Bravus strikes deal with Skytrans for FIFO flights at Carmichael Mine

Bravus has struck a new multimillion-dollar contract for new direct flights out of a Central Queensland mine, with an operations base to also bring a slew of jobs for pilots, flight attendants and maintenance crews.

Wayne Croton, Bravus Mining and Resources, Johnathan Thurston, Skytrans co-owner, Jacquelyn Blanford, Bravus Mining and Resources, Kaitlyn Fitzsimmons, Skytrans Cabin Crew, Ted Pham, Bravus Mining and Resources. Photo: Cameron Laird

A new deal has been struck between Bravus and Skytrans for miners to fly on 24 new exclusive direct flights a week to and from a Central Queensland coal mine, and Townsville and Rockhampton.

With an average flying time of 45 minutes between the Carmichael mine and Townsville, and 50 minutes for Rockhampton, the new services will allow workers to get to site and back home more quickly and “in greater comfort”.

The contract, announced on February 9, is for two Dash 8 300-series aircraft and is the first of the multimillion-dollar plans to enter service this month.

Bravus Mining and Resources CEO Mick Crowe said the operation faced a “somewhat unique challenge” due to the remote location, and the new deal would allow safety to remain a top priority.

“Carmichael is more than a 160km drive to Clermont, and more than 300km from Queensland’s east coast,” he said.

“So that means fatigue risk management and maximising quality of life for our workforce are top of mind when it comes to getting people to work and back home again safely and efficiently.

“These news planes will do just that. Those of our team who can’t drive in from the Isaac Region will be at work or at home in about an hour.

“That means less of their R & R lost to work-related travel, more time to spend with friends and family, and hopefully happier, safer, and more productive workers.”

Jacquelyn Blanford, Bravus Mining and Resources, Johnathan Thurston, Skytrans co-owner, Wayne Croton, Bravus Mining and Resources and Ted Pham, Bravus Mining and Resources. Photo: Cameron Laird

Skytrans co-owner and NRL legend Johnathan Thurston said the company was “very excited to have the relationship with Bravus”.

“This contract is going to create around 20 new jobs for Skytrans, employing local people in Townsville and Rockhampton, so it is great work from Bravus and Skytrans,” he said.

Skytrans will now establish operation bases in Townsville and Rockhampton, and recruit pilots and flight attendants who live locally to service the contract.

Skytrans CEO Alan Milne said the move was a major coup for the region.

“This is really exciting news for the workers at Carmichael, who are going to receive an incredible level of service, and for Townsville and Rockhampton who’ll see new jobs and investment,” he said.

“Townsville and Rockhampton airports will now be formal bases of operation for us with local pilots, flight attendants and maintenance crews, just like we have in Cairns, Brisbane, and Horn Island.

“It’s terrific to see Bravus Mining and Resources continue to back fully Queensland-owned businesses like ours, and we look forward to building on this successful partnership long into the future.”