Driven by a vision for complete flight flexibility and seamless logistics, MinRes Air also set a new benchmark for transporting people and vital cargo and in doing so strengthened the company’s ongoing focus on setting new standards for facilities, flights and food.
The creation of the airline was not simply about getting people to site, but reimagining every step of the journey and making MinRes Air an integral part of the company’s operational excellence.
Twelve months and more than 1000 flights later, MinRes Air continues to provide a safe, efficient and comfortable flying experience.
FIFO travel reimagined
At its core, MinRes Air was established to provide a best-in-class FIFO experience and a desire to lead the WA resources industry in not only the quality of flights, but also the standard of facilities and catering.
The airline’s modern Airbus A319 and A320 fleet now covers frequent routes from Perth and Brisbane to key MinRes sites including the Ken’s Bore iron ore mine – part of the Onslow Iron project – and the Wodgina lithium operation.
As MinRes Air evolves, the company also hopes to expand this premium service to other locations.
Passenger comfort and efficiency underpin every aspect of MinRes Air’s operations. At a dedicated terminal at Perth Airport, employees benefit from a smooth, rapid transition from arrival to boarding – a process tailor-made to minimise delays and maximise convenience.
On board, comfort is a priority – planes have up to 25cm more legroom compared to standard aircraft, making the commute more relaxing for FIFO staff.
Complimentary food and beverages are available prior to departure and the onboard experience is supported by an in-house cabin crew focused on comfort and convenience.
Setting the service apart is not just the hardware or amenities, but the expertise driving its early success.
MinRes Air CEO Graeme Taylor brings more than three decades of global aviation industry experience having worked with some of the world’s premier airlines.
By uniting the precision and discipline of a commercial airline with the specific demands and flexibility required by a mining operation, Taylor now leads an airline delivering on operational excellence and employee care.
“There’s a strong commitment to the people who keep our sites running,” he explains.
“Every aspect of MinRes Air – from roster planning to fleet optimisation – is developed to support the unique needs of MinRes and its workforce.”
Next-level service and operational excellence
Another distinctive feature of MinRes Air is its fully integrated team. All pilots, engineers, ground staff, and cabin crew are MinRes employees – ensuring alignment not only to company values but also to operational priorities.
Additionally, the Perth and Ken’s Bore terminals, alongside essential maintenance facilities, are under direct MinRes management - with an integrated approach driving exceptional on-time performance routinely achieving 98-100% punctuality each month. Taylor credits this consistency to the team’s commitment.
“Setting benchmarks matters, but meeting those targets continually is the true mark of success," he said.
“Our people know their journey will be reliable, which means less time waiting, quicker transfers and, importantly, more time at home with their families after a long swing.”
Expanding capabilities: logistics, freight, and emergency response
While transporting personnel is at the heart of the business, MinRes Air’s value extends well beyond passenger services.
Since February 2025, the airline has taken on the swift delivery of urgent freight – including vital equipment and machine parts – directly to key operations such as Ken’s Bore.
Previously, these crucial items would travel by road, potentially causing costly delays. Now, direct air transport slashes downtime, which is essential for maintaining operational momentum at remote sites.
Moreover, MinRes Air has played an instrumental role during emergency situations, such as responding to cyclones or adverse weather events.
The airline also offers MinRes the flexibility to coordinate and mobilise large-scale evacuations efficiently if required, reducing reliance on external carriers and giving the company control over the safety of its people.
Taylor said MinRes Air's ability to rapidly respond and move our workforce underpins the company's commitment to employee wellbeing.
"Whether it’s getting essential freight to site or swiftly evacuating staff, MinRes Air gives us capabilities that simply didn’t exist before,” he said.
Looking back while flying forward
As MinRes Air marks its first anniversary in July 2025, the service has quickly become a source of pride for the airline team and MinRes’ FIFO workforce.
Continuous improvement is central to the service's future, with ongoing enhancements to the Perth terminal are set to further elevate passenger comfort and convenience.
“Our journey is just beginning. We’ve laid a solid foundation, but there is still so much more ahead,” Taylor reflects.
"With every milestone, we strengthen our commitment to delivering a travel experience that supports our team, underpins our productivity and sets a new industry standard for what’s possible in FIFO aviation.”
Learn more about MinRes Air.
