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Field Notes
Photographer: Geoffrey Williams.
Airnorth E190 review: Darwin to Cairns via Gove
By Geoffrey Williams
Most flight reviews in Australia begin with an unspoken assumption that travellers are choosing between Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar, or Virgin Australia, weighing up the cost of a ticket against convenience within a tightly held domestic duopoly. Flying Airnorth sits outside that framework. The airline does not operate at scale, nor does it compete on frequency or network breadth. Instead, its focus is on connecting regional and remote destinations where air travel is often a practical necessity rather than a discretionary choice.
Airnorth has been operating continuously since its establishment in 1978, marking more than 45 years of service, and is Australia’s second longest-running airline after Qantas (which was founded in 1920). Its longevity reflects a sustained role in providing connectivity across northern Australia, with routes and fleet decisions shaped by geography, demand, and operational conditions rather than volume growth.
Initially operating small aircraft and turboprops, Airnorth has expanded its fleet to include Embraer regional jets. The airline operates a mix of scheduled passenger services and charter flights for government and industry clients. Its network spans destinations in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland, along with an international service to Dili, Timor-Leste. These operations are designed to meet the logistical demands of long distances, seasonal conditions, and limited transport alternatives.
Photographer: Geoffrey Williams.
My flight from Darwin to Cairns via Gove (TL160) was faultless. The experience began with efficient and notably patient assistance from ground staff at Darwin during the fully automated check-in process, which was particularly welcome on an early morning departure.
The aircraft was an Embraer E190, a regional jet known for its 2–2 seating configuration, eliminating the middle seat and ensuring all passengers have either a window or aisle seat. The cabin benefits from relatively large windows (approximately 185 square inches), noticeably larger than those on a Boeing 737, which contributes to a brighter interior and improved external visibility.
Seat comfort was very good. The aircraft’s 31-inch (79 cm) seat pitch provides more legroom than the 30-inch standard common on many Boeing 737 configurations, and the seat width of up to 18.3 inches is slightly wider than the narrowest seats found on comparable narrow-body aircraft. These differences were noticeable over the course of the journey.
Inflight hospitality was complimentary and exceeded expectations for a regional service. Tea, coffee, and juice were offered, along with banana bread on the Darwin–Gove sector, and fruit cake and a chocolate slice on the Gove–Cairns leg.
The brief stop in Gove resulted in two take-offs and landings within a total journey time of three hours and thirty minutes, and for passengers who enjoy flying, this added interest without significantly extending travel time.
Photographer: Geoffrey Williams.
Geoffrey Williams is The Solo Traveller Group’s Founder and Publishing Curator. He travelled to Cairns with Airnorth as a paying passenger.