Media Release
27 November 2006

Skippers Expands
to Meet Booming Resource Sector

Skippers has today announced the recent purchase of three (3) Bombardier Dash 8-300 series 50-seat turbo-propelled aircraft for its rapidly growing Perth-based operation.

All three aircraft were purchased from a leading European airline based in Germany and will be used to meet increased demand for Skippers' services from a booming West Australian resource sector.

The Dash 8-300 is a highly utilised aircraft across the world for short haul / regional routes owing to its comfort and superior performance. Manufactured in Canada by DeHavilland (now Bombardier), the Dash 8-300 series offers the economy and safety of a twin turbo-prop with the comfort of a modern jet airliner. Key features include a quiet, full height, pressurised, air-conditioned cabin, leather seats with generous legroom, large overhead lockers and inflight cabin service from two flight attendants. Its top speed is 530kms per hour, making it faster than its 36-seat counterpart the Dash 8-100 and able to carry 1.6 times the payload in only 3.25 metres additional length.

Two of the three Skippers' Dash 8-300s have already commenced regular flights to destinations throughout Western Australia for a number of major Australian mining companies. The third aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late February 2007.

Skippers' CEO, Rob Swann, commented on demand for the additional aircraft. “We have secured and are in negotiations with a number of major resource sector companies who stand to benefit from the increased flexibility that the 50-seaters can offer them at varying stages of their projects,” Mr Swann said. “The value these aircraft can deliver is very attractive, and the market is realising this. It's truly an exciting time for us all.”

The new aircraft brings Skippers' total capacity to 576 seats and has necessitated the upgrade of their existing Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) to a High Capacity certificate. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Skippers with this approval on 13th November 2006 , one month after the first aircraft arrived, in what is believed to be record time.

Mr Swann commended the significant efforts of his staff in getting the new aircraft on line so quickly. “The granting for our High Capacity AOC brings to fruition the many thousands of hours of preparation and effort of all 209 of our staff in some way to update manuals and procedures, undergo intensive training, the many manhours refurbishing the aircraft and just generally keeping the place running smoothly,“ Mr Swann said. “It is truly a monumental effort and we are very grateful for their sensational commitment and hard work.”

Skippers' fleet now totals 23 aircraft, comprising three Bombardier Dash 8-300 50 seaters, two Dash 8-100 36 seaters, six Embraer Brasilia 30 seaters, six Fairchild Metro 23 19 seaters, three Cessna Conquest 11 seaters and three Cessna Conquest C441 9 seater aircraft for a total capacity of 576 seats.

Skippers' new Dash 8-300s will be known by registrations VH-XFV, VH- XFW and VH-XFX.

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For more information contact:
Rob Swann, Chief Executive Officer
Ph: (08) 9478 3989