Sunstate Airlines [SEP] parent company
Sunstate Airlines
Sunstate Airlines is a subsidiary of Qantas which operates regional flights under the QantasLink banner throughout Queensland, and between Brisbane and Canberra. Its head office is in Bowen Hills, Brisbane.
History.
The company's roots extend back to 1975, when Noosa Air began operating in December of that year between Noosa and Brisbane using a Britten-Norman Islander. Maryborough businessman Bevan Whitaker, owner of the parent company of Noosa Air, Whitaker Pty Ltd, set up a second airline that commenced operations in December 1981
three de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters and a Short 330. Within a few months, the Islanders and the Short 330 were replaced by a GAF N.24A Nomad and a Short 360, with the Islanders going to associated company Whitaker Air Services.
In 1986 Sunstate purchased a share in Victorian airline, Mildura-based Murray Valley Airlines (MVA), which was established in 1975 but ceased operations in October 1986 due to financial problems. Operations recommenced on 9 November 1986 as Sunstate Airlines (Mildura) on the old MVA routes