Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-ZDM Pops into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 31 August, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Emerald Airport from the Gold Coast.

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Early afternoon Skytraders Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet VH-VTG "Snowbird 7" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via airwork east of Whitsundays. After a refuel it then completed airwork at Rockhampton Airport include some landings and take-offs. After another refuel, it then departed to Cairns.

And Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS flew into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Gold Coast before later departing to Archerfield.

Meanwhile, on Sunday 30 August, an ultralight registered Supermarine Aircraft Spitfire Mk 26 19-4104 as "Spitfire 4104" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Caboolture and then departed to Townsville. This aircraft had flown down on Friday as "Romeo 4104".

And LifeFlight Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-XIU as "Guardian 20" followed by fellow LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIA as "Guardian 10" both appeared to fly up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport and then to the Western side area of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Skytraders NEW Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 Bizjet VH-VVJ "Snowbird 8" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Nice!

On Saturday 29 August, Skytraders brand new Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet VH-VVJ as 'SND8' / "Snowbird 8"  made its first visit into Central Queensland, arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via low-level airwork East of the CQ coast.  It later returned to Cairns.

VH-VVJ was delivered from the USA via all stops into Cairns only last week - as pictured above.

The arrival of VH-VVJ follows the arrival of another Challenger 605 bizjet in the form of VH-VTG which has been in Cairns undergoing work at the local Jet Aviation facility and also completing similar training flights to CQ and beyond.

The aircraft are arriving as Skytraders expands its involvement in Australia's aerial surveillance capability. In May 2026, the Australian Border Force announced a new fixed-wing aerial surveillance arrangement under which Metrea Australia will provide 11 crewed aircraft for short- and long-range surveillance of Australia's maritime approaches. The fleet is intended to provide enhanced national coverage around the clock, year-round

Meanwhile, on Friday 28 August, Skytraders other Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet VH-VTG as 'SND7' / "Snowbird 7" was back in CQ arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via low level airwork East of the Whitsundays.

After refuel, it departed and completed some more airwork at Rockhampton Airport before landing and refuelling once again. It then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Cairns via more low-level airwork again East of the Whitsundays.

LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA as "Guardian 10", which had landed at Mount Isa from the northwest yesterday, departed there to Longreach, Roma and Archerfield Airports.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Jetstar Airways Airbus Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYX First Visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Saturday 29 August, Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYX made its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It operated as JST836/7 from and back to Brisbane.

VH-OYX was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Hamburg (Germany) in early December 2025 and entered service only a few days after arriving in Australia.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 29 August, and making a 'neo double' was fellow Jetstar Airways Airbus Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OFU which also visited Proserpine Airport but from Sydney as JST840/1. This was not a first visit.

But would've been nice to see two 'neo's' on the ground at once!

File photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Field Air / Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE "Bomber 141" Arrives into Bundaberg Airport for the 2026 Bushfire Season - UPDATED!

On Friday 28 August, Field Air / Conair Aerial Firefighting (Canada) Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport ahead the upcoming Queensland bushfire season. It touched down direct from Ballarat where it has been stored for much of this year.

https://www.facebook.com/Bundaberg.Aviation.Fuel

This is the seventh (?) year that the Canadian aircraft and crew members of the Large Air Tanker (LAT) have been deployed to Bundaberg Airport, meaning the state will again not have to borrow aircraft from other states to fight dangerous bushfires.

Again this year, the Dash-8 will be based at Bundaberg Airport and take up the radio callsign of "Bomber 141".  It will be based in Bundaberg for Queensland’s bushfire season and will be sent back to Victoria again for its fire season, which coincides with Queensland’s wet season.

The Dash-8 has a 670km/h travel time meaning the bomber can quickly reach other parts of the state if needed, potentially saving lives and communities all over Queensland. It is able to fly the 300-kilometre direct journey from Bundaberg to Brisbane in 30 minutes at top speed.

Also arriving into Bundaberg Airport for the Bushfire Season, also on Friday 28 August, was Aero Facilities (SA) EADS SOCATA TBM700 VH-PGA as "Birddog 376" which was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Scone and Coffs Harbour.  It had left from Aldinga in South Australia a couple of days prior.  It is assumed that it will again provide airborne support for C-FFQE during this coming bushfire season.

And Microflite Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8MF also arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield as "Firescan 399" and will also be based at Bundaberg Airport.  (Of interesting on Tuesday 1 September, VH-8MF "Firescan 399" completed airwork at Rockhampton Airport while on a flight out of and back to Bundaberg Airport.)

UPDATE!  On Sunday 30 August, Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-8UH as "Helitack 515" and UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter VH-L6H "Helitack 517" arrived into Bundaberg Airport from South Australia via all stops over the last couple of days to also be based at Bundaberg Airport.

Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 VH-A2N Spotted Completing a Test Flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Finally! On Thursday 27 August, Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 jet VH-A2N took to the air for the first time since it was delivered late last year and completed a test flight out of Rockhampton Airport down to near Gayndah and back as UTY9826.

The E-190 VH-A2N (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) was delivered into Rockhampton Airport at the end of its delivery flight in December last year still wearing its American Registration marking of N258JB and flying as 'SXI2552' / "Southern Cross 2552".

As shown, VH-A2N still wears its commemorative livery which celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Sir Jack Brabham’s 1966 Formula 1 World Championship.

Great to see it finally in the air!

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 27 August, Skytraders new Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet VH-VTG as 'SND7' / "Snowbird 7" was back in CQ arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via low level airwork East of the Whitsundays.

After refuel, it departed and completed some more airwork at Rockhampton Airport before landing and refuelling once again.  It then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Cairns via more low-level airwork again East of the Whitsundays.

Finally, also on Thursday 27 August, Canadian-registered Gulfstream G650ER C-GGVI was noted flying down from Hamilton Island Airport to Sydney.  It is registered to NORO Limited, with the aircraft operated by Fairflight, the company's flight department. NORO Limited is a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, based in Toronto, Ontario.

It was spotted above arriving into Cairns Airport from Uluru (Ayres Rock) late last week.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Jonanthan Williams  ©

Agair Logistics / Essendon Aviation Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 Bizjet VH-LCL Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 26 August, Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-LCL looked to make its first ever visit into CQ at Rockhampton Airport.  It touched down from Bankstown and looked to be staying for at least the night.

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Also arriving into Rockhampton Airport once again was Skytraders Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet VH-VTG "Snowbird 7" which touched down from Bankstown.  It also completed a missed approach prior to landing.  It then departed on a local flight completing more airwork before landing once again and refuelling and then departing to Cairns.

While Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before later flying back South to Roma Airport.

And Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 26 August, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-ESZ landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Townsville.

And several WA based light aircraft flew South-West from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour after a cross-country fly-in from WA to Queensland.  These aircraft included Socata Tobago VH-LQC, Van's RV7 VH-VTL, Van's RV-14 VH-IFC, Pilatus PC-7 VH-IMI, Cessna 172 VH-BOF, Cessna 182 VH-CGG and PAC C/T4 VH-PTX with most flying to either Longreach or Birdsville Airports.  

They each appears to have flown over from WA around a week ago.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-8GK Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Also on Tuesday 25 August, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-8GK visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

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It also looks like VH-8GK visited Bundaberg Airport on Sunday 23 August.

Metcalf Heli Service P/L (Victoria) Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter VH-8RK was seen by me departing my local Clermont Aerodrome for Roma Airport.  It seemed to have arrived from the North.

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Turns out, VH-8RK flew up to Cairns via Emerald Airport earlier in the month and was spotted early one morning after arriving the previous evening on its North-bound journey.

Believed to be New Zealand-based Piper PA32R-301 Saratoga SP N100NA, which had flown across from NZ to the Gold Coast last Tuesday and Wednesday, then from Toowoomba to Gladstone Airport on Sunday 23 August, departed there for Bowen Aerodrome.

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) Rockwell (AeroCommander) 690A VH-YJG landed at Longreach Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Mount Isa.

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 as "Dragon 60" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before returning back to Amberley.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-002 as "Wallaby 57" flew up from Amberley to complete several approaches at Bundaberg Airport and then to one at Taroom before returning to back to Amberley.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and 'AC'  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2026 - Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules Transport Aircraft '734' Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 25 August, it was exciting to see the first movement touch down in support of the upcoming annual Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2026 (XWB26) with The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft '734' spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport after flying down from Darwin as 'SAF9676'. It had arrived there from Singapore the previous day.

It parked on the Northern military hardstand and looked to be loaded with various pieces of equipment.

Of interest, the Herc is one of six C-130H aircraft which are flown by the RSAF's 122 Squadron "Condors" based at the Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) in Singapore.  The squadron goes by the motto of "Dependable".

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 August, C-130H '734' departed to Darwin again as 'SAF9676'.

Local plane spotters are once again on the countdown to the annual Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Exercise Wallaby 2026 (XWB26), which is set to kick off at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) north of Rockhampton from Sunday 6 September until Monday 2 November 2026. 

This year's exercise will be the 36th edition of Exercise Wallaby, which has been held in Central Queensland since 1990, and is the SAF's largest overseas military training exercise. 

It will bring together personnel and equipment from the Singapore Army, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), with training expected to take place over three phases – 6-26 September, 27 September-17 October and 18 October-2 November.

Of particular interest to aviation enthusiasts will be the expected participation of RSAF Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters flown by 120 Squadron 'Kestrel', Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters flown by 127 Squadron 'Stallion' based at Oakey and Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. 

These aircraft are expected to support a range of air-land integrated training activities, including troop transport, heavy lifting and close air support operations. 

As in previous years, Rockhampton Airport is expected to be a hive of activity as personnel and equipment arrive for the exercise, with the possibility of some interesting military transport and heavy cargo and passenger jet aircraft movements in the lead-up to proceedings. 

Hopefully there will be plenty of great aircraft movements for local plane spotters to capture over the coming weeks!

Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

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

All photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 Bizjet VH-JSO Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 24 August, Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO flew up from Canberra to Brisbane, Maryborough, Emerald, Rockhampton, Maryborough, Brisbane and back to Canberra.

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Meanwhile, on Saturday 22 August, Skytraders new Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet VH-VTG as 'SND7' / "Snowbird 7" was back in CQ arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via two approaches before landing.

It parked on the Northern military hardstand and a bit later departed to Bankstown.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-212 "Stallion 46" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 21 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport A41-212 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It was heard to be flying as "Stallion 46" and looked to arrive from RAAF Base Amberley.

As shown, personnel and equipment were loaded and soon after, the Globemaster departed to Townsville.

Also on Friday 21 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Transport Aircraft A97-440 as "Trojan 12" visited Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

As shown, it too transported personnel and equipment up to Townsville.

While Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

And Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 VH-A2N was spotted out and about from the Alliance Airlines hangar at Rockhampton Airport.  There is information around that it is due to complete a test flight or two and eventually position to Brisbane where it should be entering service.

Finally, on Thursday 20 August, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Mitchel 15" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then back to Williamtown.

Later, A30-002 now as "Wedgetail 17" flew back up from Williamtown to complete a couple more missed approaches at Hervey Bay Airport before again returning back to Williamtown.

(It also seems A30-002 but as "Wedgetail 13" completed airwork at Bundaberg Airport on Wednesday 19 August.)

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 51" was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

All photos taken by Steve Vit  © 

Navair Flight Operations P/L Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-DMS Calls into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 18 August, Navair Flight Operations P/L Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS flew up from Cessnock to Mackay Airport and late this afternoon departed there to Alice Springs. It was also noted visiting Mackay Airport last week too.

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Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ departed Longreach Airport to Augathella and Dalby.  It looks like it flew across from Rockhampton Airport and Cloncurry Airport the previous day.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Wedgetail 04" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then down to one at Coffs Harbour and back to Williamtown.

Later, A30-002 now as "Mitchel 07" completed another flight up from Williamtown to complete more airwork at Hervey Bay Airport and then back to Williamtown.

Meanwhile, on Monday 17 August, Australian based but American registered Eclipse Aviation EA550 Very Light jet (VLJ) bizjet N771MT visited Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, on Sunday 16 August, North Queensland Warbirds 1969-built Beech H18 VH-MBU, which had landed at Barcaldine Airport from Quilpie on Saturday, departed Barcaldine Airport for Cairns.

And Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Skytraders NEW Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 Bizjet VH-VTG "Snowbird 7" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Nice!

On Saturday 15 August, Skytraders new Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 bizjet VH-VTG as 'SND7' / "Snowbird 7" made its first visit to Central Queensland landing at Rockhampton Airport after flying down from its current Cairns base.

It then completed some airwork including several missed approaches and touch-and-go approaches before eventually refuelling and heading back to Cairns.

VH-VTG was delivered from the USA via all stops into Cairns at the end of July.

It is reported that a second Challenger will join the fleet with it to be registered VH-VVJ.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Jetstar Airways Airbus Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYC First Visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Saturday 15 August, Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYC made its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It operated as JST836/7 from and back to Brisbane.

VH-OYC was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Hamburg (Germany) in late December 2023 and entered service only a few days after arriving in Australia.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 15 August, and making a 'neo double' was fellow Jetstar Airways Airbus Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYD which also visited Proserpine Airport but from Sydney as JST840/1.  This was not a first visit.

But would've been nice to see two 'neo's' on the ground at once!

File photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-MOU Pops into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 14 August, Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-MOU flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Cairns before later flying down to Sydney.

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And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 421/06" visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 14 August. Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 11" flew up from Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then down to one at Coffs Harbour and then back to Williamtown.

RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-211 as "Stallion 37" flew up from RAAF Base Richmond to into The Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then down to RAAF Base Amberley.

And the two RAAF Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft deployed to Townsville, continue to fly down and complete missions and airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and also West of Townsville as "Reaper" and "Rake".

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Roulettes Aerobatic Display Team Call into Rockhampton Airport and Put on a Spectacular Display - Nice!

On Thursday 13 August, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) elite formation aerobatic display team - the Roulettes - made a welcome visit to Rockhampton Airport, where they were spotted arriving before later taking to the skies to perform an impressive aerobatic display.

The Roulettes arrived into Rockhampton Airport flying their distinctive red and white Pilatus PC-21 turboprop training aircraft, which are operated by the RAAF's Central Flying School based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria.  The seven aircraft that have flown North for their performances have been identified as A54-020, A54-021, A54-023, A54-024, A54-034, A54-035 and A54-044.

The team was visiting Rockhampton as part of a busy week of flying displays across Queensland, having performed at the Brisbane Ekka the previous day and ahead of their scheduled appearance at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast over this coming weekend.

After arriving and parking at Rockhampton Airport, members of the team took the opportunity to meet with local aviation enthusiasts and members of the public at the plane spotters viewing area on Apron Drive.

Then, during the afternoon, six of the Roulettes' PC-21 aircraft took to the skies over Rockhampton Airport for an impressive formation aerobatic display.

The display featured the team's trademark close formation flying, precision manoeuvres and spectacular aerobatics as the aircraft twisted, turned and swept across the Rockhampton skies.

What an awesome sight - and sound!

Following the completion of their display, the Roulettes returned to Rockhampton Airport.  Their visit to Central Queensland was only a brief one, however, with the Roulettes later departing Rockhampton Airport and heading South to the Gold Coast, where they were scheduled to perform at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August.

Of interest, the Roulettes' pilots are highly experienced RAAF flying instructors who perform their aerobatic display duties in addition to their normal instructional roles.

It was certainly a fantastic opportunity for local plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts to see these impressive aircraft up close, as well as witness the outstanding flying skills of some of the RAAF's finest pilots.

A great visit to Rocky by the Roulettes - and hopefully we will see them back in Central Queensland again soon!

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these fantastic photos!

Photos taken by Steve Vit, John Lee and Ash Burggraaff  ©