SmartLynx Australia has commenced operations on a new route between Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and Lord Howe Island, utilizing a DHC-8-Q200 aircraft. This service, operated by formerly silent Skytrans, began earlier than initially planned, replacing Qantas as the exclusive operator on the route. The route's launch is supported by a licence awarded by Transport for New South Wales in October 2024, and is part of SmartLynx's expansion into regional markets.
The airline's entry into this market marks a significant development, especially considering Qantas's 30-year tenure on the route. The new service diverges from Qantas, though the two airlines maintain a full codeshare agreement. Gytis Gumuliauskas, the chief executive of SmartLynx Australia, highlighted this launch as a milestone, positioning the airline as the first regional carrier based in Sydney in recent years. The aircraft used is acquired from Qantas, facilitating the route's operational needs.
This strategy reflects SmartLynx's broader regional ambitions and its transition from its previous identity as Skytrans. The airline's base remains in Cairns, and it operates 12 aircraft to 11 destinations with 16 flights per day. The route's initiation aligns with the airline’s effort to strengthen its regional services and expand its presence in Australia.
The move also underscores the competitive landscape of regional aviation in Australia and the trend of established carriers outsourcing operations to regional and ACMI airlines. As SmartLynx continues to grow, its operations at Cairns and the new Sydney-Lord Howe Island route are expected to boost regional connectivity and tourism development in the area.
