Max Hazelton, the legendary aviation pioneer and one of the founding fathers of Regional Express (Rex), was farewelled at a small private funeral in his birthplace of Toogong, New South Wales. The event was attended by immediate family, who remembered the extraordinary life of a man who helped shape the Australian aviation industry. Hazelton passed away on April 8, just shy of his 96th birthday.

Hazelton’s impact on Australian aviation is immeasurable. He was a trailblazer who, in the 1950s, started his own crop dusting business, which eventually evolved into a regional airline. In the early 2000s, Hazelton partnered with two other aviation pioneers to form Rex, which has since become Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline. Today, the airline operates a fleet of 61 Saab 340 and 7 Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, serving 58 destinations throughout all states in Australia.

Rex Group, the parent company of the airline, also comprises wholly-owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (an air freight, aeromedical and charter operator), the Australian Airline Pilot Academy (with campuses in Wagga Wagga and Ballarat), and Australian Aerospace Propeller Maintenance (a propeller maintenance organization). Rex is also a 50% shareholder of National Jet Express (NJE), a premier fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) charter and freight operator.

Plans are underway for a public memorial service to celebrate Hazelton’s life in his hometown of Orange, 50 km east of Toogong. The service is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with details to be announced once arrangements have been finalized.

Hazelton’s contributions to the aviation industry have been recognized and celebrated throughout his life. In 2001, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his aviation services; in 2013, he was inducted into the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame.

Hazelton’s passing has been felt deeply by those in the aviation industry. In a statement, Rex Executive Chairman Lim Kim Hai paid tribute to Hazelton: “Max was a true pioneer and a trailblazer, not only in the aviation industry but also in regional Australia. His passion for flying and unwavering dedication to improving regional air services in Australia will always be remembered.”

Hazelton’s legacy will continue inspiring future aviators and industry leaders. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Hazelton’s contributions will be remembered as essential to the growth and success of the industry in Australia.

In honour of Hazelton’s life and contributions to the aviation industry, Rex has announced that it will be painting one of its Saab 340 aircraft in a special livery bearing Hazelton’s name. The aircraft will be a lasting tribute to the man who helped shape regional aviation in Australia.

As Australia mourns the loss of one of its aviation pioneers, Hazelton’s legacy and contributions will continue to inspire future generations of aviators and industry leaders. The public memorial service to celebrate Hazelton’s life will undoubtedly be a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to improving regional air services in Australia.

Written by: Stephen Morton

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