Wednesday, May 1, 2013

CQ Plane Spotting Historic Spot - Air Whitsunday Celebrates 40 Years of Scenic Seaplane Flights and Tours

Recently, Air Whitsunday celebrated its 40th birthday with a big bash at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  Some photos off their Facebook page are shown below.






Air Whitsunday was conceived in 1973 when Kevin and Sue Bowe launched seaplane flights over the spectacular Whitsundays with Lake Buccaneer aircraft.


Over the years, Air Whitsunday has built upon these beginnings with the same intention of providing passengers the opportunity to glimpse the enormity of the Great Barrier Reef - stretching over a curved horizon - to the glistening white silica sands of the famous Whitehaven Beach - all from the ultimate perspective of seaplane comfort.

Over their history of 40 years, Air Whitsunday has grown, but remained steadfast with a focus providing specifically tailored scenic flights and Reef experience tours that take full advantage of this stunning Whitsunday area.  In fact one of Air Whitsunday's own pilots discovered the prominently featured "Heart Reef" in 1975.


Today, Air Whitsunday operates five aircraft consisting of three Cessna 208FP Caravans and two De Havilland DHC-2FP Beavers, with one other Beaver in open storage at the Whitsunday Airport.  Air Whitsunday proudly carries the banner of ‘the largest seaplane operator in the Southern Hemisphere’.


Their hard work and dedication to tourism has been rewarded by winning the Best Tour and Transport Operator at recent Whitsunday Tourism Awards, and in 2011, Air Whitsunday was a finalist in this category at the Queensland Tourism Awards.


Air Whitsunday offers a wide range of tours and scenic flights from their facilities at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  For more information on scenic flights or to book a tour contact Air Whitsunday on (07) 4946 9111 or visit their website HERE.

Photos from Air Whitsunday Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/airwhitsundayseaplanes

1 comment:

  1. I managed the resort at Cape Richards on Hinchinbrook Island during 1986-87; and in those days Air Whitsunday mostly flew the wonderful old Grumman Mallard to and from the island. I wonder whatever happened to that great old seaplane. I hope it's stored safely somewhere in a museum of sorts. Thank you, Lee George (Ms)

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