In a bid to enhance travel options for passengers, Rex Airlines (ASX: REX) has confirmed a major partnership with Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines based in the United Arab Emirates. This collaboration between Rex and Etihad is set to give passengers in both Australia and abroad more flexibility with their travel in and out of Australia while increasing competition against rival airline networks. 

The partnership will enable passengers travelling on Rex’s domestic routes to seamlessly connect with Etihad’s extensive global network. Warrick Lodge, Rex’s General Manager of Network Strategy, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the vast array of options it brings to Rex passengers.

“Partnering with a world-class airline like Etihad brings a new era of choice and connection for Rex passengers,” said Lodge. “Passengers will be able to fly to either Sydney or Melbourne on Rex and thereafter connect on Etihad to a further 72 destinations across the globe.”

Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the expanded connectivity options for Etihad guests. 

“This exciting new partnership significantly expands connectivity options for Etihad guests,” said De. 

“It provides them with effortless access from our gateways in Sydney and Melbourne to pivotal destinations within the Rex network, including Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.”

One of the key benefits of this partnership is the seamless booking process it offers. Passengers can book their entire journey, including both Etihad and Rex connecting flights, under a single booking. Additionally, passengers can enjoy the convenience of through-check baggage where permitted, streamlining the travel experience.

Rex flights are now available for purchase on Etihad’s website, through trusted travel agents, and online travel agencies, marking a significant step in enhancing accessibility for passengers.

Rex Airlines, known for its reliability, boasts the highest rate of on-time departures and the lowest cancellation rate among domestic carriers in Australia, according to the latest government data. This reliability, coupled with Etihad’s global reach, ensures passengers can embark on their journeys with confidence and ease.

This partnership marks the second interline agreement for Rex, following an existing arrangement with Delta Air Lines. 

For the Half Year ended 31 December 2023, Rex reported revenue of $353 million which represented a 6.3% increase on the previous corresponding period. While a $3.2 million statutory net loss after tax was recorded for the Half Year, it was a major improvement on the previous year’s $16.5 million loss as Rex has emerged from the pandemic under new leadership in excellent condition. 

Much of this improvement has come from Rex shedding it’s tag of being just a regional operator, electing to offer more flights between major cities where the smaller scale of their operations, focusing solely on domestic operations, has been winning over Australian travellers though reliability and affordability.