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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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  ©

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8s at a Couple of CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 10 June, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8Q200 VH-TQX as SKP551 landed at Longreach Airport from Ballera.  It had flown to there from Moomba as SKP136.

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VH-TQX later departed Longreach Airport for Cairns.

Also Skytrans Dash-8-100 VH-QQB as SKP532 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and a bit later fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQC departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns as SKP531. 

Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport, the Sunshine Coast and Orange. It appeared to arrive from these places on Monday 8 June.

Southern Air Services Piper PA-46-701TP Malibu VH-8CX landed at Longreach Airport from Dalby.

And new Pilatus PC-12/47G PRO N81DW visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Finally, on a quiet Tuesday 9 June, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

Photo taken by Bernie Proctor  ©

Three RAAF Super King Air Turboprops A32-671, A32-021 & A32-670 All Complete Airwork & Land at CQ Airports - UPDATED!

On Tuesday 9 June, three Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air turboprops were noted completing airwork and landing at some Central Queensland Airports.

A32-671 as "Beaufort 01" flew up from RAAF Base East Sale via Canberra and Tamworth to Townsville.  While A32-021 as "Hudson 28" and A32-670 as "Hudson 27" both also flew up from East Sale but to Dubbo and then Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 10 June, A32-021 as "Hudson 28" and A32-670 as "Hudson 27" departed Rockhampton Airport to Longreach Airport via a touch and go at Emerald Airport.  They both then departed to the Sunshine Coast via a touch and go at Taroom. 

While also on Wednesday 10 June, A32-671 as "Beaufort 01" departed Townsville to Weipa.

Photo taken by Liam Sellick  ©

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

On Monday 8 June, Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-MOU was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

It then departed to Brisbane.

And Torres Strait Air Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2A-27 Islander VH-TRS landed at Emerald Airport from Charters Towers Aerodrome.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-8GK Pops into Rockhampton and Longreach Airports

On Sunday 7 June, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-8GK arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

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It then departed to Longreach Airport before it then continued to Alice Springs.

And Machjet (Machjet International) Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-SIY as "Machflight 01" visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  

Meanwhile, Flyon Helicopters in Mackay has taken delivery of AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew helicopter VH-NZU with it noted flying around the region this week.  We assume it will replace previous similar older AW109 helicopters on their marine pilot transfer flights they complete from Mackay Airport and then out to ships out to sea.

UPDATE!  It also appears that Flyon has also taken delivery of Agusta AW109SP helicopter VH-NZW which is currently registered to PHI International Australia in Western Australia - what looks like a significant helicopter operator in the West.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

HELIVIDA Indonesia Aerospatiale AS350BA Ecureuil Helicopter PK-HCY Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Friday 5 June, HELIVIDA Indonesia Aerospatiale AS350BA Ecureuil helicopter PK-HCY was noted flying North from the Sunshine Coast to Gladstone Airport and then Mackay Airport.

It had flown down to Sunshine Coast in October 2024.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 6 June, AS350 PK-HCY departed Mackay Airport to Townsville and Cooktown. 

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 3 June, former Stirling Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N137WZ was spotted passing through Emerald Airport.  It arrived from the Sunshine Coast and then departed to Longreach Airport.

It is also believed that Touchdown Helicopters Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N4875A passed through Birdsville Airport while ferrying from Shell Harbour in NSW to Indonesia for their firefighting season.

While Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 Citation Jet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Dalby to Mackay and Collinsville Airports and then Natal Downs and this afternoon reversed the flight. 

VIP Aviation (A.C.T.) / Australian Corporate Jet Centres (Melbourne) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-EXG visited Mackay Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).  

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 June, VH-EXG flew up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Essendon.  On Monday 8 June, VH-EXG departed Prosie and flew back to Essendon.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 01" flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork at Maryborough Airport.  It then returned to the Sunshine Coast. 

At the same time, fellow McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It then returned south to Brisbane but as "Machflight 01". 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 6 June, Citation VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.  Then in the afternoon, Citation VH-PIY now as "Machflight 01" flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane then flew down to the Sunshine Coast.

And now former Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 now registered N770XT (ex 9V-JSX/VH-X3P) departed Alice Springs to Cairns.  

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 June, A320 N770XT departed Cairns to Kiribati and Honolulu.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Jonathan Williams  ©

Virgin Australia Boeing B737-8MAX VH-8VE First Visit into CQ at Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 4 June, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-8MAX VH-8VE was spotted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Rockhampton Airport.  It operated as VOZ1231/4 from and back to Brisbane.

VH-8VE was delivered into Brisbane from the USA on at the end of last month.  It only entered service yesterday on Wednesday 3 June.

The aircraft was named 'Kingscliff Beach' and is the 18th B737-8MAX delivered to Virgin Australia.

Nice!

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Nexus Airlines (Aviair) Dash-8-Q400 VH-8XC Starts FIFO Charter Flights to Moranbah Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 2 June, Western Australia based Nexus Airlines (Aviair) Dash-8-Q400 VH-8XC started a new Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights run between Brisbane and Moranbah Airport - as pictured below.

It flew up and back as CT865/6 and is due to return to Moranbah Airport again early on Wednesday 3 June as CT861/2 - as pictured below.

Of interest, VH-8XC flew across from Perth to Brisbane via Ayers Rock over the weekend as CT602 - as pictured below.

Nexus Airlines is an Australian regional airline based in Kununurra, Western Australia. A subsidiary of the HMC Group, it commenced operations in July 2023 and operates in Western Australia and formerly the Northern Territory.  This is its first foray outside of WA.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 2 June, another (not quite) first-time visitor to the region was Crockett Aviation Group / Navair Flight Operations 'new' Beech B200 King Air VH-8EJ as "Navair 179" which looked to fly up to Moranbah Airport from Archerfield and Brisbane before later flying down to the Sunshine Coast and back to Archerfield.  VH-8EJ was registered in March and looked to complete a couple of test flights including one to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport late last month. 

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 as "Envoy 05" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley on a reported training flight and a bit later, it departed to Canberra.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Dylan Hardie  ©

Melbourne-based Raytheon Hawker 800XP Bizjet VH-OFJ Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 1 June, ADD Aviation Services / CML No.1 P/L Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ visited Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane.

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

Parklea (Air Services) (of Victoria) Leonardo AW109SP helicopter VH-87M landed at Gladstone Airport from the Sunshine Coast before it then departed to Hamilton Island Airport.

While new and just registered to Sutcliffe P/L Mackay, Tecnam P-2012 VH-HID, which landed in country last night from Norfolk Island into Brisbane and then the Gold Coast, departed to Goldie for Mackay Airport.

Finally, on Sunday 31 May, Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQG arrived into Roma Airport from Cairns before then departing to Sydney all as SKP552.