Rex may become state-owned carrier after buyer fails to emerge

Rex’s short-lived expansion into jet operations between major capital cities was competing in some of the most lucrative routes in the country. Photograph: REX

The Albanese government is preparing for the possibility it may have to acquire the embattled regional airline Rex and operate it as a state-owned carrier, as efforts to find a new buyer to rescue the airline remain fruitless.

Administrators were appointed to determine Rex’s future in July, when the airline abruptly ended its Boeing 737 jet operations between metropolitan cities.