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New majority Indigenous-owned airline Altura Airlines has performed its maiden flight from Perth to Uluru to support the 2026 Indigenous Desert Alliance Conference.
The flight, run in partnership with Maroomba Airlines, ferried Indigenous rangers, community representatives and leaders from across the regions to the conference.
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The carrier, founded by Wonnarua woman Dr Amanda Healy and co-owned by Maroomba Airlines’ Michael Evans and Phil Garcia, launched in July of this year.
Headquartered in Perth, Altura says it will serve the mining and resources sector, as well as government and regional communities across Australia, and will initially operate using Maroomba’s existing fleet of Dash 8 aircraft.
The new airline will look to take delivery of its own fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft in 2027, and expand its regional and charter operations.
“Our maiden flight to Uluru is a significant milestone for Altura Airlines and a wonderful example of what can be achieved through strong, values-aligned partnerships,” Dr Healey said.
“Delivered in collaboration with Maroomba Airlines and supporting the Indigenous Desert Alliance Conference brings together aviation, community and connection to Country in a really meaningful way.”
She said that Altura was proud to be an official partner of the 2026 conference.
“As a majority Indigenous-owned airline, we want Altura to create opportunities that extend well beyond the flight itself. Supporting an event that brings together Indigenous rangers, leaders and communities from across Australia’s desert regions reflects the purpose behind Altura and the kind of partnerships we want to continue building into the future.”
The airline officially launched earlier this year at the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) in Mackay.
Speaking at that time, co-owner Michael Evans said: “Our customers operate in environments where reliability, responsiveness and safety are critical to maintaining productivity. They need an aviation partner that understands those operational realities and consistently delivers.”
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