Rex Airlines aircraft.
The administrators of the troubled regional airline Rex has found an overseas buyer.
US holding company Air T, which owns air freight and aircraft spare parts companies and leases planes to other airlines, is interested in buying.
Rex administrators Ernst and Young signed a Sale and Implementation Deed to purchase the airline on Monday.
Federal Transport minister Catherine King said Government welcomed these announcements, which marked a positive step towards bringing Rex out of voluntary administration.
“The Australian Government has also entered into an agreement with Air T in relation to restructuring Rex’s financing arrangements in connection with the acquisition,” she said.
“This will allow Rex to keep flying and maintain critical aviation links for regional communities.”
Member for Roe Peter Rundle said it was crucial that the WA Government worked closely with the new owners to ensure regional air services were both reliable and affordable.
“This sale cannot simply be a change of ownership on paper — it must deliver meaningful improvements for passengers,” he said.
“The Government must play its part by ensuring future service agreements deliver on their promises and that regional communities are no longer left stranded by poor performance.”
Rex owes millions of dollars to regional airport owners such as Esperance Shire and the City of Albany.
Esperance Shire president Ron Chambers has been contacted for comment.
