Altura Airlines Flies Maiden Route to Uluru
The majority Indigenous-owned airline, launched in July 2026, operated its first flight to the Northern Territory landmark using Maroomba Airlines' Dash 8 fleet.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Air Travel
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Altura Airlines, a Perth-headquartered carrier founded by Dr Amanda Healy, a Wonnarua woman, has operated its inaugural maiden flight to Uluru. The flight was delivered in collaboration with Maroomba Airlines, which co-owns Altura alongside Michael Evans and Phil Garcia.
Why it matters
The launch adds a new Indigenous-owned operator to Australia's regional and charter aviation market, and the airline plans to expand its regional and charter operations. Its early flights rely on Maroomba's existing fleet until it takes delivery of its own aircraft.
The airline is flying its initial services with Maroomba Airlines' Dash 8 aircraft, with Airbus A320 family aircraft due for delivery in 2027. Fleet size, route schedule and pricing for the Uluru service were not disclosed.
The players
Altura Airlines
A majority Indigenous-owned Australian airline headquartered in Perth that is expanding into regional and charter services.
Maroomba Airlines
An Australian carrier whose Dash 8 fleet and co-ownership support Altura Airlines' initial operations.
The details
Altura Airlines officially launched at the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition in Mackay earlier this year and is an official partner of the 2026 Indigenous Desert Alliance Conference. The carrier will initially operate using Maroomba Airlines' existing Dash 8 fleet before moving to its own aircraft.
Timeline
July 2026: Altura Airlines launched.
Earlier in 2026: Altura officially launched at the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition in Mackay.
2026: Altura became an official partner of the Indigenous Desert Alliance Conference.
2027: Altura expects delivery of its own Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Roadmap
Altura's launch extends the trend of Indigenous-owned enterprises entering Australian aviation, a sector long dominated by larger national carriers. Its planned move from borrowed Dash 8 aircraft to Airbus A320 family jets in 2027 signals an ambition to compete beyond regional and charter niches.
Travellers considering flights to Uluru may see a new carrier option as Altura expands its services. Because the initial fleet is borrowed from Maroomba, schedules and availability should be confirmed directly with the airline before booking.
The takeaway
New Indigenous-owned carriers can broaden choice for Australian travellers, but early routes depend on partner aircraft, so check schedules before committing to a trip. Watch for the 2027 fleet expansion, which will determine how far Altura's network reaches.
What happens next
Altura Airlines is scheduled to take delivery of its own Airbus A320 family aircraft in 2027, a date the airline has publicly stated.
Further reading
Explore more on Air Travel to see how new carriers are reshaping routes across Australia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Australian Aviation.
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