Australia's Transjet has expanded its Queensland general aviation and regional airline operations through the acquisition of McKinlay Air Charter, which operates under name "Macair". Townsville-based McKinley will be merged with Transjet carrier Transtate Airlines, with both retaining the Macair branding. The merged business will operate 30 turboprops, with another Transjet operator, Jetcraft Aviation, focusing on the freight sector.
Brisbane-based Transjet's expansion coincides with Ansett Australia's review of regional activities with a view to abandoning British Aerospace 146 operations. Options include route transfers to regional jets provided by wholly owned subsidiary Kendell Airlines, or a newcomer.
Transjet is expected to compete with Flightwest Airlines to take up Ansett routes offered for reallocation to feet carriers.
Source: Flight International
