The first of 25 Saab 340B Plus aircraft to join the Rex fleet arrived in Australia today.
The aircraft, which is part of a major deal between Regional Express (Rex) and Saab Aircraft Leasing, arrived at Rex’s heavy maintenance base at Wagga Wagga Airport just after midday following its trans Pacific flight from Nashville, Tennessee in the United States.
Rex entered into the lease agreement late last year to take the 25 latest generation Saab aircraft over the next three years. The aircraft will be used to replace some of the older Rex aircraft in a fleet rejuvenation program and provide Rex with the opportunity to further expand services to regional Australia. Rex currently operates a fleet of 31 Saab 340 aircraft.
“Rex is particularly pleased to have been able to acquire these aircraft for our fleet. They are the latest version of the Saab with upgraded modern seating and interiors, an active noise cancellation system within the cabin and extended wing tips which provide improved performance during hot weather,” Rex Managing Director Geoff Breust said.
“Fitted with 34 seats, the Saab 340 B Plus aircraft will provide Rex with aircraft of more than 20 years life giving certainty for our future fleet requirements.”
The aircraft will now be inspected by Rex engineers in Wagga Wagga for its Australian registration and Certificate of Airworthiness. This will take some four to five weeks to complete before the aircraft enters service on the Rex network.
“Rex believes the Saab 340 is the ideal aircraft for regional services in Australia. Its performance, passenger comfort and operating economics make it the best performing aircraft in its class and provides Rex with the ability to provide high frequency flights, an effective schedule and affordable fares,” Mr Breust said.
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of 31 Saab 340 aircraft on some 1,200 flights weekly to 33 destinations from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
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