Avalon Aviation / Executive Helicopters Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 VH-VNG Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Saturday 31 December, nice sleek Avalon Aviation / Executive Helicopters Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 helicopter VH-VNG looked to call into some Central Queensland Airports while back to the South-East corner of the state following a trip up to the Whitsundays.

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It looked to fly down from Hamilton Island Airport to Mackay Airport before continuing down to Emerald Airport and then towards Monto Aerodrome and the Sunshine Coast.

VH-VNG looked to fly North to Hamo from the South-East corner via Gayndah, Gladstone, Emu Park and Mackay Airports on Tuesday 27 December.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 31 December, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.

Clermont-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome for Caboolture.

UPDATE!  VH-NWF returned to Clermont Aerodrome from Caboolture on Monday 2 January.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY also visited Hamilton Island Airport but from the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, also on Saturday 31 December, DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ looked to again fly between Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Bundaberg Airports to Lady Elliot Island and back - seemingly again operating for Seair(?).

Of interest, VH-NPZ has been operating to Lady Elliot Island each day since Wednesday 28 December.

Sincere thanks to the Caloundra Aviation and Plane Spotting Facebook page for allowing us to share their great photos of VH-VNG!

Photo taken by Caloundra Aviation and Plane Spotting  ©

Australian Based American Registered Eclipse Aviation EA550 Bizjet N771MT Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 30 December, seemingly Australian based but American registered Eclipse Aviation EA550 Very Light jet (VLJ) bizjet N771MT made its first ever official visit into Central Queensland, visiting Rockhampton Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

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The Eclipse looked to arrive into Australia via Darwin in July this year (pictured) with it ultimately looking to take up residence on the Sunshine Coast.

Of interest, N771MT visited Kingaroy Aerodrome in early October - possibly its only other visit to the region.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 30 December, Jetstream Aviation (Emprja P/L) Cessna 550 Citation II VH-VDF arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from its Sunshine Coast base.

Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport, performing a pre-planned holding pattern before landing.  It then flew up to Townsville and Cairns.

Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO visited Hamilton Island Airport once again, this time arriving from Bankstown via the Sunshine Coast.  It later returned directly to its Bankstown base.

And in the wee small hours, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew from Townsville to Longreach Airport, Emerald Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before then flying back to Townsville.

Finally, also on Friday 30 December, Emerald Air Surveys P/L (Western Australia) Diamond DA42NG Twin Star VH-PXT was noted completing a couple of local flights out of and back to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  VH-PXT appears to have arrived into Shute Harbour from Jandakot, near Perth in Western Australia late last week and into the weekend, flying via Leonora, Ayres Rock and Birdsville.

VH-PXT also visited Shute Harbour in mid-November.

And locally-based Cessna 182T VH-ZCV departed Longreach Airport for Toowoomba.

Photo taken by Sid Mitchell  ©

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

On Thursday 29 December, Australian Corporate Jet Centres' operated Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy bizjet VH-VLT was spotted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) via Sydney.

It later departed back directly to Essendon.

While also spotted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport, also on Thursday 29 December, was Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ which looked to fly down from Mareeba and Cairns.  It later returned to Cairns.

Making it a trio of corporate bizjets to arrive into Hamo, Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO visited Hamilton Island Airport from its Bankstown base.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY called into Bundaberg Airport while flying up from the Sunshine Coast to Townsville.  It later returned direct to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 29 December, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

West Wing Aviation / Helicopters Townsville Beech 58 Baron VH-ABP flew down to Rockhampton Airport from its Townsville base before then flying out to Labona.  It then returned to Townsville.

Flanagan Aviation (New South Wales) Beech 95-B55 Baron VH-EUZ visited Emerald Airport from its Lismore base.

Beech 35 Bonanza VH-UXV completed a local flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-CJJ departed Emerald Airport for Roma Airport and possibly ports South.

Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL also looked to be completing aerial survey flights out of Roma Airport.

And there was multiple Beech Super King Air visitors into Roma Airport - as there seems to be most mornings but mostly on a Thursday morning!

Breson (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air turboprops VH-DYN, VH-WXN and VH-XDW all visited Roma Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  

Plus Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B300 Super King Air VH-EWQ and B200 King Air VH-EWG both flew out of Toowoomba (City) to Roma Airport and back.

Finally, also on Thursday 29 December, some arrivals into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour included Victoria-based Cirrus SR22 VH-SRY which flew up from Tyabb and Bourke.  Alice Springs-based Cirrus SR22 VH-NKY flew across from there in company with their Cessna 182 VH-LXS which also called into Winton Airport before continuing to Shute.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ Pops into Rockhampton Airport Twice!

On Thursday 29 December, Pionair Australia Embraer E190-E2 (ERJ-190-300 STD) VH-IKJ was noted completing a pair of training flights that both called into Rockhampton Airport.

Both flights saw the Embraer arrive from and then later depart back to Brisbane.

VH-IKJ flew as "Skyforce 9076/7/8/9" for its flights.

While on the ground at Rockhampton Airport, crew changes occurred as well.

Meanwhile, as mentioned previously, former Pionair Embraer E-190 (ERJ-190-100 LR) VH-SEF has been acquired by Alliance Airlines and was ferried back to Brisbane from Townsville on Wednesday 12 October.  It was then promptly re-registered at the start of November as VH-XFC and was photographed below parked at Brisbane Airport at the end of November. 

VH-XFC (ex VH-SEF) is yet to enter service with Alliance Airlines. 

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

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Lloyd Fox  ©

Virgin Australia Boeing B737-700 VH-NHW (ex PH-BGU) First Visit to Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Thursday 29 December, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-7K2(WL) VH-NHW was photographed making its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport after it was acquired by the airline from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

VH-NHW operated the VOZ1117/8 afternoon service from and back to Brisbane. It had only entered service with Virgin Australia on Christmas Day.

As mentioned, the B737-7K2(WL) was previously operated by KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) as PH-BGU with it wearing a temporary registration marking of 2-BBMH prior to it then being placed on the Australian Aircraft Register.

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VH-NHW was delivered to Virgin Australia, arriving into Brisbane Airport on Sunday 18 December from Singapore (Seletar) Airport as VOZ9948.

It’s also interesting to note that VH-NHW is yet to be painted into the Virgin Australia livery nor has been named.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former KLM B737-700 aircraft.  It is reported these aircraft are PH-BGR, PH-BGW, PH-BGU, PH-BGX, PH-BGK, PH-BGL and PH-BGT.

All these aircraft will reportedly operate with an all-economy 138-seat layout.

The fourth B737-700 aircraft due for delivery is 2-HBGT (to become VH-NJV) (ex PH-BGT) and is currently also at Singapore receiving pre-service maintenance. It is reportedly in full Virgin Australia livery and titles and also wears the name 'Little Beach'.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Gideon van Dijk  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 28 December, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Archerfield base.

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After some time, VH-VTF departed Hamo and returned to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 28 December,  Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast before then departing to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then looked to continue North from there.

SFC Farming (of Goondiwindi) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-TXT arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Mundine.  It later departed to Archerfield and then back to Mundine.

Victoria-based Piper PA-28RT-201T Arrow VH-ICX departed Rockhampton Airport for Roma Airport and then Dubbo and Ballarat.  It had flown up into Emu Park Airstrip and Rockhampton Airport on Monday 26 December.

And Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) P.68C VH-CJJ looked to complete an aerial survey flight out of Emerald Airport.  It looked to have flown up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) on Monday 26 December.

Finally, some Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan movements in and out of Labona, also on Wednesday 28 December.

VH-CVN flew down to Mackay Airport from Townsville and Labona as HND280/1 before then returning to Labona and back to Townsville but as HND282/3.  Of interest, VH-CVN also visited Mackay Airport directly from and back to Townsville on Tuesday 27 December, but as HND293/750

While VH-ETF (pictured) and VH-TFQ operated out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Steve Vit  ©️

Sir Elton John (Gama Aviation) Bombardier Global Express Bizjet M-EDZE Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 27 December, Gama Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet M-EDZE was spotted as it arrived into Hamilton Island Airport after flying up from Sydney as 'GMA986'.

The sleek Global Express is the personal ride of British singer Sir Elton John who was spotted, along with his partner, kids and several others, boarding the bizjet at Sydney for the trip up to Hamo.  Sir Elton is in Australia in the lead up to a series of concerts starting early in the new year.

It is believed that Sir Elton and passengers then travelled from Hamilton Island to Hayman Island.

Also calling into Hamilton Island Airport, also on Tuesday 27 December, was ADD Aviation Services (Australian Corporate Jet Centres) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ which visited Hamo from its Melbourne (Essendon) base via Port Macquarie.

While after arriving the previous day, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 125" departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Archerfield.

And Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport once again, this time from Dubbo.

Finally, also on Tuesday 27 December, Colville Aviation Services / Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-PSX called into Emerald Airport from Watts Bridge before it then departed to Cairns.

And Torrens Creek (Hughenden) based SOCATA TBM700 VH-CEA looked to fly down from Aberfoyle to Tamworth.

Photos taken by 'AC', Kellie Leonard and Grahame Hutchison  ©

Revesco Aviation (WA) Gulfstream G-IV Bizjet VH-INT Calls into Whitsunday Airports - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Monday 26 December, Revesco Aviation (Perth, Western Australia) Gulfstream G-IV bizjet VH-INT was noted making what seems to be its first ever visit to Central Queensland, flying up from the Gold Coast and then Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport to Hamilton Island Airport.

VH-INT then flew across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport where it seems to be staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  VH-INT was spotted (above) parked at Prosie still early on Tuesday 27 December.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 1 January, Revesco Aviation (Perth, Western Australia) Gulfstream G-IV bizjet VH-INT departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Hamilton Island Airport Brisbane.

Also arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport, also on Monday 26 December, was Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 125".  It looked to fly out of Archerfield for Charleville Airport before then flying out to Alice Springs and Ayres Rock.  VH-SHI "Navair 125" then flew all the way across to Proserpine Airport where it seems to also be staying for the night.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 27 December, VH-SHI "Navair 125" departed Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Archerfield.

While Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Cootamundra and Albury to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It later returned to Cootamundra and Moorabbin. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 26 December, Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns as HND815.  It then flew out to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as HND330/1.  VH-HLJ then returned to Cairns again as HND815.

Fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF was noted also flying between Rockhampton Airport and Labona but as HND350/1. 

It is believed another Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ is also currently based at Rockhampton Airport.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQG arrived into Rockhampton Airport direct from Cairns as SKP799.  It then completed a run to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP771/2.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 27 December, VH-QQG was spotted operating three flights from Rockhampton Airport to Labona and back.

Fellow Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF operated from Cairns to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and back to Cairns as SKP85/6.

Finally, on Sunday 25 December, Beech B58 Baron VH-BMO arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Caloundra.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 27 December, VH-BMO departed Rockhampton Airport and headed to what appears to be its Toowoomba base.

Photos taken by James Kirk and Steve Vit  ©️

Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-RIU Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 24 December, Execujet (Taverners Aviation) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-RIU was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

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It looked to arrive from Melbourne (Essendon) and Launceston, before later departing to Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 24 December, Moorabbin Aviation Services (Victoria) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-VTQ flew up from Essendon and Bourke to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It then flew back to Essendon.

And DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ looked to complete an additional FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 Bizjet VH-TEY Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 23 December, Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It flew up from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast and then to Rockhampton Airport.

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Later, VH-TEY then departed Rockhampton Airport for the Sunshine Coast and then to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 23 December, Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD flew up from its Monto Aerodrome base to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 4 January, VH-EZD finally departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Monto Aerodrome.

Fellow Beech 58 Baron VH-BMO flew up from its Toowoomba base to Rockhampton Airport before later returning there but via the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  It seems that VH-BMO returned to Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba on Sunday 25 December before returning to Toowoomba on Tuesday 27 December.

While Beech 58 Barons VH-JML and VH-EUZ - which are both operated by Flanagan Aviation Services out of Lismore in New South Wales - both flew up from Lismore to complete airwork at the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports before then landing at Bundaberg Airport.  VH-JML then flew back to Lismore but via airwork at Kingaroy Aerodrome, while VH-EUZ also returned to Lismore but via airwork at Gayndah Aerodrome.

And Clermont-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF departed Clermont Aerodrome for the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  VH-NWF returned to Clermont Aerodrome from the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday 27 December.

Of interest, VH-NWF completed an afternoon and evening flight from and back to Clermont Aerodrome on Thursday 22 December, flying via Mackay and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airports.

Finally, overnight on Thursday 22 December, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was noted calling into Mackay Airport from Townsville. It later departed to Brisbane and then back to Townsville.

And also late on Thursday, New South Wales-based Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-YGO flew down from the North-West to pop into Bundaberg Airport before continuing to its Mungindi base and then Toowoomba.

The hard-to-track PC-12 also looks to have called into Bundaberg Airport heading out to the North-West from Toowoomba and Mungindi on Sunday 18 December.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-VTF Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 22 December, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Archerfield base.

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After a short time on the ground, VH-VTF departed Hamo and returned to Archerfield.

While AAA Aircraft / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 550 Citation Bravo bizjet VH-CCJ flew up from Adelaide to Hamilton Island Airport and then down to Armidale and then Bankstown. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 22 December, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing to Brisbane.  It then returned to Cairns

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing back to to those places.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ completed its weekly visit to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast.

While ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT flew down from Townsville to Labona and then onward to Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Townsville.

Liddle's Air Service Cessna 210L flew across from Emerald Airport to Rockhampton Airport.  It seems to have flown down from its Ingham base via Townsville last weekend.

FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba and Archerfield.  It is due to return to those places on Friday 23 December. 

And Nautilus Aviation (Cairns) Airbus Helicopters AS.350B3 VH-ZDM departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport and Caloundra.  It had arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via Townville and Mackay Airports the previous day.

Finally, late on Wednesday 21 December, Easternwell Beech B200C VH-HPP arrived into Gladstone Airport from Toowoomba and Sydney.  It later departed to Toowoomba.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©️

Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 Bizjet VH-CDG at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 21 December, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

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It looked to arrive from its Gold Coast base and then depart to Archerfield before then returning to the Goldie.

While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then later returning down there.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 December, recently registered (to 'Red Rock' near Comet) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC departed Rockhampton Airport for 'Red Rock' Station and then down to Wondai.  It later flew up to Emerald Airport and then to a property near Lotus Creek before then returning to Rockhampton Airport.

Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed Rockhampton Airport for Rolleston Aerodrome and then Orange in New South Wales, before later returning to Rockhampton Airport.

Sunshine Coast-based Rockwell International 114 VH-KSW looked to fly across from Blackall Airport to Barcaldine Airport before later flying down to Roma Airport and Caboolture.  VH-KSW looks to have flown North the previous day.

SFC Farming (of Goondiwindi) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-TXT arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Mundine.

And some Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) action included Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TLH visiting the Wanella Station Airstrip near Coppabella, arriving from Lady Elliot Island and later flying down to Maryborough and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site.  It then returned to Wellcamp but via my local Clermont Aerodrome.

Of interest, on Tuesday 20 December, VH-WXN flew up from Wellcamp to Yellow Bank Junction and Rolleston Aerodrome before then returning to Wellcamp.

West Wing Aviation / Helicopters Townsville Beech 58 Baron VH-ABP flew down from Townsville to Labona and then across to Rockhampton Airport.  It then returned to Townsville.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-VKX Pops into Hamilton ISland Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 20 December, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport. 

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It arrived from Sydney and then departed to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 20 December, Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-JYA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. It then departed to Brisbane. VH-JYA then flew directly back up to Townsville and then Cairns.

After arriving the previous day and operating at least flight out there, Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY completed at least two more flights to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Rockhampton Airport and back.

Of interest, fellow Machjet Beech Super King Air VH-ZSY was noted completing at least two flights from Townsville to Labona. 

While Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF was noted flying down from Townsville to Mackay Airport as HND290.  It then flew to Labona and back to Mackay Airport as HND291/2.  VH-ETF then returned to Townsville as HND293.

Other 'usual' Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) flights including Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-VSO visiting Moranbah Airport once again.  It arrived directly from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and then departed back there but via Latrobe Valley.

Plus DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ completed its weekly FIFO run from Bundaberg Airport to Nebo Aerodrome and back, flying up out there via Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.

Re-registered Raytheon A36 Bonanza VH-CCY departed Clermont Aerodrome for Inverell.  It is due to continue to Tamworth and Dingadee on Wednesday 21 December.

And locally-based Piper PA-24-250 VH-CDA flew down from Townsville to its Hedlow Airfield base.

Finally, also on Tuesday 20 December, Stirling Helicopters' recently registered Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 VH-HKC departed out from Rockhampton Airport for airwork to the North.  It later returned to Rockhampton Airport.

Of interest, VH-HKC was registered in September this year and looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast at the end of last week. 

And Mackay-based Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Squirrel VH-XBO looked to fly up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport.

Photo taken by David Geck  ©

Pesca Aviation Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH First Visit to CQ at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 19 December, recently delivered Pesca Aviation (Brisbane) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland, visiting Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Toowoomba and Archerfield.

VH-UVH departs Toowoomba recently

It appears that the Super King Air was delivered to Toowoomba from overseas in June and was registered as C-GOGS.  It was subsequently placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-UVH in September to Pesca Aviation.

Of interest, Pesca Aviation previously operated Aero Commander 690-A Turbo Commander VH-ATF.  It is now registered to General Aviation Maintenance at Melbourne (Essendon) Airport and joins their big fleet of Aero Commander aircraft.

Meanwhile, a few other lighties around the region, also on Monday 19 December, included Raytheon A36 Bonanza VH-VLV which departed Rockhampton Airport for its Blackall Airport base.  It had arrived from there on Friday 16 December and was photographed over the weekend.

WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR flew up from Redcliffe and Chinchilla Aerodrome to Mackay Airport before then continuing to Townsville.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast - an 'extra' flight!

Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then departed to Labona.  

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing back to to those places.

Comet-based Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba via Comet.

Cessna 208B Supervan 900 Skydiving Aircraft VH-XLF arrived into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Wilton before then departing to the Lakeside Airpark where it seems to have commenced 'operations'.

UPDATE!  With the week complete, on Friday 23 December, VH-XLF departed the (possibly) Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Roma Airport and then back to Wilton.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX flew from Rockhampton Airport to Chinchilla Aerodrome where it completed aerial survey operations.

Also in the area, also completing an aerial survey flight was Interair Piper PA-31 VH-FHJ.  It looked to be operating from Chinchilla Aerodrome.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEJ flew up from Brisbane to Collinsville Aerodrome before then flying to the Newlands Coal Mine site and then down to Clermont Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 20 December, VH-VEJ departed Clermont Aerodrome and returned to Newlands and Collinsville Aerodrome before then flying back to Clermont Aerodrome.  It then departed to Armidale and back to Brisbane.

While new Bell Textron 407GXi helicopter VH-JEK flew up from Bankstown to Townsville on delivery to Nautilus Aviation via Gunnedah, Moree, Roma and Clermont Airports.  It is due to continue to their Cairns base on Tuesday 20 December.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB made a late afternoon visit to Gladstone Airport from Brisbane as SKP9013/4.

Fellow Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQC arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as SKP85/780 before then completing a run to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP771/2.

And fellow Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQF flew down from Townsville to Labona and back as 761/2.

Finally, also on Monday 19 December,  Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF had a busy day, flying up from Archerfield and Warwick to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport.  It then departed to Cairns but later returned to Proserpine Airport and then back to Warwick and Archerfield.

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK as "Navair 141" flew up from Dubbo and Archerfield to Emerald Airport before then continuing to Georgetown.

And after flying down there last week, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ flew back to its Mackay Airport base from Port MacQuarrie.

Photos taken by Garry Wilkinson and Paul Tyler  ©

Bowenville-based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 18 December, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then later returning down there.

File photo

Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM visited Blackall Airport from its Archerfield base.  It also visited on Saturday 17 December.

And Brisbane-based Piper PA-31-350 VH-RPV flew down from Groote Eylandt to Adels Grove and Emerald Airport before continuing to its Archerfield base.  It looks like VH-RPV had flown up there the previous day.

MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-PIL Calls into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 17 December, MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL was noted visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

It looked to fly across from Darwin (where it is pictured arriving the previous day from overseas) and later departed to the Gold Coast, Maitland and Adelaide.

While Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY flew down from Cairns to make a short stop at Bundaberg Airport before continuing to the Sunshine Coast.

And overnight on Friday 16 December, recently delivered McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY departed the Sunshine Coast for Melbourne (Essendon) before then flying all the way up to Gladstone Airport (pictured). 

https://www.facebook.com/machjetinternational

It then returned to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 17 December, Clermont-based (but Mackay-registered) Mooney M20J VH-NWF was photographed shortly before departing Rockhampton Airport for Clermont Aerodrome.

As mentioned below, it had originally left Clermont Aerodrome last week and arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and Caboolture at the start of this week.

Recently registered (to 'Red Rock' near Comet) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC also departed Rockhampton Airport but for Toowoomba.  As mentioned below, it had arrived into Rocky last weekend.

Brisbane-based Hewitt Cattle Australia P/L SOCATA TBM 700 VH-PGA flew from Archerfield to land at Emerald Airport.  It is due to return to Archerfield and then continue to Toowoomba on Sunday 18 December.

Victoria-based Cessna 421C Golden Eagle VH-PFP departed Charleville Airport for its Melbourne (Moorabbin) base.  It looked to arrive around a fortnight ago.

  

And Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX flew from Mackay Airport to Emerald Airport and then Rockhampton Airport.  It has been flying between Gladstone Airport, Mackay Airport and Emerald Airport much of this last week on aerial survey flights.

Photos taken by Mary Marshall and Paul Tyler  ©

Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK "Navair 141" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 16 December, Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK was spotted at Rockhampton Airport after it had earlier arrived from Archerfield as "Navair 141".

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

UPDATE!  On Saturday 17 December, VH-HQK "Navair 141" departed Rockhampton Airport for Sydney and Dubbo.

While also spotted at Rockhampton Airport, also on Friday 16 December, was Beech 35 Bonanza VH-UXV.

It looked to visit from Toowoomba and reports suggest that the 1948-build Beech will soon be based at Rockhampton.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 16 December, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ was noted visiting Gayndah Aerodrome.  It arrived from Bankstown and then later departed to Mildura and then back to Bankstown.

Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport before then later returning down there.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then returning directly to Moorabbin.

Finally, also on Friday 16 December, WDC Equipment and Contracting Raytheon 58 Baron VH-EZR flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport before then flying down to Chinchilla Aerodrome and Redcliffe.

Sincere thanks to the Rockhampton Aero Club's Paul Tyler for sharing these great photos with us!

All photos taken by Paul Tyler  ©

American Registered Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet N25XP Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 15 December, private Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet N25XP was noted flying into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

N25XP departs Sydney Airport for Hamilton Island Airport

The sleek Hawker seems to be a regular visitor to various parts of Australia.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 20 December, N25XP departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Sydney.

The locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, noted departing its Mackay Airport base for Coffs Harbour and Port MacQuarrie.

And Avcair (Avgunn) LearJet 60 bizjet VH-ILJ popped into Mackay Airport from Townsville before then departing to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 15 December, Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM visited Moura Aerodrome from its Archerfield base.

Brisbane-based Rockwell 114 Commander VH-RNS visited Maryborough Airport from Archerfield.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before then departing to Brisbane. It later returned directly to Cairns.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSY also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville before later departing back to to those places.

Campbell Aviation / Schofields Flying Club (Sydney) Piper PA-28-181 Archer TX aircraft VH-XKV, VH-XHE, VH-XCW and VH-XGN, plus their Piper PA-28-161 Warrior III VH-ZFX, all flew down from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to Emerald, Roma and Moree Airports.  As mentioned below, they all flew North from their Bankstown base over the last couple of days.

Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman (Bembridge) BN-2A-26 Islander VH-IZH looked to pass through Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome while flying down to Watts Bridge where it is assumed to be undergoing planned maintenance. It looked to fly into Charters Towers Aerodrome from Horn Island, Coen and Mareeba the previous day.

Brisbane-based Crockett Aviation Group Beech B200 King Air VH-FAQ visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Archerfield and the Sunshine Coast. This looks to be a weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) run.

Breson (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air turboprops VH-WXB, VH-DYN and VH-XDW all visited Roma Airport from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Breson (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-WXN also flew out of Wellcamp but to Ballera and Moomba and then back to Wellcamp.

Sabstall Beech B200 King Air VH-NME also flew into Roma Airport but from Toowoomba (City) and Wellcamp. It then returned to Wellcamp and then back to Roma Airport before flying back to Wellcamp and Toowoomba.

Easternwell Group (Avcair) Beech B300 Super King Air VH-EWQ and Raytheon B200 King Air VH-EWG both flew out of Toowoomba (City) to Roma Airport and back.

Dino Air (Interair) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-XGL departed Longreach Airport for Toowoomba after arriving at the start of the week from Far North Queensland and completing yet more aerial survey flights around the area.

Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX flew out of Emerald Airport for aerial survey work and then a landing at Gladstone Airport.  It then departed and headed North via more aerial survey work and then on to Mackay Airport.  VH-EPX looked to also be operating in Far North Queensland and returned to the region, landing at Emerald Airport from Townsville yesterday.

Beech E55 Baron VH-EZF visited Gayndah Aerodrome from Gympie.

And Bunderra Cattle Co Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage VH-KNV departed Rockhampton Airport for Rolleston Aerodrome and then Archerfield before later returning to Rockhampton Airport.

Sincere thanks to Sydney-based specialist aviation photographer Grahame Hutchison for allowing us to share this great photo!

Do check out more of Grahame's fantastic images on his well-known Sydney Airport based website http://www.16right.com/

Photo taken by Grahame Hutchison  ©

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

On Wednesday 14 December, Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ visited Moranbah Airport from Bankston.  

File photo

This is the second Wednesday in-a-row that such a flight took place with fellow Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-HQK completing the run last Wednesday 7 December.  

While Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew down from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Hharbour to Melbourne (Essendon) and Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It looked to arrive from Moorabbin via Yarrawonga.  VH-WMY also looked to visit Miles and Roma Airports on Monday 12 December. 

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525A Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-ZIY departed Bundaberg to the north. 

Plus Machjet (Machjet International) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZSY landed at Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Cairns.  It later returned up there. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 14 December, Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-ETF flew down from Townsville to Labona as HND280 before then flying across to Mackay Airport as HND281.  It then returned to Labona and then Townsville as HND282/3.  It also appears that fellow Hinterland Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFQ did a run from Labona to Mackay Airport and back on Tuesday 13 December.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW visited the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.

Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Metro 23 VH-VET flew out from Brisbane to Longreach Airport and then Boulia and then back to Brisbane.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville. 

Campbell Aviation / Schofields Flying Club (Sydney) Piper PA-28-181 Archer TX aircraft VH-XKV, VH-XHE, VH-XCW and VH-XGN, plus their Piper PA-28-161 Warrior III VH-ZFX, all flew out from Archerfield to Roma and Emerald Airports.  They were planning on heading to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour but poor weather in the Whitsundays meant its looks like they all ended up at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

All aircraft look to have flown up from Bankstown to Coffs Harbour and Archerfield the previous day.

Finally, late on Tuesday 13 December, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" called into Rockhampton Airport after flying down from Townsville.  It later departed to Brisbane and then flew back to Townsville.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) Take Delivery of Air Tractor AT-802A N70LA (to be VH-WHY) at Emerald - Plus More!

On Tuesday 13 December, the Emerald-based Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) took delivery of their latest aircraft in the form of American-registered Air Tractor AT-802A N70LA.  It arrived at their landing site and facilities North of Emerald from Cairns after arriving there (pictured) from Majuro the previous day.

N70LA had departed the USA and spent the last few days ferrying across the Pacific Ocean with the final leg into Australia from Majuro to Cairns on Monday 12 December.

Information suggests that the Air Tractor will be placed onto the Australian Aircraft register as VH-WHY.  It also takes their current fleet up to 10.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 13 December, Elite Aero P/L Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-ACH as "Navair 187" made possibly its first ever visit into Central Queensland since arriving into the country in the middle part of this year.  It landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Bankstown and looked to be staying for at least the night.

 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 December, VH-ACH "Navair 187" departed Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and returned to Bankstown.

While MacKellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd (Revesco Aviation) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-MMC was noted completing its weekly visit to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site. It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to its Sunshine Coast base via Emerald Airport.

And up at Hamilton Island Airport, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield and the Gold Coast before then departing to Archerfield.

Plus ADD Aviation Services (Australian Corporate Jet Centres) Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ visited Hamilton Island Airport from its Melbourne (Essendon) base.

Finally, also on Tuesday 13 December, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air A32-671 as "Hudson 03" landed at Bundaberg Airport from RAAF Base East Sale before it then departed to Brisbane. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 December, A32-671 again as "Hudson 03" flew out from Brisbane to complete airwork at Roma Airport before then continuing to Townsville

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Toowoomba.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 December, VH-WPH departed Rockhampton Airport for Maryborough Airport and then back to Toowoomba.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-UJM departed Blackall Airport for Archerfield.  It appears to have been flying around the Moura, Clermont, Labona and Barcaldine areas since flying up from Archerfield on Saturday 10 December.

After arriving late the previous day from Cairns, the recently delivered McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY departed Rockhampton Airport for to Labona before later returning back to Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to then complete another flight out to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport later in the day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 December, VH-ZPY departed Rockhampton Airport for Labona one more time before it then departed to the Sunshine Coast.

Tasfast Air Freight (Southern Airlines) Beech 1900C VH-YSO was noted making another visit into Central Queensland, operating the weekly Fly-n Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Moranbah Airport.  It flew up Melbourne (Moorabbin) and the Latrobe Valley to Bourke and then to Moranbah Airport before it then departed back to Latrobe Valley and Moorabbin.

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ made its weekly flight from Bundaberg to Nebo Airfield and back but this week, via Rockhampton Airport.

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) (State of Queensland) Raytheon B1900D VH-PSK called into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then departing to Townsville and Cairns.  It was due to call into Rocky during the morning, but flew down from Cairns and Townsville then direct to Brisbane.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100 VH-QQB arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as SKP501.  It then completed a flight to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site and back to Rockhampton Airport as SKP775/6. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 December, VH-QQB departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane as SKP502.

Of interest, fellow Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQI arrived into Rockhampton Airport on Monday 12 December and completed two return flights to Labona and back to Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 13 December.  It is due to depart to Townsville early on Wednesday 14 December. 

And Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Agusta AB412 (Bell 412) VH-LSV arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Mackay Airports.  It then departed to Bundaberg Airport and the Sunshine Coast.  VH-LSV had flown down from Horn Island the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 December and Thursday 15 December, VH-LSV continued from the Sunshine Coast to Adelaide via Toowoomba, Moree, Dubbo, Griffith, and Mildura.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK Calls into Some CQ Airports While on a Training Flight

On Tuesday 13 December, the 'new kid on the block' paid Central Queensland another visit with Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK calling into some CQ Airports on what appeared to be a training or proving flight possibly for their technical and cabin crews.

VH-UIK flew up to Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast as "Bonza 8701" before then flying down to Gladstone Airport as "Bonza 8702" where it was photographed below parked up for a crew changeover.

VH-UIK then completed the short hop down to Bundaberg Airport as "Bonza 8703" and was again photographed as it arrived and then sat on the tarmac without opening any doors.

VH-UIK then returned to the Sunshine Coast as "Bonza 8704".

The airline was hoping to begin operations in September but is unable to do so until it receives the crucial Air Operators Certificate (AOC).  Hopefully, the continuing series of flights being operated by their Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - and VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - are potentially bringing the airline one step closer to achieving clearance from the safety regulator to launch scheduled services.

Bonza's third Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft VH-UJK - named 'Sheila' - touched down at the Sunshine Coast on Monday 12 December, completing its delivery flight from North America.

A fourth Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft has been registered VH-UJZ and remains in the USA with it likely to be based in Melbourne next year.

Bonza originally announced initial plans to launch with a fleet of two to three Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft before increasing its fleet to eight.  A fleet of three would be enough for it to begin operating some of its planned 27 routes in a staggered start.

When Bonza does begin commercial operations, it will fly so-called 'point-to-point' leisure services not serviced by the capital city-focused Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, and Rex.

Bonza has claimed that 93 per cent of its network - 25 out of its 27 routes - are not currently flown by any other airline, while 96 per cent are not served by any other low-cost carrier. Flights are expected to cost around $50 for each hour of the flight.

Destinations on Bonza's initial route map include Melbourne, Avalon, Sunshine Coast, Mildura, Albury, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Townsville, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Toowoomba.

We wish them all the very best!

Photos taken by 'AC', Locky Halliwell and Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

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

On Monday 12 December, Balmoral Air Dassault Falcon 2000LX bizjet VH-WIO was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from its Bankstown base.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 13 December, VH-WIO returned to Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown.

While in the wee small hours, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Brisbane to Bundaberg Airport before then later returning to Archerfield.  Unusal!

Meanwhile, also on Monday 12 December, Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQW visited the Wanella Station Airstrip near Coppabella, arriving from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport, Maryborough Airport and Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew back down to the Fraser Coast, arriving directly into Lady Elliot Island.

And Burketown based Dasap P/L Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan VH-MDM visited Longreach Airport from Mount Isa.

Finally, a couple of early morning photos from the Rockhampton Airport General Aviation (GA) Apron, also on Monday 12 December, included Liddle's Air Service Partenavia P.68C VH-PNW.

It has been completing local aerial survey flights out of and back to Rockhampton Airport after arriving from Redcliffe and the Sunshine Coast last Thursday 8 December.  Later on Monday, VH-PNW departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville and Atherton.

While recently registered (to 'Red Rock' near Comet) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC was photographed after arriving the previous day from remote Central-West Queensland via Gladstone Airport.

Of interest, it appears that VH-RTC ferried into Archerfield from overseas via Cairns Airport still wearing the American Registration marking of N688FA at the start of September.

And locally-based Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE looked to fly to Hughenden and then back to Rockhampton Airport.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Trevor Hardsman  ©