Careflight Agusta Westland AW139 VH-XIJ "Rescue 533" Spotted at Gladstone Airport Wednesday

Making a surprise visit to Gladstone Airport late on Wednesday 23 March was Careflight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIJ.  The newest chopper in the Careflight fleet is based at Brisbane Airport and flew North initially landing at Gladstone Hospital before popping over the Gladstone Airport for fuel.

After taking on fuel, VH-XIJ was noted departing to the Nambour Hospital Heli-pad on the Sunshine Coast.  It was heard to be using the radio callsign "Rescue 533" which its sistership VH-XIH has also been noted using in the past.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that earlier on Wednesday 23 March, Bundaberg-based Careflight Agusta A109E Power VH-ZCF - "Rescue 522" - may have also paid Gladstone Airport a visit, although this is not confirmed.

Thanks to Col at Gladstone Airport for sending through these great photos!

All photos taken by Col  ©