Contracted air services
Queensland is an extensive area with a population unevenly distributed within its borders and numerous island communities in the far north. It has the highest percentage of population outside a capital city of any mainland state within Australia, and land transport is disrupted by the annual wet season in northern and western regions.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads regulates and in some cases subsidises a number of regular passenger transport air services to ensure that identified transport-disadvantaged communities have year-round access to a range of essential business, educational, medical, and cultural services in larger centres, reducing the social and economic isolation of rural and remote Queenslanders.
In April 2008, following a comprehensive review, the government endorsed the routes and minimum service levels to apply to the current air service contracts. QantasLink and MacAir were the successful tenderers for these routes. Following the collapse of MacAir, the department re-established air services on the MacAir routes under temporary Emergency Service Contracts with three operators.
Following an open public tender process, the government announced on 2 December 2009 that new contracts for these routes were awarded to QantasLink, Skytrans and REX (Regional Express). The current contract holders for each of the regulated air services routes are now as follows:
Skytrans
- Western 1 (Brisbane – Toowoomba – St George – Cunnamulla – Thargomindah)
- Western 2 (Brisbane – Toowoomba – Charleville – Quilpie – Windorah – Birdsville – Bedourie – Boulia – Mount Isa)
- Gulf (Cairns – Normanton – Mornington Island – Burketown – Doomadgee – Mount Isa).
For enquiries or to make bookings contact Skytrans on 1300 759 872 or visit the Skytrans website*.
REX (Regional Express)
- Northern 1 (Townsville – Winton – Longreach)
- Northern 2 (Townsville – Hughenden – Richmond – Julia Creek – Mt Isa).
For enquiries or to make bookings contact REX on 13 17 13y or visit the REX website*.
QantasLink
- Northern 3 (Townsville – Cloncurry – Mt Isa)
- Central 1 (Brisbane – Roma – Charleville)
- Central 2 (Brisbane – Blackall/Barcaldine – Longreach)
- Horn Island (Cairns – Horn Island)
- Weipa (Cairns – Weipa).
For enquiries or to make bookings contact QantasLink on 13 13 13y or visit the QantasLink website*.
The Queensland Government commits A$9.5m per annum to ensure the continued operation of these services. The current contracts will expire on 31 March 2013.
See the links below for maps of regional air routes:
Local Fare Scheme – Cape York and Torres Strait
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is introducing a new Local Fare Scheme for selected Cape York and Torres Strait communities.
Contact us regarding any questions you have about rural and remote air services in Queensland.
yCall surcharge will apply. Higher rates from mobile phones will apply.
