This was pretty much my Parkes local bus! Regional Express SAAB 340B

Having previously lived in Parkes for just over a year, it was finally time to show how I typically travelled to Sydney. In that time, I racked up a fair number of flights onboard REX SAAB 340's, so let's take a look at my first time onboard one, when it was still a novel experience! In fact, I caught the SAAB's much more often than the local bus when I lived in Parkes.
For travel between most capital cities, you'll be fairly unlikely to encounter such an aircraft, but the SAAB's are a key part of Australia's regional travel experience, and Rex is the world's largest operator of the type, using them in every state and territory except the NT, where they don't regularly operate from. So, come and see what regular regional flights look like for many Australians.
Keep up to date with TalkingPlanning here:
Facebook: / talkingplanning
Instagram: @talkingplanning
Twitter: @TalkingPlanning

[@SOBIESKI_freedom]

Very lovely. Thank you for sharing this. 👍😊

[@busesaroundmelbourne]

Gotta love rex.
Plane looks a little old school inside, but no doubt it is maintained well.

[@TalkingPlanning]

Wasn't in bad shape, done about a dozen REX flights since for work/holidays, with planes generally tidy and crew pleasant.

[@CWtheman]

Nice! Launceston, where im from is partially a regional airport. Im saying partially because there are 737’s, a320’s and the occasional a321 that fly there! Also just asking have you done a volvo volgren Optimus review with transdev? If not may i request it if possible.

[@TalkingPlanning]

Cheers, aircraft type and 'regional services' don't always line up to be what you expect! The SAAB's are commonplace for lower volume services, but are getting on in years so it will be interesting to see what the succession plans are.
Unfortunately, I don't take requests (thanks to working full time and living quite a way out of the big cities), but keep an eye out as there could be some future reviews you may find quite interesting.

[@melbournepublictransportvl8743]

Cant wait to try rex some day

[@TalkingPlanning]

Definitely an interesting experience! Its now my typical flight experience haha, except now swap in Orange instead of Parkes

[@RobotsSharkTaleAndNIMH2Fan2005]

What year was the plane built

[@mangobaby_videos]

January 1990

[@gnhansen29]

Did you spend much time in Forbes?

[@Straya27]

Why did you fly from Parkes if you live in Orange?

[@TalkingPlanning]

I lived in Parkes at the time

[@xr6lad]

Mate you make the same mistake as ever Transit fan. People don’t live in medium density housing such as town houses and apartments (and I live in an apartment) because they want the space and made the decision. They’re not forced to live in those freestanding homes: I wish TH-cam planers would understand that simple equation as many make similar comments.

[@TalkingPlanning]

Maybe it would be worthwhile checking out some of my 'actually talking planning' playlist to get a more holistic perspective...