Rex to shed 73 more jobs from domestic division

“No decisions have been made about which employees will be retrenched as a result of the redundancy of any position,” the email read.

“No final decision will be confirmed in relation to the proposed structure until we complete this consultation process.”

Customer service staff, flight and pilot trainees, and aircraft support officers are all among the positions expected to go, bringing the total job losses so far to 667.

In a statement, the administrators confirmed that they are consulting with employees following the cancellation of Rex’s 737-800 services and the “difficult but necessary decision to immediately make the roles created to operate this network redundant”.

“Today, the administrators commenced consultation with an additional 261 employees in areas of the business that have a higher headcount that what is required for the operation of a regionally focused airline,” they said.

“Subject to the outcome of these consultations, approximately 73, under one third of those participating consultations may be impacted.

“No changes have been made to the operations of the regional network, and the Rex Group has retained all employees who operate these regional services.”

EY last month signalled that around 610 jobs might be cut from the airline, which went into administration on 30 July. TWU national secretary Michael Kaine at the time called it a “dark day for aviation” and said the union was working to find other positions for affected staff.

“We are working to secure job opportunities at other airlines and aviation companies for ground crew, cabin crew and pilots, and have had positive conversations with Virgin Australia and ground handler Dnata,” he said.

“Administrators have acted swiftly to provide clarity to workers, though it is not the news workers hoped for. The focus now must be on maximising jobs, protecting regional routes, securing redeployment opportunities to other aviation businesses and ensuring entitlements are paid as soon as possible.”