The Wagner family 'threw the doors open' and welcomed the public to enjoy a jam-packed program which included runway and terminal tours, aerial and aircraft displays, model plane demonstrations and performances by live bands.
The Wellcamp Airport parking ramp had several visiting aircraft including two Boeing B737s of Nauru Airlines, a Fokker F-70 and Fokker F-50 of Alliance Airlines, two SAAB 340s of Regional Express (REX) / Pel Air and Dash-8s of QantasLink and Skytrans Airlines. Most of the these aircraft had positioned over from Brisbane.
There was also a selection of locally-based Super King Air and other General Aviation aircraft and helicopters.
Highlights of the flying displays included a 'race' between local Indy-Car driver Will Power and Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY - with the Citation taking the win after a slow start!
Also local warbirds were joined by Maxx-G Aerobatics (Paul Bennet Airshows) aircraft which presented several fantastic aerobatic and flying displays.
One 'incident' which did sour the day occurred late in the day when the visitng Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-QQX became bogged in new tarmac when preparing for departure.
After some more 'muscle' was called in - in the form of another tug - the Fokker was pushed clear and on its way back to Brisbane.
Proceed from the open day are to be donated to Careflight who also showed-off one of their Bell 412 rescue helicopters.
As we've reported previously, the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport (IATA: WTB / ICAO: YBWW) is a privately owned airport under construction in Wellcamp west of Toowoomba. Upon completion - expected later this year - it is intended to become a public airport as per the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Registered Certified Aerodrome requirements. The runway - aligned 12/30 - will be 2870m long by 45m wide, and will be capable of handling aircraft to Boeing B747 size.
Wellcamp Airport, and an associated aviation and business park, is the brainchild of the Wagner family, a local prominent business family in the Toowoomba region. Earlier this month, QantasLink was unveiled as the first airline to offer regular public transport (RPT) services from Wellcamp Airport to Sydney. The airline will fly 11 flights a week. Flights are due to start on Monday 17 November, with Qantas planning to operate double daily services during the week and one flight a day on the weekend.
A great day! Thanks to Brendan for allowing us to share these great photos of the new and exciting development that is Wellcamp Airport!
All photos taken by Brendan Berry ©
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