Skytrans Airlines

Skytrans was founded by David and Sue Barnard in October 1990 as a charter airline, and began scheduled flights in 1993.[1] In November 2000, Skytrans merged with AirSwift Aviation, another small regional airline based in Cairns.[2] In June 2001, Skytrans took over services to Cooktown and Karumba from MacAir Airlines.[2] In January 2005, the airline began to operate in competition with QantasLink on the Cairns to Townsville route, operating from its own terminals in both cities.[2]

In December 2006, the airline was acquired from its founders by Australian Aviation Holdings, owner of Queensland Regional Airlines (QRA) and Inland Pacific Air. Skytrans and QRA subsequently merged under the Skytrans banner.[2]

Late in 2014, the carrier had sought to reduce costs by cutting its workforce of 200 employees by over half while trimming its fleet of seven Dash 8-100s and three Dash 8-300s.

Skytrans suspended operations with effect from 2 January 2015 when placed in voluntary administration. In a statement, Managing Director Simon Wild blamed the worsening Australian dollar currency exchange rate, coupled with a tough operating environment – worsened by the loss of three Queensland regulated regional air routes in late 2014. The end of operations came a day after the carrier marked its 25th anniversary of Queensland services - outback and regional Queensland, the Gulf country and Cape York services in particular on 2 January 2015.[3]

On 31 March 2015, Skytrans returned to the skies under the ownership of Collings Holdings Airlines owned by Peter Collings, who also owns West Wing Aviation, and Rugby League player Johnathan Thurston.[4][5]

Skytrans operates RPT and charter flights throughout the Cape York and Torres Strait regions.[6] Skytrans also provides charter flights out of Brisbane Airport for QGC.[7]

Destinations served from Cairns Airport:

• Kowanyama
• Pormpuraaw
• Townsville
• Aurukun
• Lockhart River
• Horn Island
• Cooktown

Destinations served from Horn Island Airport:

• Cairns
• Lockhart River
• Kubin Village (Moa Island)
• Badu Island
• Mabuiag Island
• Boigu Island
• Saibai Island
• Murray Island
• Darnley Island
• Yam Island
• Coconut Island
• Yorke Island
• Warraber Island

Destinations served from Brisbane Airport:

• Chinchilla
• Taroom

Skytrans Airlines Dash 8-100 at Brisbane Airport

As of June 2018, the Skytrans fleet consisted of four de Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 (as of August 2019)[8] and six Cessna 208 Caravan.[9]

Skytrans has delivered multimillion-dollar sponsorships and endorsements to communities in Queensland, donating to more than 250 organisations.[10] Skytrans is a major sponsor of the Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League and has supported various causes such as AFL Kickstart, Choice Business Australia, The Queensland Cancer Council, and Harold's House.

• List of airlines of Australia

Media related to Skytrans Airlines at Wikimedia Commons

• Company website