PENNY SHARPE
MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
MINISTER FOR ENERGY
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
MINISTER FOR HERITAGE
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 

JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

TARA MORIARTY
MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL NSW
MINISTER FOR WESTERN NSW

TANYA PLIBERSEK 
FEDERAL MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY

MEDIA RELEASE - LORD HOWE ISLAND AND MOREE AIR LICENCES AWARDED

The NSW Government has announced that licences have been issued to airline operators to provide flights from Sydney to Lord Howe Island and Sydney to Moree.

These two routes are the only regulated routes in NSW that require licences under the Air Transport Act (NSW) 1964.

As part of its role in overseeing these licences, Transport for NSW conducted an open market process well ahead of the expiry of the current licences.

Under the new licences, commencing 30 March 2025:
•QantasLink will continue to hold the licence to operate the Sydney to Moree route until March 2030.
•QantasLink will have a licence for the Sydney to Lord Howe Island until 25 February 2026 and during this time it will start to share operations as part of a transition to Queensland-based regional airline Skytrans.
•Once the transition to Skytrans has been completed, it will be the sole licensee and will operate the Sydney to Lord Howe Island route until March 2030.

In accordance with the Air Transport Act (NSW) 1964, factors that Transport considered in granting the licences include the needs of the public, economic development and the environment, as well as an applicant’s character and suitability to hold the licence and their rights to operate aircraft.

For Lord Howe Island, a detailed transition plan will also be required as the baton is passed from QantasLink to Skytrans, which has a long history with the route, having had the licence since 1991. Qantas also operated flying boats there between 1947 and 1951.
The timing of the transition from one carrier to another is to be determined in consultation with the Lord Howe Island Board on behalf of the Lord Howe Island community.

Once Skytrans formally takes over the Sydney to Lord Howe Island route, it will operate it on a codeshare basis with QantasLink - a common arrangement in the airline industry, where customers can book a seat on one airline but fly on a plane operated by another carrier.
In Moree, QantasLink has been operating the route for most of the past 30 years.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s imperative that we balance the environment with the essential services needed for this isolated community.

“Flying is the only passenger connection available to around 300 permanent residents and up to 400 tourists that visit the island at any one time.

“I would encourage both airlines to continue to consult in depth with the community and Lord Howe Island Board, as they navigate the transition between air operators.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Maintaining continuity of air transport connections to Lord Howe Island and Moree is a priority and as the only two regulated routes in NSW, I’m very pleased that two operators have been granted licences to fly to these communities until 2030.

“More than 16,000 tourists from Australia and overseas visit Lord Howe Island every year via the Sydney to Lord Howe route and last year around 31,000 passengers travelled on the Sydney to Moree service.

“These air services are critical connections for these communities, providing access to essential services including health care and education as well as shopping, visiting friends, family and business.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“It is essential that that government support the continuation of flights from Sydney to Lord Howe Island and Moree and that is why our Government has made this decision.

“Regional aviation plays critical roles for communities and for Moree and Lord Howe it does everything from deliver medical supplies, enable tourism and business supplies, plus bringing families together.

“This is good news for regional NSW and another example of the work we are doing for connecting communities.”

Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek said:

“The spectacular Lord Howe Island relies on tourism for its survival - a regular air service is crucial for jobs and the local economy.

“Of course, Islanders also depend on flights to travel to the mainland for school, medical appointments, work, and to see friends and family.

“I am pleased that there will be a reliable air service to Lord Howe Island into the future to meet the needs of this extraordinary community, and I will be watching closely to ensure the service is efficient, affordable, and safe.”

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said:

“It’s critical that the community of Lord Howe Island has reliable access to the mainland and that the thriving tourism industry on the island can continue.

“I’m pleased to see that community needs have been heard, and I hope both airline operators continue to work with the Board and island residents.

“Lord Howe Island is home to a unique ecosystem of endemic wildlife and this agreement will allow people to continue to experience this beautiful place.”

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said:

“All of Moree, including myself are pleased to hear of the Qantas license extension.

“These flights are important for the community of Moree and surrounding areas.

“We look forward to Qantas continuing to serve our community into the future.”

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said:

“We have a long history of connecting regional Australia and are proud to play a role in providing essential air links across the country.

"QantasLink has been flying to Moree since 1993 and we are pleased to be able to continue to provide these services for another five years.

“We’re proud to have connected Lord Howe Island for more than 20 years and are pleased to be working alongside Skytrans to ensure there is a continued reliable air service for the island residents and thousands of tourists that visit every year.”

Skytrans Chief Executive Officer, Alan Milne said:

“Skytrans would like to thank Transport for NSW for the opportunity to commence operations from Sydney to Lord Howe Island.

“Skytrans has a long history of operating the Dash 8 aircraft safely and reliably.

“We look forward to offering an excellent service to both the community and visitors of Lord Howe Island.”