Skippers Aviation: Company Facts and Work Culture

Skippers Aviation holds a distinctive place in Australia’s air travel industry. Born in the early 1990s, this company has built a reputation for providing reliable and efficient air travel solutions, predominantly within Western Australia. Their primary focus has been on offering services to the fly-in fly-out (FIFO) mining sector, which demands high standards of punctuality and safety. 

Also Read: Skippers Aviation Flight Attendant Requirements

Apart from FIFO services, the airline also operates charter flights, offering individuals and groups the flexibility and convenience to plan their travel according to their preferences. Whether it is for business or personal trips, the airline facilitates streamlined travel to a variety of destinations, making the journey smoother and hassle-free for its passengers. 

Skippers Aviation Company Facts
Image: Skippers Aviation

Quick Facts

  • Airline Name: Skippers Aviation 
  • Airline IATA Code: HK
  • Headquarters: Perth Airport, Western Australia
  • Founded: 1990
  • Number of Destinations: 9
  • Fleet Size: 26
  • Fleet Types: Cessna 441 Conquest II, de Havilland Canada DHC-8-100 Dash 8, de Havilland Canada/Bombardier DHC-8-300 Dash 8, Embraer EMB 120ER Brasilia, Fairchild SA227-DC Metro 23, Fokker 100
  • Location Hubs/Bases: Perth Airport (Perth), Broome International Airport (Broome)

Brief History Overview

Skippers Aviation launched in 1990 with its initial fleet comprising three Cessna Conquest turboprop planes and a single Cessna 402C. They began their operations from the Flight Centre facility located at the Perth domestic airport. The company aimed to offer flexible and reliable services right from its inception, using a fleet that was designed to meet various transportation needs.

In a significant developmental stride between 1997 and 1998, the airline inaugurated a modern passenger terminal, an operations center, and an engineering facility at Perth Airport. Around this period, they augmented their fleet with two De Havilland Dash-8 turboprop planes, each having a 36-passenger capacity, thereby enhancing their service capacity significantly. The year also saw them setting up a new base in Broome, Western Australia, in collaboration with WA Transport, a mining company, and Ansett Australia.

Products and Services

  • Flights – This airline offers flight services to various destinations, primarily catering to regions within Western Australia. It boasts a fleet of modern and well-maintained aircraft designed to provide safe and comfortable air travel. 
  • Charters – Besides regular flights, the company offers charter services, allowing groups and individuals to rent an entire aircraft for private trips. This service is tailored for those who wish to have a flexible schedule, reach remote destinations or arrange flights for special events. 
  • Commercial Flights – This company provides commercial flight services to a range of destinations, facilitating easy and convenient transportation for both locals and tourists. These regular flight services are designed to be economical, making air travel accessible for a wide array of people. 
  • FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) – Specifically catering to workers in the mining and resources industries, the airline offers Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) services. This means transporting employees to and from remote work sites according to a fixed schedule, ensuring that workers can reach these isolated areas safely and on time. 
  • Wine Tours – For those looking to explore renowned wine regions in style and comfort, the airline offers specialized wine tours. This service facilitates guided tours where passengers can experience the scenic vineyards and taste a variety of wines. 

Work Culture

At this airline, many employees highlight the strength of the team on the ground and in the air. Both cabin crew and maintenance staff are often praised for their dedication and hard work, making day-to-day operations smooth for everyone involved. 

However, some challenges have been raised regarding the management. There are concerns about unsupportive behavior from higher-ups and potential violations of workplace guidelines. It’s vital to ensure that all employees feel valued and heard, no matter their role. On the brighter side, many workers enjoy the laid-back environment and stress-free work culture. They’ve mentioned that they feel supported by their immediate managers and appreciate the culture of cooperation. 

Skippers Aviation Company Facts
Image: Skippers Aviation

Benefits for Employees

  • Layover allowance – This is a financial benefit provided to employees to cover their expenses while they are on a layover during a trip. This allowance ensures that workers can have a comfortable stay without worrying about the costs. 
  • Medical insurance – This is another vital benefit, safeguarding employees’ health by covering a significant part or all of their medical expenses. This policy fosters well-being and encourages employees to maintain their health, knowing that they have financial backup in case of illness or injury. 
  • Free hotel stay – This one is a benefit that offers employees complimentary accommodation when traveling for work purposes. This perk not only saves money for employees but also ensures that they have a comfortable and safe place to stay during their work trips. 
  • Travel perks – These are a set of benefits that employees receive, which may include discounts on airline tickets, priority boarding, and more. These perks make traveling for personal reasons more affordable and enjoyable. 

Also Read: Skippers Aviation Flight Attendant Salary and Benefits

Video: Skippers Aviation (VH-XFZ) arriving and departing Forrestania Airport (YFTA)

This is an interesting video of one of the airline’s aircraft arriving and departing from an airport. Here, you can see how the pilots fly the aircraft during departure and arrival, including during taxi. Learn more about this report in this 14-minute video. 

Summary

In conclusion, this airline definitely has a solid presence in the aviation sector since its inception in 1990. Despite facing challenges, the company manages to retain a committed workforce. The firm’s success is also seen in its services which range from commercial flights to unique offerings like wine tours. As the company progresses, it continues to hold a crucial role in the industry, largely due to its diverse fleet and the versatility it offers to its clients. We hope you learn a lot about this company in this article. 

Contact Information

Company Name: Skippers Aviation
Address: Valentine Road, Redcliffe WA 6105
Telephone No.: 1300 729 924
Website: http://www.skippers.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Skippers-Aviation-153247621379349/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skippersaviation1/
Twitter: NA