ALTURA AIRLINES: Majority Indigenous-owned carrier launches from Perth

Australia has another airline name in its skies. You won’t find Altura Airlines appearing beside Qantas or Virgin Australia when searching for your next Perth flight.

The new majority Indigenous-owned carrier commenced operations from Perth on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. Its initial focus is charter flying for mining, energy, infrastructure and government customers across regional and remote Australia. That means fly-in, fly-out workers, project teams and corporate groups rather than individual passengers booking a weekend escape to Broome.

Indigenous ownership meets aviation experience

Altura was founded by Dr Amanda Healy, a Wonnarua woman and prominent Indigenous business leader. She has teamed up with aviation executives Michael Evans and Phil Garcia of established Western Australian charter operator Maroomba Airlines.

Healy co-founded Warrikal, which has grown from a small maintenance business established in 2016 into one of Australia’s largest majority Aboriginal-owned mining services companies. Warrikal now employs more than 1,500 people. It has secured major contracts with companies including Fortescue, BHP and Hancock Iron Ore.

Altura says Indigenous employment, training and economic participation will form an important part of its operations. Its aircraft artwork, created by Nani Creative and Wongutha artist Kevin Wilson, represents movement across Country. It reflects the colours of the Australian landscape at sunrise and sunset. Strangely, the world. ‘Altura’ is from European languages such as Italian and Porturguese, meaning height or altitude.

That gives the venture a more substantial backstory than simply attaching Indigenous artwork to an aircraft and commissioning a stirring launch video.

Dash 8 aircraft lead the fleet

Altura is launching with access to Dash 8-100, Dash 8-300 and Dash 8-400 turboprops. Depending on the model, these aircraft can carry between 36 and 76 passengers. Their ability to use shorter and, in some cases, unsealed runways makes them particularly suitable for mine sites and smaller regional aerodromes.

It appears that Altura is currently more of a branding exercise, given the airline is being managed by Maroomba Airlines and using its aircraft. Maroomba has operated charter services from Perth since 1985.

Altura flights can use Maroomba’s general aviation terminal at Perth Airport, or can use Terminal 2 if hirers prefer.

Airbus A320s planned for 2027

The more ambitious part of Altura’s plan is the proposed introduction of Airbus A320 jets from 2027, subject to regulatory approval. Configured with up to 180 seats, the A320 would allow Altura to transport much larger workforces and operate longer regional or interstate charter sectors.

No details have yet been released about the number, age or source of those aircraft. Given that Australia has seen several proposed airlines announce grand plans before discovering that aircraft, approvals and cash are required, but in short supply. The A320 expansion with Alura operating more independently remains something to watch rather than celebrate prematurely.

2PAXfly Takeout

Altura is not attempting to become Australia’s next scheduled domestic challenger. This is a charter service managed by another airline.

Instead, it is entering the less visible but important charter market that keeps remote projects and communities connected. With Maroomba’s operating experience and Healy’s record of building a major Indigenous services company, Altura could grow into something more than the usual PowerPoint airline.

The real test will be whether it can convert its Indigenous ownership and community ambitions into long-term aviation careers—and whether those promised A320s genuinely arrive in 2027.