An interim airline has stepped in to continue servicing remote far north Queensland communities in the wake of the sudden demise of regional airline Skytrans.
Queensland transport minister Scott Emerson said West Wing Aviation has agreed to fly to the Cape York townships of Aurukun, Bamaga, Coen, Edward River (Pormpuraaw), Kowanyama and Lockhart River from Monday.
He said this would be a short-term arrangement while the government talks to private operators about whether they can service the region.
Mr Emerson said Regional Express, which is the country's largest independent regional airline, has already indicated it would seek approval to take over the Skytrans routes.
Skytrans announced last week it would permanently ground itself, making all staff redundant.
Managing Director Simon Wild said the family-owned business was not forced to shut down but needed to make a "responsible, lawful and terribly difficult decision" to maximise cash reserves for staff, suppliers and passenger refunds.
He cited the loss of a government contract and the falling Australian dollar for the decision in a statement on the company's website on Friday.
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