Rex celebrates its history

REX Airlines recently celebrated its 19th birthday, meaning the carrier is now old enough to legally consume an alcoholic beverage in Canada.

Although Rex has only been flying for 19 years, its history dates back almost seven decades, through Kendell Airlines, founded by Don and Eilish Kendell (pictured top right), and Hazelton Airlines founded by Max Hazelton (pictured top left).

The two carriers merged to form Regional Express (Rex) in 2002, with the first scheduled passenger service operating from Wagga Wagga to Sydney on 02 Aug of that year (TD 05 Aug 2002).

“We are proud to be providing regional Australia with safe and reliable air transportation along with our country hospitality,” Rex said in a statement.

“This ethos is also proudly carried to our domestic operations which launched in Mar 2021.

“Thank you to all our passengers that have flown with us these past 19 years for being part of the journey and we look forward to meeting new faces on board in the future.”

The airline also thanked its staff, “the cornerstone of Rex,” who have built the carrier into what it is today.

“We cannot wait to see what the next 19 years will bring.”