Australia’s East Air to Enter Scheduled Market in November 2025

East Air has announced plans to launch its first scheduled service on November 3, 2025, connecting Cairns with Hamilton Island. The regional carrier, based in Cairns, will initially operate the route with its Beech 1900D aircraft but is preparing to expand its fleet with a Dash 8-100 or Dash 8-200.

Chief executive and owner Alan Milne said the decision reflects East Air’s long-term growth strategy. “East Air has specialised in tailored charter services for more than 15 years. We are now taking operations to the next level by reviving a sought-after passenger service on this untapped route, which has the potential to influence the future of regional Queensland tourism,” he explained.

The new service will operate three times weekly, according to the airline’s booking platform. The Cairns–Hamilton Island route has been unserved since the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the island remaining a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef with existing connections to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne via Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.

East Air operates as a virtual brand under its parent, Townsville Airlines, which also uses the Weipa Air brand. The current fleet includes two Beech 1900Ds, three Cessna C208B Grand Caravans, two Cessna C402Cs, one Beech B200 King Air, and six Commander 500-S aircraft.

The airline is in the process of securing regulatory approvals to add the Dash 8. Renderings shared on its social media suggest either the -100 or -200 variant. Milne previously led Skytrans, now SmartLynx Australia, and has also served as CEO of Air Niugini.

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