From 1 December the essential Lord Howe Island to Sydney regional air route will be fully operated by SmartLynx Australia using Dash-8 turboprop aircraft.

In October 2024, Transport for NSW awarded SmartLynx Australia the Sydney to Lord Howe Island route license. The route, operated by Qantas for over 30 years, will be operated by SmartLynx using Dash-8 aircraft acquired from Qantas.

Qantas will continue its partnership with SmartLynx under a full codeshare agreement that enables customers to book Lord Howe Island flights via Qantas, earning Qantas frequent flyer points and status credits as well as being able to seamlessly transfer between SmartLynx and Qantas flights.

“SmartLynx Australia will work with all Lord Howe Island stakeholders to help grow the visitor economy on the beautiful Lord Howe Island, says SmartLynx Australia CEO Gytis Gumuliauskas.

QantasLink Chief Operating Officer Nick Collie said: “After 30 years of operating to Lord Howe Island, today marks and end of an era for Qantas as SmartLynx takes over the exclusive licence for flights to and from the island.

“Qantas is pleased to be able to continue supporting residents as a codeshare partner.”

SmartLynx Australia’s entry into the Australian regional aviation market is a commitment to regional connectivity, at a time where regional aviation challenges are impacting the long-term viability of critical regional community air connectivity.

SmartLynx Australia continues to invest in its Dash-8 fleet and capabilities, ensuring long-term reliability for regional communities. At the same time, SmartLynx’s capabilities allow it to support other regional airlines facing capacity gaps or ageing fleet challenges — helping maintain essential air connectivity where it really matters.

“We are looking to offer more capacity with our Dash-8 turboprop fleet to address regional market needs, to support other regional airlines and to maintain the essentially important regional airline services that our Lord Howe Island customers are used to,” said SmartLynx Australia CEO Gytis Gumuliauskas.

SmartLynx Australia is pleased to be the first new regional airline in many years to enter Sydney Airport and to maintain the services to Lord Howe Island previously operated by Qantas.

SmartLynx Australia looks forward to expanding its Sydney footprint and continue its regional aviation growth path into regional NSW.

SmartLynx Australia will operate all its departures and arrivals from the T3 Qantas domestic terminal, which provides all Lord Howe Island passengers with the ability to easily transfer themselves and their checked luggage to other Qantas services.

Sydney Airport General Manager of Aviation Operations Brett Daley said: “We’re pleased to welcome SmartLynx Australia as the newest regional airline at Sydney Airport.

"Today's transition of operations maintains an essential link between Sydney and Lord Howe Island and reflects SmartLynx Australia’s commitment to supporting regional connectivity.”