Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Seeing “ZL” on a ticket, airport screen, or booking confirmation can be confusing because the airline does not normally market itself as “ZL Airlines.” ZL is the flight designation used by Rex Airlines, also known as Regional Express, an Australian passenger airline focused on connecting regional communities with larger cities.
Quick Answer
ZL is the airline code used for Rex Airlines, also known as Regional Express, an Australian regional passenger carrier. It is not a Chinese cargo airline. Rex began flying in 2002, mainly uses Saab 340 turboprops, and currently serves regional destinations within Australia. Its former Boeing 737 capital-city services remain cancelled.
Key Takeaways
- ZL is the flight designation for Rex Airlines in Australia, not a separate airline brand.
- Rex was formed in 2002 from the regional passenger operations of Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines.
- Current scheduled services focus on regional routes within Australia and use Saab 340 turboprop aircraft.
- Regional passengers receive a 7 kg carry-on allowance, while the standard checked allowance is 15 kg or 23 kg depending on the fare.
- Rex Flyer members can continue earning points, but flight-reward redemptions are currently on hold.
What Airline Uses the ZL Code?
The flight designation ZL belongs to Rex Airlines, formally associated with Regional Express. Rex’s Conditions of Carriage state that flights sold under the ZL designation are Rex services operated by Regional Express Pty Ltd.
“ZL Airlines” is therefore best understood as a search term or informal description. The name passengers normally see in advertising, at airports, and on the airline’s website is Rex or Rex Airlines.
Note: ZL is not a Chinese cargo airline based in Guangzhou. That description conflicts with Rex’s official records and should not be used when identifying a ZL passenger flight.
History of Rex Airlines
Rex did not begin in the late 1990s. According to the airline’s official history, the Rex Group was formed in 2002 by combining the regional passenger businesses of Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines after the collapse of the Ansett Group.
Rex’s first flight took place in August 2002 between Wagga Wagga and Sydney. The airline then developed a large network linking regional towns with state capitals and other important Australian centres.
Rex later expanded into Boeing 737 services between major capital cities. That expansion ended when the company entered voluntary administration in July 2024, and its capital-city Boeing 737 flights were cancelled. Regional Saab 340 services continued operating.
On December 17, 2025, United States aviation company Air T completed its acquisition of Regional Express Holdings. The transaction included Rex’s regional airline operation and related businesses. The acquisition marked a new ownership phase, but it did not restore the former Boeing 737 capital-city network.
Current Operations and Destinations
Rex currently operates as an Australian regional passenger airline. Its website advertises flights to about 51 destinations, although routes and frequencies can change because of seasonal demand, government-supported service agreements, aircraft availability, and local operating conditions.
The network connects major gateways such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth with regional centres in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia. Examples found across the network include Albury, Broken Hill, Burnie, Ceduna, Coober Pedy, Griffith, King Island, Mildura, Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Roma, and Wagga Wagga.
Rex does not currently operate the supposed ZL routes to New York, London, Tokyo, Santorini, or New Zealand described in the earlier article. Travelers should use the airline’s live Where We Fly page to confirm whether a particular regional route is operating on their travel date.
Illustrative stock image. Rex’s regional Saab 340 cabin does not use this wide-body seatback-screen layout.
Rex Fleet: Saab 340 Aircraft, Not Boeing 787s
Rex’s current regional operation is built around the twin-engine Saab 340 turboprop. The airline’s fleet page lists 56 Saab 340 aircraft, although the listed fleet total should not be confused with the number available for service on a particular day.
| Saab 340 detail | Rex specification |
|---|---|
| Typical capacity | 30 to 36 passengers |
| Cruising speed | About 520 km/h |
| Cruising altitude | About 7,600 metres |
| Cabin | Pressurised, air-conditioned, with a lavatory and galley |
| Primary role | Short regional routes with relatively low passenger demand |
The Saab 340 is much smaller than a Boeing 787, Airbus A320, or Boeing 737. Its compact size allows Rex to serve communities that may not generate enough passengers for a larger jet.
The cabin generally has a narrow aisle with one seat on one side and two seats on the other. Travelers should expect smaller storage areas, more engine noise than on a large jet, and boarding by stairs or directly from the airport apron at many regional airports.
What the In-Flight Experience Is Really Like
A Rex regional flight provides a simpler experience than a long-haul international service. The focus is on transporting passengers efficiently between regional communities rather than providing a luxury wide-body cabin.
| Aspect | What to expect on a regional Rex flight |
|---|---|
| Seating | Compact economy seating in a 30-to-36-seat turboprop cabin |
| Entertainment | No personal seatback-screen service is advertised for the Saab 340 regional network |
| Internet | Do not expect passenger Wi-Fi on the current Saab 340 service |
| Included refreshments | Water, tea or coffee, plus a sweet or savoury snack; hot drinks may not be available on very short sectors |
| Additional drinks | Selected soft drinks and alcoholic beverages may be sold, subject to route and time restrictions |
| Cabin facilities | Air conditioning, pressurisation, a lavatory, and cabin-crew service |
On many regional services, onboard purchases are cash only. Rex states that electronic payment may be available on services in Western Australia and South Australia. The Gulf route has a no-alcohol policy.
Pro Tip: Download entertainment, reading material, maps, and work files before leaving the airport. Do not rely on Wi-Fi or a seatback screen during a Rex regional flight.
Booking, Fare Types, and Seat Selection
Rex sells several regional fare types, including Community, Promo, Saver, and Flex fares. Availability depends on the route and travel date.
- Community fares are offered on selected routes through partnerships with local councils. They are usually highly restricted.
- Promo fares are discounted fares with limited flexibility.
- Saver fares may allow some changes for a fee, subject to the current fare conditions.
- Flex fares normally provide the greatest flexibility and a higher checked-baggage allowance.
Lower fares can be non-refundable or may be forfeited after a missed check-in deadline. Always open the current Rex fare rules before paying, especially if your plans may change.
Standard and Rextra Legroom seats may be offered during booking, through Manage Booking, or during web check-in. Exit-row seating is subject to safety requirements, and passengers who do not meet those requirements can be moved without retaining the seat-selection fee.
Rex Baggage Allowance
Rex includes both cabin and checked baggage on regional fares, but the limits are lower than some travelers expect. Small-aircraft weight and storage restrictions are important, particularly on lightly served regional routes.
| Baggage type | Regional Saab 340 allowance |
|---|---|
| Carry-on baggage | Up to 7 kg across the permitted pieces |
| Maximum regional cabin-bag size | Approximately 48 × 34 × 23 cm |
| Community, Promo, and Saver checked baggage | 15 kg |
| Flex checked baggage | 23 kg |
| Excess baggage | Charged separately and carried only when aircraft space and weight permit |
Warning: Paying an excess-baggage fee does not always guarantee that an overweight bag will travel on the same small regional aircraft. Pack medication, keys, documents, chargers, and other essentials in a compliant carry-on bag.
Rex also offers a Safe Hand Baggage service for some regional items that are accepted at check-in, handed to the crew near boarding, and returned after landing. This is separate from the standard cabin allowance and remains subject to the airline’s conditions.
Check-In and Boarding Deadlines
Rex web check-in opens 48 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before the scheduled flight time.
Airport check-in generally closes 30 minutes before departure at capital-city and regional airports. Burketown is an exception, where check-in closes 60 minutes before departure. Arriving exactly at the closing time is risky because passengers still need time for baggage acceptance, security, and boarding.
Pro Tip: Aim to arrive at least 60 minutes before an ordinary regional flight and earlier when checking baggage, traveling with children, departing from a large airport, or requiring assistance.
Passengers needing a wheelchair, oxygen arrangements, assistance animals, or other special support should normally notify Rex at least 48 hours before travel. Some passengers with special requirements must check in at the airport rather than online.
Connections and Schedule Changes
Regional flights may operate only once or a few times per day. A missed connection can therefore cause a much longer delay than it would on a high-frequency capital-city route.
Rex recommends allowing at least 1 hour and 30 minutes between its regional flights and other domestic or regional services. Separately booked connections may not be protected, and the airline does not guarantee every connection to another carrier.
Check the official flight status and disruptions page before traveling to the airport. Weather, maintenance, crew availability, and conditions at small regional airports can all affect the schedule.
Rex Flyer Loyalty Program
Rex Flyer is the airline’s loyalty program for individual travelers. Members can earn Rex Points and status credit on eligible fares, with the earning rate varying by fare class.
However, the program is not operating exactly as it did before Rex’s ownership transition. The current Rex Flyer page states that members can continue earning points, including eligible bonus points, but using points for Rex Flight Rewards is presently on hold.
Note: Do not transfer points or make travel plans based on an assumed reward seat. Check the live Rex Flyer page for current earning, enrollment, expiry, status, and redemption rules.
The earlier claim that travelers automatically earn rewards through a large network of hotels, rental-car companies, restaurants, and international partners is not supported by the current program information and should not be relied upon.
Sustainability and Community Role
Rex plays an important transport role for Australian communities that have limited alternatives to air travel. Regional flights support medical travel, education, tourism, business, family visits, mail, and access to government and professional services.
Rex publishes a Group Environmental Management Program and states that it works to reduce energy use and manage its environmental impact. Its environmental page also refers to reporting under Australia’s National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting framework.
These policies should not be turned into broader claims that Rex has a new fuel-efficient fleet, provides passenger carbon offsets, is carbon neutral, or is already using alternative fuels. The airline’s public environmental page says its thirteenth NGER report was submitted in October 2022, so readers should not assume that every environmental statement represents a newly published 2026 target.
This is an illustrative stock cabin image. Current Rex regional aircraft do not provide this type of wide-body seatback entertainment system.
Customer Service, Booking Changes, and Refunds
Passengers can manage eligible direct bookings through the Rex website using their booking reference and last name. Travelers who booked through a travel agent, online travel agency, or corporate travel provider normally need to contact that company to request a change.
Rex provides phone support and an online feedback form for booking questions, baggage problems, complaints, and refund requests. Response times may vary, so keep copies of your itinerary, receipts, baggage tags, emails, and screenshots of any disruption notice.
Fare conditions remain important. Some discounted tickets do not allow refunds or voluntary changes, while more flexible fares may permit changes subject to availability and any fare difference. Australian Consumer Law rights continue to apply when a service is cancelled or not supplied as required by law.
Packing for an Onward Trek
Rex often provides access to regional areas where travelers continue by road, boat, or on foot. Anyone planning a multi-day trek should choose gear with the airline’s 7 kg carry-on limit and checked-baggage allowance in mind.
A correctly sized pack is especially important when carrying camping equipment. This guide to the best hiking backpack for a multi-day trek can help with pack capacity and fit. An ultralight tent can reduce checked-bag weight, while odor-resistant Merino wool travel socks can reduce the number of clothing items needed during a longer trip.
Camping fuel, stove cartridges, sharp tools, large batteries, and other restricted items may not be accepted in ordinary passenger baggage. Check Rex’s dangerous-goods rules before packing rather than waiting until airport screening.
What Is Next for Rex Airlines?
Rex’s near-term priority is regional reliability rather than building a luxury international network. Air T’s December 2025 acquisition preserved the regional airline operation and created a new ownership structure following the administration process.
The airline’s future depends on maintaining its Saab 340 fleet, returning serviceable aircraft to operation, recruiting and retaining skilled staff, managing regional route economics, and meeting its financial obligations. The age of the Saab fleet and the limited supply of replacement aircraft and parts remain practical challenges.
Travelers should be cautious about predictions of international expansion, Boeing 787 purchases, Airbus deliveries, alternative-fuel operations, or a return of the old capital-city network unless Rex or its owner announces those plans through an official release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airline uses the ZL code?
ZL is the flight designation used by Rex Airlines, also known as Regional Express, in Australia.
Is ZL Airlines the same as Rex Airlines?
Yes. “ZL Airlines” is an informal way people describe a flight carrying the ZL code. The airline’s public brand is Rex or Rex Airlines.
Is ZL a Chinese cargo airline?
No. The ZL passenger-flight designation discussed here belongs to Australia’s Rex Airlines. The claim that it is a Guangzhou-based Chinese cargo airline is incorrect.
When was Rex Airlines established?
Rex was formed in 2002 from the regional passenger businesses of Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines. Its first flight operated in August 2002.
Is Rex Airlines still operating?
Yes. Rex continues to operate regional passenger services in Australia. Its former Boeing 737 flights between major capital cities were cancelled after the company entered administration in July 2024.
Who owns Rex Airlines now?
Air T completed its acquisition of Regional Express Holdings on December 17, 2025, following Rex’s voluntary-administration process.
What aircraft does Rex use?
Current regional services primarily use Saab 340 turboprops with approximately 30 to 36 seats. Rex does not operate Boeing 787 or Airbus A320 aircraft.
What is the baggage allowance on a ZL flight?
Regional passengers generally receive a 7 kg carry-on allowance. Community, Promo, and Saver fares include 15 kg of checked baggage, while Flex fares include 23 kg.
Does Rex offer Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment?
Travelers should not expect Wi-Fi or personal seatback screens on current Saab 340 regional services. Download entertainment before boarding.
Can Rex Flyer points currently be redeemed for flights?
Rex’s current loyalty page says members can continue earning points, but redemption for Rex Flight Rewards is presently on hold. Check the official page before making plans based on points.
Sources
- Rex Conditions of Carriage — confirms that flights under the ZL designation are Rex services and provides cabin-baggage conditions.
- Rex Airlines history — documents the airline’s 2002 formation from Hazelton and Kendell Airlines.
- Air T SEC filing dated December 18, 2025 — confirms completion of the Regional Express acquisition.
- Rex fleet information — provides Saab 340 seating, speed, altitude, and cabin specifications.
- Rex baggage allowances — provides current carry-on and checked-baggage limits for regional services.
- Rex passenger FAQ — supports current catering, payment, airport, and travel-policy details.
