SKYTRANS will again soar in the north after a rescue buy-out by aviation entrepreneur Peter Collings and NRL great Johnathan Thurston.
The duo who own Collings Airline Holdings, have teamed up to resurrect permanent services and return confidence to the people living and travelling to the Cape York regions. Operations under the Skytrans AOC commenced earlier this week.
Collings Airline Holdings stepped in and serviced the Cape York region with their West Wing Aviation business operating an emergency contract from Queensland Transport, after the collapse of Skytrans earlier in the year.
West Wing Aviation took on the existing RPT services that Skytrans were running to ensure the continuation of services that the Cape York community needed to function effectively.
Peter Collings said he’s always taken a whole-of-community approach with his airline businesses.
“The best way forward for the community, was that we purchase the Skytrans business which has an approved RPT service for 48 services per week to six locations within the Cape York region,” Mr Collings said.
Johnathan Thurston is a shareholder of Collings Airline Holdings who own both Skytrans and West Wing Aviation. His role will be to oversee the company’s community portfolio.
On-field Mr Thurston is one of the most decorated players in the NRL game, but off-field he is passionate about making a difference to the educational, career and employment opportunities of young Indigenous Australians.
“I understand the importance good transport makes to a community, especially a remote community like the Cape,” he said.
“It can create opportunities for the youth, as well as provide important social benefits of health, welfare, education and services.
“As a shareholder of Skytrans and West Wing Aviation, I will build on our community portfolio and ensure we are supporting those who are striving for the best for the region.”
The buy-out deal includes both hardware (aircraft, hangers, tools and ground support equipment) and the reinstatement of 39 Skytrans staff.
Skytrans will operate a $5 million dollar 36-seater Dash-8 aircraft, the largest aircraft to service the Cape York region, with RPT services from Monday to Friday servicing Cairns, Bamaga, Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama, Aurukun, Lockhart River, Coen and Horn Island.
The Dash-8 Aircraft will not only be able to take larger passenger loads, but also carry important freight such as the provision of medical supplies, mail, and critical cargo.
Flight bookings can be made online at www.Skytrans.com.au
