Rex may become state-owned carrier after buyer fails to emerge

Elias Visontay Transport and urban affairs reporter

Feb. 11, 2025, 2 p.m.

Albanese government facing prospect of stepping in to buy and operate regional airline

Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The Albanese government is preparing for the possibility it may have to acquire the embattled regional airline Rex and operate it as a state-owned carrier, as efforts to find a new buyer to rescue the airline remain fruitless.

Administrators were appointed to determine Rex’s future in July, when the airline abruptly ended its Boeing 737 jet operations between metropolitan cities.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email