Established in October 1998, Sunshine Express Airlines was founded by one of Australias aviation leaders, Steve Padgett, to serve many regional routes, mainly out of the Sunshine Coast. It started operations on 25 October 1998.[3] Aeromil, also founded by Steve Padgett, is Sunshine Express' parent company and also has a base at Sunshine Coast Airport.
In their first year, Sunshine Express carried over 24,000 passengers between just two destinations[4] and today carries almost 100,000 passengers. Prior to closure of its scheduled routes, Sunshine Express employed over 40 people and was a Qantas partner airline.
Sunshine Express ceased all scheduled flights from 1 October 2006 to focus on charter operations. Hervey Bay and Biloela are now served by QantasLink. Coffs Harbour is now served by Brindabella Airlines. Port Macquarie was served by Brindabella Airlines but this service was discontinued at the end of 2010. Virgin Australia now serve this route. From May 2009 Tamworth is now served by Brindabella Airlines and from August 2011 Armidale was served by Brindabella Airlines this has been suspended. Maryborough no longer has direct air service to Brisbane.
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