About our partnership
From April 2025, flights between Sydney and Lord Howe Island transitioned to being operated by our airline partner, SmartLynx. If you're travelling before February 2026, you'll be flying on a SmartLynx operated flight for Qantas, which will look a little different. Find out more about your onboard experience
Why has this changed?
We're investing in our fleet, which means upgrading our Dash 8-200 (Q200) aircraft. As the Q200 is the only aircraft that can fly to Lord Howe Island due to the runway length, our trusted partner SmartLynx will operate our original Q200 fleet from February 2026.
About SmartLynx (formerly Skytrans)
SmartLynx is our trusted partner with more than 30 years of experience servicing the Cape and the Torres Straight region in Queensland. Until 29 July 2025, SmartLynx was operating under the name Skytrans, and underwent a rebrand to become SmartLynx, with no change to their operations. We're working closely with their team, and will continue to do so during the transition, to ensure these flights meet the same exceptional level of safety and service.
Your experience
What to expect onboard during the transition period
While the SmartLynx services will look a little different externally, the internal cabin configuration of the aircraft will remain the same. There will be no change to the flight schedule, frequency of flights or check-in process, and you'll still check in to a Qantas (QF) flight number at the airport, via the Qantas App or by visiting Manage booking
On a SmartLynx flight operated for Qantas, you'll enjoy Qantas' catering onboard, as well as carry-on and checked baggage allowances. SmartLynx pilots and cabin crew will be operating the flight, with training and support from Qantas.
Rest assured, your Qantas Frequent Flyer benefits will still apply as normal, including the opportunity to earn Qantas Points, Status Credits and Status Bonuses, and enjoy access to Qantas lounges (where applicable).
If you're travelling between Sydney and Lord Howe Island from February 2026, find out more about Qantas codeshare flights operated by SmartLynx
Travelling during the transition period
Between April and June 2025, depending on which aircraft you're travelling on, you may be on a Qantas flight as it is today or a flight operated by Skytrans, for Qantas.
Between June 2025 and February 2026, all flights will be operated by SmartLynx (formerly Skytrans), for Qantas.
From February 2026, all flights will be on a Qantas codeshare flight operated by SmartLynx, with a Qantas (QF) flight number.
Note: these dates are a guide only and are subject to operational changes. If you have a booking, we'll contact you if your experience changes.
How to check if your flight experience will change
If your flight changed and you'll now be travelling on a SmartLynx operated flight for Qantas, we've let you know via email or SMS. For any new bookings, you'll see the operating information 'Operated by SmartLynx Australia for Qantas' when booking online.
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Important information
Disclaimer: * You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn and redeem Qantas Points. The redemption of Qantas Points for Rewards is subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer Terms and Conditions