Rex jumps on board with Delta as post-pandemic travel takes off

REX is dipping its toe into the international aviation market, signing a historic partnership with the world’s secondbiggest airline, Delta.

The commercial agreement, due to take effect in the second half of the year, will help deliver international passengers to Rex on domestic and regional flights in Australia.

Currently Delta Air Lines operates daily into Sydney from Los Angeles, with plans to go to 10 flights a week from December.

Other Australian ports could also be added in coming months by Delta, which operates over 4000 flights a day to more than 250 destinations on six continents.

Delta previously partnered with Virgin Australia but was dumped by the carrier in December 2021 in favour of United Airlines. At the time a Delta spokesman said they were “disappointed with Virgin’s decision to partner with a competitor” after a 10-year association.

The “divorce” becomes official in June.

Rex deputy chairman John Sharp described the deal with Delta as a “milestone moment for Rex and our passengers”.

“Rex is delighted to forge a partnership with America’s most awarded airline,” said Mr Sharp. “Our tie-up with Delta will help boost the post-Covid return of long-haul international travel.”

He said the arrangement would give Delta’s passengers easy access to Rex’s network of over 60 routes throughout regional Australia as well as trunk domestic routes.

Delta vice-president of alliance partner development Jeff Arinder said Rex would be a “valued partner and bring additional connectivity and geographic reach to both airlines”.

The deal is subject to Australian Competition & Consumer Commission approval.