note
Skywest Airlines can trace its history to general aviation and air taxi company called Carnavon Air Taxis based in Carnavon WA. In 1979 company changed its name to Skywest Aviation which was again changed to present title Skywest Airlines a year later. At this point Skywest begun to operate scheduled passenger service in Western Australia. In 1982 Skywest and TransWest Airlines merged under Skywest Airlines brand. Skywest also owned government contract for patrolling coast of Western Australia. This contract was lost in 1987. Shortly thereafter airline was sold to News Ltd which owned Ansett Australia and begun to operate as west coast franchise of Ansett. This arrangement lasted until Ansett demise in 2002. Airline survived and was sold to Singapore based Vision Capital Ltd. Skywest Airlines operates scheduled passenger and cargo service throughout Western Australia, Darwin in Northern Territories, Melbourne in Victoria and Bali in Indonesia. Skywest also provides charter flights to support mining industry in Western Australia. Skywest Airlines participates in Virgin Blues mileage program Velocity and handles over 400,000 passengers annually. Virgin Australia Holdings purchased 10% of Skywest Airlines Ltd on 10 April 2012. On 30 October 2012, Virgin Australia announced a takeover bid for Skywest Airlines. It had received in principle support from the Board but the takeover would require shareholder and regulatory approval. On 11 April 2013, Virgin Australia Holdings completed its 100% acquisition of Skywest Airlines. From 7 May 2013, the use of the Skywest brand was discontinued and the airline became part of the Virgin Australia brand, however it will continue to operate under its current Air Operator’s Certificate and its own management team.
founded - demised (age)
1963 - present (62years)
headquarters
PO Box 176, Belmont WA 6105, Cloverdale
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (8)
