Qantas Airways will acquire Perth charter operator Network Aviation, moving into the market for air charter services in the mining sector.
The purchase will provide growth opportunities, new revenue and diversification for the Qantas group, says CEO Alan Joyce, adding that the carrier will now be a "key player" in meeting the needs of the resources sector.
"The Qantas Group has a very strong presence in Western Australia, operating passenger services across metropolitan and regional centres and connecting the state to its broader domestic and international networks," he adds.
"Mining company demand for fly-in-fly-out air services to transport employees to and from remote sites within the state, however, cannot be met solely by regular passenger transport services."
Network Aviation operates a fleet of two 100-seat Fokker 100 aircraft and six 30-seat Embraer Brasilia EMB-120ERs.
Qantas will look at "significantly" growing this fleet, says Joyce.
When the acquisition is finalised, Network Aviation will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qantas. It will retain its existing management, employees and operating structure.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
