Heli Charters Australia, North Queensland’s largest helicopter operator, has branched out into fixed-wing operations with its recent purchase of Cape York Peninsula-based air charter and scenic flight business Weipa Air.
The move sees the Cairns-based Heli Charters Australia group, which includes Heli Charters Australia, Down Under Helicopters Australia and Cairns Helicopter School, add four fixed-wing six-seat twin-engine Aero Commanders to its existing fleet of 12 helicopters.
“Having bases already in Cairns, Weipa, Normanton and Horn Island means the expansion into fixed-wing aircraft in these regions was a natural progression to further enhance our commitment to serving these regional areas,” Managing Director Steve Spinaze says.
The fleet of Aero Commanders will continue to operate under the Weipa Air banner for all commercial charters, including local and international freight, personnel transfers and geographical survey work throughout Northern Queensland.
Tourism based scenic flights to Cape York, Lizard and Dunk Islands will be branded under the business name, Air Charters Australia.
One of the four Aero Commanders added to the Heli Charters Australia fleet following the purchase of Weipa Air.
