Skytrans Axes Torres Strait Cessna 208B Flights

Skytrans has abruptly ended its scheduled Cessna 208B Caravan services in the Torres Strait. The changes primarily affect flights to and from Horn Island (HID).

Skytrans had flown to Badu Island (BDD), Coconut Island (CNC), Kubin Island (KUG), Mabuiag Island (UBB), Yorke Island (OKR), Yam Island (XMY), Boigu Island (GIC), Saibai Island (SBR), Darnley Island (NLF), Murray Island (MYI), and Warraber Island (SYU) from Horn Island. Skytrans ended these flights on May 9, 2025.

The Cairns Post newspaper says Skytrans dumped the routes “on the quiet” after a deal with Northern Territory Air Services to provide transfers to and from Horn Island fell through. Skytrans continues to operate scheduled Q100 flights to Horn Island from Cairns (CNS) and Bamaga (ABM).

Northern Territory Air Services is a small 100% Indigenous-owned and operated company based in Alice Springs (ASP). It operates charter flights, cargo flights, regular passenger transport flights, and is a key provider for the Australian Commonwealth Government’s Remote Air Services Subsidy (RASS) Scheme.

Following the end of talks between Skytrans and Northern Territory Air Services, Skytrans negotiated with Hinterland Aviation to transfer forward customer bookings to them. Hinterland already operates an extensive network of scheduled flights around the Torres Strait islands and increased its frequencies on many routes earlier this year. Like Skytrans, Hinterland also operates a fleet of twelve-passenger 208B Caravans.

In a statement on its social media platforms, Hinterland Aviation said it would continue to provide “reliable, affordable, community-focused air services” in the Torres Strait. “Our promise to the Torres Strait is that our Affordable Local Fare scheme, at a fixed price point, will remain in place well into the future.”

Skytrans has not issued a public statement concerning its decision to axe its Torres Strait 208B Caravan flights.

Approximately 12 months, Skytrans was bought by a European-based company called Avia Solutions Group. It specialises in providing wet lease jets to other airlines. Wet leasing is an aviation industry practice whereby aircraft are leased, along with crews to operate them. Usually, practical matters such as insurance and maintenance are also taken care of.

Avia Solutions Group operates several airlines around the world that do this. It purchased Skytrans to secure an Australian air operator’s certificate and break into the local market. What Avia Solutions Group does not do is operate timetabled passenger flights like a regular airline. Since Avia took over Skytrans, there has been quiet speculation about the future of Skytrans’ passenger flights.

AeroSouthPacific understands Skytrans has discontinued operating the Cessna 208B Caravan altogether. For the time being, it will maintain other scheduled passenger passenger flights operated by its larger de Havilland Q100 and Q200 propeller aircraft.

“The cessation of Skytrans services will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our communities, affecting not only travel but also vital connections for business and personal needs,” said Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby. “We urge all residents to stay informed via council social media and explore alternative travel options, including those provided by Hinterland Aviation. The Council is committed to supporting our community during this transition.”

Photo: Torres Strait Island Regional Council