Airport Aviation Rescue Firefighter’s (ARFF) provided the aircraft with a second water cannon salute. While this was occurring, news helicopters circled the aircraft and capturing some incredible footage which would be later broadcasted acorss the Australian news channels.
Once the flight arrived at Sydney Airport’s Terminal 2, passengers and crew from the flight were once again greeted by a strong media presence with many passengers being interviewed about their excellent experience onboard Rex’s first 737 revenue flight. At the boarding gate in Sydney, Rex had similar formalities set up to what was in Melbourne ready for passengers to board the first Rex flight from Sydney to Melbourne and only the second ever commercial jet service flown by Rex, which had the flight number ZL33.
In conclusion, Rex provided an excellent service onboard its first Boeing 737 domestic flight between Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney (SYD) and offered it at a very competitive price. The crew were very friendly and excited as were many of the passengers to be onboard the carrier’s inaugural flight. Rex’s future success in domestic jet operations will very much depend on its ability to keep up with competitive fares and overall service. If Rex is to be successful it will have to ensure that its country hospitality that they are best known for, does not dissipate as the airline’s operations grow larger.
Finally, AeroNewsX would like to wish Regional Express and all the employees at Rex the best of luck with its new domestic operations using the Boeing 737. AeroNewsX would also like to thank Melbourne International Airport for the opportunity to attend the event and the staff of Regional Express for providing such a very well organised launch.
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Source: https://aeronewsx.com/flying-with-rex-on-its-inaugural-domestic-boeing-737-service/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=flying-with-rex-on-its-inaugural-domestic-boeing-737-service
