Managing director Scott McMillan has said he has the backing of 95 per cent of his staff in making the move, and would be prepared to “test it in court” if there were any legal objections.
It comes after Victoria’s Acting Premier, James Merlino, argued the country’s poor inoculation program contributed to the state’s latest lockdown.
The first will depart Delhi for Brisbane on 28 May via Darwin, followed shortly by Perth (departing 1 June) and Adelaide (departing 3 June). A further flight will see passengers quarantine in Darwin, which will depart on 30 May.
The airline said the 180 passengers included a 14-year-old high school student, crown prosecutor, amateur photographer and 90-year-old former flight attendant.
Rex’ deputy chairman John Sharp was speaking on the latest episode of the Australian Aviation podcast where he was discussing his airline's high-profile falling out with Qantas.
Australian aviation’s new capacity wars show no sign of relenting after Qantas said it would rival Virgin on three new routes its reborn competitor only announced last week.