Federal Election Campaign Comes to Mackay and Maryborough Airports with RAAF Bizjets and Super King Air Aircraft

With the Federal Election announced, Labor-party leader Bill Shorten was noted visiting Mackay on Wednesday 11 May and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7DT(BBJ) A36-001 was noted touching down at Mackay Airport early on Wednesday from Townsville.

Soon after lunchtime, the BBJ returned to Townsville.  It was noted using the radio callsign of "Envoy 71".

Of interest, Alliance Airlines has again won the contract to transport the media contingent that will follow Mr Shorten and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during the election campaign.  Fokker F-70 VH-JFE seems to be following the Labor leader, although it didn't visit Mackay Airport as originally planned on Wednesday 11 May, instead it remained at Townsville.  While fellow Fokker F-70 VH-JFB seems to be following Prime Minister Turnbull.

Meanwhile, in the early afternoon on Wednesday 11 May, a pair of RAAF aircraft were spotted arriving into Maryborough Airport in quick succession from Oakey.

RAAF Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet A37-002 was noted flying as "Envoy 70" while RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-671 was noted flying as "Envoy 77".

It is believed that Federal National Party leader Barnaby Joyce was in town on the campaign trail.

Both RAAF aircraft later departed to the Gold Coast.

Sincere thanks to David G for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos from Maryborough!

All photos taken by David Geck  ©