Airlines

Discover the History of Airnorth: An Australian Regional Airline





Airnorth is an Australian regional airline based out of Darwin, Northern Territory. Founded in 1978, the airline has been providing domestic flights to regional parts of Australia for over four decades.

The airline started out as part of the Kimberley Group of Companies, which included an air charter operation in the north of Australia. The airline was initially named Kimberley Air and had a fleet of two aircraft, one a de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou and the other a Cessna 337 Skymaster. In 1984 the airline changed its name to Airnorth and expanded its fleet with the addition of a De Havilland Twin Otter. During the 1980s the airline started to diversify its services and began offering scheduled passenger and cargo flights, as well as charter services.

Airnorth's fleet has grown significantly over the years, and now includes Embraer 175, Embraer 190, and Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft. The airline has also introduced turboprop aircraft such as the Bombardier Q400, allowing them to operate longer routes with more passengers. The airline also operates several charter aircraft, such as the Beechcraft King Air and the Pilatus PC-12.

Throughout its history, Airnorth has had several important milestones. In 1991, the airline became the first regional carrier in Australia to offer low-cost fares. This allowed the airline to compete with the major airlines and offer cheaper fares to its customers. In 1995, Airnorth became the first regional airline in Australia to expand its operations beyond the mainland, with service to Norfolk Island. The airline also introduced its frequent flyer program in 1999, allowing customers to earn points for every flight they took with the airline.





In 2002, Airnorth became the first regional airline in Australia to introduce a web-based booking system, allowing customers to book flights online. In 2007, the airline was the first regional carrier in Australia to offer internet access on board its aircraft. The airline also introduced a new cabin interior in 2009, featuring new seats and improved onboard entertainment systems.

Unfortunately, Airnorth has had a few incidents in its history. In 2014, a charter flight operated by the airline had to make an emergency landing in a remote area of Australia due to an engine failure. In 2017, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau launched an investigation into the circumstances of the flight. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the incident was found to be due to a technical fault.

Overall, Airnorth has come a long way since its founding in 1978. The airline has expanded its fleet and routes, while also introducing new services and amenities to its customers. Airnorth has also had its share of unfortunate incidents, but the airline has been able to overcome these and remain a reliable regional carrier in Australia.