Air Link Acquires East Air Charter Operations

Australia’s East Air has sold its small-aircraft charter operations and related assets to Air Link, a subsidiary of Aviation Logistics Group, effective September 1. The deal includes East Air’s Cairns terminal, part of its fleet and staff tied to charter services, signaling a major reshaping of the regional operator’s business model.

Aviation Logistics Group CEO Matthew Kline told ch-aviation the transfer covers two Cessna 208B Grand Caravans (VH-NXU and VH-OUS), two Aero Commander 500-S aircraft (VH-YJI and VH-KAV) and one Cessna 402C (VH-UCM). These aircraft and personnel will now be integrated into Air Link’s expanding charter operations, strengthening its presence in regional Queensland.

East Air, recently acquired by former Skytrans CEO Alan Milne, will continue operating under its own brand and retain two Beech 1900Ds (VH-JYA and VH-RUE). These turboprops will launch a new regional public transport route between Cairns and Hamilton Island in November, part of Milne’s plan to diversify revenue streams.

Milne has outlined a growth strategy centered on adding two DHC-8-Q300 aircraft by year-end and another two in 2026, aiming to build an all-Dash 8 fleet spanning from the DHC-8-100 to Q400 models. He said East Air will continue focusing on long-term charter contracts while using scheduled services to maintain its market presence.

According to the Australian aircraft register, Townsville Airlines—the legal entity trading as East Air—owns three C208Bs, two B1900Ds, three C402Cs, six 500-S and one B200. The sale allows East Air to streamline operations while Air Link strengthens its charter capabilities.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com