Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZT (ex 9V-MGN) First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport

On Monday 10 August, Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZT was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland after it was acquired by the airline from Singapore Airlines (SilkAir).

VH-XZT made its first visit to CQ operating into Mackay Airport on the QFA984/5 service from and back to Brisbane.

As mentioned, the B737-800 was previously operated by SilkAir (now merged with Singapore Airlines) as 9V-MGN and was registered to and delivered to Qantas Airways at Alice Springs in February 2026.

In mid-April this year, VH-XZT was ferried across from Alice Springs to Brisbane before it then entered service about a month later. It entered service wearing an all white livery (pictured) and was re-painted in Townsville into the standard 'silver roo' Qantas Airways livery in July. It was also given the name 'Bright'.

It was announced mid-last year that Qantas was to acquire four additional Boeing B737-800 aircraft from to expand capacity as delivery delays impact its new Airbus A321XLR order. The leased jets were previously operated by Singapore Airlines (SilkAir) and would be planned to enter service by the end of 2025.

They are reported to be 9V-MGK (to become VH-XZQ), 9V-MGL (VH-XZR), 9V-MGM (VH-XZS) and 9V-MGN (VH-XZT).  All four have now visited CQ - all at Mackay Airport!

Each will be painted into the Qantas Airways livery and have 'new' interiors fitted prior to them entering service.

File photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-047 & A54-046 Complete Airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) - Plus More!

On Tuesday 4 August, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft were noted completing airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  They were noted to be A54-046 and A54-047 and were heard to be flying as "Reaper".

Both PC-21s are presently deployed to Townsville (pictured) where they arrived a few days ago from RAAF Base Williamtown.

UPDATE!  Later in the week, PC-21s A54-047 as "Rake 11" and A54-046 as "Rake 12" again flew down from Townsville and operated in the Shoalwater Bay area before returning north.  They also returned as "Reaper" once again.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 4 August, RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-211 as "Stallion 34" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then at Emerald and Roma Airports before then returning back to Amberley.

Finally, on a quiet Monday 3 August, Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO landed at Emerald Airport from Bankstown.  It then hopped down to Rolleston Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©

'New' Yulgilbar Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign Bizjet VH-YUL First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 31 July, I find it hard to believe that 'new' Yulgilbar Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-YUL made its first visit to the region, visiting Mackay Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

File photo

Of interest the Citation Sovereign (cn 680-0290) was registered in February 2025 and replaced their Cessna 560 Citation Encore (cn 560-0553) which also wore the registration marking of VH-YUL and then VH-YUI from December 2024 before then being re-registered again in October 2025 as VH-AJ5 also to Yulgilbar Aviation / Australian Corporate Jet Centres.

File photo

While Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU visited Hamilton Island Airport from Essendon.

Belle Boats P/L (Victoria) Cirrus SF50 bizjet VH-L4S visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

And Forster Helicopters (Townsville) Airbus AS350B3e Squirrel helicopter VH-AH5 operated out of Rockhampton Airport as "Firebird 499" with a Bag. 

And Sikorsky EH-60A Black Hawk N61AA was noted passing through Birdsville Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 31 July, Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-A8K as "Wagga Air 669" departed Blackall Airport to a property just northwest of Meandarra and later departed there to Tamworth.

Of interest, on Thursday 30 July, VH-A8K, also as "Wagga Air 669" flew into Blackall Airport from 'Gregory Downs'.

And Crockett Aviation Group / Navair Flight Operations 'new' Beech B200 King Air VH-8EJ as "Navair 173" arrived into Winton Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 3 August, VH-8EJ as "Navair 173" hopped from Winton Airport to Longreach Airport before later departing to Archerfield.

Finally, also on Friday 31 July, a pair of Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200s completed a North to South and vice versa swap via Rockhampton Airport. VH-TQX as SKP541 arrived from Sydney and departed to Cairns but as SKP544, while VH-TQG as SKP543 arrived from Cairns and departed to Sydney but as SKP542.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Lloyd Fox  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-001 as "Envoy 57" Completes Airwork at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 as "Envoy 57" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley and completed three training approaches at Bundaberg Airport before it then returned to Amberley.

File photo

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 28 July, Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO landed at Bundaberg Airport from Canberra.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 July, VH-JSO departed Bundaberg Airport for Toowoomba (City) and Canberra.  

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Mackay Airport from Dalby. VH-JSZ also appeared to visit my local Clermont Aerodrome over the previous weekend.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport arrived from Townsville and departed to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJV First Visit to CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 27 July, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJV was noted to have entered service and flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane. It then departed to Mackay Airport and then Townsville.  This is it's first visit into Central Queensland.

Ian Gains / https://www.airhistory.net/

After spending the day parked, VH-YJV then flew back down to Mackay Airport and then back down to Brisbane.

Of interest, fellow Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJD did the Brisbane to Biloela/ Thangool and Emerald Airport run. It then returned to Brisbane via Rockhampton Airport.

Of further interest, it appears that VH-YJV flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Brisbane via all stops over most of last week.  VH-YJD (UE-210) was previously N210GL of Alpine Air Express in the USA and was flown over to Melbourne (Essendon) where it was placed on the Australian Aircraft Register late last month and into this month.  This is the second 'new' but second-hand Beech 1900D Freight aircraft that GAM are going to take delivery primarily for Queensland operations for Team Global Express.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 27 July, Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS flew up to Mackay from Cessnock.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 July, VH-DMS departed Mackay Airport and returned to Cessnock.

Eagle One Aviation (Navair Flight Operations) Cessna 525B CitiationJet CJ3+ bizjet VH-X8X as "Navair 131" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney.

Elphinstone Group (Tasmania) / Revesco Aviation (WA) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Rockhampton Airport. As mentioned below, VH-UYX had arrived into Hamo during last week.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 July, VH-UYX departed Rockhampton Airport for Burnie in Tasmania.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 242" landed at Dysart Aerodrome from Cairns before later heading across to my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It then returned to Cairns.

The Queensland Government Airwing (State of Queensland) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-SGQ also touched down at Clermont Aerodrome but from Moranbah Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 July, VH-SGQ departed Clermont Aerodrome for Brisbane.

Trailco Australia P/L (Brisbane) Agusta AW119 MKII Helicopter VH-CGW Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 24 July, Trailco Australia P/L (Brisbane) Agusta AW119 MKII helicopter VH-CGW was noted flying down from Hamilton Island Airport to Bundaberg Airport and then points further South.

Cary Aviation / https://www.jetphotos.com/

Meanwhile, on Thursday 23 July, Flight Options (Australia) Learjet 45 bizjet VH-8WK visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY was also noted departing Proserpine Airport for Roma Airport.

While Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport to Bundaberg Airport and the Sunshine Coast. It had flown up on Tuesday 21 July.

As mentioned recently, we probably won't mention the visits of VH-CMK (and other bizjets) much any more with it being a common visitor around once per week.

Finally, also on Tuesday 21 July, Elphinstone Group (Tasmania) / Revesco Aviation (WA) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-UYX flew into Longreach Airport from Sydney. It then continued to Hamilton Island Airport.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C A30-006 Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 22 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 15" flew up RAAF Base Williamtown to a couple of low over shoots at the Sunshine Coast and then at Rockhampton Airport where it was photographed completing a couple of these missed approaches.

Once complete, the Wedgetail then returned to Williamtown.

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) / Royal Netherlands Air Force / NATO Airbus A330-200MRTT T-059 Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Nice!

On Tuesday 21 July, probably one of the best visitors ever seen in the region, was this Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) / Koninklijke Luchtmacht (Royal Netherlands Air Force) / NATO Airbus A330-200MRTT with serial T-059 which was flying as "Gryphon 31" and completed several approaches at Rockhampton Airport.

The MRTT is in Australia as a part of Exercise Pitch Black 2026 which is the large‑scale, multinational air combat training exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), involving around 20–21 nations, up to 100 aircraft, and more than 2,500 personnel operating across RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley.

The MRTT is part of the Exercise refuelling aircraft based at RAAF Base Amberley and it flew up from there to Rockhampton Airport to complete an initial and pitch approach and then did five touch and go's and a low over pass before it later departed back to Amberley. 

What an awesome visitor! On departure back to Amberley the pilot said "A million thanks for that" to which the Rockhampton Airport Air Traffic Control tower replied "You're welcome any time".  Indeed they are!

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Steve Vit  ©

Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' Training Helicopters N52-102 & N52-104 Both Arrive into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Sunday 19 July, a pair of Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' training helicopters were noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport. They were identified as N52-102 and N52-104 and looked to fly up from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre as "Jackal".

File photo

Then on Monday 20 July, the H135 helicopters N52-102 and N52-104 again as "Jackal" departed Rockhampton Airport and flew into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back twice.

During the afternoon, N52-102 as "Warhorse 35" flew a long maintenance flight up to the North-West and back.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 21 July, they again completed a flight to the Bay and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Jackal".

Also on Monday 20 July, New Zealand Aerospace (Pacific Aerospace) CT/4A Airtrainer VH-APV (ex RAAF A19-074) flew down from Mareeba to Mackay Airport.

Orange Helicopters operated Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N711BF, which had started the day at Orange this morning, landed at Longreach Airport and then departed to Mount Isa.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 73" visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Cairns. Plus fellow McDermott Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as "Machflight 421" landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Mount Coolon.

Photo taken by Darren Massie  ©

S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XPA Calls into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 19 July, S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA flew into Hamilton Island Airport from the Gold Coast and Sydney.

File photo

It then returned to the Gold Coast.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL had a busy weekend visiting Mackay Airport and Rockhampton Airport while flying between Brisbane and Townsville and Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Monday 20 July, VH-AVL returned to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

Photo taken by Glenn Lloyd  ©

Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZJ Calls into Hamilton Island Airport After Re-paint - Plus More!

On Friday 17 July, Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZJ was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland since it was disappointingly re-painted in the basic 'silver roo' Qantas livery. It looked to complete the QFA578/9 service to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Sydney.

VH-XZJ was originally delivered to Qantas in late 2013 wearing a special Aboriginal art colour scheme called 'Mendoowoorrji'.

The aircraft recently underwent planned maintenance and was re-painted in Townsville after it ferried up from Brisbane on Saturday 20 June with it returning to Brisbane in its new livery as shown above on Sunday 5 July.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 17 July, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield and later flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

And Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQG was noted operating the SKP85/6 service to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Cairns. A rare visit!

Finally, on Thursday 16 July, Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM arrived into Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield and later departed to the Gold Coast.

Photo taken by Frank Curtis  ©

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 Bizjet VH-WMY Calls into the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour - Plus More!

On Wednesday 15 July, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew down from to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour to Horsham.  It looked to fly up from Melbourne (Essendon), Stawell and Roma Airports the previous day.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Friday 17 July, VH-WMY flew up from Adelaide (Parafield) to Shute Harbour and then in afternoon flew down to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

This will probably be the last time we report on this once-per-week visitor the region...    

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 as "Envoy 30" flew up from Canberra to overhead Charleville Airport where it then turned south-east and descended to complete a missed approach at St George and then flew to land at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport. It then departed to Canberra.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 16 July, A56-003 this time as "Envoy 42" again flew up from Canberra to complete a missed approach at Coffs Harbour and then to land at Bundaberg Airport. It then returned to Canberra.

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-003 as "Envoy 35" Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 14 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 as "Envoy 35" was spotted at Longreach Airport after arriving from Canberra.

It later departed back to there.

UPDATE!  A56-003 visited CQ a couple more times during the week - see Blog post above!

While RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 04" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then returned to Williamtown. 

And Queensland based American-registered Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N227SL flew up from Archerfield to Rockhampton Airport but due to fog there it diverted up to Townsville. During the afternoon, it arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then a bit later departed to Archerfield.

Photo taken by Liam Sellick  ©

Real Time Aviation - Brisbane - Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Calls into my local Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Monday 13 July, and given our recent post about common movements, the familiar sight of Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was back yet again flying from Archerfield and Dalby to my local Clermont Aerodrome.  It was planned to return South on Tuesday 14 July.

File photo

UPDATE!   On Wednesday 15 July, VH-JSZ appeared to fly back up from Archerfield to Dalby and then Moura and Springsure Airports before returning back South yet again on Thursday 16 July.

This will almost certainly be the final time we report on VH-JSZ...  

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba and Cairns.

While Nexus Airlines Dash-8-Q400 VH-8XC as CT802 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Horn Island and Cairns on the school-holiday charter run.  It then departed to Brisbane as CT805.

And several interstate light aircraft who landed at Emerald Airport over the weekend departed there together heading up Shute Harbour. NSW based Cessna 172 VH-NLS, Beech Bonanza VH-ANX and Piper Cherokee VH-FGE, along with WA based Piper Saratoga VH-NJD and ACT based Piper Cherokee VH-IAL were all noted. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 13 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as Wedgetail 01 flew up from Williamtown to a missed approach at Sunshine Coast then up to three low over shoots at Rockhampton Airport before returning to Williamtown.

Later A30-006 now as "Wedgetail 03" flew up to complete airwork at Bundaberg Airport.

And fellow Wedgetail A30-001 as "Mitchell 02" flew up from Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before returning to Williamtown.

Finally, on Sunday 12 July, RAAF Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-450 as ASY655 flew down from Townsville and completed low level work in the Humboldt National Park between Humboldt and Rolleston.

An important announcement about the future of the CQ Plane Spotting Blog main site!

Due to the limited time in my life with a full-time job, wife, kids and other personal pursuits, the time that I can spend writing posts for the CQ Plane Spotting Blog main site has significantly diminished in recent times.

Consequently, moving forward, the only details of aircraft movements that will be posted on here will be of a significant nature - for example, first visits of aircraft and airframes as well as significant military and general charter flights - plus news that affects airports and aircraft based in the region.

I find a lot of movements of some aircraft repetitive with the same corporate business jets and prop aircraft visiting 1-2 times per week each week. The mentions of these aircraft will most likely cease from now on with possibly the occasional mention in passing relating to other significant movements as mentioned above.

Please understand the CQ Plane Spotting Blog main site will not be closing - it will just be a source of significant and important movements and news information moving forward.

Posts, including photos, will continue to appear on a daily or even more frequent basis on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting

Thanks Damian F.

Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX N512EX Calls into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 11 July, Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Grand Caravan EX N512EX was noted landing at Emerald Airport from Archerfield.  It then headed South-East to a nearby property for a demonstration before returning to Emerald Airport and then up to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 12 July, N512EX looked to return to Emerald Airport where it then stayed until early August!

While Leppington Pastoral Co. (NSW) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i VH-JET departed Longreach Airport for the North-West.  It subsequently ended up at Hamilton Island Airport.

And Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 King Air 350i VH-8TT is currently based out of Rockhampton Airport and completed local aerial survey flights.  It appears to have arrived the previous day from Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 12 July, VH-8TT completed more aerial survey flights out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-ACC Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 9 July, Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC popped into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.

File photo

Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM which had landed at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport at the start of the week, hopped from there to Hamilton Island Airport and then later departed to Canberra.

While Navair Flight Operations Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown).

And South Australia-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-UXF continues to make weekly visits up from Adelaide and Maitland to Collinsville Aerodrome (yesterday) and then Proserpine Airport (today) and back.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 8 July, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) GA8 Airvan VH-MFI and Cessna 172 VH-WMC landed at Longreach Airport from Barkley Wayside Inn and Mount Isa.

Finally, on Thursday 9 July, an ex-Jetstar Asia Airbus A320-200 N300XT departed storage at Alice Springs for Cairns and then the USA.

It was previously registered as 9V-JSY and 9V-TRD with Tigerair/Scoot and was ferried into Alice Springs in October 2025 with plans for it to be placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-X3R and enter service with Jetstar Australia - which obviously did not occur.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Jonathan Williams  ©

A Pair of Australian Army CH-47F Chinook Helicopters A15-307 "Salty 47" & A15-306 "Easy 328" Spotted at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 7 July, a pair of Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters were spotted at Mackay Airport.  They appear to have flown down from Townsville via completing air work individually in the Whitsundays – at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Hamilton Island Airport – before continuing down to Mackay Airport.

The two Chinooks from the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville, where identified as A15-307 which flew as "Salty 47" and A15-306 as "Easy 328".

After some time on the ground, both Chinooks departed for Townsville with A15-307 "Salty 47" again completing air work at Hamilton Island Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 7 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 as "Dragon 25" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley and parked on taxiway Juliet. A bit later it departed to the North and completed a missed approach at Townsville before then returning to Amberley.

Finally, on the civilian side of movements, also on Tuesday 7 July, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying across to Ayers Rock. It later returned to the Sunshine Coast.

Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF flew up from Archerfield to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Adelaide.

Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD departed Hamilton Island Airport for the Sunshine Coast. It had arrived on Saturday 4 July from Port Macquarie and Rockhampton Airport.

Mabena P/L (Wagga Air Centre) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-A8K as "Wagga Air 669" appeared to fly South from a property near Dysart.  It had earlier flown up from Archerfield and also from Wagga Wagga the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 8 July VH-A8L 'WA669' was again noted flying in the region ultimately arriving into Longreach Airport.  Then on Thursday 9 July, it departed Longreach Airport for Isisford, Wrotham Park and then Cairns.

Photos taken by Graham Kevin Jackson  ©

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM Group) (Team Global Express) Raytheon 1900D VH-YJD Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 6 July, and possibly entering service in its own right, was General Aviation Maintenance (GAM Group) (Team Global Express) Raytheon 1900D VH-YJD.

It flew up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport and Townsville as 'GA845' / "Gamair 845" and was due to return South from Townsville to Brisbane via only Mackay Airport on Monday evening as 'GA847'.

Of interest, VH-YJD has been noted completing several training and test flights between Brisbane and Maryborough Airport in recent weeks with still the occasional run out to Emerald Airport in place of the  Cessna 208 Caravan VH-UJK.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 6 July, Albury-based Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO visited the region again this time arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra and Brisbane and then later departing to Bundaberg Airport.

Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM departed Archerfield for Canberra before then flying up to Hamilton Island Airport and then across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP departed Hamilton Island Airport to Melbourne (Avalon).  It seems to have flown up from Mildura on Thursday 2 July.

While Arbormeta P/L (Byron Bay) Gippsaero GA8-TC 320 Airvan VH-AUM flew up from Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway to Emerald Airport before continuing to Mareeba and Cairns.

And Parklea (Air Services) (of Victoria) Leonardo AW109SP helicopter VH-87M was spotted at Longreach Airport after earlier arriving from Winton.

Finally, over the weekend, on Saturday 4 July, Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Port McQuarrie and then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

Photos taken by Lloyd Fox and Liam Sellick  ©

Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Saturday 4 July, Port Macquarie Helicopters / Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-8DD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Port McQuarrie.

File photo

It later departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 4 July, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614"  flew up from Brisbane to Moranbah Airport and then Cairns before later flying down to Blackall Airport and then Rockhampton Airport and then back to Brisbane.

We don't mention the LifeFlight Challengers much any more but they are still regular visitors to CQ Airports!

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

New Zealand-registered Cirrus SR22 ZK-LDY and Vans RV-6 ZK-VRV Call in Together to CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 3 July, New Zealand-registered Cirrus SR22 ZK-LDY together with Vans RV-6 ZK-VRV, where both across from NZ to Archerfield on Wednesday, flew up from there to Gladstone Airport and then the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  Over the subsequent weekend, they departed to Pinnarendi.

If you're interested in following their tour(s), both pilots are running a couple of blogs, feel free to take a look...

Andrew: https://nzcirruspilot.com/trans-tasman/

Peter: https://merwood.blogspot.com/

Finally, on Thursday 2 July, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 06" flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport and then down to Sunshine Coast.

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Mildura.

UPDATE!  On Monday 6 July, VH-LEP departed Hamo for Melbourne (Avalon).

And Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-EJT visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Bankstown.

New Virgin Australia Boeing B737-8MAX VH-8VD First Visit into CQ at Mackay Airport - UPDATED!

On Friday 3 July, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-8MAX VH-8VD was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Mackay Airport. It operated as VOZ609/610 from and back to Brisbane.

Photo updated!

VH-8VD was delivered into Brisbane from the USA at the start of June.  It then entered service a week later on Monday 8 June.

The aircraft was named 'Fairhaven Beach' and is the 19th B737-8MAX delivered to Virgin Australia.

Nice!

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

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

On Wednesday 1 July, Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Thursday 2 July, VH-JSO departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Friday 3 July, VH-JSO departed Maryborough Airport for Canberra.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 1 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 as "Envoy 99" flew up from Canberra to a missed approach at Emerald Airport and then returned to Canberra.

Finally, very late on Tuesday 30 June, Southern Air Services Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-APJ arrived into Longreach Airport from Dubbo.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

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

On Tuesday 30 June, Navair Flight Operations P/L new Pilatus PC-24 bizjet VH-DMS visited Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

File photo

While a trio of bizjets visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" and McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 06" both arrived from and departed back to Brisbane while Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X flew up from Bankstown before then flying down to Sydney.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 1 July, VH-87X visited Mackay Airport from Bankstown.

And Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew up to Mackay Airport from Orange and the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 2 July, VH-CMK returned South from Mackay Airport back to the Sunny Coast and Orange.

Finally, also on Tuesday 30 June, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast as JTE440/1.

And Nexus Airlines (Aviair) Dash-8-Q400 VH-8XC completed a flight to Roma Airport from and back to Brisbane as CT811/2.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 62" at CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 29 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 62" landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Canberra via Coffs Harbour on what appears to be a training flight.  It then departed to Hamilton Island Airport via overheard Emerald before later heading up to Townsville via airwork at Cairns.

File photo

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 30 June, A62-001 as "Envoy 62" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport before it later departed to the Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 29 June, Black Edge Aviation (Scone) Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter N274TH landed at Charleville Airport from Scone and before it then headed up towards Longreach Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 30 June, Black Hawk N274TH departed Longreach Airport for Mount Isa, Katherine and Darwin. 

It also seems that Kahu NZ Sikorsky EH-60A Black Hawk helicopter ZK-HKU flew North-West from Roma Airport also heading up towards the North of Australia.

Finally, on Sunday 28 June, Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQA as SXI2622 departed Brisbane for Darwin and then overseas eventually for scrapping.  

File photo

Of interest, the final revenue service that VH-UQA looked to operate was on Tuesday 3 March into Rockhampton Airport from and back to Brisbane on behalf of Virgin Australia as VOZ1245/1248.

Photo taken by Jamie C  ©

First Call Helicopter Corp Aerospatiale SA-330J Puma Helicopter N814AR Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Saturday 27 June, a nice big rotary-wing visitor to the region in the form of First Call Helicopter Corp Aerospatiale SA-330J Puma helicopter N814AR was noted passing through a couple of Central Queensland Airports.

It looked to fly up from Archerfield (pictured) to Gladstone Airport and the Mackay Airport before continuing up to Cairns.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 28 June, N814AR continued from Cairns to Coen and Horn Island.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 27 June, a familiar visitor the region in the form of Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ was back again flying up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport then West to Longreach Airport.

On Sunday 28 June, VH-JSZ departed Longreach Airport and returned to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 30 June, VH-JSZ flew back up to Mackay Airport from Archerfield and Dalby and is due to return to Archerfield later.

And Angel Flight Cessna 414 VH-AF4 flew up from Archerfield to Barcaldine Airport and a bit later did some airwork there.

Photo taken by Craig Murray  ©

QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A (Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa) First Visit to Mackay Airport on a Diversion - Plus More!

On Friday 26 June, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A was flying from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport as QLK1592 but was unable to land there and diverted to Mackay Airport - the first ever visit by an Airbus A220 into Mackay Airport.

File photo

It later continued from Mackay Airport to Hamo as QLK1592 and then returned to Brisbane as per normal, albeit a little late!

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQX was noted operating the SKP85/6 service to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Cairns. A rare visit!

While Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-EJT flew across from Alpha Aerodrome to Emerald Airport. It looked to earlier fly up from Warwick.

And Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Cessna 172 VH-MAO and Gippsland GA-8 Airvan VH-MFI departed Longreach Airport for Richmond and Mareeba.  It looks like they had arrived into Longreach Airport on Wednesday 24 June from Barkley Downs and Mount Isa.

Meanwhile, on Thursday 25 June, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF was heading up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport but half way it turned back to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 June, VH-EGF landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Cairns. 

And Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Thursday 25 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 61" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a touch-and-go at Rockhampton Airport before returning down to Amberley for more.

Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' training helicopter N52-103 as "Warhorse 33" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Oakey and this afternoon departed back to there but as "Warhorse 34".

Photo taken by Bernie Proctor  ©

New Virgin Australia Boeing B737-8MAX VH-8VF First Visit into CQ at Mackay Airport - UPDATED!

On Friday 26 June, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-8MAX VH-8VF was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Mackay Airport. It operated as VOZ601/604 from and back to Brisbane.

Photo updated!

VH-8VF was delivered into Brisbane from the USA only last weekend. It then entered service only two days ago on Wednesday 24 June.

The aircraft was named 'Binalong Bay' and is the 20th B737-8MAX delivered to Virgin Australia.

Nice!

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

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

On Thursday 25 June, Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OFS made its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It operated as JST832/3 from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

VH-OFS was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Hamburg in Germany in March 2023 and entered service later in that month.

File photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-002 "Envoy 61" Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 24 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-002 as "Envoy 61" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Canberra and a bit later departed back to there.

File photo

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 55" landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Canberra and a bit later departed to Coffs Harbour.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Sunshine Coast. Later, VH-PIY again as "Machflight 41" flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

And GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 161" looked to arrive into Rockhampton Airport from Bankstown

UPDATE!  On Thursday 25 June, VH-IEQ "Navair 161" departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Bankstown.

Photo taken by Peter Sajko  ©

New Zealand Aerospace (Pacific Aerospace) CT/4A Airtrainer VH-APV (ex RAAF A19-074) Passes Through Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 23 June, New Zealand Aerospace (Pacific Aerospace) CT/4A Airtrainer VH-APV flew into Emerald Airport from Mareeba. It was spotted at Cairns yesterday. Of interest, VH-APV previously flew with the RAAF as A19-074.

And Careflight (NT) Hawker Beechcraft B200 King Air VH-ZCI as "Careflight 26" landed at Longreach Airport from Darwin and then departed to Toowoomba.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©