Smooth restart to scheduled flights on outback routes

The reintroduction of scheduled outback air services went smoothly today, with services operating on the western Queensland and Gulf region routes by air services provider SkyTrans.

Transport Minister John Mickel said the services provided by SkyTrans under a temporary contract commenced on schedule today and flew without incident.

“It is satisfying to see scheduled air services resuming into some of the more remote centres of Queensland,” Mr Mickel said.

SkyTrans services are operating on the Gulf route (Cairns-Normanton-Mornington Island-Burketown-Doomadgee-Mount Isa) and the Western 2 route (Brisbane-Charleville-Quilpie-Windorah-Birdsville-Bedourie-Boulia-Mount Isa).

“Passengers may experience some initial delays while trying to book a flight, but I urge passengers to please be patient,” Mr Mickel said.

“The SkyTrans call centre at 1300 759 872 is gearing up for the anticipated volume of bookings and enquiries, or people may book online on the SkyTrans website: www.skytrans.com.au.”

“We will have full services restored on all the government-subsidised routes previously operated by MacAir by March 9.

“Until the other service providers are ready to commence full operations, chartered flights will continue on the remaining routes

Mr Mickel said booking on other routes still serviced by chartered flights could be made through the relevant local councils, or for passengers in Mount Isa only, through Harvey World Travel.

Further information on how to book is on the Queensland Transport website at www.transport.qld.gov.au.

West Wing would commence regular scheduled flights from March 2 to Northern 1 route (Longreach-Winton-Townsville) and Northern 2 route (Mount Isa-Julia Creek-Richmond-Hughenden-Townsville).

Bookings for services on and beyond March 2 can be made with West Wing on 4743 2144 or visit www.westwing.com.au.

QantasLink will commence services on the remaining Northern 3 route (Mount Isa-Cloncurry-Townsville) on March 9.

Passengers should contact QantasLink on 13 13 13 or visit www.qantas.com.au for bookings on those flights.

The Queensland Government implemented the temporary contracts following the recent closure of MacAir, which was the contracted service provider.

The temporary contracts will remain in place for about six months while the government undertakes the full tender process for new five-year contracts.

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