Rex heads west with two new Perth routes

While Rex is no stranger to flying within Western Australia, the airline will soon be gearing up to launch two new interstate routes to Perth. From 28 June, the airline will fly a Boeing 737 between Melbourne and Perth. Its charter operator offshoot, National Jet Express (NJE), will put on an Embraer E-190 between Adelaide and Perth.

Rex will initially operate flights five times a week on the Melbourne-Perth route. The timings allow its Boeing 737s to be efficiently used at night after a day of darting around the East Coast. Meanwhile, NJE’s Adelaide-Perth flights will take wing three times a week.

Rex’s General Manager of Network Strategy, Warrick Lodge, says the Melbourne-Perth service will add over 90,000 seats [a year] to the busy corridor.

When more airlines compete on a particular route, consumers benefit and our record in the domestic markets speaks for itself – Rex delivers terrific value for money. Rex consistently outshines its domestic rivals in on-time performance and cancellation rates, and when travellers are booking a route of this distance and duration, reliability is paramount.

– Warrick Lodge, Rex General Manager Network Strategy, 24 May 2024

Perth-Melbourne fares start from $299

ZL873 leaves Melbourne at 8:15 pm to arrive in Perth at 10:40 pm. It’s a reasonable time for those wanting to maximise their day in the city. The return flight, ZL874, is a typical overnight hop. It departs Perth just before midnight and lands back in Melbourne at the bleary-eyed time of 5:30 am.

Economy fares start at $299 and include refreshments and a 23kg checked baggage allowance. Those wanting a bit more space and comfort can opt for Business Class, with lead-in fares from $999.

Adelaide-Perth from $249 one-way

Operated by NJE, ZL1212 leaves Perth at 11:55 am and reaches Adelaide at 4:15 pm, taking 2 hours and 50 minutes. After a short turnaround, ZL1217 pushes back in Adelaide at 5:00 pm and arrives back in Perth at 7:00 pm.

There’s no Business Class on the E190s, so Economy starts from $249 each way, including a 23kg checked bag.

Earning and using Rex Flyer points

Rex Flyer members will earn at least three points per dollar on Promo fares, rising up to seven points per dollar for Business Class fares. If you’re chasing a Status Tier (launching soon), you’ll also pick up 1 Status Point per dollar spent on Rex fares.

One of Rex Flyer’s points of difference is ‘Last Minute Flight Rewards,’ which is also launching imminently. Under this program, Rex will make most unsold seats available at the ‘Ultimate’ points level, starting 48 hours before departure. Here are the points needed to redeem for the Melbourne-Perth route.

For the Perth-Adelaide route, here’s what you’ll need.

It’s worth noting that both Rex’s Economy and Business Ultimate rewards do cost more than the Qantas and Virgin Australia rewards for the same route due to the ‘semi-dynamic’ way the points totals are calculated.

Want to upgrade from a cash fare instead? Here’s what you’ll need between Melbourne and Perth.

• From Economy Flex: 12,400 pts
• From Economy Saver: 24,900 pts
• From Economy Promo: 37,400 pts