In 1991, Daniel Takai became the first Torres Strait Islander commercial pilot, setting him on a course to establish his very own airline, Torres Strait Air in 2014.

Born through his strong sense of community, Daniel founded Torres Strait Air because he could see how desperately underserviced Torres Strait Island communities were for safe and reliable air transport.

“The provision of air travel is critical to providing connectivity for all service requirements up here in the Torres Strait,” said Daniel.

“We operate 13 aircraft in the Torres Strait and Cape York Northern Peninsula area, connecting 11 communities with essential services ranging from access to health, education and cultural events through to supporting Government with bio security, border protection and social services.”

“Without adequate and appropriate air transport, communities face enormous cost and logistical travel challenges.”

Through the support of NAB and NAB’s Indigenous Business Banking team, Torres Strait Air has recently purchased two state-of-the-art Tecnam Traveller aircraft, and built an aircraft maintenance hangar at their base on Horn Island.

“Our investment in two new aircraft provides an opportunity to expand our capacity. This means we can carry more passengers and more luggage,” Daniel added.

“Most importantly, in addition to added capacity, the new twin-engine aircraft are fitted with upgraded safety technology, weather radar, terrain and traffic avoidance systems, and digital navigation, communication and engine instruments.”

This October, NAB has been celebrating Indigenous Business Month by showcasing some of NAB’s incredible First Nations business customers who are paving the way for the success of future generations.

Noel Prakash, NAB Executive, Indigenous Business Banking believes supporting customers such as Torres Strait Air is at the core of empowering First Nations leadership and enabling First Nations communities to grow.

“We have listened to First Nations businesses and community organisations around the barriers they experience when trying to establish and grow their businesses. Over the past few years, we have put the building blocks in place to better support our growing First Nations business customer base, from both a commercial and cultural perspective,” Noel said.

“The theme for Indigenous Business Month this year is ‘Making Our Mark’, and we know the integral role businesses such as Torres Strait Air play in creating opportunities for First Nations communities to succeed.”

“Working together with First Nations people, we want to strengthen financial resilience, increase business and employment opportunities, and remove the barriers that have traditionally made it hard for First Nations customers and businesses to access financial services.”

NAB offers specialised banking services for First Nations businesses and community organisations. Find out more about NAB’s First Nations Banking Services on our website.