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Skytrans Airlines has rebranded
Check out the following airlines that operate similar routes to Skytrans Airlines, including SmartLynx Australia.
Skytrans Airlines has rebranded to SmartLynx Australia
Update ✨
Skytrans Airlines has rebranded to SmartLynx Australia.
Skytrans Airlines operated for 35 years before becoming SmartLynx Australia in July 2025. The rebrand followed acquisition by Avia Solutions Group in March 2024, bringing global aviation expertise to Australia's regional specialist.
What does this rebrand mean? 🤔
- All existing routes continue under SmartLynx Australia
- Same aircraft serving the same destinations
- Existing bookings remain valid through the transition
- Enhanced operational capabilities with international backing
- Continued focus on essential Queensland regional connectivity
Nothing changes for passengers except the airline name - the same essential services connecting remote communities continue without interruption.
About Skytrans Airlines
Skytrans Airlines served remote Queensland destinations for over 30 years before transforming into SmartLynx Australia in 2025. This regional specialist was the lifeline connecting Cape York and Torres Strait communities to the rest of Australia, operating essential routes that bigger airlines wouldn't touch.
While Skytrans ceased operations under that name in July 2025, its routes and services continue under SmartLynx Australia following acquisition by global aviation group Avia Solutions Group.
How to book your former Skytrans routes
Booking former Skytrans routes through Alternative Airlines is straightforward, with flexible payment options to make regional travel more affordable.
- Search for your route. Enter your departure and arrival cities in the search bar above. We'll show all available options for former Skytrans routes.
- Choose your flights. We'll display all available airlines for your route, including SmartLynx Australia. Filter by time, price or journey length to find the option that works best for your schedule and budget.
- Pick how you want to pay. Choose from 40+ payment methods including Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm and other Buy Now Pay Later options. Perfect for expensive regional routes where you can spread the cost over time.
- Book with confidence. Add flight protection if you want extra peace of mind, then confirm your booking. We'll send instant confirmation to your inbox with all the details you need.
Whether you're booking essential regional transport or specialised charter services, it's all handled in one place with the payment flexibility you need.
What happened to Skytrans routes?
All Skytrans destinations continue operating under SmartLynx Australia with maintained or improved service levels.
Cape York destinations 🏖️
- Cairns to Aurukun: Weekly service continues
- Cairns to Bamaga: Daily service maintained
- Circuit routes connecting Lockhart River and other communities: Multiple weekly services
- All essential community connections preserved
Torres Strait services 🏝️
- Island-hopping routes continue serving Murray Island, Saibai Island, Yam Island
- Essential medical and family travel links maintained
- Same aircraft types serving short runway destinations
Mining and charter operations ⛑️
- FIFO services to remote mining sites continue
- Corporate and government charter expanded
- Emergency medical transport maintained
- Enhanced capabilities through international network
Your existing Skytrans booking
If you booked with Skytrans before the rebrand, your travel arrangements remain valid.
Existing tickets 🤔
- All Skytrans tickets issued before July 2025 are honoured by SmartLynx Australia
- Check-in procedures remain the same at airport counters
- Flight numbers and schedules are maintained during transition
Changes or cancellations 📞
- If you booked through Alternative Airlines, contact us for any booking modifications
- The same terms and conditions apply as originally booked
New bookings ✨
- Search for Skytrans routes with our search form and we'll display all available routes operated by SmartLynx Australia or any other airline operating that route
- Contact us directly at Alternative Airlines where we offer flexible payment options for new bookings
Why did Skytrans Airlines rebrand?
The transformation to SmartLynx Australia brings significant advantages while preserving regional heritage.
Financial stability 💵
- Avia Solutions Group ownership provides long-term financial security
- End to previous financial uncertainties that affected service reliability
- Investment in fleet expansion and route development
Enhanced capabilities 🌐
- Access to global aviation expertise and resources
- Improved maintenance and operational standards
- Potential for new route development and service expansion
Continued local focus 🤝
- Same management team familiar with regional requirements
- Preserved community connections and local knowledge
- Maintained essential service obligations to remote destinations
What does this rebrand mean for regional Queensland?
The rebrand represents evolution rather than revolution for remote Queensland aviation.
Service continuity ✨
- All essential routes maintained without interruption
- Same crew and ground staff familiar with destinations
- Preserved community relationships built over decades
Improved reliability ✨
- Enhanced financial backing reduces service disruption risks
- Better access to spare aircraft and maintenance resources
- Improved punctuality through operational improvements
Future development ✨
- Potential for new routes and expanded services
- Investment in fleet modernisation and expansion
- Enhanced charter capabilities for mining and corporate sectors
More than 100,000 happy customers per year
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.
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