Turkish Airlines Explores Partnering With Australia's Rex

Turkish Airlines is exploring a new partnership with Australian domestic carrier Rex after the Istanbul-based carrier received approvals to rapidly ramp up its flying into Australia. “We have already commercial cooperation with Australian airlines that allow our passengers to reach Australia,” Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat told Aviation Week Dec. 19. “Our team responsible is already negotiating with another partner in Australia—Rex is a respected airline and, as we see it, is expanding firmly in the domestic Australia market,” Bolat said. “The steady increase in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth operations of Rex attracted our attention.” Rex operates a fleet of nine Boeing 737-800s and 58 Saab 340s to 56 destinations across Australia. Bolat did not disclose exactly when Turkish Airlines would launch services to Australia. The chairman previously told Aviation Week that his carrier would start with an Istanbul-Singapore-Melbourne route operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft that makes use of its fifth freedom traffic rights. A source close to Rex confirmed talks with Turkish Airlines had taken place. The source expects Turkish Airlines to begin Australian services in March 2024.<br/>