Skytrans

Skytrans was founded by David and Sue Barnard in October 1990 as a charter airline, and began scheduled flights in 1993.{{Cite web|title = RAAA{{!}} Aviation History|url = http://www.raaa.com.au/industry/history.html|website = www.raaa.com.au|accessdate = 2015-10-17}} In November 2000, Skytrans merged with AirSwift Aviation, another small regional airline based in Cairns.{{Cite web|title = Skytrans|url = http://www.aviationcollection.org/Skytrans/skytrans.htm|website = www.aviationcollection.org|accessdate = 2015-10-17}} In June 2001, Skytrans took over services to Cooktown and Karumba from MacAir Airlines. 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.

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 Regional brand.{{cite web | url = https://airlinehistory.co.uk/airline/skytrans-regional/ | title= Skytrans Regional | publisher = Airline History | access-date = 30 June 2021}}

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 it was 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 on 2 January 2015.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-03/cairns-based-skytrans-regional-airline-closes-operations/5998362 Cairns based Skytrans regional airline closes operations] ABC News 3 January 2015{{cite news |last1=Drum |first1=Bruce |title=Skytrans of Australia shuts down today |url=https://worldairlinenews.com/2015/01/02/skytrans-of-australia-shuts-down-today/ |work=World Airline News |date=2 January 2015 |language=en}}

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 former Australian Rugby League player, Johnathan Thurston.[http://www.smh.com.au/business/aviation/skytrans-flies-again-in-far-north-queensland-20150331-1mc7nd.html Skytrans flies again in far north Queensland] Sydney Morning Herald 31 March 2015[https://sslcam.news.com.au/cam/authorise?channel=pc&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2fbusiness%2faviation%2fjohnathan-thurston-steps-up-to-help-kickstart-skytrans-airline%2fstory-e6frg95x-1227286805663%3fnk%3da1af8f23af65783524e9f768aba5937c Jonathon Thurston steps up to help kick start Skytrans airline] The Australian 1 April 2015

In January 2024, the world's largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, Avia Solutions Group, announced its intention to acquire ownership of Skytrans,[https://aviasg.com/en/media/our-news/industry-insights/avia-solutions-group-acquires-australian-airline-skytrans Avia Solutions Group acquires Australian airline Skytrans]Avia Solutions Group 23 January 2024 with the acquisition completed in March 2024.[https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/03/skytrans-now-in-foreign-hands-as-avia-completes-acquisition/ Skytrans now in foreign hands as Avia completes acquisition]Australian Aviation 4 March 2024

Since the acquisition, Gytis Gumuliauskas, has become Managing Director at Skytrans.{{Cite web |title=Avia Solutions Group concluded acquisition of Skytrans Airlines, expanding to 12 AOCs worldwide |url=https://www.baltictimes.com/avia_solutions_group_concluded_acquisition_of_skytrans_airlines__expanding_to_12_aocs_worldwide/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=www.baltictimes.com}} Gytis has extensive experience within the aviation industry, covering various positions across both airlines and aviation services companies.{{Cite web |title=Skytrans now in foreign hands as Avia completes acquisition |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/03/skytrans-now-in-foreign-hands-as-avia-completes-acquisition/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Australian Aviation |language=en-AU}} Since 2006, he has held managerial positions including Lead Auditor ISAGO, IATA DAQCP, Nominated Post Holder Ground Operations, COO, CEO and Accountable Manager). Gytis' academic background is in aviation mechanics and now he specialises in developing and executing business strategies and transformational change.

In April 2024, Avia Solutions announced their plans for Skytrans to operate a fleet of up to 20 aircraft from the Airbus A320 family for wet leasing operations, with the total number of A320 aircraft dependent on customer demand.{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Jake |date=2024-04-30 |title=Exclusive: First Skytrans A319 to arrive this year for wet leasing |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/04/exclusive-first-skytrans-a319-to-arrive-this-year-for-wet-leasing/ |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=Australian Aviation}} Gytis, said that "Passenger operations will be our main area of focus, with cargo being an area we're willing to explore... [by] expanding the fleet with A319 aircraft for passenger and with A321F for cargo transportation."{{Cite web |date=2024-03-04 |title=Avia Solutions Group concluded acquisition of Skytrans Airlines, expanding to 12 AOCs worldwide |url=https://newsroom.aviator.aero/avia-solutions-group-concluded-acquisition-of-skytrans-airlines-expanding-to-12-aocs-worldwide/ |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=AVIATOR |language=en}}

On 28 October 2024, QantasLink and Skytrans announced a partnership for the continued operation of Lord Howe Island flights. This would see QantasLink's three De Haviland Canada Dash 8-200 acquired by Skytrans for them to carry out these operations. These flights will be code-shared by Qantas, with the flights to operate out of Qantas Terminal 3 at Sydney Airport. Skytrans will fully takeover the service on the 26 February 2026 with the license to operate the route until March 2030.{{Cite web |title=News |url=https://www.skytrans.com.au/company/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241104111519/https://www.skytrans.com.au/company/news/ |archive-date=2024-11-04 |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=Skytrans |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |title=LORD HOWE ISLAND FLIGHTS |url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/lord-howe-island-flights/ |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=Qantas Newsroom}}

File:Skytrans Dash 8 at Brisbane Airport.jpg

As of May 2024, Skytrans operates the following aircraft:

Skytrans operates scheduled and charter flights throughout the Cape York and Torres Strait regions.https://www.skytrans.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Skytrans-routes-map-no-legend-1920x1080-02082024_compressed.pdf (PDF) (Press Release.) Skytrans. Skytrans also provides charter flights out of Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Townsville airports for both the Queensland Gas Company (QGC) and Bravus Mining Resources.{{Cite web |title=SKYTRANS SOARS WITH NEW $25 MILLION CONTRACT |url=https://www.skytrans.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Skytrans-announces-new-25-million-dollar-contract-FA-9th-September-2015.pdf}}

Destinations served from Cairns Airport:

• Aurukun
• Bamaga
• Horn Island
• Kidston
• Kowanyama
• Lockhart River
• Pormpuraaw (Edward River)
• Proserpine
• Townsville

Destinations served from Horn Island Airport:

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

Destinations served from Brisbane Airport:

• Chinchilla
• Miles

Destinations served from Townsville Airport:

• Cairns
• Kidston
• Labona
• Rockhampton

Destinations served from Sydney Airport:

• Lord Howe Island (shared regulated route license with Qantas)

Skytrans have codeshare agreements with the following airlines:

• Qantas (begins 26 February 2026){{Cite web |title=LORD HOWE ISLAND FLIGHTS {{!}} QANTAS NEWS ROOM |url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/lord-howe-island-flights/}}

Skytrans has delivered multimillion-dollar sponsorships and endorsements to communities in Queensland, donating to more than 250 organisations.{{Cite web|url = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/rex-wont-match-high-flying-generosity-of-former-rival-skytrans/story-fnr8rfrw-1227188929386|title = Rex won't match high flying generosity of former rival Skytrans|accessdate = 2015-10-17|website = The Australian}} Skytrans is a major sponsor of the Cairns Taipans in the Northern Pride Rugby Team in the QRL Queensland Rugby 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

{{reflist}}

{{commons category-inline|Skytrans Airlines}}

• [http://www.skytrans.com.au/ Company website]

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{{Airlines of Australia}}

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Category:Airlines established in 1990

Category:Regional Aviation Association of Australia

Category:Australian companies established in 1990

Category:Companies based in Queensland

Category:Airlines of Queensland

Category:2024 mergers and acquisitions