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  ©

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  ©

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  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 49" Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 22 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as  "Envoy 49" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Canberra and RAAF Base Amberley and later departed to Canberra via a missed approach at Tamworth.

File photo

Meanwhile, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 20" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then flew back to Williamtown.

Finally, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were noted completing airwork around the region while on late flights out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.  A34-002 as KAOS12 and A34-005 as KAOS13 both complete airwork around Taroom and then Bundaberg Airports.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB Diverts into Rockhampton Airport with Hydraulic Problem - Plus More!

On Monday 22 June, National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QB as JTE342 flying up from Brisbane to Moranbah Airport but after holding due to low cloud there, then diverted to Rockhampton Airport with a reported hydraulic problem on the left side. It landed safely with the local fire trucks on standby and they followed it from touchdown to the Bay. Later the aircraft was towed to the Alliance Airlines Hanger.

File photo

During the afternoon National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-8QA as JTE504 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Moranbah Airport as JTE342 before returning to Brisbane as JTE505.  Fellow NJE Dash-8-Q400 VH-IYK also completed a run to Moranbah Airport from and back to Brisbane as JTE352/3.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 June, VH-8QB departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane as JTE505.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 22 June, re-registered SHM Aviation P/L / LifeFlight Commercial Ltd Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3+ VH-SHM visited Maryborough Airport from Archerfield.

Of interest VH-SHM was previously registered as VH-TCS and was re-registered across March and April this year.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 June, VH-SHM visited Mackay Airport also from Archerfield.

Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC had a busy day, flying up to Blackall Airport from Archerfield and Roma Airports before then returning to Archerfield.  It then departed to Dubbo before returning to Blackall Airport and then flying back to Archerfield. 

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield. 

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 June, VH-JSZ departed Clermont Aerodrome to Natal Downs and then down to Dalby and Archerfield.

Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" flew up from Archerfield to Bundaberg Airport and then Hamilton Island Airport before later reversing the flight.

And Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-EZJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville and then departed to Archerfield.

Plus LifeFlight Agusta A109SP helicopter VH-XNR was noted flying out of Maryborough Airport.

Finally, over the weekend on Saturday 20 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.  It also visited Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast on Friday 19 June. 

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" visited Roma Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

New QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4L Makes First Visit into Central Queensland at Hamilton Island Airport - UPDATED!

On Friday 19 June, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) brand spanking new Airbus A220-300 VH-X4L made its first visit into Central Queensland visiting Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Brisbane as QLK1592/3.

Photo updated!

VH-X4L is the 12th A220-300 to be delivered to National Jet Systems at Canberra after it ferried across from Airbus Canada at Montreal Mirabel at the end of last month.  It entered service with Qantas / QantasLink just over a fortnight ago.

Continuing the theme of the A220s being named after native Australian wildlife, VH-X4L wears the name 'Blue Tongue Lizard'.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

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

On Thursday 18 June, Albury-based Textron (Cessna) 525 CitationJet M2 bizjet VH-JSO landed at Rolleston Aerodrome from Canberra and the Sunshine Coast. 

File photo

UPDATE!  On Friday 19 June, Citation VH-JSO departed Rolleston Aerodrome for Emerald Airport and then back down to Canberra.

While Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY as 'AL416' / "Aerolink 416" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before it then departed to Horn Island as 'AL878'.  It later flew to Cairns and back to Brisbane as AL879/880.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Mitchell 06" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete to a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport and then down to one at Tamworth and back to Williamtown. 

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 04" Does Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 17 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-005 as "Wedgetail 04" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete four missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to Williamtown.

While Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air A32-670 as "Aussie 617" landed at Emerald Airport from RAAF Base East Sale and Canberra before it then departed to Townsville and then since started heading towards Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

And Brisbane-based Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8DF (I'd love to say my personal ride!) visited Rolleston Aerodrome from Archerfield.

Photo taken by John Lee  ©

A Pair of RAAF Super King Air Turboprops A32-651 & A32-988 Both Complete Airwork & Land at CQ Airports - UPDATED!

On Monday 15 June, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops were noted completing airwork and landing at some Central Queensland Airports.

A32-988 as "Hudson 14" and then A32-651 as "Hudson 07" both flew up from RAAF Base East Sale to Dubbo and then Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 16 June, A32-651 "Hudson 07" and A32-988 "Hudson 14" both departed Rockhampton Airport to Longreach Airport via an approach at Emerald Airport.  During the afternoon, both King Airs departed Longreach Airport for the Sunshine Coast via an approach at Roma Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 16 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft A97-449 as "Trojan 55" flew up from RAAF Base Richmond to complete several approaches at Tamworth, one at RAAF Base Amberley, three at Rockhampton Airport, one at Townsville and then onwards to land at Cairns.

Photo taken by Liam Sellick  ©

Green Sky Aviation (USA) Gulfstream GV-SP (G550) Bizjet N671LE Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 16 June, Green Sky Aviation of Florida in the USA Gulfstream GV-SP (G550) bizjet N671LE flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns (pictured) after it had earlier arrived from overseas.

Its exact movements are unfortunately not fully known.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and then the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Interair (Essendon) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU at Rockhampton Airport Completing Aerial Survey Flights - Plus More!

On Sunday 14 June, Interair (Essendon) Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU completed an aerial survey flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

It has been operating out of Rockhampton Airport for some time.

While Flight One (Services) Cessna 172s VH-NOR, VH-LOK and VH-EOV departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then Archerfield.  They had arrived into Rocky yesterday afternoon from Mackay Airport.  

All three Cessnas had flown up on Friday 12 June from Archerfield to Biloela / Thangool Airport and then Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

Finally, on Saturday 13 June, NSW based Blue Sky Airways' Piper PA-31-350 Navajo VH-MKC flew up from Cessnock to complete airwork at Tamworth and then to land at Roma Airport.  It then departed and completed more airwork at Emerald Airport and then to land at Clermont Aerodrome.  VH-MKC then continued on to Mareeba.

File photo taken by David Treddle  ©

United States Air Force (USAF) Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit 'Stealth Bomber' 88-0328 as 'SMOG11' Spotted Over Rockhampton - Plus More!

On Thursday 11 June, United States Air Force (USAF) Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit 'stealth bomber' 88-0328 as 'SMOG11' flew up from RAAF Base Amberley and was photographed circling overhead Rockhampton while it waited for air-to-air fuel tanker support.

It is believed the 32-year-old multi role heavy bomber to be from the USAF Global Strike Command - 509th Bomb Wing -13th Bomb Squadron - based out of at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.  It is believed to have flown across from there the previous day touching down at Amberley in the wee small hours of Thursday morning.

Defence image...

UPDATE!  Once returning from its sortie, the B-2 departed Amberley and returned back to Whiteman AFB.

Meanwhile, after the B-2 completed a couple of circuits, USAF Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 59-1502 was spotted also overhead Rockhampton after it too flew up from Amberley but as "FRESH33".

Both aircraft continued North.

Of interest, another two KC-135R Refuellers also arrived into Amberley in support of the B-2 deployment with 58-0050 "Fresh 31" and 58-0104 "Fresh 32" also touching down.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 11 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-211 as "Stallion 45" looked to have completed low level airwork around Fraser Island.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 06" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast then departed to Mareeba and then back to Sunshine Coast.

VIP Aviation (A.C.T.) / Australian Corporate Jet Centres (Melbourne) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG flew down from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to Melbourne (Essendon). It had arrived from there on Wednesday 10 June.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Dan B for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Daniel Bishop  ©