GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Departs Bowen Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 31 December, the visiting GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ was noted departing Bowen Airport for Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

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VH-IEQ then departed to Bankstown.

VH-IEQ had touched down at Bowen Airport from Bankstown via Wagga Wagga and the Ballina/Byron Bay Gateway Airport on Tuesday 28 December.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 31 December, BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation of Scone, New South Wales, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV was noted departing Mackay Airport for Archerfield and then Tamworth.

It had flown up from Tamworth via Roma Airport the previous day.

Finally, also on Friday 31 December, Mackay-based Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga VH-LPW was noted flying from my local Clermont Aerodrome to Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

Three Austrek Air Charter (Austrek Aviation) Beech B200 King Air Turboprops Pop into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 30 December, three Austrek Air Charter (Austrek Aviation) King Air turboprop aircraft were noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on a closed charter flight.

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Auscott P/L Beechcraft B200GT King Air VH-NMW along with Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Airs VH-ZGD and VH-ZMW all flew up from Toowoomba to Proserpine Airport before then they all later flew down to Archerfield and then back to Toowoomba.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 30 December, Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO was noted visiting Hamilton Island again for the second day in-a-row. As it did yesterday, VH-WIO arrived from and later departed back to its Bankstown base.

While Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FNI was also noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from Mareeba and departing to Lizard Island.  VH-FNI then looked to fly down to Cairns and back to Mareeba.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI landed at Gladstone from Archerfield.  It then departed to the Sunshine Coast and back to Archerfield.  VH-SHI also visited Gladstone Airport at the start of the week.

And BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation of Scone, New South Wales, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV arrived into Mackay Airport from Tamworth and Roma Airports.

Finally, also on Thursday 30 December, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-YIJ as flight VOZ1749 was flying up from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Hamilton Island Airport but could not land due to weather and diverted to Rockhampton Airport for a refuel.  It then departed and landed at Hamo.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQI as SKP84 was unable to land at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport after flying up from Rockhampton Airport.  It diverted to Townsville and later continued up to Cairns to complete the SKP84 flight.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX Bizjet VH-WIO Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 29 December, Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  It touched down from its Bankstown base.

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After a short time on the ground, VH-WIO later departed Hamo and returned to Bankstown.

UPDATE!  VH-WIO also visited Hamilton Island Airport on Thursday 30 December.

While BHMM Aviation (Flight Options - Australia) Cessna 650 Citation VII bizjet VH-SSZ was noted also visiting Hamilton Island Airport once again but from its Gold Coast base.

And recently registered Airlie Beach based Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel helicopter VH-VWH looked to pass through Bundaberg Airport while heading North.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 29 December, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-FKA was noted arriving into Longreach Airport on what appears to be a closed charter flight from Townsville as UTY7753.

UPDATE!  After dark, also on Wednesday 29 December, VH-FKA departed Longreach Airport and returned to Townsville as UTY7754.

Finally, also on Wednesday 29 December, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC flew from Rockhampton Airport to Mackay Airport as SKP785 before then completing one Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Mackay Airport as SKP790/4.  VH-QQC then flew down to Rockhampton Airport and Brisbane as SKP792/786.

VH-QQC had flown into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane on Monday 27 December and across Monday and Tuesday 28 December, it flew three FIFO charter flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Calls into Bowen Airport Again - Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 December, GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ was noted arriving into Bowen Airport for the second time in a few days.  On this occasion, it arrived from Bankstown via Wagga Wagga and the Ballina/Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

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At the time of writing, it appears that VH-IEQ is staying at Bowen Airport for at least the night.

VH-IEQ also visited Bowen Airport late last week and into the weekend - see Blog posts below!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 28 December,  Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

As did MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC which visited Hamilton Island Airport again also from its Sunshine Coast base.

Photo taken by James Kirk  ©

Quite a Few More Corporate Bizjets and More Around Central Queensland Airports

On Monday 27 December, there was more corporate bizjets and light General Aviation (GA) aircraft around some Central Queensland Airports as the period around Christmas and New Year's yet again provides an influx of local and interstate visitors to the region!

J Group Aviation (Business Aviation Solutions) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 601-3A VH-JEC was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

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Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU looked to arrive from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) before it then returned to Moorabbin.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted arriving from Archerfield before it flew down to the Gold Coast and then back to Archerfield.

Moorabbin Aviation Services (Victoria) Cessna S550 Citation SII bizjet VH-JLU was noted visiting from Melbourne (Essendon).

And Little Aviation (Victoria) Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) VH-LAL departed Hamilton Island Airport for Sydney and then Melbourne (Tullamarine).

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It had arrived from those locations on Thursday 23 December.

Meanwhile, slightly smaller light General Aviation (GA) aircraft and helicopters were also noted arriving into and visiting Hamilton Island Airport, also on Monday 27 December, including Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200 King Air VH-PUY which visited from the Sunshine Coast.

CORRECTION!  VH-PUY visited the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from the Sunshine Coast - as pictured below!

https://www.facebook.com/mcdermottaviationgroup

M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM visited Hamo from Archerfield.

Of interest, this is ex VH-MDH is was re-registered as VH-UJM in September this year.

The 'old' VH-UJM belonged to an Aero Commander 500S Shrike Commander which was also recently 'Withdrawn From Use'.

And Corporate Aviation Bell 429 Global Ranger helicopter VH-EQP departed its Southport base for Gladstone Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport. 

Finally, also on Monday 27 December, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI called into Gladstone Airport from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.  It then returned to Archerfield.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IJU (ex 9V-MGG) First Visit to CQ at Hamilton Island Airport

On Sunday 26 December, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IJU was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland after it was acquired by the airline from Singapore Airlines (SilkAir).  It completed two visits into Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from and departing back to Brisbane as VOZ1493/4/7/8.

VH-IJU was photographed above arriving into Brisbane Airport after completing its first visit to Hamo.

As mentioned below, B737-800 was previously operated by SilkAir (now merged with Singapore Airlines) as 9M-MGG and was delivered to Virgin Australia in Brisbane in November.

After being promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and VH-IJU, it spent a couple of weeks at the end of November at Townsville where it was re-painted in to the full Virgin Australia livery.

VH-IJU entered service with Virgin Australia on Friday 17 December and is the fourth ex-SilkAir B737-800 to do so.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former SilkAir B737-800 aircraft. With SilkAir now merged with parent airline, Singapore Airlines, these aircraft were deemed surplus to requirements. SilkAir moved to dispose of the planes earlier this year. It is reported these aircraft are 9V-MGF, 9V-MGG, 9V-MGH, 9V-MGI, 9V-MGJ, 9V-MGP, and 9V-MGQ.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Brand New Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 Bizjet VH-LON Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

A nice Boxing Day for spotters on Sunday 26 December with a brand new Global 7500 bizjet popping into Hamilton Island Airport.  Lance East Aviation (Seletar Jet Charter) Bombardier BD-700-2A12 Global 7500 bizjet VH-LON looked to arrive from Sydney and then later depart to Brisbane where it was spotted below.

VH-LON then returned to Sydney.

Of interest, the brand new Global 7500 bizjet is only one month old, been on the Australian register for only five days and only been in Australia a couple of days since its delivery from overseas. 

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 26 December, BHMM Aviation (Flight Options - Australia) Cessna 650 Citation VII bizjet VH-SSZ was noted also calling into Hamilton Island Airport.  It arrived from and then later departed back to the Gold Coast.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Rockhampton Airport again, arriving from and later departing back to Archerfield.  It did the same on Christmas Eve - Friday 24 December.

And GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Options) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ departed Bowen Airport for Hamilton Island Airport before it then flew down to Archerfield and Bankstown.

VH-IEQ had arrived into Bowen Airport from Bankstown late on Thursday 23 December.

Finally, also on Sunday 26 December, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ flew up from its Bundaberg Airport base to Rockhampton and then Nebo Airports before it then returned to Bundy.

While Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-NDC as 'HND450' departed Rockhampton Airport for Bowen Airport before it then flew down to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and then back to Rockhampton Airport. 

And Navair Flight Operations Cirrus SR22 VH-FSF landed at Emerald Airport from Bankstown before it then departed to Innisfail.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 Bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

Late on Saturday 25 December, LifeFlight (Aeromed) LearJet 45 bizjet VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" was noted arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Townsville.

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After a short time on the ground, it departed Proserpine Airport for the Gold Coast.

VH-VVI "Ambulance 451" then returned to Townsville.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation (Scone) Beech 58 Baron VH-SQC Pops into Mackay Airport

Happy Christmas!

On Saturday 25 December, BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation (of Scone in New South Wales) Beech 58 Baron VH-SQC flew up from Tamworth to Mackay Airport before it then flew down to Archerfield.

At the time of writing, it is expected that VH-SQC will return to Tamworth from Archerfield on Sunday 26 December.

We have also seen a little bit of sister-ship, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV, at Mackay Airport in recent days.

https://www.facebook.com/AirspeedCQ/

Of interest, Airspeed Aviation revealed they have a Central Queensland office at Rockhampton Airport with Barons VH-SQC and VH-KCN featured (shown above) as their aircraft available for general charter.

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-YXV (ex JA11JJ) Makes First Visit to CQ at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

A happy Christmas Day for spotters on Saturday 25 December with Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-YXV spotted making its first visit to Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It looked to be operating the JST840/1 service from and back to Sydney.

Of interest, VH-YXV is one of four recently delivered Airbus A320 aircraft that have entered service with Jetstar Airways that all previously operated with Jetstar Japan.  The A320 was previously operated by Jetstar Japan as JA11JJ and was delivered from Japan to Australia via Brisbane with its Japanese registration marking in late July - as shown below.

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It was then placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-YXV.

Its first flight appears to be on Friday 17 December with it formally entering service out of Melbourne (Tullamarine) on Thursday 23 December.

Of interest, also recently entering service were fellow former Jetstar Japan A320s VH-YXT (ex JA23JJ / EC-LZF) and VH-YXS (ex JA17JJ) which were both were delivered direct to Brisbane from Japan.  While VH-YXW (ex JA18JJ) was stored at Alice Springs for some time before heading to Brisbane.

Another two airframes are still are stored at Alice Springs - VH-YXU (ex JA06JJ) and VH-YXQ (ex JA12JJ).

Photos taken by 'AC' and Lloyd Fox  ©

Avcair (Capital B Aviation Services) LearJet 60 Bizjet VH-OLJ Pops into Hamilton Island and Rockhampton Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 24 December, Avcair (Capital B Aviation Services) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-OLJ was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

VH-OLJ at Hamilton Island Airport recently  (File photo)

It then flew down from Hamo to Rockhampton Airport before it then continued back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 24 December, MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC visited Hamilton Island Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

Finally, also on Friday 24 December, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang Bizjet VH-IEQ Arrives into Bowen Airport - Plus More!

A couple of late movements on Thursday 23 December including GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ which was noted arriving into Bowen Airport.  

After a busy day of flying, it looked to arrive from Bankstown.

VH-IEQ spent the night at Bowen Airport and was photographed above on Friday 24 December.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 26 December, VH-IEQ departed Bowen Airport for Hamilton Island Airport and then Archerfield and Bankstown.

Meanwhile, also on late on Thursday 23 December, Divair (Air Link) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-NNE looked to depart Mackay Airport direct to Bankstown.

It had arrived on Friday 17 December from Bankstown via Orange but reportedly suffered a technical problem while approaching Mackay Airport hence its long stay.

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

All photos taken by James Kirk  ©

Little Aviation (Victoria) Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) VH-LAL Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 23 December, Little Aviation (Victoria) Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) VH-LAL was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Melbourne (Tullamarine) base via Sydney.

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At the time of writing, it appears to be staying on Hamo for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Monday 27 December, VH-LAL departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney and then Tullamarine.

While also visiting Hamilton Island Airport, also on Thursday 23 December, was Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ which arrived from and then later departed back to Sydney. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 23 December, AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY arrived into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Coffs Harbour before later departing to Bankstown on what appeared to be a very busy day of flying!

While Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to near Collinsville then to Clermont Aerodrome. It then departed to Rolleston Aerodrome and Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 December, VH-VEJ landed at Oakey Creek from Brisbane then departed back to there. 

And Hardy Aviation (N.T.) Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-JVY landed at Longreach Airport from Darwin before continuing to the Gold Coast and Redcliffe where it appears to be receiving some planned maintenance.

Finally, also on Thursday 23 December, Cessna 208 Caravan VH-OAI which is owned by the Skydive the Beach Group in New South Wales, flew up to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour from the Shellharbour Airport at Wollongong and Moree.

UPDATE!  On Friday 24 December, VH-OAI started flying parachuting sorties from the Whitsunday Airport for the locally-based Skydive Airlie Beach.

UPDATE!  Also on Friday 24 December, fellow Skydive the Beach Group  Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DZQ, which has been operating at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour on parachuting flights, departed there for Moree and Shellharbour.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-YXT (ex JA23JJ) Makes First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport

Late on Thursday 23 December, Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-YXT was noted making its first visit to Central Queensland at Mackay Airport. It looked to be operating the JST884/5 service from and back to Sydney.

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UPDATE! On Friday 24 December, VH-YXT operated into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) airport, also flying from and back to Sydney but as JST840/1.

Of interest, VH-YXT is one of four recently delivered Airbus A320 aircraft that have entered service with Jetstar Airways that all previously operated with Jetstar Japan.  The A320 was previously operated by Jetstar Japan as JA23JJ and was delivered from Japan to Australia via Brisbane with its Japanese registration marking in mid June - as shown below in the days after.

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It was then placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-YXT.

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The A320 also previously operated in 2014 in Europe with Spanish carrier Vueling Airlines as EC-LZF.

The first flight of VH-YXT appears to be on Thursday 9 September with it formally entering service out of Sydney on Saturday 18 December.

Of interest, also recently entering service were fellow former Jetstar Japan A320s VH-YXV (ex JA11JJ) and VH-YXS (ex JA17JJ) which were both were delivered direct to Brisbane from Japan.  While VH-YXW (ex JA18JJ) was stored at Alice Springs for some time before heading to Brisbane.

Another two airframes are still are stored at Alice Springs - VH-YXU (ex JA06JJ) and VH-YXQ (ex JA12JJ).

Photos taken by Simon Coates and Lloyd Fox  ©

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 402C VH-TFK Calls into Longreach Airport on a Central-West Tour - Plus More!

On Wednesday 22 December, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 402C VH-TFK was spotted visiting Longreach Airport.  It looked to fly down from Cairns.

After around a hour on the ground, VH-TFK then continued to Jundah and Bedourie. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 23 December, VH-TFK, again as HND430, departed Bedourie for Boulia and then Cairns.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 22 December, BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation of Scone, New South Wales, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV arrived into Mackay Airport from Tamworth and Archerfield. It the departed Mackay Airport for Archerfield. 

It looked to fly in company with Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-RPV which completed the Archerfield to Mackay Airport and back to Archerfield sector.

Finally, also on Wednesday 22 December, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC flew up from Rockhampton Airport to Mackay Airport as SKP785 before then completing two Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Mackay Airport.  VH-QQC then flew down to Brisbane as SKP786.

VH-QQC had flown into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane on Monday 20 December and across Monday and Tuesday 21 December, it flew three FIFO charter flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport.

And fellow Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF flew down from Cairns to Labona as SKP520 before then flying to Rockhampton Airport as SKP954 and then back to Cairns as SKP521.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Avcair (Capital B Aviation Services) LearJet 60 Bizjet VH-OLJ Departs Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 21 December, Avcair (Capital B Aviation Services) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-OLJ was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Brisbane.

VH-OLJ was spotted (above) after it arrived from Brisbane over the weekend on Saturday 18 December.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 21 December, Property Maintenance Australia P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Chinchilla Aerodrome.  It had flown up there from Dubbo and Archerfield over the previous couple of days.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 22 December, VH-WJA departed Rockhampton Airport for Dubbo.

And Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 VH-WXN flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp for Rolleston Aerodrome before then flying to Yellow Bank Junction and Chinchilla Aerodrome.  It then returned to Wellcamp.

Finally, also on Tuesday 21 December, Emerald-based Heli Central Williams Helicopter Corp (Bell) UH-1H Huey VH-UHH operated out of Paradise Lagoons on aerial spraying work before then completing more aerial spraying work around Stanwell.  It had arrived into Rockhampton Airport the previous afternoon.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E Bizjet VH-NSQ Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus Much More!

On Monday 21 December, Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ was spotted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.  It looked to arrive from Bankstown and Archerfield and then later departed to the Ballina/Byron Bay Gateway Airport.

Meanwhile, over at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport, a trio of corporate bizjets were noted visiting including Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company's registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-UPH which visited yet again from Brisbane.

Plus, Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company Agusta A119 'Koala' helicopter VH-KOL was also noted at Proserpine Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 21 December, VH-KOL flew South to the Gold Coast from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour (where it seemed to have been based) via Gladstone, Redcliffe and Archerfield Airport.

Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Sydney before then later flying down to Brisbane and then back to Sydney.

And Moorabbin Aviation Services (Victoria) Cessna S550 Citation SII bizjet VH-JLU was noted visiting Proserpine Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Finally, also on Monday 20 December, Camden-based Hawker Beechcraft C90GTi King Air VH-TRW landed at Rolleston Aerodrome from Camden and Canberra.  During the afternoon, VH-TRW then flew across to Rockhampton Airport where it appears to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 21 December, VH-TRW departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast.

And Aircair Aviation (Aircair Helicopters) Cessna 340A VH-MPQ called into Emerald Airport from Atherton and Pinnarendi before it then departed to Moree (Beela).

VH-MPQ had flown North from there to Pinnarendi and Atherton also via Emerald Airport on Sunday 19 December.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Pops into Rockhampton Airport

Before dawn on Monday 20 December, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

File photo

After almost an hour on the ground, VH-URR "Ambulance 604" departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 19 December, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Archerfield base.

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After a short time on the ground, VH-TEY then returned to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 19 December, Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 VH-TAZ was spotted visiting Mackay Airport.

It looked to arrive from Armidale and Goulburn and later returning back to its Armidale base.

Photos taken by David Geck and 'JM'  ©

Recently Re-delivered Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-VUJ First Visit Back into CQ at Mackay Airport

On Sunday 19 December, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-VUJ was noted making its first visit back into Central Queensland, since it was re-delivered back to the airline at the start of October. It operated into Mackay Airport as VOZ613/616, arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane.

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The B737-800 was previously operated by Virgin Australia also as VH-VUJ and was one of two aircraft that were placed on the American Aircraft Register and ferried back to lessors in the USA in late 2020. VH-VUJ took up the registration marking N343CG and ferried out of Australia from Melbourne (Tullamarine) in mid-December 2020.

On Friday 8 October, N343CG arrived back in Australia from the USA and promptly took up the registration marking of VH-VUJ once again. It re-entered service with Virgin Australia on Friday 12 November.

N343CG parked at Brisbane Airport  (File photo)

Of interest, it appears that VH-VUJ is still named 'Rosebud Beach'.

As mentioned previously, VH-VUJ was joined by another B737-800 VH-VUI which also ferried out in mid-December 2020 and was re-registered N341CG. It returned to Australia in early September and has been re-registered back to VH-VUI. It entered service in mid-October and has visited CQ on at least one occasion.

Photos taken by Ryan Hothersall and Lloyd Fox  ©

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 VH-VFP Touches Down at Mackay Airport Marking Resumed Services from Sydney

For the first time since 2016, a Jetstar Airways flight has touched down at Mackay Airport from Sydney bringing Southern state passengers and much needed tourist dollars to the region!

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On Saturday 18 December, Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 VH-VGP touched down at Mackay Airport direct from Sydney as JST884.  

It later departed back to Sydney but as JST885.

The 'seasonal' direct flights between the two cities will be available until at least the end of January and be operated by A320 aircraft three days a week on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.

Photo taken by Dave  ©

A Few More Corporate Bizjet and Other General Aviation (GA) Movements at Some CQ Airports

On Saturday 18 December, it was another great day for plane spotting across the region with another wide variety of corporate bizjets and other light General Aviation (GA) aircraft spotted and noted visiting several Central Queensland Airports - possibly transporting those back into Queensland now that the borders have been re-opened!

Again, a busy day at Hamilton Island Airport with a couple of repeat visitors including recently re-registered (registration holder) Avcair (Capital B Aviation Services) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-OLJ which was spotted soon after arriving from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  VH-OLJ departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Brisbane on Tuesday 21 December.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY was also spotted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport, possibly just from Mackay Airport again where it looks to be currently 'based' after arriving there from the Sunshine Coast on Thursday 16 December.  It then appears to have returned to Mackay Airport before returning back down to the Sunshine Coast.

And Gulf Aircraft (SGPG Air) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-PYN was also spotted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Monday 20 December, VH-PYN departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 18 December, Vanguard Aviation Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA flew down from Cairns (pictured) to Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast.

It had flown North on Tuesday 14 December - as posted below!

Finally, also on Saturday 18 December, The Redcliffe Aero Club's Cessna 310R VH-ULF looked to fly up to the North-West from its Redcliffe Aerodrome base before then arriving into Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 19 December, VH-ULF departed Rockhampton airport and completed aerial survey around Bluff and then back to a position West of Rocky before it returned to Rockhampton Airport. VH-ULF then returned to Redcliffe.

And Northern Territory based Hardy Aviation Cessna 404 Titan VH-HMA landed at Longreach from Redcliffe and Mitchell. It then departed to its Darwin base.  VH-HMA has been undergoing planned maintenance at Redcliffe.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Jonathan Williams  ©

A Massive Day of Corporate Bizjet and Other General Aviation (GA) Movements at Mackay and the Whitsundays Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 17 December, it was a great day for plane spotting at Mackay and the Whitsundays Airports as a big number of corporate bizjets and other light General Aviation (GA) aircraft were spotted and noted visiting - possibly transporting those back into Queensland now that the borders have been re-opened!

Up at Hamilton Island Airport, Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX was spotted making an early visit from Sydney.

Moorabbin Aviation Services (Victoria) Cessna S550 Citation SII bizjet VH-JLU was spotted visiting from Melbourne (Essendon).

Recently re-registered (registration holder) Avcair (Capital B Aviation Services) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-OLJ was noted visiting from Brisbane.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY was also noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport, possibly just from Mackay Airport where it looked to arrive from the Sunshine Coast on Thursday 16 December.  It appears that VH-SIY then returned to Mackay Airport.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted arriving from Archerfield and the Gold Coast before it then returned directly to Archerfield.

And slightly smaller, American-registered (but Australian-based) SOCATA TBM 700 N700RU arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.

While over at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport, Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company's registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-UPH was spotted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport yet again.

It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to Brisbane.

Plus, Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company Agusta A119 'Koala' helicopter VH-KOL was also photographed at Proserpine Airport. 

VH-KOL has been based in the Whitsundays since late last week, seemingly ferrying passengers from VH-UPH between Proserpine Airport and (possibly) Hamilton Island Airport and the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - where it appears to be parking at night.

And at Mackay Airport, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY called in from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Yarrawonga before then departing to Roma Airport and returning to Moorabbin.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY possibly arrived the previous day and departed to Hamilton Island Airport - as mentioned above.

Divair Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-NNE looked to touch down from Bankstown and Orange in New South Wales.

UPDATE!  It has been reported that VH-NNE suffered an engine failure while approaching Mackay Airport and as such has remained parked - as photographed above.

While slightly smaller, locally-based Horizon Airways Piper PA-31-325 Navajo Chieftain VH-LWW completed several flights between Mackay Airport and Hamilton Island Airport.

And Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-LXZ was (at the time of writing) planned to call into Emerald and then Mackay Airport, flying up from Cessnock (and other places earlier in the day).  It is then planned to depart Mackay Airport for Bankstown, arriving in the wee small hours of Saturday 18 December.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 17 December, a couple of other bizjets noted around a couple of other Central Queensland Airports included AirMed Australia Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SQY  as "Airmed 911" arrived from Bankstown then departed to Tamworth (on a diversion).

And Avcair Embraer 500 Phenom 100EV bizjet VH-NJR looked to visit Maryborough Airport arriving from Brisbane and then departing to Warwick and then back to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Friday 17 December, many light General Aviation (GA) aircraft also noted around CQ Airports included Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ which remains in the area this week, departing Rolleston Aerodrome for the Newlands Coal Mine near Glenden before then flying home to Brisbane.

Beech 58 Baron VH-JCJ landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome again for the second time this week, this time arriving from Toowoomba and then departing to Caboolture and back to Toowoomba. 

Mackay-based Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga VH-LPW looked to depart Clermont Aerodrome for Townsville.  It is unclear when it arrived.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 19 December, VH-LPW returned to Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK landed at Bundaberg Airport after flying down from Cairns and Townsville.  It then departed to Brisbane.  VH-PSK then flew up to Rockhampton Airport before continuing to Cairns.

And LifeFlight Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU flew up to Gladstone Airport from Archerfield via Chinchilla Airport.  It appears to be the newly delivered AW139 helicopter's first flight.

Photos taken by 'AC' and 'JM'  ©

Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IJQ (ex 9V-MGF) First Visit to CQ at Proserpine and Hamilton Island Airports

On Friday 17 December, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IJQ was photographed and noted making its first visit into a couple of Central Queensland Airports after it was acquired by the airline from Singapore Airlines (SilkAir).

VH-IJQ made its first visit to CQ operating from and back to Brisbane on the VOZ605/608 service to Mackay Airport before it was then spotted operating the VOZ1497/8 service to Hamilton Island Airport, again from and back to Brisbane.

As mentioned below, B737-800 was previously operated by SilkAir (now merged with Singapore Airlines) as 9M-MGF and was delivered to Virgin Australia in Brisbane in October.

After being promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and VH-IJQ, it spent a couple of weeks at Townsville where it was re-painted in to the full Virgin Australia livery.

VH-IJQ departs Brisbane Airport for Townsville  (File photo)

VH-IJQ returns to Brisbane Airport following a re-paint  (File photo)

VH-IJQ entered service with Virgin Australia on Monday 29 November and is the second third ex-SilkAir B737-800 to do so following VH-IWQ.

UPDATE!  Also on Friday 17 December, VH-IJU (ex 9V-MGG) also entered service with Virgin Australia.  It was delivered and re-painted during November.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former SilkAir B737-800 aircraft. With SilkAir now merged with parent airline, Singapore Airlines, these aircraft were deemed surplus to requirements. SilkAir moved to dispose of the planes earlier this year. It is reported these aircraft are 9V-MGF, 9V-MGG, 9V-MGH, 9V-MGI, 9V-MGJ, 9V-MGP, and 9V-MGQ.

9V-MGP was delivered to Virgin Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday 23 November with it promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-IWX.  It was re-painted into an all-white livery in Townsville during the early part of December.  VH-IWX is yet to enter service with Virgin Australia.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 18 December, VH-IWX entered service with Virgin Australia (!).

And 9V-MGH was delivered to Virgin Australia in Brisbane on Thursday 9 December with it promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-IJW.  It is currently in Townsville being re-painted.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Lloyd Fox  ©

Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company Bombardier Global Express XRS Bizjet VH-UPH at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport Yet Again! - Plus More!

Early on Thursday 16 December, Clive Palmer's Mineralogy Company's registered Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS bizjet VH-UPH was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport yet again.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to Brisbane.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 16 December, some Corporate King Air action in the region saw the Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ depart Gladstone Airport for Brisbane.  It had arrived at Gladstone Airport from Moura Airport on Wednesday 15 December having also visited Moranbah Airport at the start of the week - see Blog post below!

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Bundaberg Airport from Toowoomba and Archerfield.

Mandalay Two P/L Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SCQ visited Injune Aerodrome from its Toowoomba base.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-MWZ departed the Sunshine Coast for Archerfield and Emerald Airports before it then up to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Emerald Airport.  VH-MWZ then departed Emerald Airport for Archerfield. 

Finally, also on Thursday 16 December, BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation of Scone, New South Wales, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV arrived into Mackay Airport from Tamworth. It the departed Mackay Airport for Archerfield. 

Austrek Aviation Cessna 310 VH-DZX flew up from Toowoomba to Woorabinda and Duaringa Aerodromes.  It is planned to reverse this run and return to Toowoomba in Friday 17 December.

Hinterland Aviation Cessna 310R VH-TFY was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to arrive from and then later return back to Cairns and was noted flying as 'HND728' / "Hinterland 728".

And  the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK flew down from to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Rockhampton Airports before it then returned North to Townsville and Cairns. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports

Guess who's back? Back again!

In the wee small hours and into the morning on Thursday 16 December, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted yet again in Central Queensland, visiting a couple of the region's Airports.

File photo

It firstly flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport before continuing up to Townsville a couple of hours later.  VH-URR "Ambulance 604" then flew down to Bundaberg Airport before then returning to Brisbane.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ Pops into a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 15 December, Link Airways / Vee H Aviation Cessna 441 VH-VEJ looked to fly up from Brisbane to land at the Oaky Creek Coal Mine Site. 

File photo

VH-VEJ then looked to fly across to Emerald Airport where it appears to be staying for at the least the night.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 December, VH-VEJ looked to depart Emerald Airport and return to Oaky Creek before it then was noted arriving into Rolleston Aerodrome.
 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 15 December, Beech 58 Baron VH-JCJ landed at my local Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba via Caboolture before then flying down to Emerald Airport and then back to Toowoomba.

Sunshine Coast-based Cessna 210 VH-ORR looked to fly across from Barcaldine Airport to Clermont Aerodrome.  It appears to have flown up from Caloundra and Archerfield to Blackall Airport the previous day.

While FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB was noted departing the Samuel Hill Aerodrome for Toowoomba after it appeared to have flown in there early on Tuesday 14 December.

And McDermott Aviation / Heli-Lift Australia Aerospatiale 365N2 Dauphin 2 helicopter N366SR flew up from Sunshine Coast to Hedlow Airfield. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 December, N366SR looked to fly back to the Sunshine Coast from Hedlow Airfield.

Finally, also on Wednesday 15 December, Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQC departed Rockhampton Airport for Mackay Airport as SKP785 before then flying to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Mackay Airport as SKP790.  VH-QQC then departed Mackay Airport for Brisbane as SKP786.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) VIP 34 Squadron Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjets Pop into CQ Airports

On Wednesday 15 December, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) VIP 34 Squadron Dassault Falcon 7X bizjets were noted visiting a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

A56-001 as "Envoy 36" was spotted (above) arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra and Warwick.

At the time of writing, it appears that the Falcon 7X is staying for at least the night at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  Indeed after spending the night, on Thursday 16 December, A56-001 "Envoy 36" departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Warwick and then Canberra.

During the morning, A56-002 as "Envoy 31" flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Canberra and Albury.  It then flew back to Canberra.

Then during the afternoon, A56-002 this time as "Envoy 37" returned to Proserpine Airport from Canberra. It then departed to Sydney and then back to Canberra.

Nice!

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share this great photo!

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

A Few Nice Corporate Bizjets Around CQ Airports Again Today - Perhaps with State Borders Re-opening?

On Tuesday 14 December, there were quite a few nice corporate bizjets and other General Aviation (GA) aircraft noted flying around Central Queensland Airports - perhaps some were transporting passengers around (avoiding crowded Regular Passenger Transport [RPT] flights) after the State borders re-opened?

Vanguard Aviation Cessna 525 CitationJet1 bizjet VH-DAA made an early morning arrival into Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast before then departing to Cairns.

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

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY visited Rockhampton Airport from its Archerfield base.

MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC landed at Theodore Airport from then Sunshine Coast.  It later then continued up to Emerald Airport where it appears to be staying.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 December, VH-MMC departed Emerald Airport and returning to the Sunshine Coast.

Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.  It later departed up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 15 December, VH-SIY departed Proserpine Airport and returned to Brisbane and then the Sunshine Coast.

Fellow McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-MWZ looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast before then flying out to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  VH-MWZ then returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY called into both Mackay and Roma Airports during a busy day of flying out of and back to its Melbourne (Moorabbin) base.

And Execujet Australia Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-VSZ flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Brisbane before then later flying down to Melbourne (Essendon).

Finally, a couple of other notable GA movements included Brisbane-based FIFO Jet P/L Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ flying to Roma and Blackall Airports from and back to Archerfield.

And Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PLE continued visiting remote properties in the region with it looking like it will return to the Gold Coast early on Wednesday 15 December.

Nice!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©