By aviation writer Scott Mayman

It’s D-Day for Canberra based Rex Airlines passengers to re-book their cancelled flights with Virgin, however there’s still time for an alternative with Qantas or Jetstar.

After Rex went into administration late last month, the airline’s 737 jet service between Canberra and Melbourne came to abrupt halt.

Virgin stepped in, offering to rebook impacted passengers, free of charge, but gave a deadline of August 14 for such arrangements.

Qantas and Jetstar later matched the offer, extending the deadline to the end of the month. Canberrans who want to take advantage of the free re-booking service, must contact the airline directly.

Meantime, a second creditors meeting will determine the future of Rex Airlines.

Although the meeting’s yet to be scheduled, there’s hope the airline could still be saved, despite it’s half-billion dollar debt.

Administrators have started a fire sale – company land, buildings, a flight simulator, even spare parts – all owned by Rex, are up for grabs.

The next creditors meeting will vote on whether Rex is returned to the existing board, placed under a deed… or even liquidated.