Qantas and Skytrans Partner to Ensure Continuity of Lord Howe Island Flights
(IN SHORT) Qantas has partnered with Skytrans to ensure continued air service between Sydney and Lord Howe Island as Qantas retires its Q200 aircraft. Skytrans will take over the route exclusively from February 26, 2026, under a licence from the New South Wales Government. A codeshare agreement will allow passengers to book Skytrans-operated flights on Qantas.com, with Qantas Points and lounge access benefits. The transition will occur gradually between March 2025 and February 2026, ensuring service continuity. Skytrans, which specializes in regional air services, will operate the route until March 2030, maintaining the same schedule and frequency as QantasLink’s current operations.
(PRESS RELEASE) Sydney, Australia, 2024-Oct-28— /Travel PR News/ — Qantas passengers will continue to enjoy access to flights between Sydney and Lord Howe Island, thanks to a new agreement with regional carrier Skytrans. With Qantas retiring its current Q200 aircraft from this route, Skytrans has been awarded an exclusive licence by the New South Wales Government to operate flights to the island starting February 26, 2026.
QantasLink and Skytrans are in the process of finalizing a codeshare agreement, allowing Qantas customers to book Skytrans-operated Lord Howe Island flights directly on Qantas.com. Passengers will retain access to Qantas Points, Status Credits, and lounge access in Sydney, ensuring a seamless transition.
Skytrans plans to maintain the same flight schedule and frequency as QantasLink’s current service, operating from Qantas’ Terminal 3 at Sydney Airport. This agreement ensures that there will be no changes to existing bookings during the transition period, and the service continuity will benefit both locals and tourists.
The retirement of QantasLink’s 36-seat Q200 aircraft is part of a broader investment in modernizing its turboprop fleet for regional routes. The Q200, the only aircraft in the QantasLink fleet capable of landing on Lord Howe Island’s shorter runway, will be phased out during a transition period that runs from March 30, 2025, until February 25, 2026. During this time, Skytrans will gradually take over the operations while sharing the regulated route license with QantasLink.
Rachel Yangoyan, CEO of QantasLink, expressed satisfaction with the agreement: “We have a rich history of serving Lord Howe Island and are delighted to partner with Skytrans to ensure reliable air service as we phase out the Q200 aircraft. Our collaboration with Skytrans will allow our frequent flyers to continue enjoying the benefits they know and love.”
Alan Milne, CEO of Skytrans, shared his excitement about the new role: “Skytrans is honored to take on this important air service and is committed to working closely with the Lord Howe Island community to maintain a safe and reliable operation.”
Skytrans has secured the exclusive licence to operate flights on this regulated route until March 2030, ensuring long-term air connectivity for the island. Throughout the transition and beyond, customers can continue booking flights via Qantas.com, Skytrans.com.au, or through travel agents.
Transition Timeline:
- Now to March 29, 2025: QantasLink continues operating flights using the Q200 aircraft.
- March 30, 2025 – February 25, 2026: QantasLink and Skytrans share the route, with Skytrans pilots and crew gradually taking over operations.
- From February 26, 2026, to March 2030: Skytrans assumes full operational control of all flights to Lord Howe Island under its exclusive licence.
About Skytrans
Skytrans, an Australian airline and member of the Avia Solutions Group, has served remote communities in the Cape York and Torres Strait regions for over three decades. With its headquarters in Cairns, Skytrans operates a fleet of 13 regional aircraft, including Dash-8 planes, and specializes in Regular Public Transport (RPT), charters, and ACMI services across the Asia-Pacific. The addition of the Q200 aircraft to its fleet will support its new responsibilities on the Lord Howe Island route.
Media Contact:
email: qantasmedia@qantas.com.au
Source: Qantas
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