Skytrans to Dry-Lease Q200 Aircraft Previously Owned by Qantas

Skytrans, based in Cairns, Australia, will dry-lease one DHC-8-Q200 and two DHC-8-200 turboprops from Canadian lessor Avmax Aircraft Leasing as part of a larger fleet deal involving Qantas Group aircraft. The agreement follows Avmax’s acquisition of 19 Dash 8 aircraft from Qantas, including one DHC-8-300 and fifteen DHC-8-Q300s, all of which were previously operated by Eastern Australia Airlines under the QantasLink brand.

Avmax confirmed that the first DHC-8-200 transaction has closed, with aircraft VH-TQG (msn 430) officially re-registered to Skytrans on April 5, 2025. The remaining aircraft, including the Q300s, are still under a letter of intent, with final agreements expected soon.

This move comes after Qantas announced in June 2024 that it would retire its older Dash 8-200 and Q300 fleets, replacing them with the larger and more modern DHC-8-Q400s. The transition allows regional carriers like Skytrans to step in and expand their own operations with the acquired aircraft.

Skytrans recently reached an agreement with Qantas and the New South Wales government to gradually take over the Sydney–Lord Howe Island route throughout 2025. The service had previously been operated by Qantas using Dash 8 aircraft.

Avmax CEO Steve Hankirk noted that final deliveries are expected by the end of 2025, and the company is in talks with other operators for additional sale or lease opportunities. The partnership supports Skytrans’ regional expansion while helping Avmax place recently acquired turboprops into active service across the aviation market.

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