Airport Coordination Limited (ACL), which took over slot management in Sydney on 1 April, has welcomed the changes which became law at the end of October, saying they will “deliver significantly greater transparency” and ensure airlines do not “game the system”.

The flight, operated by Beechcraft 1900D VH-JYA, left Cairns shortly before 9:30am on Monday, and touched down at Hamilton Island just over an hour later. East Air is currently operating Monday and Thursday services, with Sunday flights set to commence in February.