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Remote travel doesn’t have to mean inefficiencies and limitations. “When people call us needing to access harsh remote locations with gravel airstrips or shorter runways, they’ve often been told they have to charter a smaller aircraft with limited seating and cargo capacity”. James Goosen, Aerlink’s Operations Manager recounts a conversation that regularly forms the start of sharing what can be achieved with the air charter specialist’s modern reliable fleet and experienced team. “Our client’s project immediately becomes more viable because we can safely and efficiently open up these sites to as many as 70 passengers per flight”. Aerlink charter planes can take you places others cannot. Other charter flight operators may baulk at sending their charter planes into resources sites, and remote airstrips, but it is all part of a day's work for Aerlink as Australia’s specialist operator of ATR – the world’s best regional aircraft. Upholding BARS Gold Standard safety, Aerlink is equipped to take on its client’s challenges. Their charter planes can comfortably handle operating outliers such as short narrow runways, gravel runways, temperature extremes, snow, and ice. There’s also no compromise to passenger experience with full remote check-in services, refreshment options, ‘hotel mode’ to ensure passengers enter an aircraft that is maintained at a comfortable temperature, integrated stairs and easy access that also reduces the need for airport ground support equipment. "These are the best charter aircraft in Australia because they are designed to reliably handle our terrain and environment," says James. "None of our competitors fly them or have our experience, and with over a decade of operational and maintenance expertise, our team has earned the utmost trust and respect of our customers." Aerlink’s ATR charter planes can use shorter narrower runways than competitor planes. Aerlink's 70-passenger ATR72 and ATR42 freighters are no strangers to out-of-the-way airports, flying to mine sites like Osborne Mine in far western Queensland and Mount Keith in the deserts of central Western Australia. You’ll also see them at iconic outback events such as the Birdsville Races. Regular airlines don't fly to these places. It is at these remote airports that the ATR's advantages really kick in. With a modern build that reduces weight, they can land on softer ground than jets or the Q400. In desert locations, this has meant cost savings to mining partners, who would otherwise require runway upgrades. A narrower footprint for landing gear puts Aerlink’s ATR aircraft minimum runway width at 14 metres, as opposed to the 18 metres required by the Q400. The minimum runway takeoff length for a fully loaded ATR42 is 1,165 metres and 1,367 metres for the ATR72 (the planes need even shorter lengths for landing). Aerlink's competitors operate aircraft such as the Q400, which requires a minimum runway takeoff length of 1,425 metres and the Fokker 100, which needs a minimum runway takeoff length of 1,520 metres. Right away, that allows Aerlink to get into more airports than competitors and allows Aerlink’s clients who are building airstrips, considerable construction cost savings. Gravel kits get Aerlink’s ATRs into places other charter aircraft cannot go. Most of Aerlink’s fleet is fitted with ATR gravel kits - equipment reinforcing the aircraft's landing struts and undercarriage to allow the charter planes to safely land on gravel, hard clay laterite, soil, coral and grass runways. While some developed mining and resource sites have modern sealed runways, greenfield sites, smaller sites and remote communities may not. Aerlink’s fleet and people can handle many of these runways, offering options and cost savings. "The versatility of our aircraft and established protocols allows adaptability," says Stewart Webster, Flight Operations Manager for Aerlink. "For instance, a gravel airstrip without facilities including fuel, remains serviceable. Our approach accommodates diverse facilities and challenges across different 'ports', aligning aircraft allocation, planning, and staff instructions accordingly.” A versatile air charter fleet that meets clients' needs. Aerlink’s fleet ticks all the boxes for clients. No matter how remote the airport, the aircraft offer customers and their personnel a safe, reliable, and comfortable flight. With a flight ceiling of 25,000 feet, the planes have the room to dodge weather and turbulence. At airports, they can handle temperatures varying from -45°C to 50°C, crosswinds of up to 45 knots per hour (ATR 42), and steep approaches of up to 6°. "Aerlink has the best aeroplanes and best employees in the Australian aircraft charter market," says James. "Our commitment is to provide effective aviation solutions, delivered safely. Our customers can confidently work with us, knowing we'll get their people and assets where they need to go." Is the need for a charter flight on your horizon? Whether comparing your current operations, ready to book or in the early research phase, Aerlink's aviation professionals and their depth of knowledge are accessible to you. Even if the honest straightforward assessment is that there is a better fit than Aerlink, you can be assured of a solutions-focused discussion centred around a thorough understanding of your purpose, adding value and enabling the opportunities that bring you, your people and your assets closer to achieving that purpose. Aerlink Operations East & West Coast Direct email: commercial@aerlink.au Direct Ph: 07 3261 8300 Web link Aerlink's commitment is to provide effective aviation solutions, delivered safely. With an experienced team and modern reliable aircraft, Aerlink takes you places others cannot. James Goosen, Senior Operations Manager, Aerlink. In May 2023, James arrived at Aerlink with over two decades of aviation experience, most recently as Aviation Manager at Aethon Aerial Solutions and, before that, at Ravensdown Aerowork, where he worked as Operations Manager. In those roles, James managed aerial contractors and field personnel across the Asia Pacific region, managed aircraft fleets and bases, project-managed the implementation of new technologies, and negotiated with stakeholders across multiple sectors. James holds a Diploma in Advanced Strategic Logistics Management, a Diploma in Manager Development, and has aviation incident investigation accreditation. He also holds a private rotary wing pilot's licence. Stewart Webster, Flight Operations Manager, Aerlink. Stewart joined Aerlink in August 2022 and brings a wealth of aviation industry experience, including ten-plus years in senior management at Tigerair (Virgin Australia), where he served as the Manager of Technical Operations, Head of Flying Operations, and Fleet Manager. Before that, Stewart worked as a Training Captain at Impulse Airlines, Danish Air Transport, and as Base Manager for BMI in the UK. He cut his aviation teeth in the Royal Australian Air Force as an aircraft engineer. Since then, Stewart has accumulated over 12,000 hours in the cockpit and a comprehensive understanding of aviation operations. In addition to holding Airline Transport pilot licences from Australian and UK authorities, Stewart has a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and qualifications in fatigue risk management. All information has been researched from reputable sources and is provided in good faith. Please confirm details and requirements with Aerlink Operations.

The Merit Principle, underpinned by Equal Opportunity & Anti-Discrimination, means the highest standards of safety and service for our charter flight customers. Aerlink's pool of pilots has expanded, with Pilot, Elke Thole, recently joining Aerlink’s Perth base after accruing more than 3,000 hours flying ATRs around southern Africa. We're super pleased to welcome Elke. She brings a wealth of experience flying the ATR in Tanzania. She's a strong, driven individual with a passion for aviation.' Aerlink's team have over a decade of experience operating and maintaining this efficient and reliable aircraft type, the World's best regional aircraft. Before hopping over the Indian Ocean, Elke spent almost five years flying for Precision Air Tanzania, a passenger airline based in Dar es Salaam. Elke says she's been fascinated by flying ever since she was a child. Now, as a pilot, Elke says her job is a perfect synergy of multiple disciplines. 'It's not just about aircraft and flying; it's about understanding aerodynamics, avionics, navigation systems, weather patterns, and so much more. I love it all.' Elke becomes Aerlink's fourth female pilot, with females now making up 21% of Aerlink's total pilot pool. Recruiting people like Elke adds to Aerlink's diverse workforce and contributes to Aerlink's culture of excellence. Women now comprise 28% of Aerlink's workforce, and that statistic continues to trend upwards. Beyond gender diversity, our team is culturally diverse. Cultural diversity is not just a statistic; it's an asset. It enhances our problem-solving capabilities, increases productivity, and aligns well with our clients' diversity and inclusion policies. Aerlink has bold growth plans in Australia, but those plans rely on its workforce having the capability and willingness to go above and beyond the everyday standard. We meet this need by looking outside the traditional aviation industry candidate profile. The different perspectives and experiences that each of Aerlink's employees brings to the table enrich the company. It's a win-win situation. Promotion from within at our dedicated air charter base at Perth T2 Domestic Terminal While Elke is Aerlink's newest recruit, there have also been some well-earned internal promotions, with Perth-based Rosi Brown becoming the Aircrew Standards Supervisor, Arnie Kamp becoming a Ground Operations Supervisor, and Nick Dempsey becoming a Ground Operations Team Leader. Aerlink's commitment to employee diversity and excellence is as much a product of informal, organic outcomes as fixed goals and strategies. Aerlink recruits the best possible people, and by doing so, workforce diversity follows. Finding Elke – a young, Africa-raised and schooled female, adds to that diversity. But her professionalism also strengthens Aerlink's commitment to excellence. While the company benefits, the biggest winners are Aerlink's charter flight customers, who typically have similar values to Aerlink and appreciate a supplier airline that delivers a quality product reliably, safely, and without fuss. Elke says she is still adjusting to the quirks of living in Australia – the time zones and how things work. But she loves the food, coffee, and friendliness, both at work and everywhere else. 'Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful,' she says. 'I'm so optimistic about my future at Aerlink. The idea of working at the Perth base, with all these exceptional people, and being part of Aerlink's growth vision.' Welcome Elke, congratulations Rosi, Arnie and Nick and sincere thanks to our entire team for your efforts. Talent Acquisition at Aerlink: Committed to Excellence and Inclusivity We are transparent in sharing our talent acquisition philosophy: selecting the best talent based on merit and ability, while upholding Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination principles. The Merit Principle underpinned by Equal Opportunity & Anti-Discrimination We believe in a rigorous selection process that places competence and ability above all else. Discrimination is not only against our values but counterintuitive to Aerlink’s goal of accessing the widest possible pool of best talent. The value placed on talent is reinforced with a clear policy that length of service within the company or the industry does not determine selection. This merit-based approach ensures that we provide our clients in the resources, mining, and Defence sectors with unrivalled expertise. Our Team’s Diversity Aerlink’s staff hail from diverse cultural backgrounds, ranging from Mauritius and Pakistan to Canada, South Africa and India. Aerlink works to increase Indigenous representation, partnering with Clontarf Foundation. Further actions are under consideration. We also maintain a balanced workforce with 19 women, including 4 female pilots, among our 45 male colleagues. We are working on targets to improve our gender diversity. We are committed to being an employer where merit and talent reign supreme, and where diversity is embraced.

Safety is everything in aviation and holding Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) Gold confirms Aerlink's absolute commitment to safety. There is no higher standard. BARS is a global aviation safety assessment and audit protocol designed explicitly for charter airlines that often fly in challenging and remote environments. BARS is based on the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Annex 19, which assists airlines in managing and mitigating safety risks. Aerlink’s Safety Management System meets the requirements of ICAO Annex 19. Gold status in the BARS Program, or lesser tiers for other charter operators, is determined by audit report findings. Achieving BARS Gold Status is no easy task. It involves compliance with a variety of standards and passing rigorous assessments to progress through Green, to Silver to Gold BARS status. But it's worth it. Aerlink's BARS Gold signals to their employees that safety is our priority and fundamental to the airline's workplace culture. It also sends a message to every current and prospective customer – this is an airline that values and is committed to safety above all else. What do Basic Aviation Risk Standards (BARS) mean? The BAR standard is a risk-based model that considers and identifies potential threats. Some of those threats are relatively common. Others, like a dust storm out in Queensland's southwest, are more unique to isolated or challenging Australian locations. The BARS program allows an organisation to take that threat and develop a suite of associated mitigation controls and recovery measures. With a FIFO charter air services client list of mining and resource companies, Government Air Charter Contracts and repeat on-demand plane charter for premium Australian travel agencies, Aerlink is well versed in flying to out-of-the-way locations and you can rely on its processes, the World’s Best construction of its ATR aircraft and its employees' expertise in maintaining and operating them. Maintaining BARS Gold affirms this. Safety trumps all else at Aerlink Air charter clients demand the highest standards from their charter plane operator – the safety of their employees and the reputation of their business depend on it. Australia's charter airlines, particularly Aerlink, have a proud reputation for their relentless and unwavering focus on safety. Safety trumps all else; deadlines, costs, and other demands. It's why companies like Theiss, Bellevue Gold, Covalent Lithium, and Chinova have chosen Aerlink as their air charter operator. Safety is a culture Achieving BARS Gold Status is no easy task. It involves compliance with a variety of standards and passing rigorous assessments to progress through Green, to Silver to Gold BARS status. But it's worth it. Aerlink's BARS Gold signals to their employees that safety is paramount and fundamental to the airline's workplace culture. It also sends a message to every current and prospective customer – this is an airline that values and is committed to safety above all else. Aerlink's QAS Manager, Dirk Coetzee, discusses more on Aerlink's Safety Management Systems here.

Dirk Coetzee, QAS Manager Safety is of paramount importance in the aviation industry. Oftentimes referred to as an unforgiving industry, there is very little to no room for error. The notion that safety is non-negotiable is commonly shared by all Aerlink employees across the business. With thousands of passengers on countless Aerlink charter flights taking off and landing each year, ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew is a daily top priority. If we can’t do it safely, we don’t do it at all. So, how do we do it safely and what systems and fundamental processes does Aerlink employ to ensure safety is maintained at the highest level? We invite you to walk with us through this short article with the hope of providing some insight into our Safety Management System and its various components. But before we do, a brief paragraph on where we fit into the bigger aviation regulatory picture. Regulatory Framework: CASA's Role Aerlink operates under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia. We adhere to international safety standards, ensuring we meet all obligations for Safety Management, Air Operation Certification, and Aircraft Maintenance. Australia boasts a robust aviation regulatory framework that supports aviation safety in its entirety. With the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia as the nation's independent aviation safety regulator responsible for overseeing aviation safety standards, regulations, and practices, CASA’s regulatory framework incorporates international standards and best practices. With Australia as a council state to the International Civil Aviation Organization, CASA’s commitment to safety ensures harmonization with global safety norms, fostering cooperation and enhancing aviation safety worldwide. Aerlink ensures that it meets all its obligations under CASA’s regulatory framework for Safety Management, Air Operation Certification, Aircraft Maintenance and Continuing Airworthiness Management. Core of Aerlink: Our SMS Our SMS is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a business imperative. It's integrated into our Flight Operations, Engineering, and Continuing Airworthiness Management divisions. Aerlink’s Safety Management System, or SMS for short, allows for a systematic approach to managing safety across all business departments. It defines the Company’s policies, procedures, and systems in use to effectively manage safety through an underlying foundation of mitigating risk associated with the air transportation services we deliver to our valued customers. It forms the backbone of our Flight Operations, Engineering and Continuing Airworthiness Management divisions and is positioned at the very core of everything we do. And yes, as a registered aviation Company in the Australian aviation industry, we are required to have a Safety Management System in operation by means of regulatory requirements, but let’s be clear, Aerlink applies its Safety Management System not because it is a mandated requirement, but because we continuously strive to deliver a safe air transport solution for our customers. To put it plainly, because of the market we operate in, it makes perfect business sense to do everything we do in the safest possible way. Safety Culture: Reporting and Review We encourage open reporting of safety incidents. A daily Safety Review Board meeting ensures immediate attention and mitigation of potential risks. Aerlink prides itself on a safety culture where all stakeholders, from maintenance crews to pilots and management, actively contribute to identifying and addressing safety concerns. Our Company’s reporting mechanisms allow employees to report safety-related incidents or observations without fear of retribution, ensuring that potential risks are brought to management’s attention and addressed before they escalate. A daily Safety Review Board meeting with CEO and key position holder involvement ensures that any issue with a potential for harm and an inherent risk is discussed, analysed, risk ranked and mitigated at the earliest opportunity. Our reporting culture encourages a proactive approach to safety, meaning that we are constantly one step ahead of any potential risk. SMS Components: Aligning with ICAO Our SMS has four key components and thirteen elements, closely aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annexure 19. Aerlink’s SMS embraces four key components and thirteen elements that align very closely with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annexure 19. These four key components form the cornerstones or pillars of our SMS. It defines our safety policy and objectives, allows us to identify and manage safety-related hazards and risk effectively and it further assures and promotes safety within Aerlink. Through the process of communicating safety critical information externally, i.e. sharing lessons learnt and negative safety trends with the wider aviation industry, our SMS allows the Company to contribute to the greater good of the aviation industry in Australia. Component 1: Safety Policy and Objectives Our safety policy is reviewed quarterly. It sets the stage for Emergency Response Planning (ERP) and is the basis for continuous improvement. Aerlink’s safety policy sets the organisation’s intent for achieving safety. It defines our safety objectives and demonstrates management's commitment to achieving safety through these objectives. The policy appoints the key personnel responsible for safety and assigns accountability for safety at the highest level. Additionally, it sets the requirements for Aerlink’s Emergency Response Planning (ERP) strategy and defines the documentation the Company requires to support the Safety Management System. As a fundamental part of Aerlink’s Safety Management System, the safety policy is reviewed by Aerlink’s senior leadership team every three months and the Company’s safety performance is measured against each objective under the policy. Trend analysis is completed where both positive and negative trends are identified. One of the Company’s main objectives is to build on positive trends while eliminating negative trends. If it has a tendency to work well, we want more of it, and if it doesn’t, we turn it into an opportunity for improvement, which is one of the key elements of Aerlink’s SMS. Failure to continuously improve on business-related systems and processes is a definition that will not be found in the Aerlink dictionary. A great amount of energy is invested into the Company’s SMS to ensure it actively draws out improvement opportunities. This is one of the fundamental reasons why Aerlink promotes an open and honest reporting culture within the Organisation. Our viewpoint of “if we know about it, we can do something about it” holds true. Continuous improvement is achieved by applying a methodology known as the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle. The PDCA is a systematic process for gaining valuable learning and knowledge for the continual improvement of a product, process, or service. As the name suggests, the first step in the process is to Plan the improvement with stakeholder engagement. Once the improvement plan is in place, the next step is to implement the improvement. This is the “Do” part and once this is completed, the improvement is Checked or measured for effectiveness and the results are acted upon. The wonderful thing about the PDCA cycle is that it can be repeated as many times as needed until the desired result is achieved. Aerlink’s SMS capitalise on this concept until a desired improvement is achieved after which time it is internally standardised and becomes the new standard. Component 2: Safety Risk Management We employ tools like "Take 5" and Job Safety and Environmental Analysis (JSEA) to manage risk at the task level, aiming for risk mitigation to an "As Low As Reasonably Practicable" (ALARP) level. The second fundamental component of our Safety Management System is safety risk management. Under this component, safety hazards and their associated risks are identified and effectively managed to ensure any real or potential risk is mitigated to an “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP) level and where these risk levels are reduced to fall well within Aerlink’s risk tolerance, that is to say, that the degree of risk or uncertainty sits at a level that is acceptable to the organization. A careful design of the Company’s risk management process ensured that the risk management principles called for by the ISO 31000 standard are applied under the SMS and involve some basic, yet fundamental steps that allow for risk identification, analysis, mitigation and control. The Company’s SMS seeks to control risk by applying the hierarchy of controls from most effective to least effective, denoting that Aerlink’s first approach to managing risk is to eliminate the risk altogether. In addition to Aerlink’s risk management process under its SMS, the Company employs some very basic, yet highly effective tools for managing risk on task level. The Company’s “Take 5” tool is a methodology employed by Aerlink where every employee is trained to apply 5 basic steps for identifying and managing risk on task level. Take 5 signifies “Stop, Think, Identify, Plan and Proceed”. The tool is highly effective in allowing an individual to stop and think about the task at hand before the task is commenced, to identify and assess any risk associated with the task, and to plan the task in a way that will mitigate any risk before proceeding with the task. Another risk management tool in our toolbox is Aerlink’s Job Safety and Environmental Analysis (JSEA), which allows staff to plan a task and identify task-associated hazards and risks at each individual step through the task. The JSEA considers all elements of task completion including the people involved in the task, the equipment and tools to be used, procures that may apply and environmental conditions. Key to the success of the JSEA is that its completion needs to be done with involvement from all staff that will actively participate in the task. In so doing, all staff contribute to the JSEA and are made aware of any hazards and risks associated with the task. Aerlink’s SMS recognises the importance of the JSEA in managing risk and ensures that its staff are trained in its completion. Component 3: Safety Assurance Internal audits and safety investigations are part of our assurance program. We adhere to ISO 31000 standards for risk management. The safety assurance component of Aerlink’s SMS embraces processes that endeavour to assure safety within the organisation at all levels and through all disciplines. This includes a comprehensive assurance program through internal surveillance of all the Company’s Engineering, Flight Operations and Continuing Airworthiness Management processes and procedures. Once a year, and notwithstanding any regulatory and other 3rd party audits, all disciples within Aerlink are subject to a robust internal audit program where audits are completed by highly trained and competent internal auditors. The internal audit program seeks to test the degree of compliance with regulatory and other requirements that may apply. Audit findings are used in performing trend analysis which in turn is used for continuous improvement. Other elements of Aerlink’s SMS under the Safety Assurance component include safety investigations where any incident is investigated by staff trained in investigative techniques, monitoring of the Company’s safety performance, management of change within the organisation and a complete review of our SMS effectiveness every three months. Component 4: Safety Promotion We focus on rigorous training programs and the communication of safety-critical information, both internally and to external stakeholders. The fourth and last component of Aerlink’s SMS is Safety Promotion. Through this component, Aerlink’s SMS actively seeks to promote safety within the boundaries of the organization but to also play its part in contributing to safety in the wider aviation industry. Safety promotion is achieved through mainly two primary elements. The first element is ensuring that a safety training program exists for all employees where they can be trained to perform their duties in accordance with approved technical data and procedures and where they acquire the necessary knowledge necessary to perform their duties. A highly trained and skilled workforce is critical to aviation safety. Australia places a strong emphasis on aviation education and training, and it is no different here at Aerlink. Aspiring pilots undergo rigorous training programs, which include theoretical knowledge, flight simulations, and hands-on flying experience. Training institutions adhere to CASA-approved standards, ensuring that pilots and other aviation professionals are well-prepared to handle various scenarios, from routine operations to emergency situations. Continuing education is also a fundamental aspect of maintaining aviation safety. Pilots and crew members are required to undergo recurrent training to stay current with the latest regulations, procedures, and technologies. This commitment to ongoing skill development enhances the ability of aviation professionals to respond effectively to unexpected challenges. Aerlink’s training program incorporates both technical and non-technical training and endeavours to instil knowledge of both an operational and administrative nature to ensure that both operational and supportive personnel are well equipped in terms of knowledge. The second element under Safety Promotion is the communication of safety-critical information. The communication of safety-critical information is not confined within Aerlink’s boundaries only, but often time needs to step outside these boundaries to make other stakeholders aware of safety-critical information. These stakeholders include the Regulator, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the aircraft manufacturer and the aircraft operator. Lessons learnt are communicated internally at Aerlink’s quarterly Safety Review Board Meeting and a weekly leadership meeting showcases communication as a standing agenda point where a determination is made on any information deemed necessary to be communicated and the stakeholder/s it should be communicated to. Conclusion: Safety First, Always Australia's aviation industry is globally recognized for its safety standards. At Aerlink, we share this commitment and continuously strive to advance our systems and processes for a safe air travel experience. Australia's commitment to aviation safety is evident through its comprehensive regulatory framework, state-of-the-art technologies, rigorous training programs, and proactive safety management systems. By adhering to international standards, fostering a safety-first culture, and continuously improving its safety practices, Australia's aviation industry maintains its reputation for safe skies. As air travel continues to evolve, the nation's dedication to safety ensures that passengers and crew can confidently take to the skies, knowing that their well-being is paramount. At Aerlink, we share this notion and acknowledge that the safe delivery of every worker must remain our highest priority. We are confident that our Safety Management System and its supporting processes place Aerlink in a favourable position to deliver a safe air travel experience. We acknowledge that the safety of every worker we fly to work starts with us and so our focus will remain on advancing our systems and processes to ensure that safe operation is supported through every aspect of our business.

Supply chain collaboration accelerates emission reductions in Australian Resources sector. Aerlink client Covalent is working to reduce the world's dependency on fossil fuels by developing a high-purity lithium ore mine at its Mount Holland site, around 500 kilometres east of Perth, Western Australia. The company intends to mine, process, and refine the ore into battery-quality lithium hydroxide, an essential component in emerging clean and green battery-based energy storage systems. Aerlink's ATR72-500 is a regular on the route between Perth and Mount Holland after winning the contract to fly around ten roundtrips a week to and from the site. Flying time is about one hour, and the aircraft seats 68 passengers. There is no easy way to get to Mount Holland, but the Aerlink ATR provides one of the most fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible ways possible. The 72 is one of the lowest-emission aircraft on the market and each round trip contributes an emissions saving of almost 2,000 kg in comparison to any like aircraft. This aligns well with Covalent's clean and green ethos. Few people link mining and aviation to good environmental practices, but the two companies are in lockstep regarding reducing their environmental footprint. Aside from reducing the world's dependence on coal and gas, Covalent has chosen to rehabilitate a so-called brownfields site, a spot formerly used as a gold mine and left in less than stellar condition. For Aerlink, it is about using the right sized plane for the air charter job, rather than a bigger over-spec'd aircraft that not only costs more money to operate, but also releases more CO2 emissions. Many of Aerlink's clients are requiring FIFO and freight air charter for the mining and resources sector, and most are looking at new ways of doing business, pursuing that perfect mixture of financial and environmental sustainability. Like Aerlink, these businesses employ many people, with pay packets sustaining families and communities. They are not going to disappear, but they are trying to be the best possible corporate citizens. Lithium ore mined at Mount Holland will eventually power millions of batteries, including those in electric vehicles. So, it's fitting that Covalent now uses an electric 57-passenger bus to transfer workers between the airport and the mine site. New arrivals can't help marvelling at this – one of the world's most modern buses, waiting by an airstrip, and surrounded by red dust.

AS JET CHARTER RATES SOAR, AERLINK OFFERS A RESPONSIBLE AIR CHARTER ALTERNATIVE. AERLINK TAKES OVER HEVILIFT ROUTES. The Australian air charter market has a new entrant. The decision to establish Aerlink means an intentional step away from leaning on the reputation of Hevilift, founded on over 25 years of providing specialized heavy lift air capacity in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Hevilift continues its position of dominance in South-East Asia, but Aerlink sees the accomplished Australian team pivot to a dedicated ad hoc and contract charter focus. AERLINK – CONNECT TO PURPOSE Air Charter | FIFO Charter | Freight & Cargo | Tailored Air Charter Services | Travel Headquartered in Brisbane, Aerlink has well-resourced operations, crewing, in-house maintenance, and ground handling services. It is already poised for growth beyond its bases in Perth (PER), Brisbane (BNE), and Townsville (TSV). The airline is the only Australian operator of the Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) aircraft type, recognised as the world’s leading regional aircraft; a cost-effective and environmentally friendly plane fast finding favour with airlines worldwide. Aerlink operates 68-passenger ATR72-500s, 48-passenger ATR42-500, and two ATR42-300 freighters. Aerlink is a responsible aviation choice for clients who are proactive in taking measures aimed at efficiency and decarbonization, whilst also conscious of the comfort and safety of their passengers. ATR 72s offer class-leading seated cabin space equal to that of an Airbus A320-200 and internal noise levels comparable to a regional jet. When travelling distances up to 500 nautical miles (926km), Aerlink's ATRs cannot be beaten by any other aircraft of similar size in terms of lowest fuel burn and related emissions. The ATR42 freighter is renowned for efficiency, offering access to short and narrow runways and the lowest per km freight costs. Aerlink's long-term blue-chip client list includes industry leaders like Rio Tinto, Thiess, Covalent, Byrnecut Group, Ora Banda Gold and Chinova. The airline also regularly operates charter flights for the Australian Defence Force and Travel West, among other entities. Collaborating with Commercial Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) facilitates essential supplies to indigenous communities like Doomadgee and Kowanyama, especially during the six-month-long wet season. Over 300 nautical miles (555.6 kilometres), the ATR72 consumes 30% less fuel than rival turboprops and 45% less than regional jets (ATR, 2023). Shorter travel distances amplify Aerlink's fuel and related emissions savings per journey. While the fleet's location can change subject to client demand, there are presently ATR 72's based in Perth, Brisbane and Townsville. ATR42 Freighters are based in Brisbane and Cairns. Aerlink regularly fly into airports such as Broome (BME), Kalgoorlie (KGI), Mackay (MKY), Moranbah (MOV), Cairns (CNS), Doomadgee (DMD), and Pormpuraaw (EDR). For media enquiries, please contact: Jade Lipton J.Lipton@aerlink.au 0438 698 286 Website: www.aerlink.au Aerlink holds the BARS (Basic Aviation Risk Standard) Gold certification and is CASA (Civil Aviation Service Authority) approved as an Air Services Operator (Part 121), Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (Part 42), and Maintenance Provider (Part 145). It performs these functions internally and for third parties. They have ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) Annexure 19, proof of adhering to the most robust safety and risk mitigation world standards. Unlike the Dash 8, which features commonly in Australian fleets, the ATR is still in production. This ensures the highest levels of OEM (Originating Equipment Manufacturer) technical support, parts supply, and up-to-the-minute training. Aerlink’s ATR 72s and 42s share 90% common parts, which results in less downtime when combined with our in-house accredited maintenance division. The ATR is manufactured in Toulouse, France, in a partnership between Airbus and Leonardo. References: ATR (2023). Accelerating Sustainable Connections [Website]. https://www.atr-aircraft.com/sustainability/aircraft-sustainability/