Learn the inside story behind the Rex Airlines collapse, its bold rivalry with Qantas and Virgin, and why a third airline can’t survive in Australia.
Four Corners is tonight set to explore the rise and fall of Rex Airlines in an episode airing on Monday 30 September.
The episode, titled Flight Club, is reported by journalist Emily Baker and delves into the rapid decline of the regional airline after nearly 20 years of operation.
Rex, once a steady player in regional aviation, faced a series of significant challenges this year. In June, the airline’s board collapsed, setting off a chain of events that would soon spiral out of control. Just a month later, Rex entered voluntary administration, leading to the collapse of its intercity services and the loss of hundreds of jobs.
Industry insiders have pointed to Rex’s decision to compete directly with Qantas and Virgin Australia in the fiercely competitive domestic market as a critical factor in its downfall. The episode seeks to uncover the reasons behind Rex’s ambitious expansion and why the Australian aviation sector continues to struggle to maintain a viable third airline.
