Regional Express

After Ansett collapsed, a group of businessmen saw an opportunity to revive the regional aviation part of the business. They believed there were sound business reasons for this initiative as:

	both Hazelton and Kendell, before they were part of Ansett, were profitable entities and enjoyed excellent reputation and support;
	both airlines were still in operation under their own brands even during administration; the route networks of both operators were complementary;
	they operated the same aircraft types; and
	significant economies of scale could be obtained by streamlining the operations (flight and engineering), administration and management of the two companies.

A consortium of investors eventually reached an agreement with the administrators, the government, the unions and the staff to purchase the Hazelton and Kendell turbo-prop passenger airline businesses, leading to the formation of Regional Express, more affectionately known as Rex.

Rex’s inaugural flight took place in August 2002, from Wagga Wagga to Sydney.

In the decades since , Rex has continued operating vital air corridors between regional and metropolitan centres.

In December 2025, Rex became part of Air T, Inc., a US-based aviation group, marking an important milestone in the airline’s history. Air T has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and strengthening regional aviation in Australia, with a focus on long-term sustainability, operational resilience, and continued service to the communities Rex proudly connects.