On Saturday 11 February, Virgin Australia commenced flights to Rockhampton from Brisbane with Skywest Airlines operated ATR 72-500s. It is believed that ATR VH-FVM operated the first passenger carrying service to Rockhampton, touching down as "Virgin 233 Alpha" (VOZ1233).
Local spotters were less than enthusiastic though, citing the fact that the ATRs have been flying into Rockhampton for some time now on training and route proving flights - as shown in the photo above from earlier in the year!!
Later in the morning though, local spotters received a treat with Boeing B737-700 VH-VBY making a visit, and allowing for photos to be taken of the Boeing wearing the new Virgin Australia livery. VH-VBY was also noted at Mackay Airport over the weekend as well.
On Monday 13 February, Virgin Australia commenced flying a series of additional flights with Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100s VH-XWM and VH-XWN.
VH-XWN was noted flying to Proserpine / Whitsunday Coast Airport as VOZ1113, while VH-XWM touched down at Rockhampton Airport as "Virgin 1231".
A little later, another Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100, VH-FWH, arrived operating for QantasLink. The photo below shows both F-100s on the Rockhampton Airport apron - interestingly neither aircraft was actually operating for Alliance!
After some time, both aircraft departed back to Brisbane - VH-XWM as "Virgin 1232" - interestingly not using the Alliance callsign of "Unity" - and VH-FWH again operating for QantasLink.
QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QOU was also noted operating the 'milk run' QF2300 service that operates BNE-GLT-ROK-MKY-TSV-CNS.
On the General Avaition side of Rockhampton Airport, Cessna 550 Citation Bravo VH-CCJ arrived and parked for the day.
I also noted Bell 206 VH-RMJ of Heli-Aust at Bankstown.
Meanwhile, eagle-eyed locals have pointed out that the Rockhampton Aero Club signage at the Airport has been taped over or boarded up... what's going on there??
Hopefully the wonderful Aero Club isn't 'in trouble'??
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