Aussie airline Rex is ramping up its fight against major players Qantas and Virgin by adding flights between Brisbane and Sydney to complete what's known in the sector as "The Golden Triangle".
The "Golden Triangle" is routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane where the most business and tourism travel occurs due to Australia's population distribution.
Rex will operate the flights from Brisbane to Sydney from December 20, offering fares from just $69.
Midweek the airline will run three flights a day between the two cities, with twice-daily flights to take place on weekends.
The announcement comes just days after Rex announced it was adding Brisbane to its domestic, muscling in on territory traditionally held by Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin.
"Today's announcement yet again demonstrates our determination to grow our domestic network and provide consumers with safe, reliable and affordable air travel," Rex Deputy Chairman, The Hon John Sharp AM, said.
Rex says its point of difference in the domestic market – other than the regional routes it has traditionally flown – is 23 kilograms of free checked luggage and free refreshments onboard the flight.
The airline is now planning to establish a BOEING 737-800NG base in Brisbane, and has indicated it is "looking very closely" at a range of major regional and holiday destinations.
Two days ago Mr Sharp said increased competition in Australia's tightly-held airline market will only provide more options to consumers.
"Every time we've entered a new market, airfares have fallen dramatically as Qantas and Virgin Australia scramble to match our prices and I have no doubt this will be the case again," Mr Sharp said.
"Consumers are the big winners from competition and Rex will continue to champion the cause of safe, reliable and affordable air travel."
Disgusting airline passengers publicly shamed
Rex is Australia's largest independent regional and domestic airline operating a fleet of 60 Saab 340 and six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 61 destinations throughout all states in Australia.