Virgin Australia Regional Airlines
An Australian regional airline serving Western Australia and selected interstate destinations through scheduled passenger, charter and regional air-transport operations.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) is the regional airline operation within the Virgin Australia group. Based in Perth, it serves communities and commercial centres across Western Australia and has also operated services to destinations in other Australian states and territories, including Adelaide and Darwin. Its business combines scheduled passenger flights with charter flying, particularly services supporting mining, resources and other remote-area industries. The airline traces its origins to Carnarvon Air Taxis, established in Western Australia in 1963 to conduct charter flights using small general-aviation aircraft. It became Skywest Aviation in 1979 after moving its base to Jandakot Airport near Perth, and Skywest Airlines was formed in 1980. The new airline expanded through the acquisition of Stillwell Airlines and its routes, creating one of Australia's larger commuter-airline fleets at the time. Its aircraft included GAF N-24 Nomads, Embraer Bandeirantes, Beechcraft King Airs, Fairchild Metro IIIs and smaller utility aircraft. During the 1980s, Skywest was affected by ownership changes, industry consolidation and the loss of a government Coastwatch contract. It was acquired by interests associated with the Perron Group and subsequently by TNT and News Limited, after which it operated under the Ansett Australia umbrella. Ansett's collapse in 2002 ended that relationship, and Skywest was acquired by private investors. Singapore-based CaptiveVision Capital obtained control in 2004, during a period in which the airline expanded its fleet and developed further charter and regional operations. Skywest entered a strategic relationship with Virgin Australia in 2011. Under the alliance, Skywest operated turboprop aircraft in Virgin Australia colours, and the companies coordinated selected flights, codesharing and Velocity Frequent Flyer benefits. Virgin Australia Holdings acquired an initial minority interest in Skywest in 2012 and completed the purchase of the entire airline on 11 April 2013. The Skywest brand was withdrawn from passenger use from May 2013, while the operation continued under its own air operator's certificate and management arrangements as part of the Virgin Australia group. VARA has operated a mixed fleet that has included Fokker 50s, Fokker 100s, Airbus A320s and Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline's aircraft have been used both for regional passenger networks and for dedicated charter contracts. An Airbus A320 introduced during the Skywest period was used on charter services connected with Fortescue Metals Group's Cloudbreak operations. In 2022, Virgin Australia announced plans to retire its Fokker 100s progressively and introduce leased Boeing 737-700 aircraft. In 2024, the group announced an order for eight Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, intended to modernize the regional fleet and replace remaining Fokker 100 and Airbus A320 aircraft as deliveries entered service. The airline's role remains closely associated with Western Australia's dispersed geography and resource-sector economy. Its network has changed over time: several former coastal and regional destinations, including Exmouth, Busselton, Albany, Esperance and Ravensthorpe, were discontinued at various points. VARA also has a history of international charter and scheduled flying, including services to Bali from Port Hedland and Geraldton during the Skywest era.
History
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines developed from a small charter operator founded in Western Australia in 1963 as Carnarvon Air Taxis. The original business used general-aviation aircraft for charter flying from Carnarvon, serving the transport needs of remote communities and local industries. In 1979 it adopted the name Skywest Aviation and moved to Jandakot Airport near Perth. Skywest Airlines was established in 1980 at Perth Airport, following the acquisition of Stillwell Airlines and its routes. The combined operation had 39 aircraft and was described at the time as Australia's second-largest commuter airline. The early Skywest fleet was diverse, reflecting the demands of regional and remote flying. It included GAF N-24 Nomads, Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirantes, Beechcraft King Air 200s, Fairchild SA-227 Metro IIIs, Cessna 182s and Piper Aztecs. In 1982, Skywest Airlines and Transwest Airlines were merged by their controlling interests. A proposed combination with East-West Airlines in 1983 did not proceed, although East-West later operated some Western Australian services on Skywest's behalf. Skywest experienced a major setback in 1987 when it lost a government Coastwatch contract. The weakened company changed hands, first being acquired by the Perron Group and then sold to TNT and News Limited. It subsequently operated under the Ansett Australia banner, with much of its flying conducted using BAe Jetstream 31 aircraft. Ansett introduced Fokker 50 aircraft into Skywest operations in 1998, enabling the airline to handle larger regional markets. Skywest remained associated with Ansett until Ansett ceased operations in 2002. It was then acquired by private investors, and in 2004 a hostile but ultimately successful takeover by Singapore-based CaptiveVision Capital gave that company majority control. Skywest expanded during the following years, increasing its fleet from seven aircraft to 18. It introduced Airbus A320 operations in 2010, including charter flying between Perth and Fortescue Metals Group's Cloudbreak mine. A second A320 was subsequently optioned. A major strategic change came in January 2011, when Virgin Australia and Skywest announced a 10-year alliance. Skywest was to operate as many as 18 turboprops in Virgin Australia colours, while the two airlines coordinated selected flights, codesharing and loyalty-program benefits. Virgin Australia Holdings purchased 10 percent of Skywest in April 2012 and launched a full takeover bid later that year. The acquisition received board support subject to the required approvals and was completed on 11 April 2013. From 7 May 2013, Skywest branding was removed and the airline became part of the Virgin Australia group under the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines identity. It nevertheless retained its air operator's certificate and its own management structure. The operation continued to focus on Western Australian regional routes, interstate links such as Adelaide and Darwin, and charter work for mining and other industries. It also operated Bali services and charters from Western Australian ports during the Skywest period. The network has been revised over time. Former destinations such as Exmouth and Busselton were discontinued after the Virgin acquisition, while Albany, Esperance and Ravensthorpe services ended in February 2016. Fleet planning also evolved. In 2022, Virgin Australia announced a plan to retire Fokker 100 aircraft and introduce leased Boeing 737-700s. In August 2024, it announced a firm order for eight Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. These aircraft began entering the fleet in 2025 and were intended to replace remaining older regional equipment.
- 2024
Eight Embraer E190-E2 aircraft are ordered
[1]Virgin Australia announces a firm order intended to modernize the regional fleet.
- 2022
Fokker 100 retirement plan is announced
[1]Virgin Australia announces a transition from Fokker 100 aircraft toward leased Boeing 737-700s.
- 2013
Skywest becomes part of Virgin Australia
[1]Virgin Australia Holdings completes its full acquisition of Skywest on 11 April, and the Skywest brand is withdrawn from May.
- 2011
Virgin Australia and Skywest announce a 10-year alliance
[1]The partnership covers aircraft operations, selected codeshares and reciprocal Velocity Frequent Flyer benefits.
- 2010
Skywest begins Airbus A320 operations
[1]The airline introduces its first Airbus A320, including charter flying associated with Fortescue Metals Group's Cloudbreak operations.
- 2004
CaptiveVision Capital gains control
[1]A takeover by Singapore-based CaptiveVision Capital succeeds after an earlier hostile bid.
- 1998
Fokker 50 aircraft enter Skywest service
[1]Ansett introduces Fokker 50 aircraft into Skywest operations, supporting larger regional services.
- 1980
Skywest Airlines is formed
[1]Skywest Airlines is established at Perth Airport and expands through the acquisition of Stillwell Airlines and its routes.
- 1979
The business becomes Skywest Aviation
[1]The airline changes its name to Skywest Aviation and moves its base to Jandakot Airport near Perth.
- 1963
Carnarvon Air Taxis is established
[1]The predecessor business begins charter operations from Carnarvon in Western Australia using small general-aviation aircraft.
Products and positioning
A regional and charter airline focused on Western Australian connectivity, remote-area access and resource-industry aviation within the Virgin Australia group.
Airline service
Scheduled regional passenger services
VARA provides scheduled passenger transportation linking Perth with regional centres in Western Australia and selected interstate destinations, including Adelaide and Darwin. The network has changed over time as the airline adjusted its route portfolio and fleet. Flights are generally operated in an all-economy configuration and are integrated selectively with Virgin Australia's broader network.
Charter aviation
Mining and resource-sector charters
Charter flying is a central part of the airline's historical and current role. VARA and its Skywest predecessor have provided dedicated transportation for resource-sector workforces and remote industrial sites. Airbus A320 aircraft were used for charter services associated with Fortescue Metals Group's Cloudbreak operations, illustrating the importance of contract aviation alongside scheduled passenger routes.
Charter aviation · 2004
International charter and regional services
During the Skywest era, the airline operated charter and scheduled services to Bali from Western Australian locations. Island Bound Holidays chartered a Skywest Fokker 100 from Port Hedland beginning in 2004, while scheduled Port Hedland–Bali service began in 2010 and Geraldton–Bali service was offered in 2011.
Loyalty program · 2007
Velocity Frequent Flyer integration
Skywest joined the then Virgin Blue loyalty program, later known as Velocity Frequent Flyer, in November 2007. Members could earn points on eligible Virgin Australia Regional flights, excluding charter services, with accrual varying according to fare class and distance.
Brand decisions
2024
Order Embraer E190-E2 aircraftProduct launchBackground
The group continued planning for replacement of older Fokker 100 and Airbus A320 aircraft used in regional operations.
Action taken
Virgin Australia announced a firm order for eight Embraer E190-E2 aircraft.
Aftermath
The aircraft began entering the fleet in 2025 and were intended to replace the remaining older regional types.
2022
Replace Fokker 100 aircraft with leased Boeing 737-700sGeneration changeBackground
Virgin Australia planned to phase out its Fokker 100 fleet, which remained important to Western Australian operations.
Action taken
The group announced a plan to introduce ten-year-old Boeing 737-700 aircraft leased from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, with the transition planned from the first quarter of 2023.
Aftermath
The fleet transition was intended to modernize capacity while maintaining regional and charter coverage.
2013
Complete the acquisition of Skywest AirlinesM&ABackground
Virgin Australia Holdings had acquired a 10 percent stake in Skywest in 2012 and then pursued full ownership.
Action taken
Virgin Australia Holdings completed the purchase of 100 percent of Skywest Airlines on 11 April 2013 and discontinued the Skywest brand from May.
Aftermath
The airline continued operating under its own air operator's certificate and management arrangements as Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.
2011
Enter a 10-year alliance with Virgin AustraliaStrategyBackground
Virgin Australia sought a stronger presence in regional Australia, while Skywest had an established Western Australian network and regional operating capability.
Action taken
The airlines agreed that Skywest would operate up to 18 turboprops in Virgin Australia colours and coordinate selected flights, codeshares and loyalty benefits.
Aftermath
The alliance preceded Virgin Australia Holdings' minority investment and eventual full acquisition of Skywest.
Recent events
- 2024
Virgin Australia orders Embraer E190-E2 aircraft[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Virgin Australia announced a firm order for eight Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. The aircraft were intended to renew the regional fleet and replace older Fokker 100 and Airbus A320 equipment.
- 2022
Virgin Australia announces retirement of Fokker 100 aircraft[1]
Product generation
Virgin Australia announced plans to phase out its Fokker 100 fleet and introduce leased Boeing 737-700 aircraft, with the transition planned to begin in 2023.
- 2013
Virgin Australia completes the acquisition of Skywest Airlines[1]
M&A
Virgin Australia Holdings completed its acquisition of Skywest on 11 April 2013. The Skywest consumer brand was discontinued from May, although the airline continued operating under its own air operator's certificate.
- 2012
Virgin Australia acquires a minority stake in Skywest[1]
M&A
Virgin Australia Holdings acquired an initial 10 percent interest in Skywest and subsequently announced a bid for full ownership.
- 2011
Skywest enters a long-term alliance with Virgin Australia[1]
M&A
Virgin Australia and Skywest announced a 10-year alliance under which Skywest would operate regional turboprop aircraft in Virgin Australia colours. The arrangement included selected codesharing and reciprocal Velocity Frequent Flyer earning and redemption.
- 1980
Skywest aircraft is destroyed after an emergency landing near Esperance[1]
Other
A Skywest Swearingen Metro II suffered a right-engine failure while approaching Esperance on a scheduled passenger flight. The pilot landed in a nearby field; everyone on board evacuated before the aircraft was destroyed by fire.
Sources1 sources
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