Virgin Australia Boeing B737-700 VH-NQY (ex PH-BGK) First Visit to Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Friday 12 May, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-7K2(WL) VH-NQY was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport after it was acquired by the airline from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

VH-NQY operated the VOZ1117/8 afternoon service from and back to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 13 May, VH-NQY returned to CQ, and was photographed below operating in and out of Rockhampton Airport on the VOZ1939/40 service which now seems to be a regular flight for the B737-700 series aircraft!

As mentioned, the B737-7K2(WL) was previously operated by KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) as PH-BGK with it wearing a temporary registration marking of 2-HBGK prior to it then being placed on the Australian Aircraft Register.

VH-NQY was delivered to Virgin Australia, arriving into Brisbane Airport on Thursday 4 May from Singapore (Seletar) Airport as VOZ9948.  It appeared to enter service the following week on Tuesday 9 May.

It’s also interesting to note that VH-NQY has been painted into the Virgin Australia livery and has been named 'Wategos Beach'.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former KLM B737-700 aircraft. It is reported these aircraft are PH-BGR, PH-BGW, PH-BGU, PH-BGX, PH-BGK, PH-BGL and PH-BGT.

All these aircraft will reportedly operate with an all-economy 138-seat layout. The seventh and final B737-700 aircraft due for delivery is 2-HBGL (to become VH-NVW) (ex PH-BGL) and is currently also at Singapore receiving pre-service maintenance. It is reportedly also in full Virgin Australia livery and titles and also wears the name 'Clifton Beach'.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox, Steve Vit, Pete Macklin and Wally H  ©