Australian Corporate Jet Centres' Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy Bizjet VH-VLT Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 31 January, Australian Corporate Jet Centres' operated Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy bizjet VH-VLT was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport. It looked to down to its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

File photo

VH-VLT had arrived into Hamo from Essendon during the middle of the previous week.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 31 January, often visiting American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK was noted arriving into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Archerfield.  It then flew down to Mackay Airport and back.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 4 February, N257AK departed Shute and returned to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Sunday 31 January, NQ Goldfields Beech 58 Baron VH-SNZ popped into Gladstone Airport from its Charters Towers Airport base.  It had also called into the Port City two days prior.

And Beech 95-B55 VH-MYM flew from its Gayndah Airport base to Townsville flying via Maryborough and Rockhampton Airports.

UPDATE!  On Monday 1 February, VH-MYM returned to Gayndah Airport from Townsville, again flying via Rockhampton and Maryborough Airports.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-JFB Pops into Rockhampton Airport on School Holiday Run From Horn Island

Late on Friday 29 January, Alliance Airiness Fokker F-70 jet VH-JFB was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Horn Island as UTY563. It then departed to Brisbane still as UTY563.

File photo

VH-JFB had earlier flown up to Horn Island direct from Brisbane as UTY562.

We see these types of flights between Rocky and Horn Island quite regularly particularly around school holiday time prompting speculation that these flights ferry boarding school children between home in Far North Queensland and back to school at the conclusion of the school holidays.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C Bizjet VH-OAA Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 29 January, Shortstop Jet Charter Dassault Falcon 900C bizjet VH-OAA was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It flew up from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

File photo

After a short time on the ground, VH-OAA departed Prosie and returned to Essendon.

Meanwhile, a few light General Aviation (GA) aircraft were noted visiting various Central Queensland Airports, also on Friday 29 January.

NQ Goldfields Beech 58 Baron VH-SNZ popped into Gladstone Airport from its Charters Towers Airport base.  It then departed to Townsville before returning to the Towers.

While during the afternoon, Sundown Pastoral Company (of Bonogin in the Gold Coast Hinterland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-NSI also popped into Gladstone Airport, arriving from and later departing back to the Gold Coast.

And out at Longreach Airport, Chartair Cessna 441 Conquest 2 VH-JLT called in while returning to its Northern Territory base.  VH-JLT arrived from Redcliffe where it completed planned maintenance and later departed to Borroloola and Darwin.

Finally on Thursday 28 January, it's worth nothing that at Rockhampton Airport, Skyline Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-NGL popped in while flying from Lake Macquarie in New South Wales to Townsville.  

It appears that the smart looking corporate King Air has been delivered to Townsville-based ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters.

Of interest, ZephAir Australia also operate a frequent visitor to the region in the form of Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT.

While also on Thursday 28 January, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH flew into Middlemount Aerodrome from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports before later returning to Hervey Bay Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-FNI Pops into Hamilton Island Airport Again!

On Friday 29 January, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FNI was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport twice on what looked to be another busy day of flying.

File photo

It looked to initially depart its Mareeba base for Townsville and Cairns before then flying down to Hamilton Island Airport.  VH-FNI then returned to Cairns before flying back to Hamo.  It then flew back to Cairns and then Mareeba.

As mentioned below, VH-FNI also visited Hamilton Island Airport twice on Sunday 24 January.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-005 Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 27 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-005 was photographed at Rockhampton Airport.

The KC-30A looked to arrive directly from RAAF Base Amberley. After parking and completing a crew change, it continued up to Cairns and then Townsville before later returning to Amberley.

Of interest, A39-005 was heard to be flying as "Dragon 34".

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HJS Calls into Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 27 January, Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HJS was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville.  It then departed to Brisbane.

File photo

VH-HJS then returned to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before departing back to Townsville and then Cairns.

VH-HJS was heard flying as 'HND467' / "Hinterland 467".

It appears that VH-HJS was chartered by the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) to complete prisoner transfer flights.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 27 January, another King Air in the form of Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 VH-WXN was noted arriving into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It is due to return to Wellcamp early on Thursday 28 January.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Sunshine Air Services (Victoria) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-VLZ Pops into Bundaberg Airport

Also on Wednesday 27 January, Sunshine Air Services (of Victoria) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VLZ was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport.

File photo

It looked to fly up from its Melbourne (Essendon) base before later departing to the Sunshine Coast. VH-VLZ then returned to Essendon.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Australian Corporate Jet Centres' Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy Bizjet VH-VLT Pops into Hamilton Island Airport

On Wednesday 27 January, Australian Corporate Jet Centres' operated Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy bizjet VH-VLT was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to arrive from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

File photo

At the time of writing, it appears that VH-VLT is staying on Hamo for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 31 January, VH-VLT departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon.

Meanwhile, down at Mackay Airport, also on Wednesday 27 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air once again, this time noted departing Mackay Airport for Sydney.  It has been reported that it is undertaking planned maintenance while down there.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-70 VH-JFE Spotted at Emerald Airport with Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) Additional Titles

In mid January, the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) announced a three year partnership deal with Alliance Airlines, and on Tuesday 26 January, Fokker F-70 VH-JFE was photographed for the first time in Central Queensland with additional 'Official Airline Partner / QRU Reds' titles.

VH-JFE is shown (above) parked up at Emerald Airport after earlier arriving from Brisbane and Moranbah Airports as UTY6602.

It appears that VH-JFE made its first visit to CQ with the additional titles back on Thursday 14 January and it has since been noted visiting both Moranbah and Gladstone Airports mostly, with the occasional trip to Emerald Airport.

As a part of the three year deal between Alliance Airlines and the QRU, the airline's brand will feature on the front of the Queensland Reds playing shorts over the next three seasons.

The Reds will also use Alliance’s aviation services during its team’s annual ‘Reds to Regions’ pilgrimage to all parts of the state - and for its regional Festivals of Rugby.

Alliance Airlines is the largest national air charter operator for the resources industry in Australia and continues to be recognised as a leading aviation professional, providing tailored and customised group travel and individual experiences through the provision of charter services.

Nice!

All photos taken by 'AC'  ©

LifeFlight Canadair Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus Sistership VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" Pops into Gladstone Airport

During the evening on Tuesday 26 January, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" was spotted on the ground at Emerald Airport.  It had earlier arrived from Brisbane.

After around an hour on the ground, VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" departed Emerald Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, about the same time, also on Tuesday 26 January, it appears that fellow LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" called into Gladstone Airport.  It looked to arrive from Townsville before, much later, departing to Brisbane.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Returns to Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 26 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was noted flying back into Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It had flown South on Saturday 23 January.

File photo

UPDATE!  Early on Wednesday 27 January, N142GZ departed Mackay Airport once again but for Sydney and (reportedly) planned maintenance.

And another familiar (semi-) locally-based bizjet in the form of American-registered Eclipse EA500 N257AK was noted arriving into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  As usual, it touched down from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  N257AK returned to Archerfield from the Whitsunday Airport on Thursday 28 January.

Meanwhile, at Rockhampton Airport, also on Tuesday 26 January, Hinterland Aviation completed an aircraft 'swap' with Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LZK arriving direct from Cairns as HND253.  It then departed on one of the daily Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND311.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Carvan VH-HLL then departed to Townsville as HND253.

Finally, also on Tuesday 26 January, Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA was noted visiting Longreach Airport.  It arrived from Archerfield and departed to Ambalindum.  VH-PGA also visited Roma Airport last Tuesday 19 January.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 27 January, VH-PGA departed Ambalindum and arrived into Roma Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 29 January, VH-PGA finally departed Roma Airport and returned to Archerfield.

And New South Wales-based Beech 58 Baron VH-JML visited Bundaberg Airport, flying up from and later back to its Lismore base.  It did the same the previous day too!

Australian Border Force (ABF) Cobham Aviation-operated Dash-8-200 VH-ZZC Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

Early on Tuesday 26 January, Surveillance Australia / Australian Border Force (ABF) Cobham Aviation-operated Dash-8-200 VH-ZZC was photographed as it departed on a surveillance sortie out of Rockhampton Airport. It was heard to be using its usual radio callsign of "Borderforce 33".

VH-ZZC looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport after completing another sortie during the previous day, Monday 25 January.

The Australian Border Force Dash-8 aircraft haven't been seen in Central Queensland for some time so it has been great to see them again operating out of Rockhampton Airport on off-shore sorties.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Calls into Emerald Airport

On Monday 25 January, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Emerald Airport.

File photo

The smart little bizjet looked to arrive from its Archerfield base and depart to Mount Surprise.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 26 January, VH-VTF returned to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 25 January, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE called into Maryborough Airport.  It arrived from Brisbane and departed to Townsville and Cairns.  VH-RUE had earlier flown to the capital from Far North Queensland.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Private Pilatus Aircraft PC-24 Corporate Bizjet VH-FGM Calls into Barcaldine and Longreach Airports

On Sunday 24 January, privately owned and operated Pilatus Aircraft PC-24 'Super Verstaile Jet' corporate bizjet VH-FGM was noted visiting both Barcaldine and Longreach Airports during a busy day of flying.

VH-FGM at Adelaide Airport  (File photo)

It initially departed Adelaide (where it appears to be based) and called into Melbourne (Avalon) before it then flew up to Barcaldine Airport.  VH-FGM then flew across to Longreach Airport before then returning to Adelaide.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 24 January, Vanderfield Cessna 210N VH-JSC was noted visiting Emerald Airport from its Toowoomba base. 

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©️

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-FNI Pops into Hamilton Island Airport

On Sunday 24 January, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FNI was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport twice on what looked to be a busy day of flying.

File photo

It looked to initially arrive from Mareeba and Cairns before then returning to Cairns.  VH-FNI then flew back to Hamo before finishing the day back at its Mareeba base.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 24 January, Linfox Express Charter / Air National Australia Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet VH-LEF was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).  It had arrived from there on Tuesday 19 January.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 23 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing Mackay Airport for Brisbane.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 26 January, N142GZ flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 23 January, American-registered (but Australian-based) SOCATA TBM 700 N700RU looked to depart the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for Archerfield.

It has arrived from there on Wednesday 20 January.

While over at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport, Cairns-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-OCF was noted visiting.

Finally, also on Saturday 23 January, Sharp Airlines Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-JVL was noted visiting Roma Airport. It arrived from and later departed back to Moomba.

It seems to operate quite a number of flights between Moomba and Ballera and Adelaide in South Australia.

Albury-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into CQ Airports Again! - Plus More!

After visiting some Central Queensland Airports earlier in the week, on Friday 22 January, Albury (New South Wales) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was noted back in the region on a couple of occasions during a busy day of flying.  

File photo

VH-JSZ looked to fly up from Archerfield to Charters Towers Aerodrome before then flying down to Mackay Airport.  It then returned to Archerfield.

Then during the afternoon, VH-JSZ flew back into Mackay Airport from Archerfield before flying across to my local Clermont Aerodrome and then back to Archerfield.

Also noted arriving into Mackay Airport, also on Friday 22 January was Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LMZ which looked to touch down from Emerald.

UPDATE!  VH-LMZ returned to Emerald from Mackay Airport on Wednesday 27 January.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 22 January, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted visiting Biloela / Thangool Airport.  It arrived from and later departed back to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 22 January, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It flew in from Cairns and Townsville and later departed to Brisbane.  It then returned to Townsville and Cairns.

While 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU was also noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.  It touched down from Cairns having flown across from Mareeba the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 24 January, VH-MBU returned to Cairns.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-004 "Dragon 26" Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 22 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 was spotted as it was on final approach to Runway 15 at Rockhampton Airport.

A39-004 originally departed RAAF Base Amberley and flew up to Townsville where it completed a missed approach before it then flew down to Rockhampton Airport.

After parking on Taxiway Juliet and completing a crew change, A39-004 then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Amberley.

A39-004 was heard to be flying as "Dragon 66".

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©️

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-005 Completes Airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Friday 22 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 was noted completing airwork during two visits at and around Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

File photo

A30-005 initially flew up directly from RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle as "Mitchel 21" but remained at flight levels.  It turned around near Bundaberg and overflew Hervey Bay Airport before returning to Williamtown.

A30-005 then took to the skies once again, this time as "Mitchel 20" and looked to again fly up directly from Williamtown to complete three missed approaches at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then returned to WIlliamtown via one further missed approach at the Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, late on Thursday 21 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 "Wallaby 41" was noted completing airwork including several approaches to Bundaberg Airport.

It had flown up from RAAF Base Amberley and later returned there after some time in the Bundaberg Airport circuit.

Photo taken by Daniel Bishop  ©

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-SIY Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More

On Thursday 21 January, Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY was noted visiting Mackay Airport.  It flew in from the Sunshine Coast via Archerfield.

https://www.facebook.com/mcdermottaviationgroup/

After spending much of the day of the ground, VH-SIY returned to Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Also on Thursday 21 January, fellow McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-MWZ was noted departing Charters Towers Aerodrome for the Sunshine Coast.  It appears to have flown up to the Towers also from the Sunny Coast the previous day.

Meanwhile, back at Mackay Airport, also on Thursday 21 January, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was noted calling back in.  It arrived from Townsville and departed to Melbourne (Moorabbin).  VH-WMY had called into Mackay Airport heading North to Townsville earlier in the week - see Blog post below.

While American-registered Eclipse EA500 bizjet N257AK was noted departing the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour bound for Archerfield.  It had arrived from there on Sunday 17 January.

Finally, also on Thursday 21 January, Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID arrived into Rockhampton Airport from its Tooowoomba base.

UPDATE!  On Friday 22 January, VH-PID returned to Toowoomba from Rocky.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjets A56-002 & A56-003 Depart Gladstone Airport for Maryborough Airport and Beyond

On Thursday 21 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjets, A56-002 as "Envoy 11" and A56-003 as "Envoy 12", continued to visit Central Queensland Airports as Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and entourage continued on a regional tour of the State.

After arriving the previous afternoon, they both departed Gladstone Airport and were spotted (above and below) at Maryborough Airport.

Later, A56-002 "Envoy 11" departed to Brisbane and then Canberra, while A56-003 "Envoy 12" departed to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  A56-003 "Envoy 12" continued to Sydney and Canberra on Friday 22 January.

Meanwhile, also spotted at Maryborough Airport, also on Thursday 21 January was Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-NJR.  It later departed back to Brisbane.

VH-NJR arrived from Brisbane the previous day - see Blog post below.

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

All photos taken by David Geck  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-003 Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 21 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 was spotted as it climbed out after completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

The MRTT initially departed from RAAF Base Amberley and completed airwork over water in the south east corner of the state before it then flew up to Rockhampton Airport where it completed the missed approach.  A39-003 then returned South directly back to Amberley.

A39-003 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Dragon 27".

Of interest, this was the first time we've sighted A39-003 in Central Queensland since its recent re-paint.

On their entry to RAAF service, the KC-30A fleet initially carried a 'low-visibility' grey colour scheme brought over from the predecessor Boeing B707 Tanker Transports. This included the aircraft’s identification numbers, emergency markings, RAAF roundels and squadron insignia being applied in blue grey paint.

Difficulty with identifying individual KC-30As on the tarmac and in the air will see the existing blue-grey markings swapped with dark grey markings that have higher contrast with the light grey applied to the rest of the aircraft as they come due for scheduled repainting.

It certainly makes it a lot easier for us plane spotters to identify the KC-30A with a repaint program applying dark grey markings to the aircraft.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter John L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

American-Registered Piper PA-31T Cheyenne N500 Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More Lighties Around!

An interesting visitor into Emerald Airport on Wednesday 20 January was American-registered Piper PA-31T Cheyenne N500 which was noted popping into for a visit after flying up from Swan Hill in Victoria via Moree in New South Wales and Gympie.

File photo

The Cheyenne originally departed what appears to be its Bendigo base also in Victoria the previous day.

After some time on the ground, N500 departed Emerald Airport for Gympie where it looks to be spending the night.

The Piper PA-31T Cheyenne is a turboprop development of the earlier PA-31P pressurised Navajo.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 20 January, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-HLL was spotted at my local Clermont Aerodrome.

It arrived from Rockhampton Airport as HND310 and later departed to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND311 before then flying back to Rocky but as HND312.

Of interest, fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NDC was later noted calling into my local Clermont Aerodrome from Rockhampton Airport and Labona as HND360/1 before returning to Rocky as HND362.

While Ipswich-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PLE was noted visiting a Station to the West of Clermont, flying up from and returning to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

And American-registered (but Australian-based) SOCATA TBM 700 N700RU was noted arriving into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from Archerfield also on Wednesday 20 January.

UPDATE!  N700RU returned to Archerfield on Saturday 23 January.

Finally, also on Wednesday 20 January, Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ was noted flying up from Brisbane to Collinsville Aerodrome.  It then called into Mackay Airport before returning to Brisbane.  This could possibly be a replacement for the former Seair Pacific / Istelcote De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter flights that operated last year.

Photo taken by Simon Coates  ©

Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV Bizjet VH-NJR Arrives into Maryborough Airport - UPDATED!

On Wednesday 20 January, Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-NJR was noted arriving into Maryborough Airport from its Brisbane base. At the time of writing, it appears to be staying at Maryborough Airport for the night.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 21 January, VH-NJR was photographed above still parked on the Maryborough Airport parking apron.  It later departed Maryborough Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 20 January, the locally-based Greensill Aviation Cessna 550 Citation Bravo bizjet VH-CCJ departed Bundaberg Airport for the Sunshine Coast.  At the time of writng, it appears to be staying on the Sunny Coast.

VH-CCJ also completed a local flight on Tuesday 19 January.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjets A56-002 & A56-003 Back at CQ Airports as PM Morrison Continues Regional Qld Tour

On Wednesday 20 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjets, A56-002 as "Envoy 11" and A56-003 as "Envoy 12", were both back at Central Queensland Airports as Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and entourage continued on a regional tour of the State.

They looked to fly up from Canberra to Cloncurry Airport before continuing up to Trepell Airport.  They then flew South and were spotted as they arrived into Gladstone Airport where it appears that they are staying for at least the night.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 20 January, RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport A34-009 as "Envoy 10" was noted departing Cloncurry Airport for RAAF Base Amberley. 

While fellow C-27J Spartan A34-010 as "Wallaby 35" departed Longreach Airport and was noted flying to the East.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Michael F for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Michael Fleetwood  ©