Jetstar Airways Airbus Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OYR First Visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 6 March, Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OYR made its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It operated as JST840/1 from and back to Sydney.

VH-OYR was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Hamburg, Germany in late October 2024 and entered service at the end of that month.

Of interest, making it a double, also on Friday 6 March, fellow Jetstar A321 VH-VWX was back at Proserpine Airport operating the JST832/3 service from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

Would have been a great sight to see two A321s on the deck at the same time!

File photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 Bizjet VH-LEP at Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 6 March, Linfox Global Charter / Air National Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP was noted departing Hamilton Island Airport for Melbourne (Essendon).

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It had flown up from there earlier in the week on Tuesday 3 March.

And Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) via Sydney.  It later departed back directly to Moorabbin.

Photo taken by Nick Sainsbury  ©

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-X3C (ex 9V-JSL) Makes First Visit to CQ at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport

On Thursday 5 March, Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-X3C was noted making its first visit to Central Queensland at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport as it completed the JST890/1 service from and back to Sydney.

Of interest, VH-X3C is one of nine twelve recently delivered Airbus A320 aircraft that have entered service with Jetstar Airways that all previously operated with the collapsed Jetstar Asia. This A320 was previously operated by Jetstar Asia as 9V-JSL.

9V-JSL was ferried from Singapore to Melbourne (Tullamarine) at the start of October last year. It was then placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-X3C with this registration marking 'taped' over the Singaporean registration marking.

It was 'delivered' to Jetstar on Thursday 8 January after ferrying from Alice Springs to Melbourne (Tullamarine) with VH-X3C then entering service around a week later.

Of interest, the collapse of Jetstar Asia has seen nine twelve of their Airbus A320 ‘classic’ aircraft joining (or for three of them re-joining) the Jetstar Australia fleet.  We have provided details on all the 'original' nine A320s to join the Jetstar Australia fleet and it appears that an additional three are also now joining the fleet down under.  They are VH-X3A which is ex-, VH-X3R which is ex 9V-TRD & 9V-JSY and VH-X3C which is ex 9V-JSL (as described above).

File photos taken by Ryan Hothersall and Paul Howard  ©

Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVY Completes New FIFO Charter Flight into Emerald Airport - Plus More!

Late on Tuesday 3 March, Aerlink ATR72-500 VH-FVY completed what is the second of a new Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter route to Emerald Airport from and back to Brisbane as AL428/9.  It also completed a similar run last Tuesday night - see Blog post below!

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Of interest, Aerlink looked to reportedly take delivery of another ATR at Perth airport in the early hours of Saturday 28 February currently registered as 2-ISLM which will reportedly become VH-FVX.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 4 March, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" flew up from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to Mackay Airport before then flying back down to the Sunshine Coast.

And Koolardie Aviation (ZephAir Australia) Raytheon 58 Baron VH-NSM as 'ZD550' landed at Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville then departed back to there.

Of interest, Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-YJY made yet another visit to Clermont Aerodrome from its Archerfield base but on Tuesday 3 March.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X Bizjet A56-003 "Envoy 24" Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 4 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 flying as "Envoy 24" flew up from Canberra and Coffs Harbour to Bundaberg Airport.

A56-003 EVY24 arrives into Townsville

It then departed to Hamilton Island Airport and then later completed a missed approach at Cairns and then to Townsville where it appears to be staying for the night.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 March, RAAF Falcon 7X bizjet A56-003 again as "Envoy 24" flew down from Townsville to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Gladstone Airport. It then flew back to Canberra via a missed approach at Tamworth.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 4 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-001 as "Wedgetail 20" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete four missed approaches at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then flying down to complete another missed approach at Coffs Harbour before then returning back to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Graham Aspinall  ©️

LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" Completes Medical Evacuation from 'Carnival Adventure' off Bundaberg - Plus More!

On Monday 2 March, LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIJ as "Rescue 522" flew up from Bundaberg Airport to Gladstone Airport and then down to the Sunshine Coast before later returning to Bundaberg Airport and then completing two Search and Rescue (SAR) flights to the North-East of Bundy. 

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Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" flew down from Cairns to oversee the SAR operations by VH-XIJ "Rescue 522" for a few hours then returned to Cairns.  It is believed this may have also included a passenger extraction from the cruise ship 'Carnival Adventure'.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 2 March, pair of Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Agusta AW139 helicopters were noted at Rockhampton Airport. VH-ESH flew down from Townsville and then departed onwards to Archerfield as "Rescue 500", while VH-EGK arrived from Archerfield as "Rescue 500" and then departed to Townsville.

And Far North Queensland based Diamond DA 50 C VH-88R visited Mackay Airport from Mareeba.

Finally, over the weekend on both Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 VH-8GK continued to operate flights between Townsville and Hamilton Island Airport - including three return flights on Sunday.  VH-8GK operated one more flight (which seems to be the last one for now) on Monday 2 March.

And also on Saturday 28 February,  the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ  flew back to Mackay Airport from Brisbane after flying down to there at the start of last week.

Plus Cirrus SR22 N312GM looked to complete airwork at Maryborough Airport while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 "Mitchel 11" Completes Airwork at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 2 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-001 as "Mitchel 11" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown and was noted to complete a couple of missed approaches at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then flew back to Williamtown.

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Meanwhile, also on Monday 2 March, RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-675 as "Dingo 02" arrived into Longreach Airport from RAAF Base East Sale before it then continued to Darwin.

And fellow RAAF Super King Air A32-021 as "Hudson 02" also flew up to Longreach Airport also from RAAF Base East Sale before it then continued up to Darwin.

Of interest, a third RAAF Super King Air A32-651 has been operating up at Darwin as "Dingo 01" and looked to fly down to Alice Springs and East Sale on Tuesday 3 March.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Two RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetails A30-002 & A30-004 Complete Airwork at CQ Airports

On Thursday 26 February, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft were noted completing airwork at a couple of different Central Queensland Airports during two separate visits.

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Wedgetail A30-002 as "Wedgetail 14" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete three missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport before then returning to Williamtown.

Later, A30-004 as "Wedgetail 36" flew up also from Williamtown but to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then also returning back to Williamtown.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

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

On Tuesday 24 February, it is believed that Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX (A321neo) VH-OYW made its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It operated as JST840/1 from and back to Sydney.

VH-OYW was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Hamburg in January 2025 and entered service later in that month.

File photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

South Australia-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-UXF Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Tuesday 24 February, South Australia-based Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-UXF flew up from Cessnock to Collinsville Aerodrome and then across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It then returned over the same route back to Cessnock.

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While RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH visited Emerald Airport from Toowoomba.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Archerfield to Chinchilla Aerodrome and then Mackay Airport. It then flew back South. VH-WMY had flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Chinchilla Aerodrome and down to Archerfield on Monday 23 February.

UPDATE!  VH-WMY visited Roma Airport during a busy day of flying on Thursday 26 February.

Finally, on Monday 23 February, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air, flying up from Sydney to Mackay Airport and then down to Brisbane. It had originally flown down to Sydney from Mackay Airport back on Australia Day.

And SHM Aviation (Gold Coast) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-TCS flew up from Archerfield to Roma Airport and then to Townsville.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 "Stallion 63" Spotted Completing Airwork at Emerald Airport - Plus Some Overnight Action Sunday Night!

On Monday 23 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 63" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a missed approach at Emerald Airport.  It then flew back to complete more circuits at Amberley.

Meanwhile, late on Sunday 22 February, Surveillance Australia (Leidos SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns via a loop overhead Bourke in New South Wales.  It then departed to Cairns.

And also late on Sunday 22 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton A57-002 as "Albatross 1" flew from RAAF Base Tindal and flew across Far North Queensland and then down and back up the Queensland coast before returning to Tindal in the early hours of the morning.

Several other RAAF assets were noted operating out of RAAF Bases Amberley and Townsville including RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-010 as "Wallaby 01" which was noted flying at low level through inland Central Queensland.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Bizjet VH-8GK at Hamilton Island Airport Multiple Times Over the Weekend! - Plus More!

Across the weekend, on both Saturday 21 February and Sunday 22 February, NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 bizjet VH-8GK was noted completing three flights between Townsville and Hamilton Island Airport.

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UPDATE!  Over the next week (and more) VH-8GK continued to complete daily (or more) runs between Townsville and Hamilton Island Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 21 February, Graham Aviation (Cairns) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-FMZ visited Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba and Cairns.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 38" completed airwork at Maryborough Airport and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast.

Gold Coast-based Rockwell Commander 114 VH-AYH visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Alliance Airlines Fokker F-100 VH-UQC completed a rugby league charter flight to Rockhampton Airport from and back to Brisbane as UTY500/1.

R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT arrived back into Rockhampton Airport from the South. It had flown out of Rockhampton Airport to Redcliffe during the week.

And across the last couple of days and into the weekend, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport and then further to Julia Creek, Longreach, Winton and Mount Isa Airports before then heading to Alpurrurulam and Tennant Creek.  It then flew West from Tenant Creek to Inverway then back East to Alpurrurulam and Mount Isa and before flying down from there to Caldervale Station then Archerfield.  It then returned to Caldervale Station. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 23 February,  PC-12 VH-8HP departed Caldervale Station to Emerald Airport and then Tierawoomba where it stayed. 

Finally, also on Sunday 22 February, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 King Air 350i VH-8TT flew up from Brisbane to survey work around the Rockhampton area before landing Rockhampton Airport for fuel before then departing back to Brisbane. 

And Hewitt Agribusiness (Brisbane) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8HG (ex N175NG) landed at Degunnie from Archerfield.

UPDATES!  On Monday 23 February, PC-12 VH-8HG departed Degunnie to Longreach Airport and then Alice Springs.  Over the next few days, it then completed flights between Alice Springs and Roma Airport before then returning to Archerfield from Alice Springs on Friday 27 February.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

SHM Aviation Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-TCS Calls into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 19 February, SHM Aviation (Gold Coast) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-TCS flew up from Archerfield and Toowoomba to Roma Airport and then Bundaberg Airport before it then flew down to the Sunshine Coast and Archerfield.

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While Bundaberg-based Piper PA-34-200T Seneca VH-DIG visited Nebo Aerodrome from Bundaberg Airport.  Much like DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ which also completes weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) flights between Bundy and Nebo Aerodrome each Tuesday.

While Special Mining Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-87X visited Emerald Airport from Bankstown.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Ararat to Roma Airport before then flying up to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 February, VH-WMY departed Mackay Airport for Roma Airport and Miles Airport before it then flew down to Melbourne (Essendon).

Finally, also on Thursday 19 February, a couple of Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300C Super King Air 350 VH-8PE arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Airports and then departed to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 February, VH-8PE visited Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane.

And fellow Police Super King Air VH-8PH arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa and then departed to Doomadgee.

Pacific Helicopters (PNG) Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel Helicopter P2-PHQ Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 18 February, Pacific Helicopters (Papua New Guinea) Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel helicopter P2-PHQ was noted passing trough a couple of Central Queensland Airports while looking to ferry down to the Sunshine Coast.

https://www.facebook.com/pacifichelicopterspng

After spending the last two days flying down from Port Moresby to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, on Wednesday P2-PHQ flew down from there to Rockhampton Airport and then to the Sunshine Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 18 February,  McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" visited Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

Goldie Motorsport SOCATA TBM-850 VH-TBM arrived into Longreach Airport from the Gold Coast before then departing to Alice Springs and Jandakot.

And ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as 'ZD220' visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Finally, a couple more visitors to my local Clermont Aerodrome but on Tuesday 17 February, included Atherton Creek Air Charters (Mareeba) Piper PA-24-260 Commanche VH-SMJ which visited from Mareeba. 

And the regular visitor in the form of Archer Aviation Service Cirrus SR22 VH-JCK visited once again from Archerfield.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew up from Brisbane to Mackay Airport then down to Rockhampton Airport and back to Brisbane.

Of interest, on Wednesday 18 February, VH-AVL again flew up to Mackay Airport from Brisbane before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport.  It then flew up to Cairns before returning to Brisbane.

A Pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft A54-047 & A54-046 Complete Airwork at Bundaberg & Hervey Bay Airports

On Tuesday 17 February, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-21 Forward Air Control Aircraft from No. 4 Squadron were noted was noted completing airwork at a couple of Central Queensland Airports while on a flight out of and back to the Sunshine Coast. They had deployed to there the previous day from their 'home' at RAAF Base Williamtown.

The 2 PC-21s soon after arriving into the Sunshine Coast yesterday.

The two PC-21s were identified as A54-047 which was flying as "Raven 18" and A54-046 which was flying as "Raven 15".

They flew up from the Sunshine Coast to complete airwork including missed approaches at Bundaberg Airport before then completing more airwork and missed approaches at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before they both then returned back to the Sunshine Coast.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 19 February, the PC-21s were back in the region with A54-047 as "Raven 18" and A54-046 as "Raven 15" flying up from the Sunshine Coast to complete a missed approach at Gladstone Airport before then flying at low level back down the coast to the Sunshine Coast. 

Nice!

Photo taken by Alan Macdonald  ©

Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency of Honiara, Solomon Islands, Beech B200 King Air N280RA Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 16 February, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency of Honiara, Solomon Islands, Beech B200 King Air N280RA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast.  It then departed to Cairns.

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It seems N280RA had earlier departed from Bankstown.

While S. Kidman & Co. Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-SKW landed at Longreach Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Tenant Creek.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-MIF flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before then flying down to Rockhampton Airport and then back to Hervey Bay Airport. 

And Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield and Dalby.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 16 February, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-YFF as VOZ605 from Brisbane to Mackay Airport made a missed approach at Mackay Airport before then flying down and landing at Rockhampton Airport.  It has been reported that the diversion was due to a technical problem and at the time of writing, VH-YFF remains parked at Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 February, VH-YFF departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane as VOZ9904.

And Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-VZP as QFA578 from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport and diverted into Rockhampton Airport but due to adverse weather up in the Whitsundays.  After taking on fuel, VH-VZP departed Rockhampton Airport and successfully landed at Hamilton Island Airport.

Finally, over the weekend, it was noted that the aircraft used for the skydiving out of Lakeside Airpark was swapped over with Sydney Skydivers Pacific Aerospace PAC 750XL VH-XLC noted operating and then departing to Caloundra while the usual Cessna 208B Supervan 900 Skydiving Aircraft VH-XLF returned to Lakeside Airpark late in the day from Bankstown via Caloundra.

And up at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, Skydive the Beach Group Cessna 208 Caravan VH-DNK flew down from Cairns and Tully to temporarily replace fellow Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LVN which flew up to Mareeba.

UPDATE!  By the end of the next week, VH-LVN was back at Shute Harbour and VH-DNK was back at Cairns!

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Jetstar Airways Airbus Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OIR First Visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 13 February, Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OIR made its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. It operated as JST832/3 from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

VH-OIR was delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) from Hamburg, Germany in late September 2025 and entered service at the end of that month.

Of interest, making it a double, also on Friday 13 February, fellow Jetstar A321 VH-VWN was back at Proserpine Airport operating the JST840/1 service from and back to Sydney.

Would have been a great sight to see two A321s on the deck at the same time!

File photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Falcon Air (NSW) Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet VH-LCR Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 13 February, Falcon Air (NSW) Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet VH-LCR flew up from Bankstown and Moree to Hamilton Island Airport.

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UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 February, VH-LCR finally departed Hamilton Island Airport for Archerfield.  It then flew to Kingaroy Aerodrome and back to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 18 February, VH-LCR returned to Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.  It then departed to Moree and back to Bankstown.

Victoria Based USA Registered Embraer 505 Phenom 300E bizjet N227SJ flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 15 February, N227SJ departed Hamilton Island Airport for Warrnambool.

New Cirrus SR22 N12AU flew up from the Gold Coast to Rockhampton Airport before it then departed to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour where it will be reportedly on display for the weekend.

UPDATE!  On Monday 16 February, N12AU departed Shute Harbour for Townsville before then flying South to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 17 February, N12AU departed Rockhampton Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before continuing to the Sunshine Coast.  

And Southern Air Beech 1900C VH-VSO arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane then departed to Cairns. It had earlier flown down from Cairns and Townsville to Brisbane.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 14 February, VH-VSO flew down from Cairns to Charleville Airport and then Melbourne (Moorabbin).

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 "Envoy 74" Spotted at Hamilton Island Airport

On Friday 13 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as  "Envoy 74" was photographed at Hamilton Island Airport.  It flew up from Canberra via stops at Coffs Harbour and Bundaberg Airports - seemingly on a training flight.

It later departed Hamilton Island Airport for Townsville. 

UPDATE!  On Saturday 14 February, A62-001 "Envoy 74" flew South from Townsville to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Rockhampton Airport before continuing down to the Gold Coast and then back to Canberra.

Photo taken by Kellie Leonard  ©

Victoria Based USA Registered Embraer 505 Phenom 300E Bizjet N227SJ Calls into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 12 February, Victoria Based USA Registered Embraer 505 Phenom 300E bizjet N227SJ was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Warrnambool. 

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UPDATE!  On Friday 13 February, N227SJ departed Rockhampton Airport for Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 15 February, N227SJ departed Hamilton Island Airport for Warrnambool.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 12 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 as "Dragon 44" arrived into Rockhampton Airport after earlier departing RAAF Base Amberley and completing a long air-to-air refuelling session East of Sunshine Coast.  After a crew change it departed back direct to Amberley.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 Bizjet VH-PIY "Machflight 41" Pops into Gladstone Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 11 February, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525C CitationJet CJ4 bizjet VH-PIY as "Machflight 41" visited Gladstone Airport from the Sunshine Coast via Archerfield.

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Auriga Assets / Heli-Aust Whitsundays Airbus EC135P3H helicopter VH-ZFD flew down from Mackay Airport to Gladstone Airport.  Sistership, Eurocopter EC135 P2 helicopter VH-ZGZ departed Gladstone Airport to the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Port Macquarie and Dyke Point (Newcastle). 

Of interest, Auriga Assets / Heli-Aust Whitsundays Eurocopter EC135 P2+ helicopter VH-XUV continues to operate out of Gladstone Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 11 February, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI flew into Middlemount Aerodrome from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before then flying down to Maryborough Airport and then back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) Air Tractors VH-FZV and VH-JQW were noted operating out of my local Clermont Aerodrome on aerial spraying of some local farmland.  They looked to fly up from and then later return to their landing site just to the North of Emerald township.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 12 February, both VH-FZV and VH-JQW again completed aerial spraying operations out of Clermont Aerodrome.

Finally, also on Wednesday 11 February, Australian Army new Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' training helicopter N52-103 as "Warhorse 35" flew up from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to complete airwork at the Sunshine Coast and then the Wide Bay Training Area before then landing at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.  It then departed back to Oakey as "Warhorse 31". 

And late on Wednesday evening, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 "Wedgetail 01" completed a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.  It flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown via a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast before later returning from Rocky to Williamtown.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Monday 9 February, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Mackay Airport and Clermont Aerodrome before it then departed back to Archerfield.

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UPDATE!  On Tuesday 10 February, VH-JSZ flew the same route again!

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

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 11 February, VH-CMK departed Mackay Airport back to Emerald and Bundaberg Airports and then the Sunny Coast and back to Orange.

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Roma Airport and then to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It then flew down to the Gold Coast, Ararat and then back to Moorabbin.

Emma McDonald in R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT Flying out of Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 6 February, Emma McDonald in R-Mach Aviation Extra EA 300L VH-LXT flew two flights out of Rockhampton Airport to the Capricorn Coast and back. 

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She also flew one run to there late yesterday afternoon.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 7 February, Emma McDonald again in Extra EA 300L VH-LXT flew several more flights to the coast and back to Rockhampton Airport.  It sounded possibly like she was taking joyflights.

Finally, also on Friday 6 February, and out of the area, but a frquent visitor to the regio in the form of Machjet (Machjet International) Beech B200C King Air VH-PUY which was flying as "Machflight 313" crashed near Normanton Airport, sadly killing the sole pilot, a 32-year-old man from Clifton Beach, Cairns.

Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OFY First 'Official' Visit into CQ at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 6 February, Jetstar Airways Airbus A321-251NX(LR) (A321neo) VH-OFY made its first 'official' visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It operated as JST840/1 from and back to Sydney.

It has previously visited CQ at Rockhampton Airport on a diversion from Brisbane in December 2023 as shown below.

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

Of interest, making it a double, also on Friday 6 February, fellow Jetstar A321 VH-VWW was also noted at Proserpine Airport operating the JST832/3 service from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

Would have been a great sight to see two A321s on the deck at the same time!

UPDATE!  On Saturday 7 February, the A321neo VH-OFY was back at Proserpine Airport again operating again as JST840/1 from and back to Sydney.

File photos taken by Tony Haynes and 'AC'  ©

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

On Thursday 5 February, Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Ararat and Tamworth to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

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VH-WMY then returned to Moorabbin.

While McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 421" visited Gladstone Airport from the Sunshine Coast.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Raytheon B200 King Air VH-NSN as "Machflight 73" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  It flew back to Cairns in the afternoon. 

Air Central West Beech 58 Baron VH-TNR visited Rockhampton Airport from its Longreach Airport base.

And late on Wednesday 4 February, Air Link (Dubbo) Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SEQ visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Thursday 5 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 as "Dragon 04" departed RAAF Base Amberley to complete a near 2-hour sortie to the East of Sunshine Coast, before then flying up to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before then heading back out to a more then one hour sortie at the same area before returning to Amberley.

Photo taken by Lee Holloway  ©

American Registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet N2QE Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 4 February, American registered Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 bizjet N2QE arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney. 

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 January, N2QE departed Hamo for Cairns where it is pictured above!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 4 February, the beautifully coloured Qantas Airways Boeing B737-800 VH-XZJ 'Mendoowoorrji' was also noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney as QFA578/9.  It is believed that this is the aircraft's first visit since it was retro-fitted with split-scimitar winglets which are being applied to Qantas B737-800 aircraft.

VH-XZJ spotted at the end of January.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as 'ZD220' visited Clermont Aerodrome from Townsville.

Austrek Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-ZMW visited Moura Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

While Graham Aviation Cessna T206H Float Plane VH-FNB looked to arrive into Hamilton Island Airport from Mareeba via Cairns.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-OXY visited Mackay Airport from Armidale via Archerfield.

Finally, its been a quiet week, but on Monday 2 February, AirServices Australia / Pearl Aviation Hawker Beechcraft B300 Super King Air VH-FIY as "Auscal 3" landed at Longreach Airport from RAAF Base Tindal at Katherine and then departed to Brisbane.

Western Downs Civil (Chinchilla) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-85H flew up from Chinchilla Aerodrome to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.  It is due to return to Chinchilla Aerodrome on Tuesday 5 February.

And Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 121" visited Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Cairns.

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams and Gareth Ruhe  ©

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 Bizjet VH-NJR Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 1 February, Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

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And Muirhead Pastoral Co (Collinsville) Cessna 182 VH-WTO looked to visit Clermont Aerodrome a couple of times over the weekend.

Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ Bizjet VH-JSZ Pops into Clermont Aerodrome - Plus More!

On Saturday 31 January, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

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Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" flew from Archerfield to Moranbah Airport before then hopping down to Emerald Airport. It later returned to Archerfield.

It flew up with engineers to 'rescue' a couple of broken down QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 aircraft at both airports - VH-LQQ at Moranbah Airport and VH-84L at Emerald Airport.

While Flight One (Services) Raytheon B200 King Air VH-FOJ visited Gladstone Airport from Archerfield.

And Honeybee Air (Sydney) Cirrus SF50-G2 Vision Jet Arivee Xi VH-TEA flew down from Hamilton Island Airport to Roma Airport and Bankstown. It had arrived in the middle of last week and had also completed a couple of runs to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour over the previous couple of days.

Photos taken by 'AC'  ©

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP at CQ Airports and Properties - Plus More!

Late on Thursday 29 January, Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew from Tierawoomba to Archerfield and back and then to Keeroongooloo.  Then on Friday 30 January, it flew from there to Bundaberg Airport and then to Tierawoomba.  The busy little PC-12 is noted flying around the region to properties in CQ most days of most weeks.

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Another PC-12 which is still a regular visitor to region is re-registered Hewitt Agribusiness (Brisbane) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-8HG (ex N175NG) which on Friday 30 January flew out to Longreach Airport and then across to Alice Springs and Ambalindum.

UPDATE!  Across the weekend, VH-8HG flew back from Alice Springs to Longreach Airport and then to Alpha Aerodrome (it seems!). 

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail A30-006 "Wedgetail 13" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 30 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-006 as "Wedgetail 16" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before returning to Williamtown via one at Coffs Harbour.

Later, A30-006 now as "Wedgetail 14" flew up once again from Williamtown to complete a missed approach at the Sunshine Coast and then up to complete three more missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport before then returning back to Williamtown.

Around the same time in the morning, fellow RAAF E-7A A30-002 as "Wedgetail 15" was also noted in the air out of Williamtown but only made it as far North as RAAF Base Amberley where it completed its airwork before returning back to base.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter John L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express Bizjet VH-FGJ Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 29 January,  Pratt Aviation Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express VH-FGJ was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport.  It looked to arrive from and then later depart to back Melbourne (Essendon).

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While  Honeybee Air (Sydney) Cirrus SF50-G2 Vision Jet Arivee Xi VH-TEA flew up from Bankstown and Roma Airport to Hamilton Island Airport.

And re-registered Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VIF (c/n 183) arrived into Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield. It then departed to Sydney and then back to Archerfield.

Of interest, also on Thursday 29 January, Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services took delivery of their brand new Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VTF (c/n 602) at Adelaide after it flew all the way from Stans Buochs in Switzerland via all stops!

Finally, also on Thursday 29 January, SmartLynx Australia (Skytrans) Dash-8-100 VH-QQC as SKP531 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville while fellow Dash-8-100 VH-QQB departed Rockhampton Airport to Townsville as SKP532.

New QantasLink Dash-Q400 Next Gen VH-84L (ex C-FUWE) First Flight into CQ at Moranbah Airport on a FIFO Run

On Thursday 29 January, recently delivered QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84L completed its first ever revenue flight, and it happened to be into CQ, with it touching down at Moranbah Airport on a Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight as QLK2812/3 from and back to Brisbane.

It had attempted to enter service on a flight from Brisbane to Wagga Wagga over last weekend but suffered a technical issue and returned back to Brisbane - as pictured above.  It then looked to complete a couple of test flights in the meantime.

The second-hand Dash-8-Q400 is the eighth of 12 (or 14) aircraft that the Qantas Group has purchased from Canadian operator WestJet Encore. VH-84L previously operated as C-FUWE and operated with the airline from September 2014 until May 2023.

The Dash-8 arrived into Australia via Brisbane on Sunday 3 August before then flying down to Canberra on Tuesday 13 January, with it still wearing its Canadian registration marking of C-FUWE, completing a delivery flight from Canada across the Pacific.

It was promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and also given the name 'Bundaberg'.

UPDATE!  On Friday 30 January, VH-84L was planned to complete flights to Rockhampton, Miles and Moranbah Airports.

Photos taken by James Saunders, Darcy Stevens and Lloyd Fox  ©

Torres Strait Air Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNG Passes Through CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Wednesday 28 January, Colville Aviation Services (Torres Strait Air) Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander VH-BNG landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from Coominya (Watts Bridge) and then departed to Emerald, Charters Towers and Cairns Airports.

Emerald-based Amateur-built Lancair 360 VH-HIN visited Rockhampton Airport from there.

Auslink Aviation / Aircrew Training and Support Diamond DA-40 VH-END landed at Gladstone Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before later returning to Archerfield.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH landed at Emerald Airport from Toowoomba before later departing to Archerfield and then back to Toowoomba.

While Townsville-based Forster Helicopters Bell Helicopter Textron 407 helicopter VH-DMF flew a couple of flights from the new Helipower Hangar at Rockhampton Airport.

And Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL flew up from Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Cairns.  It later flew down to Townsville and then Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

And Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-002 as "Mitchel 06" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport before it then returned South to complete a couple more at Coffs Harbour and then back to Williamtown.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-006 "Thumper 12" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 27 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-006 as "Thumper 12" was spotted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

The KC-30A had been earlier operating out over New South Wales and then up towards Roma on air-to-air refuelling operations with fellow RAAF KC-30A A39-004 as "Thumper 11" which completed its flight from and back to RAAF Base Amberley direct.

A39-006 "Thumper 12" flew to Rockhampton Airport to complete a missed approach before it then returned to Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 27 January, RAAF Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-003 as "Wedgetail 02" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete four missed approaches at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then returned to Williamtown.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H who was at the right place at the right time to capture this great photo!

Photo taken by Scott Harris ©️

Local Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 Bizjet N142GZ Back in The Air out of Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 26 January, the locally-based Embraer EMB-550 Legacy 500 bizjet N142GZ was back in the air out of Mackay Airport departing to Brisbane and then Sydney.

https://www.instagram.com/mas_kentungs2/

While Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin). It then departed to Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Moorabbin.

Of interest, on Saturday 24 January, VH-XCU flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) before later departing back to Moorabbin.

And also on Saturday 24 January, Helibiz / Heli Lift Bell 205A-1 VH-WOC as "Helitack 420" departed Rockhampton Airport for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-X3A (ex 9V-JSJ) Makes First Visit to CQ at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Saturday 24 January, Jetstar Airways Airbus A320-232(WL) VH-X3A was noted making its first visit to Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as it completed the JST832/3 service from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

Photo added...

Of interest, VH-X3A is one of nine twelve recently delivered Airbus A320 aircraft that have entered service with Jetstar Airways that all previously operated with the collapsed Jetstar Asia. This A320 was previously operated by Jetstar Asia as 9V-JSJ.

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9V-JSJ was ferried from Singapore to Melbourne (Tullamarine) in the middle of October last year. It was then placed on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-X3A with this registration marking 'taped' over the Singaporean registration marking.

It was 'delivered' to Jetstar on Thursday 15 January after ferrying from Alice Springs to Melbourne (Tullamarine) with VH-X3A then entering service exactly a week later.

Of interest, the collapse of Jetstar Asia has seen nine twelve of their Airbus A320 ‘classic’ aircraft joining (or for three of them re-joining) the Jetstar Australia fleet. We have provided details on all the 'original' nine A320s to join the Jetstar Australia fleet and it appears that an additional three are also now joining the fleet down under. They are VH-X3A which is ex 9V-JSJ (as described above), VH-X3R which is ex 9V-TRD & 9V-JSY and VH-X3C which is ex 9V-JSL.

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams and Tony Haynes  ©

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

On Friday 23 January,  ADD Aviation Services / CML No.1 P/L Raytheon Hawker 800XP bizjet VH-OFJ made a late arrival into Hamilton Island Airport from Perth. It then departed to Mackay Airport before continuing down Melbourne (Tullamarine) where it had in fact started the day.

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Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Gold Coast and Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 January, VH-ZDM departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to Archerfield and the Gold Coast.

Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL landed at Gladstone Airport from Brisbane and then departed to Cairns.  It later flew back down to Bundaberg Airport and then back to Brisbane.

While FKG Air (Redjet Aviation) Hawker Beechcraft B200GT VH-FKB visited Gladstone Airport from Toowoomba.

And Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 73" landed at Gladstone Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Tony Haynes  ©

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A (MRTT) A39-004 "Dragon 36" Spotted Completing a Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 23 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-004 was spotted as it completed a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.

The MRTT had originally departed from RAAF Base Amberley and flew all the way up to Cairns where it landed for a short time. A39-004 then flew back South via the airwork at Rockhampton Airport and then onwards back to Amberley.

A39-004 was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Dragon 36".

Of interest, fellow RAAF KC-30A MRTT A39-005 as "Dragon 34" was also in the air at the same time, also flying out of Amberley but all the way up to Cairns. It then flew down to Brisbane and then back to Amberley.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 23 January, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 40" flew up from Amberley to complete airwork at Biggenden before it then continued over at low level to complete more airwork at Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew down over Fraser Island and down the Queensland coast back to Amberley.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H who was at the right place at the right time to capture this great photo!

Photo taken by Scott Harris ©️