Hinterland Aviation (OI, Cairns) along with Rex - Regional Express (ZL, Wagga Wagga) and West Wing Aviation (Mount Isa) will likely take up capacity slack in the Queensland domestic market following Skytrans's decision to suspend operations earlier this month. Skytrans Managing Director Simon Wild this week blamed a sliding Australian Dollar coupled with a tough operating environment for the demise of his airline.
According to Australian Aviation news, the Queensland government has already chartered aircraft from both Hinterland and West Wing Aviation to assist passengers stranded by the sudden shut down with REX showing its own willingness to step in.
"REX will immediately notify the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of our intention to fly into all the routes abandoned by Skytrans. We expect to get clearances within 6 weeks after which we could commence limited operations to some of the cities affected. We will also mobilise additional aircraft and crew to carry out a fuller service within 3- 4 months after a feasibility analysis," REX's Chief Operating Officer Neville Howell said. "In the meantime REX will request permission from CASA and Skytrans to perform emergency charter substitution services so that the communities will not be completely cut off for weeks."
Hinterland Aviation operates a fleet of 11 aircraft made up of Cessna (twin piston) 310s, 402s, 404s, Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Caravans, and Beech (twin turboprop) King Air 200s while West Wing operates a similar fleet inclusive of Commander 500s, Beech 1900Ds, and BN-2s.
