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Just days before launching its first domestic flights from Melbourne and Adelaide to Perth, Rex Airlines has surged ahead of Qantas and Virgin to become Australia’s most reliable major airline, according to the latest data. The Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) revealed today that Rex achieved a near-perfect cancellation rate and outperformed its competitors in on-time performance.

In May, more than 99% of Rex’s scheduled domestic flights were completed, with only 0.6% of its Boeing 737 services being canceled. This impressive performance was mirrored in its on-time departure rate, with 85.5% of Rex flights departing as scheduled, compared to Virgin’s 79.2% and Qantas’s 81.1%.

Rex also led in on-time arrivals, with nearly 83% of its flights arriving punctually, surpassing Virgin’s 77.9% and Qantas’s 79.5%. Rex Chairman, the Hon John Sharp AM, praised these results as excellent news ahead of their inaugural Perth flights on Friday, attributing the success to the hard work and outstanding service of Rex staff.

“We are excited to be bringing our jets to Perth and cannot wait for passengers on our new services
to WA to experience the country style hospitality Rex is famous for,” Mr Sharp said.

“Our staff and crew always go above and beyond for our passengers and that dedication and
diligence is reflected in these latest figures, when you compare us against the major carriers.

“Every time Rex enters a new domestic market there has been downward pressure on airfares, so
our message to Australians is, if you want competition, all you have to do is support it.”

The Australian Airports Association announced to the media last week that Rex’s $99 sale fare to Perth is the cheapest in nearly 15 years, and its standard fares are the lowest in a decade.

On-time Arrivals Comparison:

On-time Departures Comparison: