Australia's largest independent regional airline, Regional Express (Rex) has welcomed the Australian Consumers Association's release of its customer satisfaction survey of domestic airlines which rated Rex the highest of all the main domestic airlines.

Some 4,000 CHOICE subscribers completed the survey and Rex came out on top in overall satisfaction at 79% well above Virgin Blue at 71%, Qantas at 67% and Jetstar at 62%. The survey covered a range of customer service issues including check-in, catering, leg room, convenience and overall value for money.

"Rex is very pleased to have been rated the best domestic carrier. Over the last four years we have worked very hard to provide quality, reliable and affordable air services to regional Australia. The results of the survey show that we have achieved much of what we set out to do and is a great tribute to all of the Rex staff and their commitment to our customers," Geoff Breust, Rex's Managing Director said.

Rex scored the highest score in Inflight Service at 76% with Virgin Blue at 68%, Qantas at 64% and Jetstar at 58%.

"Rex's Flight Attendants are recognised as some of the best in the industry and the survey confirms that recognition. It also re-confirms Rex's position at the top of the table following on from the previous survey two years ago.

"In the last four years Rex has worked closely with many local communities to grow services and make fares more affordable for regional travellers. As a result our average fares have fallen even given the large increase in fuel prices. Our annual passenger numbers have almost doubled in that time and our fleet has grown to 31 Saab 340 aircraft," Mr Breust said.

Rex is Australia's largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of 31 Saab 340 aircraft for over 1,300 flights weekly to 33 regional destinations from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. It recently announced the acquisition of 25 latest generation Saab 340B Plus aircraft to be delivered over the next three years to provide for fleet replacement and expansion opportunities.