Pel Air / Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRY at Maryborough and Rockhampton Airports

With the Queensland state election announced, it appears that the two major political parties are utilising a pair of Regional Express (REX) / Pel Air Aviation SAAB 340 turbo-props to ferry leaders and media around Queensland.

On Wednesday 7 January, REX coloured SAAB 340B VH-ZRY called into Maryborough Airport from the Gold Coast.  It was later noted that Queensland Premier Campbell Newman was in town so clearly VH-ZRY is being utilised by the LNP.

VH-ZRY  (File photo)

VH-ZRY later departed Maryborough for Rockhampton Airport where it was due to stay overnight.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 7 January, Pel Air SAAB 340A VH-EKD was noted in Cairns and later Townsville and seemed to be carrying the ALP leader Annastacia Palaszczuk and associated media.

VH-EKD  (File photo)

At the time of writing, it appears that on Thursday 8 January, VH-ZRY is due to depart Rocky for Townsville around 2pm, while VH-EKD is expected to land at Mackay Airport late on Thursday where it will stay overnight.