Comments from SmartLynx

SmartLynx Australia is part of the Avia Solutions Group (ASG), the worlds largest provider of contract flying, currently operating 200+ aircraft across 6 continents.  As such SmartLynx Australia understands the importance of safe and reliable air services, especially during peak periods and look forward to working with the Lord Howe Island residents and local business into the future.

Operating services between Sydney and Lord Howe Island under wet lease to Qantas since April 2025 as part of the transition plan, SmartLynx Australia has the operational capacity to ensure services continue to be provided.  With 9 Dash 8 aircraft in the fleet, operational resilience remains in place ahead of the 3rd Dash 8-200, planned to arrive in January 2026.

SmartLynx Australia looks forward continuing to provide on time departures greater than 90%.  

Comments from Qantas 

Qantas remains committed to Lord Howe Island and will continue to work closely with SmartLynx to ensure residents have regular and reliable air services. 

SmartLynx has confirmed they will maintain the current schedule using their existing fleet and are working to finalise a lease for a third aircraft, which will provide added resilience to their operations.