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  ©

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.

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.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

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.

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  ©

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  ©

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  ©

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  ©

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.

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.

File photo

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.

File photo

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.

Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet VH-VGX at Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Saturday 30 May, Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express bizjet VH-VGX flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport.  It had flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) the previous day.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 31 May, VH-VGX departed Mackay Airport and returned to Essendon.

Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Essendon).

Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ visited Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via Townsville.

And Jampair P/L (Navair Flight Operations) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300E bizjet VH-NSQ as "Navair 131" flew up to Mackay Airport from Bankstown.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

THREE Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' Training Helicopters Arrive into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Thursday 28 May, three Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' training helicopters were noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport as "Jackal" after flying up from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.  They have been identified as N52-101, N52-102 and N52-103 and were parked up for the night.

Then on Friday 29 May, the three H135 helicopters again as "Jackal" flew out of Rockhampton Airport to The Glen Airfield within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back to Rocky.  

They later all returned down to Oakey - N52-101 was noted on radar flying as "Warhorse 27".

Meanwhile, also on Friday 29 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 89" flew up from Canberra to land at Coffs Harbour and Bundaberg Airport before it then returned to Canberra via a missed approach at Tamworth. 

RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-675 as "Hudson 25", which landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from RAAF Base East Sale late yesterday, departed back to East Sale.

Finally, also on Friday 29 May, Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC departed Hamilton Island Airport for Archerfield.  It appears to have arrived into Hamo from Archerfield via Brisbane at the start of the week.

GBJ Nominees (Navair Flight Operations) Textron (Cessna) 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-IEQ as "Navair 161" looked to arrive into Emerald Airport from Bankstown.  It then departed to Cairns.

And Cairns-based Air Tour Australia Beech B200 King Air VH-LOA visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

Photos taken by Darren Massie  ©

General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJD Spotted at Emerald Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 28 May, General Aviation Maintenance (GAM) / Team Global Express Raytheon 1900D Freighter VH-YJD was spotted completing testing at Emerald Airport.

It had earlier flown in from Brisbane via Biloela / Thangool Airport and then later departed back to Brisbane.

It also seems that VH-YJD completed a test flight to Maryborough Airport from and back to Brisbane on Wednesday 27 May.

This is the first time we have seen the 'new' but second-hand Beech 1900D Freight aircraft that GAM are going to take delivery primarily for Queensland operations for Team Global Express.  VH-YJD (UE-254) was previously N254GL 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.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 28 May, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) Central Operations Pilatus PC-24 Jet VH-FMP as "Flydoc 802" visited Rockhampton Airport from Alice Springs.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service / Coulson Aviation (Australia) Cessna 560 Citation VH-VJO as "Firescan 201" landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed to complete airwork to the North-East of Gladstone before then heading South to the Sunshine Coast.  It was also noted at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport the previous day.

And McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 06" flew into Hamilton Island Airport from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.  It then returned directly to the Sunny Coast.

Finally, also on Thursday 28 May, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-213 as "Stallion 64" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Hamilton Island Airport and then Mackay Airport before it then flew back to Amberley. 

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

ConocoPhillips Company Gulfstream G-VII (G600) Bizjet N795CP Spotted at Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 27 May, ConocoPhillips Company Gulfstream G-VII (G600) bizjet N795CP was spotted at Gladstone Airport.  It appears to have visited from Brisbane.

While Cirrus SR22T N312GM flew into Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from the Gold Coast. It later flew across to Maryborough Airport and then back to the Goldie.

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQG flew across from Ballera to Longreach Airport and then to Cairns as SKP551.

Finally, this week, Alliance Airlines Embraer E-190 VH-A2N was spotted still parked at Rockhampton Airport after arriving into the country some time ago.

As shown, it still remains without engines...

Photos taken by 'AC' and John Lee  ©