Skytrans Expands with New AOC for Narrowbody Operations in Australia
Skytrans, a prominent Australian regional airline based in Cairns, has marked a significant milestone in its operational capabilities with the recent amendment of its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). As of February 26, 2025, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) granted Skytrans the approval to expand its services using narrowbody aircraft, under the certificate number CASA.AOC.0042. This expansion comes at a pivotal time as the airline broadens its operational horizon across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
The acquisition of its first Airbus A319-100 in December 2024 was a key part of this strategy. The aircraft, registered as VH-L7A and bearing the manufacturer’s serial number 1779, officially joined the Australian aircraft register on December 20, 2024, following its arrival from overseas. This 22.6-year-old aircraft, previously operated by Alitalia and later ITA Airways, has a storied history and is configured to accommodate 144 passengers in an all-economy seating arrangement. The transition of this aircraft into Skytrans’ fleet symbolizes a significant upgrade in the carrier’s capacity and operational flexibility.
Owned by AviaAM Leasing—a sister company within the same corporate group—this A319 is slated for a dynamic role within the airline’s operations. According to Skytrans, the aircraft will be utilized for ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter operations, aiming to enhance connectivity within Australia and extend to more routes in the Asia-Pacific. However, details about specific upcoming contracts remain undisclosed as per a Skytrans spokesperson. Since its integration into the fleet, VH-L7A has been actively involved in proving flights around Australia, as indicated by Flightradar24 ADS-B data, showcasing its readiness to serve under Skytrans’ expanded AOC.
The backdrop to this development is the 2024 acquisition of Skytrans by the Avia Solutions Group, a move that has evidently spurred a new phase of growth and diversification for the airline. Alongside the newly added A319, Skytrans operates a fleet that includes five DHC-8-100s, one DHC-8-300, one DHC-8-Q300, and five Cessna C208Bs. These aircraft have primarily served the airline’s scheduled routes across 19 airports in Queensland, especially within the North Queensland and Cape York Peninsula areas, in addition to handling freight and charter services, including crucial fly-in-fly-out charters for various industries.
Moreover, Skytrans has recently ventured into new territory with a successful bid for a government tender in New South Wales. Starting early 2026, the airline is set to operate scheduled flights between Sydney and Lord Howe Island, a route previously managed by Qantas. This expansion not only emphasizes Skytrans’ capability to manage diverse and strategically important routes but also highlights its growing footprint in the regional aviation market in Australia.
As Skytrans embarks on this new chapter with its updated AOC and enhanced fleet, it stands poised to significantly impact the regional aviation landscape. The integration of narrowbody aircraft into its operations is expected to provide greater flexibility, increased capacity, and improved efficiency for the airline, enabling it to meet the evolving demands of its passenger base and charter clients. This strategic expansion underscores Skytrans’ commitment to advancing its service offerings and strengthening its position as a key player in the regional aviation sector.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com