We are proud to announce the arrival of Skytrans’ first Airbus A319, which marks an important step in our strategic vision to grow our fleet and enhance our ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services. This new addition will strengthen our ability to provide flexible, reliable, safe, and efficient aviation solutions for passenger, cargo, and business operations across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
The Airbus A319 arrived in Brisbane, Australia, from Kaunas, Lithuania, on December 15 after an extensive journey across multiple time zones and three technical stops at the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Bali. The introduction of this A319 is just the beginning of an ambitious Skytrans fleet expansion plan. Several more Airbus aircraft are planned to join the Skytrans fleet this year, increasing our capacity to meet growing market demands.
“The arrival of our first Airbus A319 marks an exciting new chapter for Skytrans. This expansion strengthens our position as a trusted provider of ACMI services and shows that we’re ready to meet a wide variety of clients’ needs. We’re focused on growth, innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability, and we look forward to further augmentation of our fleet,” said Skytrans CEO Alan Milne.
Skytrans joined the world’s largest ACMI group, Avia Solutions Group, at the beginning of 2024. By expanding into ACMI operations, Skytrans is the first ACMI provider in Australia within the group. As an Australian Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holder, the company solidifies the group’s market position and addresses the challenges of seasonality.
Besides being a global leader in ACMI, Avia Solutions Group offers a wide range of aviation services, including MRO, pilot and crew training, ground handling, and more. With operations in 6 continents and a team of 14,000 skilled aviation professionals, Avia Solutions Group is a major force in the industry.
We invite you to watch the journey of Skytrans’ first Airbus A319 here:
Skytrans has been successfully awarded the Sydney to Lord Howe Island route by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW). This route has been operated by Qantas for over 30 years, but due to changes in their fleet strategy, the airlines will no longer serve it.
Skytrans have been licenced to operate the route for the next 5 years, thanks to the company’s extensive history in regional and remote aviation as well as the expertise with the Dash 8 aircraft that have been synonymous with the connection to the island.
To ensure a smooth transition, Skytrans will work closely with Qantas, maintaining the level of service and experience that Australian and international customers have come to expect.
Taking off from Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport’s Terminal 3, the Sydney-Lord Howe Island route will offer convenient, reliable, and flexible travel options with at least 14 flights per week during the peak season and 7 flights weekly in the low season.
Visitors and residents of Lord Howe Island who are familiar with this route can rest assured that they will continue to enjoy the same high standards of service they have experienced for the past 30 years. Skytrans will acquire the three Dash 8-200 aircraft from Qantas to provide a smooth transition for travelers with the same trusted and comfortable in-flight experience.
The Sydney-Lord Howe Island route is a major milestone in Skytrans’ broader expansion, making the company proud to extend their network to more regions across Australia.
“Skytrans is honoured to be able to continue this essential air service and looks forward to working closely with the Lord Howe Island community to ensure a safe, reliable, and customer-focused operation continues,” Skytrans CEO Alan Milne said.
“We have a long and proud history with Lord Howe Island and are pleased to be partnering with Skytrans. Building on more than 30 years of services, we will continue to support both the island and Skytrans throughout the transition period and into the future,” QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan agreed.
