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Cairns-based regional airline Hinterland Aviation is up for sale, with owners John and Peter Christoudias bowing out.
The carrier, which serves 20 destinations in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait, is selling 100 per cent of its business through William Buck, an accounting and advisory firm trading across both Australia and New Zealand. It has been owned by the Christoudias brothers since 2015.
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It currently mainly operates a fleet of 13 Cessna 208 Caravans, with a pair of C408 SkyCouriers on order. According to a sales flyer seen by The Australian Financial Review, demand for regional services in Far North Queensland is on the rise.
“Regional routes in far-north Queensland have historically faced inconsistent service, creating frustration and uncertainty for local communities,” the flyer said.
“In contrast, Hinterland Aviation has earned the trust of these communities by delivering safe, reliable and consistent operations.”
In a statement to Australian Aviation, Hinterland chief executive Andrew Clair said it “feels like the right time to begin the next chapter” for the airline.
“For over two decades in regional aviation, and especially over the past decade, John, Nick and Peter have poured their hearts into building something special here in Cairns and Far North Queensland. Not just a business, but a service that truly supports regional communities.”
“As someone who’s been part of this journey for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and values that underpin everything we do.
“I’m incredibly proud of what’s been achieved, and especially of the passionate and committed team around me who make it happen every day.”
According to Clair, Hinterland is looking for “new custodians who share the same values, people who understand the importance of regional Australia and have the energy to take the business even further”.
“We’ve seen real growth by sticking to the basics: being reliable, showing up on time and offering fair, transparent pricing. And with two of Australia’s first Cessna SkyCouriers soon joining the fleet, the future is looking exciting,” he said.
“This process isn’t just about change. It’s about continuity and building on the strong foundation that’s been laid. I’m proud of where we’ve come from and even more excited about where it can go next.”
The news comes just over a year after fellow Queensland regional airline Skytrans was bought by global aviation firm Avia Solutions Group.
