Regional Express (Rex), the largest independent regional airline in Australia, have concluded the purchase of five Saab 340B aircraft from Saab Aircraft Leasing.

Commenting on the deal, Rex Chief Operating Officer Chris Hine said, “Rex have had these five aircraft on a very long lease from Saab Aircraft Leasing and now that the lease period have come to completion we took the opportunity to purchase these aircraft. The Saab 340s are very economical and are true workhorses, so these five aircraft will continue to provide sterling service on the Rex regional network.”

Saab Aircraft Leasing Senior Vice President Asia-Pacific Morgan Falkengren states, “We are very proud to be a partner to Rex, one of the most successful regional airlines in the world. The consistent profitability of Rex demonstrates that the Saab 340 is very well suited for today’s demanding regional airline operations.”

Rex Executive Chairman, Lim Kim Hai, said that he was very satisfied with the performance of the Saab 340, which he described as the ideal turboprop aircraft to deliver quality air services to regional Australia.

“Its low operating cost and fuel efficient engines have enabled Rex to become one of the world’s most profitable regional airlines,” Mr. Lim said.

Source and photo: SAAB