REX: New sales manager appointed – Ann Elliot
Well, the employee poaching continues. Earlier in the week, it was Paul Jones jumping from Qantas to Virgin Australia. Today it’s Ann Elliot jumping as of 7 December from General Manager ANZ Sales at Virgin Australia to General Manager Sales at Regional Express.
She will lead the expansion of REX into the domestic capital city market, starting with their Sydney / Melbourne route in March 2020 and according to this statement to the stock exchange – the commencement of Brisbane services after Easter 2021.
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Background
Ann has spent 32 years working in travel and for airlines, nearly 8 with Virgin, and close to 20 at Qantas. She has worked in London and in Perth and Brisbane for Virgin Australia, working her way from Regional Sales Manager for PNG through to General Manager Sales.
About REX
REX has a major presence in regional Australia operating – pre-COVID-19 – a fleet of 60 Saab340 aircraft on 1,500 weekly flights to 59 destinations across the country.
The airline is set to commence its capital city domestic operations on the Sydney Melbourne route in March 2021 with a collection of 6 Boeing 737-800s which ironically are ex-Virgin Australia stock.
2PAXfly Takeout
This is another timely reminder to wear your seatbelt when seated. Holding you close to your seat will protect you from the sort of injuries sustained on this flight, when unsecured passengers flew to the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came crashing down once the ‘drop’ ceased.
The hope will be that this is an anomaly – a ‘freak accident’ in casual parlance. If it is a systemic error either mechanical or electronic, then this is a larger concern for the airlines that fly Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Let’s hope it isn’t. If it is, it will pile on the woes to Boeing’s existing stack.
This sales position will be vital to the success of REX’s venture into the capital city market. With some capital city lounges, and a very competitive price point, it will be interesting to see how they go. All they need is a proper frequent flyer loyalty scheme to add to their revitalised website (albeit a bit clunky at present) and they may very well have a winning combination.
There’s never been a successful third airline servicing the business market in Australia. Maybe REX will be the first.
What did you say?