8-Minute Whitsunday Airport Link to Hamilton Island Airport Takes Off

An eight-minute air link for tourists to get from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island Airport has become reality.

Air Whitsunday's new air link has created a direct transfer from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.


As shown above, their new Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8 Airvan aircraft - registered VH-LVA - is the first plane in the fleet that can do land-to-land transfers. This is unlike Air Whitsunday's other sea and land combination planes like to Cessna 208 Caravan Float Planes shown below with the Airvan.


With only a minimum requirement of two passengers, the plane will run as often as possible to cater for emerging customers to, literally, get the new flight off the ground.

Initial marketing has been well received, and despite there being a very reliable ferry service over the same run, Air Whitsunday hopes to help people to minimise their travel time.

Air Whitsunday said this new service could also be the start of other air link opportunities to connect to other areas up and down the coast such as Mackay, Bowen and Townsville.