By aviation writer Scott Mayman

A signed deal is yet to be announced, but there’s speculation a company based in Arizona is on the brink of saving Australia’s Regional Express Airlines.

Described as a “white knight, Nasdaq-listed US aviation company Air T is reported to be in the finalisation phase of a negotiation to buy the Australian regional carrier.

The company operates cargo flights in the US, but also holds a storage facility at Kingman Airport in Arizona.

Any such deal needs to be fully reviewed by the federal government and subject to a vote of Rex creditors before it can be approved.

Rex, which operates 57 planes, was placed in voluntary administration in 2024. E&Y were named as administrators while the Albanese government sought a buyer.