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Capiteq Pty Limited,[2] trading as Airnorth, is a regional airline[3] based at Darwin International Airport in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.[4] It operates scheduled and charter services in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, and East Timor.[5]

Key Information

Airnorth carries over 350,000 passengers per year.[6]

Aircraft Logistics is a subsidiary company and the Part 145 Engineering division of Airnorth. Aircrew Logistics is a subsidiary company that employs the pilots and cabin crew for Airnorth.

Airnorth is a member of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA).

History

[edit]
Airnorth headquarters at Darwin Airport

Airnorth was established in 1978 and started operations on 4 July that year as Air North International; it was the result of the merger of Airnorth, Rossair and Tillair.[7]

It operated charter flights only until scheduled services were introduced in 1981. At this time, the airline's fleet included the first turbine powered aircraft in the Northern Territory, a Beechcraft Super King Air as well as a Douglas DC-3.[8] In 1992, the Skyport Group became a major shareholder and in 1993, was sold to Capiteq Ltd and renamed to Airnorth Regional.[7] During the 1990s, Airnorth had a well established regional network, and by 1997, had introduced both Fairchild Metro 23 and Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia turboprop aircraft to the fleet.[8]

Beginning in September 1999, Airnorth operated charters from Darwin to Dili, East Timor, on behalf of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor. In 2000, this became a scheduled service, Airnorth's first international route.

In 2007, Airnorth introduced the Embraer E-170 to its fleet, the first jet aircraft operated by the airline. In 2012, it announced a direct service between Darwin and Townsville, the first Australian airline to offer a non-stop connection between these cities.

On 5 February 2015, it was announced that Bristow Helicopters Australia Ltd., a division of the US-based Bristow Group, had acquired an 85 percent controlling interest in Airnorth.[9] Bristow stated that Airnorth would retain its name and brand identity.[10] Later in 2015 Bristow Helicopters Australia purchased the remaining shares to obtain full ownership.[6]

Under Bristow's ownership, Airnorth responded to a downturn in the mining industry, restructuring the route network by withdrawing services to Karratha, Port Hedland[11] and the Gold Coast.[12] A fifth E-170 joined the fleet in 2016.[13] The increased availability of the jets allowed expansion into South East Queensland and Victoria, commencing operations between Wellcamp Airport near Toowoomba to Melbourne and Cairns from March 2016.[14] Within months the airline added further flights from Wellcamp to Townsville with all three new routes codesharing with Qantas.[15]

In 2022, Airnorth expanded its airline seat capacity by introducing two Embraer ERJ190 aircraft to its fleet, enhancing its ability to meet growing passenger demand. By 2024, the airline has further strengthened its operations and now operates a total of three ERJ190s, providing greater flexibility, efficiency, and comfort across its regional and interstate routes.[citation needed]

Airnorth Embraer E-190 VH-XFM taxiing at Perth Airport

At the beginning of 2024, Airnorth established a new base in Perth, marking a significant step in the airline's expansion strategy. This move enhances connectivity for passengers in Western Australia and strengthens Airnorth's presence in the region.[citation needed]

In recent years, Airnorth has provided ACMI (wet-lease) coverage for major Australian airlines using its Embraer E-Jet fleet. This includes wet lease partnerships with Virgin Australia, Network Aviation, and Alliance Airlines.[citation needed]

Destinations

[edit]
Airnorth Fairchild Metro 23 at Kununurra Airport

The airline operates over 300 scheduled and contract charter departures weekly, serving 21 domestic and international destinations including:

Airnorth Embraer E-170 at Perth Airport

In addition to scheduled flights, Airnorth operates charter services for a wide variety of companies including mining & resources, defence and government clients. [17] [18]

Airnorth previously flew to Melbourne and Toowoomba before terminating the service in early 2022.

Codeshare agreements

[edit]

Airnorth currently has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:

Interline agreements

[edit]

Airnorth currently has interline agreements with the following airlines:

Fleet

[edit]

As of August 2025, the Airnorth fleet consists of an all-Embraer fleet composed of the following aircraft:[21][22][23]

Aircraft In Service Orders Passengers Notes
J Y Total
Embraer EMB-120 6 — — 30 30
Embraer 175 3 — — 76 76
Embraer 190 5 — — 100 100 Dry leased from Alliance Airlines.
Total 14 —

Airnorth also has a dry lease agreement for 4 Embraer E-190 aircraft from Alliance Airlines to complement its existing E170 fleet.[24]

Incidents and accidents

[edit]
Airnorth Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia at Darwin International Airport during the dry season
  • On 22 March 2010, one of Airnorth's Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft (registration VH-ANB) crashed into bushland near the RAAF Base Darwin golf course at approximately 10:10 (ACST), shortly after taking off from Darwin International Airport on a training flight. The two crew members, who were the only people on board, were killed.[25][26][27]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Airnorth

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Airnorth is a headquartered in , , specializing in scheduled passenger services, cargo transport, and charter flights that connect remote communities across and to in Timor-Leste. Established on 4 July 1978 through the merger of local charter operators, it began operations with aircraft providing ad-hoc flights for the and exploration sectors before expanding into regular public transport to isolated destinations such as , Gove, and . Over the decades, Airnorth has grown into Northern Australia's leading independent regional carrier, emphasizing affordable fares, exceptional service, and support for key industries including defense, , and tourism while operating from hubs in Darwin, Cairns, and Broome. The airline's route network spans the , Tropical North Queensland, North West , and international links, with key destinations including , Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Perth, , and various Aboriginal communities like Maningrida and Ngukurr. As of 2025, Airnorth maintains a modern all- fleet comprising approximately 13 aircraft: five Embraer ERJ 120 Brasilia turboprops for short regional hops (seating up to 30 passengers), three Embraer E170 jets (up to 76 seats) for medium routes, and four Embraer E190 jets (up to 100 seats) for longer sectors with a range exceeding five hours. This fleet configuration enables efficient operations to challenging airfields, including unpaved strips, and supports specialized charters for , resource extraction, and services. Airnorth's operations underscore its role as a lifeline for regional connectivity, fostering economic development and access to cultural and natural attractions in Australia's , while adhering to high safety standards under oversight. Recent expansions, such as the 2025 introduction of direct Alice Springs-Cairns flights using E190 aircraft, highlight its ongoing commitment to enhancing and business travel in underserved areas.

History

Founding and early years

Airnorth was established in 1978 as Air North International through the merger of three local carriers—Airnorth, Rossair, and Tillair—aimed at providing essential air services in . Commercial operations commenced on July 4, 1978, initially focusing on charter flights using small propeller aircraft such as models to connect remote areas across the . Headquartered in Darwin, the airline obtained its (AOC No. BN518845-49) from the , enabling it to deliver reliable transport to isolated communities. From its inception, Airnorth prioritized serving the unique needs of northern Australia's remote regions, offering charter services critical for the mining industry and emerging tourism sector. These operations filled gaps left by larger carriers, transporting personnel, equipment, and tourists to outlying locations like , Gove, and Kununurra. In , the introduced scheduled services, marking a shift from ad-hoc charters and utilizing upgraded such as the 200, the Northern Territory's first turbine-powered plane, to enhance speed, comfort, and safety on regional routes. During the 1980s and , Airnorth steadily developed its initial route network, expanding regular services to key destinations including , , and Broome, while maintaining a strong emphasis on charter flexibility. In 1992, the Skyport Group became a major shareholder, and in 1993, the airline was sold to Capiteq Ltd and renamed Airnorth Regional. This period saw the airline solidify its role as a premier regional operator in the Top End, with fleet enhancements like the introduction of Fairchild Metroliners and Brasilias in the late 1990s to accommodate growing demand. This foundational growth positioned the airline for the transition to jet operations in the mid-2000s.

Introduction of jet aircraft and expansion

In 2007, Airnorth acquired its first E-170 , introducing to its operations and enabling the airline to extend its network to longer-distance routes previously limited by its fleet. This 76-seat replaced some propeller-driven services on key regional paths, allowing for faster travel times and greater capacity on routes such as Darwin to Kununurra, Broome, and Perth. The addition of the E-170 marked a significant upgrade, supporting Airnorth's transition from solely short-haul operations while maintaining its for more remote destinations. The late 2000s saw notable route expansions facilitated by the jet fleet, including enhanced frequencies to hubs like Kununurra and Broome, where the E-170 improved efficiency and reliability. Internationally, Airnorth increased services to in Timor-Leste starting in 2008, building on earlier operations to provide scheduled flights that grew to multiple weekly services by 2009, catering to growing regional connectivity needs. These developments positioned Airnorth to capture rising demand from and in , contributing to overall network growth without fully phasing out propeller aircraft. Operational adaptations accompanied this expansion, particularly at Darwin Airport, where infrastructure upgrades in included a larger terminal, additional aircraft parking bays, and expanded car facilities to handle increased jet traffic and passenger volumes. These improvements addressed challenges like limited apron space and supported Airnorth's scaling operations, ensuring smoother jet integrations amid rising regional air travel. By the early , the airline's passenger traffic had surged, driven by economic activity and in the Top End, though exact figures reflected broader industry trends in remote Australian .

Acquisition and modern developments

In 2015, Australia Pty Ltd., a of the Bristow Group, acquired an 85% controlling stake in Airnorth for A$30.3 million in cash, integrating the into its broader portfolio of aviation services that includes rotary-wing operations. This acquisition, completed on February 5, 2015, enabled Bristow to expand its offerings in by combining fixed-wing passenger and charter services with its existing logistics, particularly in remote and offshore environments. By 2022, Bristow had increased its ownership to 100%, further solidifying Airnorth's position within the group's operations. Following the acquisition, Bristow invested in fleet modernization to enhance efficiency and capacity, transitioning from older ERJ-170 jets toward larger E-190 aircraft, which offer improved fuel efficiency and the ability to serve longer routes. In early , Airnorth established a second operational base at , marking a strategic expansion into to support new routes and mitigate seasonal downturns in its Northern Territory-focused network. This move facilitated the launch of direct Perth-Alice Springs services in March , operating three times weekly and reconnecting key destinations. Recent developments under Bristow's ownership have emphasized route growth and connectivity in central and . On April 14, 2025, Airnorth introduced non-stop flights between Cairns and , operating three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, providing the only direct link between Queensland's tropical north and the Red Centre. These expansions, including increased frequencies on core routes, have supported post-COVID recovery by boosting demand in regional markets previously impacted by travel restrictions. As of 2025, Airnorth carries over 350,000 passengers annually, reflecting sustained growth driven by these initiatives. Strategic efforts have also incorporated measures, such as leveraging the fuel-efficient E-190 fleet to reduce operational emissions and optimize route planning for lower carbon intensity. This aligns with broader industry trends toward greener aviation while maintaining Airnorth's focus on reliable regional service.

Operations

Destinations

Airnorth operates a network of 17 domestic and international destinations as of 2025, primarily focused on regional connectivity across northern and western Australia. Darwin serves as the airline's primary hub, facilitating connections to remote communities in the Northern Territory and beyond, while Perth functions as a secondary base for western routes. The network supports over 300 weekly scheduled and charter flights, emphasizing essential travel for tourism, mining operations, and government services in areas with limited competition from larger carriers. Domestically, Airnorth connects key regional centers such as Broome, Kununurra, Cairns, and , alongside remote Northern Territory locations including , Gove, , , Maningrida, McArthur River Mine, Milingimbi, . These routes often operate multiple times weekly, providing vital links for Indigenous communities, resource industries, and eco-tourism in and tropical regions. In 2025, the airline introduced a new direct route to with three weekly non-stop flights from Cairns, enhancing access to central Australia's iconic landmarks and boosting tourism between the Red Centre and . Major southern connections to cities like , , and are available through integrated services, supporting broader national travel. Internationally, Airnorth maintains daily services to in Timor-Leste from Darwin, fostering cross-border trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges just a short flight away. Twice-weekly seasonal services to in operate since May 2025, catering to leisure travelers seeking tropical escapes from . The route map radiates from Darwin to encompass the Top End, Kimberley, and Queensland's north, with extensions to Perth and , strategically filling gaps in remote air access where alternatives are scarce. This focus has evolved from earlier expansions in the and , solidifying Airnorth's role in sustaining economic and social links in underserved territories.
CategoryKey DestinationsRoute Notes
Northern Territory Hub (Darwin-based)Darwin, Elcho Island, Gove, , Katherine, Maningrida, McArthur River Mine, Milingimbi, Multiple weekly flights; essential for mining and government charters to remote sites.
Broome, Kununurra, PerthDaily/near-daily services; supports tourism and resource sector in the Kimberley.
QueenslandCairns, , (new 2025)3x weekly non-stop to ; connects tropical north to outback for leisure travel.
International (Timor-Leste), (, seasonal since May 2025)Daily to ; twice-weekly seasonal to for tourism.

Codeshare and interline agreements

Airnorth maintains a longstanding with Airways, initiated in 2007 and expanded over the years to include various regional routes in . This partnership places flight numbers (QF) on select Airnorth-operated services, such as those between Darwin and Gove, Darwin and , Broome and Darwin, and Perth to . The codeshare facilitates seamless bookings through channels, allowing passengers to purchase multi-segment itineraries on a single ticket and earn Qantas Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits when traveling on QF-numbered flights. Eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members, including Platinum One/Platinum, , and Qantas Club members, may access Qantas lounges when connecting on these codeshare flights, subject to standard eligibility rules. Complementing the codeshare, Airnorth has an interline agreement with that supports through-checked baggage and coordinated check-in for connecting passengers, enhancing overall connectivity from regional hubs like Darwin to Qantas's extensive domestic and international network. This arrangement provides improved onward connections to global destinations via Qantas's alliance partners. Following Airnorth's acquisition by the Bristow Group in 2015, the partnership has seen further integration, thereby strengthening Perth-based operations and regional access. Additionally, Airnorth holds a separate interline agreement with Hahn Air since 2017, enabling distribution of its flights through global ticketing systems for secondary markets.

Fleet

Current fleet

As of November 2025, Airnorth operates a fleet of 13 , comprising turboprops and regional jets suited to its regional network in . The average fleet age stands at approximately 24.5 years, reflecting a mix of older turboprops and mid-life jets, all configured in a single without provisions for frequent flyer upgrades. The fleet's backbone includes five Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia turboprops, each with 30 seats in a 2×1 configuration, primarily deployed on short-haul regional routes to remote areas in the . These offer a flight range of up to three hours and feature one lavatory along with basic catering options. Airnorth also flies three Embraer E170 jets, configured for 76 passengers in a layout, serving mid-range domestic services with a range of about 4.5 hours. Complementing these are five E190 jets, each accommodating up to 100 passengers in a arrangement and capable of five-hour flights, which handle higher-capacity routes to Perth and interstate destinations; all five of which are dry-leased from through at least 2030. To support recent expansion, three E190s were integrated into the fleet between 2022 and 2024, enhancing capacity on longer sectors.
Aircraft TypeIn ServiceSeatsConfigurationPrimary RoleNotes
5302×1Short regional routesTurboprops for remote NT legs
Embraer E1703762×2Mid-range domesticEconomy only
Embraer 51002×2Longer interstate routesAll dry-leased from

Fleet evolution

Airnorth began operations in 1978 with a small fleet of single- and twin-engine aircraft dedicated to charter services across the and international routes to . By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, the airline transitioned to larger turboprops, introducing 19-seat Fairchild Metro 23 and 30-seat models to support expanding regional passenger networks, resulting in a fleet of around 5-7 aircraft focused on short-haul operations. A pivotal shift occurred in 2007 when Airnorth entered the jet era by acquiring E170 aircraft, spurred by a 2006 partnership with the McArthur River Mine that necessitated greater capacity and range for mining-related charters and scheduled services. This move initiated the phasing out of older Bandeirante-era turboprops, though the airline retained several EMB 120 Brasilias for remote and low-demand routes, while the E170 fleet grew to four units by the mid-2010s. Following Australia's 85% acquisition in 2015—which inherited a fleet of nine turboprops (including EMB 120s and Metro 23s) and four E170s—the pursued modernization and expansion. Starting in late 2021, Airnorth leased E190 jets from to bolster capacity on longer regional routes, adding two in 2022 and reaching a total of five by 2025, which has contributed to growing the fleet to 13 aircraft by 2025. Retirement patterns emphasized efficiency within the Embraer family, with older E170s progressively withdrawn in the early 2020s—including one in 2023—to prioritize the larger E190 for synergies and reduced operating costs, while select EMB 120s continued service for specialized regional needs. By November 2025, this evolution had streamlined the fleet to 13 active aircraft, predominantly models.

Safety and incidents

Incidents and accidents

On 22 March 2010, an Airnorth EMB-120ER Brasilia (registration VH-ANB) crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 29 at during a simulated engine failure training flight, resulting in the deaths of both pilots on board and the destruction of the aircraft by impact forces and a subsequent post-impact fire. No passengers were aboard the flight, which was conducted solely for pilot proficiency checking purposes. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation determined that the accident was caused by crew error during the execution of the "V1 cut" procedure, a simulated single-engine at rotation speed; specifically, the retarded the left power lever to flight idle rather than the zero-thrust position, causing excessive drag from the windmilling propeller and leading to an uncontrollable loss of control at low altitude. Contributing factors included the to promptly restore power when airspeed tolerances were exceeded and the decision to continue the exercise despite deviations from standard procedures, with no evidence of mechanical malfunction in the aircraft. Both pilots were highly experienced, with the holding over 5,600 total flight hours (including 3,085 on the EMB-120 type) and the pilot under check possessing more than 8,200 total hours (including 3,749 on type). In the immediate aftermath, Airnorth suspended in-flight asymmetric exercises on its EMB-120 fleet and grounded the remaining for safety inspections and procedural reviews before resuming operations. The airline subsequently transitioned the majority of its EMB-120 pilot training and proficiency checks to simulator-based environments to mitigate risks associated with airborne simulations, a change endorsed by the ATSB's safety recommendations. Airnorth has experienced no other fatal accidents in its history, and while minor incidents such as bird strikes and engine shutdowns in flight have occurred, none have resulted in hull loss or passenger injuries.

Safety record and measures

Airnorth has maintained a strong safety record since the 2010 training flight incident, which served as a catalyst for operational enhancements. No fatal accidents, hull losses, or passenger injuries have occurred in the over 15 years following that event, though minor incidents have been reported without serious consequences. This performance aligns with Airnorth's 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, reflecting passed evaluations in incident history, audits, and fatality-free operations. The airline demonstrates full regulatory compliance with standards set by the (CASA), Australia's aviation regulator, which mandates ongoing surveillance including audits and inspections to ensure safety obligations are met. As a CASA-certified operator under Certificate of Approval COA 4068 for maintenance, Airnorth undergoes regular oversight to maintain airworthiness and operational integrity. Key safety measures implemented post-2010 include enhanced pilot training programs, notably the approval and adoption of simulator-based training for the EMB-120 fleet, focusing on critical scenarios such as engine failures to prevent real-aircraft practice of high-risk maneuvers. Airnorth also adheres to CASA's risk management requirements, incorporating procedures to monitor and mitigate crew risks across operations. Recent initiatives emphasize technological and collaborative advancements, with all jet aircraft equipped with (TCAS II) as required for turbine-powered commercial operations in , providing an essential safety net against mid-air collisions. The airline participates in broader industry efforts to share safety data, contributing to systemic improvements in regional oversight.

References

  1. https://www.airnorth.com.au/about/our-story/airnorth-history/
  2. https://www.airnorth.com.au/plan/destinations/
  3. https://www.airnorth.com.au/media_releases/airnorth-celebrates-35-years-of-flight/
  4. https://www.airnorth.com.au/about/
  5. https://www.audleytravel.com/airlines/airnorth
  6. https://www.airnorth.com.au/about/our-fleet-and-seat-map/
  7. https://simpleflying.com/6-hours-the-worlds-new-long-1-stop-embraer-e190-e170-flights/
  8. https://www.bristowgroup.com/news-media/articles/detail/9033/challenges-galore-airnorth-is-coming-back-stronger-than
  9. https://australianaviation.com.au/2025/02/airnorth-to-link-cairns-with-alice-springs/
  10. https://dtbar.nt.gov.au/news/2025/new-airnorth-route-servicing-alice-springs-cairns
  11. https://simpleflying.com/airnorth-australia-routes/
  12. https://www.airnorth.com.au/media_releases/airnorth-celebrates-40-years-in-aviation/
  13. https://www.variety.org.au/nt/partners/airnorth/
  14. https://www.airnorth.com.au/about/our-story/our-awards/
  15. https://simpleflying.com/airnorth-story/
  16. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Airnorth
  17. https://www.airnorth.com.au/media_releases/airnorth-acquires-its-second-e170-jet/
  18. https://www.airnorth.com.au/media_releases/airnorth-introduces-its-second-e170-jet/
  19. https://www.airnorth.com.au/media_releases/airnorths-new-journey-to-timor-leste/
  20. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-07-10/airnorth-to-expand-services-with-new-plane/2500352
  21. https://australianaviation.com.au/2015/02/airnorth-acquired-by-bristow-helicopter-group/
  22. https://aviator.aero/press/bristow-helicopters-australia-acquires-controlling-interest-in-airnorth
  23. https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/125420-australias-airnorth-struggles-to-acquire-additional-e190s
  24. https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231212-tlns24perasp
  25. https://www.airnorth.com.au/media_releases/airnorth-announces-new-non-stop-service-from-cairns-to-alice-springs/
  26. https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-airnorth-tl
  27. https://www.alternativeairlines.com/airnorth
  28. https://www.balidiscovery.com/airnorth-to-connects-darwin-and-lombok/
  29. https://brilliantmaps.com/flight-maps/airnorth-routes/
  30. https://www.flightglobal.com/qantas-confirms-airnorth-codeshare/75926.article
  31. https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/network-and-partner-airlines/airnorth.html
  32. https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-expands-codeshare-with-airnorth/
  33. https://www.bristowgroup.com/news-media/articles/detail/7500/bristow-and-airnorth-pursuing-successful-integration-of
  34. https://www.hahnair.com/en/press-release/8132/2017-12-19/airnorth-signs-interline-agreement-with-hahn-air
  35. https://www.planespotters.net/airline/Airnorth-Regional
  36. https://www.planespotters.net/fleet/list/Airnorth-Regional/current
  37. https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/160487-australias-alliance-airlines-to-review-business-model
  38. https://simpleflying.com/air-north-2-embraer-e190s/
  39. https://www.airfleets.net/flottecie/Airnorth%20Regional-history-e170-0-dddesc.htm
  40. https://www.atsb.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/3546615/ao-2010-019.pdf
  41. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/321333
  42. https://www.flightglobal.com/engine-failure-simulation-led-to-airnorth-emb-120-crash-report/104184.article
  43. https://avherald.com/h?article=42901b38
  44. https://www.ch-aviation.com/airlines/ANR
  45. https://australianaviation.com.au/2012/02/airnorth-crash-highlights-importance-of-simulators-atsb/
  46. https://www.aeroinside.com/airline/airnorth-regional
  47. https://www.airlineratings.com/airlines/airnorth/safety
  48. https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/consumer-and-passenger-advice/how-aviation-regulated/how-australian-airlines-are-approved-and-inspected
  49. https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/safety-advice/fatigue-management
  50. https://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_reg_es/car1998n219370.html
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