Advisors Called in as Taxpayer Bailout Weighed for Rex

The federal government has called in a cohort of heavy-hitting corporate advisors as it weighs up a potential bailout of embattled regional airline Rex. The cash-strapped carrier has grounded its entire fleet of Boeing 737s on inter-city routes but is keeping regional services running after the appointment of administrators Ernst & Young (EY) Australia. Rex has faced government criticism for targeting well-served capital-city routes in competition with dominant operators Qantas and Virgin, with any potential taxpayer stake in the airline or other bailout option to focus on its ability to service the regions. The federal transport department on Aug. 2 confirmed to AAP it had appointed a string of external advisors as it worked through support options for the airline....