Virgin Blue and Rex kick off alliance

Virgin Blue and Australia's regional carrier Rex have 'switched on' their alliance, bringing greater convenience and choice for travellers heading to and from 25 regional destinations.

From today passengers can get a great deal on connecting flights on both airlines through one call to Rex and check their luggage through to their final destination when travelling on both Virgin Blue and Rex services.

Travellers can remain in the same terminal at Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to transfer between Virgin Blue and Rex flights without having to handle their luggage in between. This will be a significant advantage for passengers making connections in Sydney.

Virgin Blue Head of Communications and Strategy, David Huttner said, "It will simply mean a smoother, more efficient travelling experience for the Guests who fly with Rex and then want convenient connections to some of Virgin Blue's great holiday and business destinations."

He continued, "There are some country airports that don't have the capacity for a 737 aircraft so Virgin Blue is happy to be teaming up with Rex to allow travellers affordable access to and from regional centres."

 Rex Executive General Manager Commercial Hans Van Pelt said the alliance was a major step forward for services to its regional destinations around Australia.

"Convenient and affordable air links are fundamental to regional centres and by working together Virgin Blue and Rex are enhancing the services available to regional customers," Mr Van Pelt said.

"The announcement of the alliance last month was met by a positive reaction from Rex's communities, with its call centre experiencing a steady flow of customers wanting to book connecting Virgin Blue and Rex flights.

"A large number of Rex passengers transfer to flights around Australia every day, so these passengers will now enjoy a better travel experience by being able to through check their baggage for connecting Virgin Blue flights.

"Travellers also have the opportunity to reduce the cost of their travel between Rex's regional destinations and cities served by Virgin Blue by taking advantage of the excellent value fares of both airlines.

"We will be continuing to work together to bring further benefits of the relationship to passengers of both airlines," Mr Van Pelt said.