Bravus Mining and Resources has struck a deal with Skytrans Airlines that will see workers enjoying a faster commute.
Skytrans will operate two Dash 8 300-series aircraft to and from the Carmichael mine in central Queensland.
The first of the planes entered service this month, with 24 direct flights a week to or from the mine scheduled.
Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe said workers could enjoy a fast, safe and comfortable commute to and from work.
“Like every mine, the safety and wellbeing of our people, contractors, and suppliers is always our number-one priority,” Crowe said in a statement.
“Our somewhat unique challenge is the remoteness of our operation. Carmichael is more than a 160km drive to Clermont, and more than 300km from Queensland’s east coast.
“So that means fatigue risk management and maximising quality of life for our workforce are top of mind when it comes to getting people to work and back home again safely and efficiently.
“These news planes will do just that. Those of our team who can’t drive in from the Isaac region will be at work or at home in about an hour. That means less of their R&R lost to work-related travel, more time to spend with friends and family and, hopefully, happier, safer and more productive workers.”
The average flying time between the Carmichael mine and Townsville is 45 minutes, and the average time between the mine and Rockhampton is 50 minutes.
Skytrans co-owner Jonathan Thurston said the partnership was exciting for both companies.
“From a Skytrans point of view, we are very excited to have the relationship with Bravus,” he said. “This contract is going to create around 20 new jobs for Skytrans, employing local people in Townsville and Rockhampton, so it is great work from Bravus and Skytrans.”
Bases of operation will be established in Townsville and Rockhampton, with pilots and flight attendants being recruited locally.
“This is really exciting news for the workers at Carmichael, who are going to receive an incredible level of service, and for Townsville and Rockhampton, who’ll see new jobs and investment,” Skytrans chief executive officer Alan Milne said.
“Townsville and Rockhampton airports will now be formal bases of operation for us, with local pilots, flight attendants and maintenance crews, just like we have in Cairns, Brisbane, and Horn Island.
“It’s terrific to see Bravus Mining and Resources continue to back fully Queensland-owned businesses like ours, and we look forward to building on this successful partnership long into the future.”
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