Air T Acquires Regional Express to Secure Australia’s Regional Aviation

A New Chapter for Rex: U.S. Firm Air T Steps in for a Strategic Acquisition

In a significant development for the Australian aviation landscape, U.S.-based air services provider Air T, Inc. has officially entered into an agreement to acquire Regional Express (Rex), a carrier vital to Australia’s regional and remote communities. The deal, announced on October 21, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Rex, which has been operating under voluntary administration since July 2024. This acquisition is not just a corporate transaction; it represents a potential lifeline for an airline that serves as a critical link for numerous towns, many of which rely solely on Rex for air connectivity.

The move by Air T, a NASDAQ-listed holding company with a diverse portfolio in the aviation sector, is seen as a calculated and strategic investment. Rex’s financial turbulence, largely attributed to an ambitious but ill-fated expansion into Australia’s competitive domestic trunk routes, pushed it into administration. The subsequent sale process, managed by Ernst & Young, sought a buyer with both the financial stability and the operational expertise to navigate Rex back to a sustainable flight path. Air T’s selection signals a new phase focused on stabilization and leveraging synergies, particularly concerning Rex’s core fleet of Saab 340 aircraft.

The Australian Government has played a crucial role throughout this period of uncertainty, underscoring the airline’s importance to national infrastructure. By providing significant financial support and working with the administrators and the new owner, the government has actively worked to ensure that essential regional services are not disrupted. This collaboration between the public sector and a new private owner aims to secure Rex’s future, ensuring its aircraft continue to serve the communities that depend on them most.

The Path to Acquisition: Turbulence and Strategy

Rex’s journey into voluntary administration was a direct consequence of a high-stakes gamble. In March 2021, the airline decided to challenge the duopoly of Qantas and Virgin Australia on major domestic routes. This expansion saw Rex lease a fleet of ten Boeing 737-800s to connect state capitals, a significant departure from its traditional focus on regional operations. While the ambition was bold, the financial reality was harsh. The expansion was funded by significant debt, and the intense competition on these trunk routes led to substantial financial-results, ultimately rendering the company’s position untenable and leading to the appointment of administrators in June 2024.

The administration period, overseen by Ernst & Young, initiated a competitive sale process to find a suitable new owner for the embattled airline. The primary goal was to find a buyer that could not only provide the necessary capital but also a long-term strategic vision to ensure Rex’s viability. The process involved extending the administration period multiple times to facilitate a thorough evaluation of bidders and to finalize the complex details of a sale that involved significant government interest and regulatory oversight.

Air T, Inc. emerged as the preferred bidder due to its unique strategic fit. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Air T is not an airline itself but a holding company with deep roots in various aviation sectors, including overnight air cargo, aircraft leasing, and parts trading. This background provides a distinct advantage. Specifically, Air T’s access to and expertise in Saab 340 aircraft parts, the backbone of Rex’s regional fleet, positions it perfectly to address one of Rex’s key operational challenges: maintaining an aging fleet. This synergy was a critical factor in its selection, promising a focus on strengthening the core regional business that had been neglected during the costly domestic expansion.

A Tale of Two Companies: Profiling Rex and Air T

Regional Express, or Rex, holds a unique and indispensable position in Australia. It is the largest regional airline in the country, operating a fleet of 57 Saab 340-series turboprops. Its network is extensive, connecting smaller towns and remote communities, with approximately 50% of its routes not serviced by any other airline. This makes Rex more than just a commercial enterprise; it is an essential service provider, a lifeline for business, healthcare, and personal travel for a significant portion of the Australian population living outside major metropolitan areas.

On the other side of the Pacific, Air T, Inc., established in 1980, has built a robust portfolio of aviation-focused businesses. Its operations are divided into several key segments: overnight air cargo services for FedEx, commercial aircraft and engine leasing, sales of aviation ground support equipment, and digital solutions. This diversified model provides financial stability and a broad base of industry expertise. For its fiscal first quarter of 2026, Air T reported revenues of $70.9 million, demonstrating a stable operational footprint. Its long-term investment horizon and commitment to operational stability were key attributes that appealed to Rex’s administrators and the Australian government.

The Australian Government has welcomed the acquisition as “a positive step towards bringing Rex out of voluntary administration,” confirming an agreement with Air T to restructure Rex’s financing to “allow Rex to keep flying and maintain critical aviation links for regional communities.”

The Government’s Role and the Road Ahead

The Australian Government’s intervention was critical in preventing the collapse of Rex’s services. A bailout package of AUD130 million (USD84.4 million) was provided to keep the airline operational during the administration period, ensuring that essential regional routes remained open. This financial support highlighted the government’s recognition of Rex’s role in maintaining national connectivity. The government’s involvement extended beyond financial aid; it actively participated in negotiations to facilitate the acquisition by Air T, including an agreement to restructure Rex’s existing financing arrangements.

With the “Sale and Implementation Deed” now signed, the final steps involve securing the necessary regulatory and creditor approvals. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including a vote by Rex’s creditors and approval from the Federal Court of Australia. To accommodate this process, the administration period for Rex has been extended to December 5, 2025. Air T has publicly stated its commitment to the future of Rex, pledging to fund an engine renewal program and work diligently to return the entire fleet to service, ensuring the airline can operate on a sustainable and profitable basis for the long term.

For the employees of Rex, the acquisition brings a sense of cautious optimism. Air T has expressed its intention to retain the existing workforce and focus on growth. The immediate priority will be to stabilize the airline’s finances and operations, shifting the focus back to its core strength in regional aviation. The failed domestic jet venture will likely be wound down, allowing management and resources to be concentrated on reinforcing and potentially expanding the regional network that has been the company’s foundation for decades.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Regional Aviation in Australia

The acquisition of Regional Express by Air T, Inc. represents a critical turning point for the Australian airline. It pulls Rex back from the brink of financial collapse and places it under the stewardship of a company with the resources and strategic alignment to secure its future. The deal is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the administrators, the Australian Government, and a foreign investor recognizing the intrinsic value of Rex’s extensive regional network. The focus now shifts from survival to sustainability, with an emphasis on reinforcing the core services that define Rex’s essential role in the nation’s transport infrastructure.

Looking ahead, the partnerships between Rex and Air T holds the promise of a revitalized regional carrier. By leveraging Air T’s expertise in aircraft maintenance and parts, particularly for the Saab 340 fleet, Rex can improve operational reliability and efficiency. This will not only benefit the airline but also the countless communities that depend on its services. While the challenges of operating in a competitive aviation market remain, this acquisition provides Rex with a clear flight plan toward stability and a renewed focus on its mission to connect regional Australia.

FAQ

Question: Why did Regional Express (Rex) enter voluntary administration?
Answer: Rex entered voluntary administration in July 2024 due to significant financial losses. These losses were primarily caused by a costly and ambitious expansion into major domestic routes to compete with Qantas and Virgin Australia, which was funded by substantial debt.

Question: Who is Air T, Inc.?
Answer: Air T, Inc. is a U.S.-based holding company with a diverse portfolio of businesses in the aviation sector, including overnight air cargo, aircraft leasing, maintenance, and parts trading. It is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

Question: What is the Australian Government’s role in this acquisition?
Answer: The Australian Government played a crucial role by providing a bailout of AUD130 million to keep Rex’s essential regional services running during administration. It also worked with Air T to restructure Rex’s financing to ensure the airline could continue to operate.

Question: What does this acquisition mean for Rex’s future?
Answer: The acquisitions is expected to stabilize Rex’s finances and operations. Air T plans to invest in Rex’s fleet and focus on its core regional business, ensuring the continuation of services to remote and rural communities. The deal is seen as a positive step towards long-term sustainability for the airline.

Sources

• Reuters