Additional Aircraft and Route Expansions for MacAir

Queensland’s MacAir Airlines is embarking on a major expansion of its fly in – fly out and scheduled air services, with the acquisition of two additional Saab 340B aircraft, an upgrading of some existing services, and plans for new routes and larger planes.

The two additional Saabs, each seating up to 34 passengers, will be used to add capacity on several existing routes, and to inaugurate new services in North Queensland, including nonstop flights between Cairns and Mt Isa.

The airline will enlarge its operations bases in Townsville and Cairns to accommodate extra flying, and is evaluating increased operations within the Bowen Coal Basin.

MacAir is also well-advanced in its assessment of new, large turboprop aircraft, seating up to 70 passengers. A decision about additional fleet is expected by the end of this year.

The changes at MacAir were foreshadowed today by the  during the annual general meeting of the Regional Airlines Association of Australia, being held on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

“The resources boom in Queensland, and steady growth in business and leisure travel, have led to a significant increase in the number of passengers flying within the state,” said MacAir Chief Executive, Mr Randal McFarlane. “We are moving swiftly to accommodate that growth, and will introduce the first of the additional Saabs by the end of this month,” he said. “These aircraft will not only add more seats on key routes – they will make a significant improvement to the standard of service which we can offer in a range of markets.”

The Saab 340B is well regarded in regional Australia, and is ideally suited to hot and high climates - such as in Western Queensland - which can limit the performance and payload of some aircraft types.

The Saab delivers spacious Cabin Class service, with up to 34 seats in a 2 x 1 seat layout, ensuring a window or an aisle for every passenger, and the comfort of a 1.83 metre high cabin.

The aircraft carries one flight attendant, and is equipped with a galley for hot and cold meals and drinks. This aircraft is also equipped with a toilet and washroom, and an 8.3 cubic metre cargo compartment for passengers’ baggage and freight.

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