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MacAir Airlines no longer operates flights. Please click on the airline logos below that fly similar routes to MacAir Airlines:

MacAir Airlines has ceased operations

Unfortunately, MacAir Airlines ceased operations in 2009.

About MacAir Airlines

MacAir Airlines was a regional airline that operated flights out of Queensland, Australia. The airline offered scheduled passenger flights to almost 30 destinations around Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane.

MacAir Airlines was first established in 1992 as McKinlay Air Charters - it primarily operated chartered routes up until 1998 when it added scheduled services to its network. In 2000, McKinlay Air Charters was sold to Transjet, the owner of Transtate Airlines. The two airlines decided to merge and become MacAir, with the airline eventually acquiring Horizon Airlines in 2003.

MacAir Airlines was a partner with Qantas, the flag carrier of Australia. This meant that the airline had worldwide distribution through Qantas' reservation system.

Update: MacAir Airlines placed itself into voluntary administration and ceased operations in 2009.

Destinations

Before MacAir Airlines ceased operations, it operated flights to the following destinations:

  • Mount Isa
  • Cloncurry
  • Winton
  • Longreach
  • Moranbah
  • Mackay
  • Emerald
  • Brisbane
  • Hughenden
  • Richmond
  • Julia Creek
  • Normanton
  • Mornington
  • Burketown
  • Doomadgee
  • Pormpuraaw
  • Kowanyama
  • Oakley
  • St George
  • Cunnamulla
  • Thargomindah
  • Charleville
  • Quilpie
  • Birdsville
  • Bedourie
  • Boulia

More than 100,000 happy customers per year

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This was my first booking and I used Alternative Airlines twice on this trip. I must say by far the best online booking experience ever.

Dee

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From start to finish the process of selecting, confirming, processing of payment, timely travel docs, check-in experience was absolutely flawless! I will be using Alternative Airlines every time I travel!

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Alternative Airlines made what would have been an otherwise difficult situation much easier to manage. Thank you, Alternative Airlines.

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It was my first time using Alternative Airlines and it was one of the best experiences I had in booking my flights. The process was easy and the flight options were clearly laid out.

Antonette N

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Trustpilot 5-star

The support I received was stellar - response time was so quick and I love how they have a WhatsApp option for chatting.

Isabel

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Trustpilot 5-star

So easy to use and the payment options are very helpful when you need to book a ticket and you may not have the full amount at the moment. Really recommend Alternative Airlines to my clients and friends.

Garilos

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Trustpilot 5-star

Very easy to use. Helped me to plan my trip to Vancouver and the payment plan made things way easier and stress-free. Would use them again for sure.

David V

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I’ve used Alternative Airlines three times already, and each experience has been AWESOME! Their “Buy Now, Pay Later” options are such a game-changer.

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My journey with Alternative Airlines was nothing short of excellent. Their commitment to providing a stress-free booking experience and diverse payment solutions has earned them my trust and loyalty.

Jasmin A

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Trustpilot 5-star

This was a very simple and affordable way to book such a big trip! I love the way they show you the breakdown of what you are actually paying and your payment schedule. I highly recommend this!

Kaylah

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Trustpilot 5-star

What a great way to be able to see my family back in South Africa. This is made possible since we can buy our tickets and pay it off over 4 months. With the price of flight tickets so high Alternative Airlines has been a literal lifesaver!

Lee

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I have been using Alternative Airlines for the past 4 years and have never had a poor experience. Destinations are unlimited with a variety of options available for inflight upgrades.

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Buy now, pay later

Buy your flights now and pay later

No way, really?! Yes! We’ve partnered with some amazing BNPL payment providers to allow you to pay for your flights over time, with ease.

Hub Airport

MacAir Airlines has 3 hub airports - these were Brisbane Airport, Cairns Airport and Townsville Airport.

Brisbane Airport is the main international airport serving Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. It currently services over 30 airlines that fly to around 50 domestic and 29 international destinations. Brisbane Airport is a major hub for Qantas and Virgin Australia.

Cairns Airport is an international airport in Cairns, Queensland. From this airport, direct flights are available to 10 international and 35 domestic destinations. It's also frequently used by general aviation and helicopter operators. QantasLink and Skytrans Airlines regularly fly to/from this airport.

Townsville Airport is a major regional airport in Townsville, Queensland. Only a handful of airlines fly to/from Townsville Airport including Airnorth, Bonza, Jetstar, Qantas, Rex Airlines and Virgin Australia.

Fleet

MacAir Airlines operated the following aircraft in its fleet before ceasing operations:

  • 1 x ATR 42-500
  • 8 x Fairchild SA227-DC Metro 23
  • 7 x Saab 340B
  • 2 x De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter
  • 1 x Cessna 208 Caravan
  • 1 x British Aerospace Jetstream 41