Neville Howell Chief Executive Officer
Neville Howell has over 38 years of aviation experience and has been with the Company since its inception in August 2002. He operated the Saab 340 as a First Officer and Captain for over 18 years for both Hazelton Airlines and Regional Express. Prior to his role as General Manager Flight Operations (GMFO) and Chief Pilot, Mr Howell was Manager Training & Checking and Deputy Chief Pilot. He is an extensively qualified and experienced simulator and aircraft instructor and has held positions as both Training and Check Captain. Mr Howell was the Chief Flying Instructor and Chief Pilot for the first integrated pilot training academy in Australia and has provided cadet pilot training for both domestic and international carriers. He is a qualified lecturer in several aviation subjects and has a Diploma of Aviation. He has held many Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegations since 1984. As GMFO Mr Howell was responsible for all facets of the Company's flight operations and all operational matters affecting the safety of flight operations. Mr Howell became Chief Operating Officer in July 2014. As Chief Operating Officer he is responsible for Regional Express operations including flight operations, continuing airworthiness, maintenance control, airport operations and the human factors group. Mr Howell is the Accountable Manager for the Regional Express Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Warrick Lodge General Manager, Network Strategy
Mr Lodge manages the team responsible for scheduling, pricing, revenue management and commercial analysis. His duties include the monitoring of network performance and analysis of both existing and new market opportunities. Mr Lodge has 30 years of airline experience in the specialised areas of scheduling, pricing and revenue management and held the position of Manager Network Planning with Kendell Airlines, having joined that company in 1992. Mr Lodge has been with Rex since its inception in 2002 and is also a member of the Rex Management Committee.
Irwin Tan General Manager, Corporate Services
Irwin Tan's background was originally in genetic research after graduating with first-class honours in biotechnology from the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Mr Tan left the field of genetic research when he joined Morrison Express Logistics in 1999 and then Singapore Airlines in 2001. He was later transferred to Singapore Airlines Cargo as an executive where he took on various appointments in product development, advertising, sales and airline alliances before taking on the role of Regional Marketing Manager for the South-West Pacific region in 2003. Mr Tan joined Rex in July 2005 and was appointed the Company Secretary on 7 September 2005. Mr Tan is also a member of the Rex Management Committee.
Richard Kwan Deputy General Manager, Corporate Services
Mr Richard Kwan started his career with Rex after graduating with a Bachelor of Aviation (Hons) from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2010. He has held various roles within the Corporate Services and Network Strategy departments. Specifically, Mr Kwan focuses on analysis, project and contract management within the Rex Group of companies, including the Queensland and Western Australia regulated routes and Pel-Air contracts. He has subsequently obtained a Master of Commerce from UNSW. Mr Kwan was appointed Company Secretary on 26 September 2016. HE is a member of the Rex Management Committee.
Mayooran Thanabalasingham General Manager, Information Technology & Communications
Mr Thanabalasingam leads a team of Information Technology (IT) professionals responsible for ensuring day-to-day operations of the airline. With over 20 years of experience and an extensive background in information technology, he has managed a range of IT projects and initiatives for Rex including the Internet Booking Engine, the Amend Booking Engine, Web Check-in and numerous Mobile/iPad applications. Mr Thanabalasingam has a Masters of Business Administration (Computing) from Charles Sturt University. He also has a Graduate Certificate in Management (Information Technology) as well as an Associate Diploma of Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering. He commenced with Rex in April 2004. Mr Thanabalasingam is a member of the Rex Management Committee and a Director of the Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA).
Dale Hall Group Engineering Advisor, Chairman’s Office
Mr Hall has been involved in aviation engineering for more than 40 years and has many years of experience in various senior management and regulatory positions. He is a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and qualified aviation auditor. Mr Hall returned to Rex as the Engineering Advisor to the Chairman’s Office in 2021, prior to his return he had previously held a number of roles in Rex Group Engineering over a 15 year period including Continuing Airworthiness Manager, Part 145 Accountable Manager and as the General Manager of Engineering. Mr Hall has also held senior regulatory/management positions in Jetstar and Sikorsky - Lockheed Martin Australia. He is responsible for Rex Group engineering including the subsidiary companies, is a member of the Rex Engineering Management Committee and a member of the Rex Management Committee.
Mark Burgess General Manager Engineering – 145 Accountable Manager
Mr Burgess is a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with over 30 years’ experience and has been with the Company since its inception in 2002. Mr Burgess’ career began as an apprentice in the British Armed Forces where he maintained helicopters for 12 years and left as a Senior Rank. He continued his career in the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen, Scotland with CHC Scotia which also included Line support for British Midland Regional aircraft. He migrated to Australia in 2001 to work for Kendell Airlines in Wagga Wagga and became Production Leader coordinating maintenance and manpower on heavy checks for Saab 340 aircraft. In 2008 Mr Burgess moved to Adelaide as the Line Maintenance Supervisor and oversaw the expansion of Rex maintenance activities from line to heavy maintenance. He is a member of the Rex Engineering Management Committee.
David Brooksby National Airports Manager
David Brooksby commenced the role of National Airports Manager for Rex in 2010. Mr Brooksby has held previous senior roles in a management and operational capacity at each of Rex's major airports including Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne since joining the company in April 2006. Prior to commencing employment with Rex, Mr Brooksby worked as a contracted outport agent with his family's business at Mount Gambier airport where his father is the Company's longest-standing contracted ground handling agent, having been contracted by Rex/Kendell since 1982 to provide ground handling services. Mr Brooksby graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Management in 2003. Mr Brooksby is also a member of the Rex Management Committee.
Paul Fisher General Manager, Flight Operations and Chief Pilot
Mr Fisher has over 30 years of aviation experience and has been with the Company since its inception in August 2002. He has operated the Saab 340 aircraft as a First Officer and Captain for over 20 years with both Hazelton Airlines and Regional Express. Prior to his role as General Manager Flight Operations (GMFO) and Chief Pilot, Mr Fisher served in various roles within the Training and Checking department including the Adelaide Flight Operations Manager, Flight Standards Manager and the Training & Checking Manager / Deputy Chief Pilot. He holds several Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegations. As GMFO he is responsible for all facets of the Company’s flight operations and all operational matters affecting the safety of flight operations.
Anthony Gibara General Manager, Human Factors
Anthony Gibara leads a team of aviation professionals who are responsible for Group Safety, Compliance, Security and Quality Assurance across the Rex Group. He has for been with the company for nine years, holds a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and has held previous roles in Network Operations Management. Anthony represents the Rex Group at a number of industry forums, working alongside the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia. He is also a qualified lead auditor and has completed a Postgraduate Degree in Aviation Management with UNSW.