Skytrans acquired by global aviation giant Avia Solutions Group, Johnathan Thurston bought out

Global aviation giant Avia Solutions Group has acquired a Far North airline, which will mean up to 100 new jobs are possible, but a famous face will slowly slip off the airline’s merch.

Skytrans has the opportunity to build its fleet and add up to 100 new jobs after its acquisition by Avia Solutions Group. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

Up to 100 new jobs could be created by Avia Solutions Group’s acquisition of Far North airline Skytrans, according to CEO Alan Milne.

The sale, for an undisclosed amount, was made official on Tuesday night.

Mr Milne said new routes, new jet aircraft and up to 100 new jobs had been made possible by the deal, describing the partnership as one similar to Qantas’ partnership with Oneworld Alliance.

He said the sale figure was “commercial-in-confidence” but the deal was “good value” for both parties.

Cairns airline Skytrans has been acquired by global aviation giant Avia Solutions Group. Skytrans CEO Alan Milne said the new partnership was an opportunity for growth. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Becoming a part of the group will give us the chance to benefit from the best business practices and experience, as well as expanding our operations, fleet and geographic reach, while strengthening our position in the market,” he said.

“Avia Solutions Group was looking to acquire an airline in Australia, and our approval to operate is of the highest standard, akin to Qantas and Virgin.”

Mr Milne said new aircraft would demand new pilots, engineers and flight crew.

Skytrans group owner Peter Collings will part with the airline after the sale. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The plan is to remain business as usual with our current operations … we will maintain the current schedule,” he said.

“But this means growth for Skytrans. Depending on what our customers want, larger planes could be coming into operation … planes with between 100 and 150 seats.

“This also makes us more agile. If an opportunity comes up for a new Dash-8 route, we will be able to do that quite quickly.”

Mr Milne confirmed owners, Johnathan Thurston and Peter Collings, had been bought out, meaning Johnathan Thurston’s face will slowly be removed from Skytrans branding.

Former Skytrans co-owner Johnathan Thurston will part ways with the airline after being bought out by Avia Solutions Group. Picture: John Gass

“He will part ways with Skytrans because it’s a 100 per cent purchase,” Mr Milne said.

Avia Solutions Group has been described as the largest ACMI – aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance – provider, with a fleet of 199 aircraft.

Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group, said the company saw growth potential in the Australian aviation market.

“One of the main strategic objectives of the group is to expand into markets that have the opposite seasonality to Europe,” Mr Janukenas said.

“Australia is a new addition to our group’s global footprint, where we see significant potential and growth opportunities.”

Originally published as Skytrans acquired by global aviation giant Avia Solutions Group, Johnathan Thurston bought out