7 Regional Australian Airlines Flying Under The Radar

The weather is finally warming up, the days are about to get longer, and your suitcase is ready to be dusted off for a beachside getaway. But let’s face it, making your way to an airport and flying with a major carrier such as Qantas or Virgin currently doesn’t sound ideal. The words “delays,” “cancellations,” and “lost baggage” are flooding our news feeds daily. However, there is hope for you, with these seven regional Australian airlines continuing to grow and sometimes offering more than you think.

Regional Australian airlines such as FlyPelican are offering a chance to escape the larger carriers. FlyPelican aircraft sits on tarmac
FlyPelican is spreading its wings across New South Wales and the ACT © FlyPelican

FlyPelican

Now you may not be able to trust another airline associated with an animal after Australia’s flying kangaroo bounced away with your luggage, but this airline is bound to change your mind. Named after the long-beaked water bird, FlyPelican operates as both a regional airline and aircraft charter company. Based out of the beach city of Newcastle, it’s the story of ‘three times a charm,’ with the Australian airline reborn from the scraps of Aeropelican, which was owned by now-collapsed Ansett Australia.

As one of the regional Australian airlines that is currently overlooked, it operates a fleet of 19-seat British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft. This may not mean much to the average traveller, so all you need to know is that the turboprop aircraft is fitted with newly refurbished leather seats with tray tables, an onboard lavatory and an air-conditioned pressured cabin to ensure that you are able to travel to your destination in comfort. You can earn points and lounge access with Velocity Frequent Flyer as well, so you can still fly small and access some added benefits.

Mount Panorama V8 Race Track Bathurst. Regional destinations uncovered
Bathurst, home to the popular V8 Supercars Bathurst 1000, will be added as a route for FlyPelican from Monday, 5 September © Walkinshaw Andretti United/ Speedcafe.com

If you are not in the mood to risk whether you will be seated next to a screaming child or someone who thinks that toenail clipping is an appropriate activity for a flight, then you are in luck. Expect only the best service if you charter one of FlyPelican’s aircraft. Benefits include avoiding lengthy airport delays, having a complete travel solution including ground transfers and catering, and flying when you want and where you want, anywhere in Australia.

Destinations: Ballina, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Mudgee, Cobar, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra and Bathurst.

Hinterland Aviation aircraft ready to take flight
The Cessna 208 ready to take passengers to hidden Queensland treasures © Hinterland Aviation

Hinterland Aviation

With an extraordinary landscape, picturesque views and a buzz of calmness and serenity, this isn’t Sydney Airport on a Monday morning. Hinterland Aviation takes its passengers into the depths of the Sunshine State, operating as both a regular public transport and charter service, uncovering the hidden gems of the nation.

Being north Queensland’s number one choice for charter sees those in tourism, mining, electrical, and government sectors choose to fly with Hinterland Aviation. The airline offers corporate charters, Fly-In, Fly-Out charters, holiday travel, medivac and scenic flights, allowing anyone to be able to immerse within the birdwatching paradise of Karumba or have a go at fishing in Pormpuraaw, connecting with Australia’s Aboriginal communities.

Green hills and tranquil water of Queensland's Palm Island
Hinterland Aviation transports 30,000 passengers per year from Townsville to Palm Island © Museum of Underwater Art

Hinterland Aviation has been operating for over 35 years, flying 17 aircraft and conducting over 5,000 flights per year, dominating most regional Australian airlines. They emphasise bringing the customer the highest level of safety, being one of only five small aeroplane operators in Australia to meet the Regular Public Transport standard. This is the highest approval the Civil Aviation Safety Authority issues, which definitely breathes a sigh of relief.

Destinations: Cairns, Cooktown, Coen, Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama, Karumba, Kidston, Palm Island, Labona, Rockhampton, Townsville

Link Airways is one regional Australian airline ready to grow bigger
Link Airways is quickly expanding its routes, making regional Australian airlines more enticing than ever © Destination Kiama

Link Airways

If you want to keep a close relationship with Link Airways, the last thing you want to do is confuse the airline with QantasLink. In fact, with their competitive pricing options, they have been applauded for breaking large monopolies such as Qantas in regional areas, so these companies aren’t exactly two peas in a pod.

Link Airways is quickly becoming a major player among regional Australian airlines, announcing partnerships with Virgin in its Velocity Frequent Flyer Program and lounges. However, the airline stands on its own, operating under the established company of 50 years, Corporate Air. Link aims to be the airline of choice, having prominence on the east coast of regional Australia.

Regional city of Queensland Bundaberg is waiting to be explored
Make your way to Bundaberg on one of Link Airways’ newest routes © Tourism and Events Queensland

Travel in comfort with sink-in seats, large overhead bins and complimentary refreshments, with Link Airways also having some of the most advanced technology seen in turboprop aircraft today. And if you are planning on taking all of your extended family on holiday with you (good luck), Link Airways has you covered, offering discounts for groups of 10 or more.

Destinations: Armidale, Biloela, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Hobart, Inverell, Melbourne, Narrabri, Newcastle, Orange, Sydney, Tamworth and Wollongong (Shellharbour).

Airnorth touching down on tarmac in regional Australia, just one of many other regional Australian airlines going under the radar
Despite being established for decades in the Territory, Airnorth has flown under the radar compared to other regional Australian airlines © Airnorth

Airnorth

Its name screams out the obvious. This airline reigns the red dirt, deep culture and vast landscape of the Northern Territory. Despite a rich history of over 40 years in business, Airnorth stays relatively quiet elsewhere across the country. It once tried to join other regional Australian airlines and dabble in the states on Australia’s east coast. However, the expansion never really took off, making the Airnorth stick to its origins in the NT.

Airnorth flies to untouched Arnhem Land. Choosing other airlines to fly with to the NT over regional aviation will not give the same experience.
Arnhem Land is just one of the remote places Airnorth can take you © Northern Territory

Operating a fleet of Embraer jets, the modern aircraft ensure ultimate performance and operational efficiency. But what does this mean for travellers? Nothing but complimentary refreshments, leather seats and free checked baggage to account for the excessive amount of souvenirs. Airnorth offers a chance to explore ‘untouched’ lands, including Arnhem Land. However, it does not come without a cost, with flights from Darwin to Milingimbi starting from $420 one way.

Destinations: Alice Springs, Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Dili (Timor-Leste), Elcho Island, Gove, Groote Eylandt, Katherine, Kununurra, Maningrida, Macarthur River, Milingimbi, Perth, Tennant Creek, Toowoomba and Townsville.

Skippers Aviation is different to other regional Australian airlines by offering unique locations. Aircraft flying in the sky
Skippers Aviation is one of Western Australia’s prominent regional Australian airlines © Wikiwand

Skippers Aviation

Skippy the bush kangaroo would rather its name be seen within Skippers Aviation than its face be on Qantas’ red tail at the moment. Skippers lives and breathes regional Western Australia, connecting The Wildflower State with its mining and greater business community and is striving to be an innovative leader in the air charter field. However, travellers need to be weary that scheduled flights do not occur 7 days a week.

If being stuck on hold to 13Cabs doesn’t really take your fancy, the charter service also operates flights to unique locations, including Leeuwin Estate in the Margaret River region, allowing travellers to kick back with a bottle of Chardonnay. The airline uses a varied array of aircraft, including the 108-seater Fokker 100 Jet right through to the 9-passenger Cessna Conquest C441, perfect for operating into short, semi-prepared strips, even though you may not be able to remember the trip home.

Birds eye view of Leewin Estate Winery
Skippers will charter passengers to have the ultimate day out in Western Australia, including to Leeuwin Estate Winery © Winetraveler

Who doesn’t love snagging themselves a deal? For those who live in Laverton, Leonora, Mount Magnet, Meekatharra and Wiluna, you can take advantage of ‘The Regional Airfare Zone Cap’ scheme, a partnership between the Western Australian Government and Skippers Aviation. Under the scheme, a one-way airfare ticket to Perth will be capped at the price of $199 when booked on a return basis, another reason to choose to go with regional Australian airlines instead.

Destinations: Broome, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Laverton, Leonara, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet and Wiluna.

Skytrans is connecting regional Australia
Skytrans is connecting regional Australia closer than before © Skytrans

Skytrans

2015 was a big year for Johnathan Thurston. Not only did he kick the winning goal in the NRL Grand Final, but he also shook hands with pilot and business expert Peter Collings, sealing the repurposing and relaunching of Skytrans.

Born and bred in the Sunshine State, Skytrans is one of the regional Australian airlines that is currently servicing thousands of passengers each year. Its services allow for regional and remote destinations to be uncovered with a small fleet of the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan and the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100, bringing a whole new perspective to island hopping.

Regional Australian Airlines are able to reach hidden treasures such as Murray Island proving there's no other airlines to fly with
Murray Island is able to be accessed by Skytrans, and its beauty is unmatched © Strait Experience

Skytrans has a proud community focus behind its name and is a part of Queensland’s Local Fare Scheme. Yes, that’s right, another Australian airline that is making travel accessible and affordable. The Local Fare Scheme is an airfare subsidy that aims to improve the cost of airfares for regional and remote residents, with eligible residents saving $200 for one-way bookings when travelling between eligible airports in the Cape York and Torres Strait regions.

Skytrans has also recently unveiled plans to launch Australia’s first hydrogen-electric aircraft, which will be in the skies by 2026, a move that will lead Australia’s aviation industry and definitely bring a bigger name to Skytrans. Who would have thought that one smaller Australian airline could do so much?

Destinations: Aurukan, Badu Island, Boigu Island, Cairns, Coconut Island, Darnley Island, Horn Island, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mabuiag Island, Kubin Village, Murray Island,  Pormpuraaw, Saibai Island, Warraber Island, Yam Island and Yorke Island.

One of Australia's regional airlines: Par Avion on the tar mac
Par Avion does the aviation experience a little differently in Tassie © Hobart and Beyond

Par Avion

Now it may not be your stock-standard commercial airline, but if you are after something different and planning on travelling south to the Apple Isle, Par Avion will offer you untraditional flight services across Tasmania. The airline has been operating for over three decades as Tasmania’s primary transport airline. However, what makes Par Avion different is the airline’s focus on offering experiences. If being dropped off into the Tasmanian wilderness for days to connect with nature is your cup of tea, then keep reading.

Par Avion offers a taste of regional Australia with their bushwalking experiences
The bushwalking experiences uncovering Tasmania’s part of regional Australia prove to be popular amongst travellers © Par Avion

Spanning the southwest, east coast and west coast, the Australian airline offers scenic flights, tours, drop-offs and pick-ups. One of its most well known-services is its southwest bushwalking experience, flying to and from Melaleuca in Tasmania’s Southwest National Park. Flights operate daily for hikers from Cambridge/Hobart Airport, with tickets at $325 per person.

The airline operates small aircraft, largely Cessnas, with its biggest seating up to 9 passengers, an intimate joyride enabling smaller destinations across Tasmania to be uncovered. Par Avion also operates a charter service across Tasmania for private, corporate and government clients who will be treated to comfortable interiors and excellent visibility, getting to see the best of Tasmania from above. Locations the airline charters to stretch from King Island in the west, Bruny Island in the south and Maria Island in the east.

Although the cost of flying with an airline that doesn’t make its way into the daily news can climb higher than what one may like to pay, it may be considered worth it. From personalised experiences to the largest list of destinations that span across remote and regional Australia, there is something for everyone.

As you now get ready to book a seat with regional Australian airlines, make sure to also check out some of Australia’s most obscure and remote airports. You might just be flying into one of them soon!

Have you ever flown with one of the regional Australian airlines listed above? Let us know your experiences below!

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Madilyn McKinley
Madilyn McKinley
Assistant Editor - A little about me coming soon!

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