S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier Challenger 604 Bizjet VH-XPA (ex N685SC) Pops into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 20 December, S&S Aviation / Business Aviation Solutions Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XPA made an 'unscheduled' visit to Bundaberg Airport while flying up from the Sunshine Coast to Rockhampton Airport. It looked to complete some airwork before landing at Bundy. After around an hour on the ground, VH-XPA departed Bundaberg Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast.

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We believe this is the first time that VH-XPA has visited Central Queensland after it was re-registered from N685SC in mid-July. The aircraft was flown by Machjet (Machjet International) / McDermott Aviation Group on the Sunshine Coast.

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While Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ visited my local Clermont Aerodrome from Archerfield.

And Brisbane-based Teys Australia Cessna 525 Citation CJ2 bizjet VH-TEY visited Bundaberg Airport. It arrived from Archerfield and departed to Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 20 December, National Jet Express (formerly Cobham) Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYP as "Jetex 442D" arrived from Brisbane and then departed to Cairns with SES personnel on board. It later returned to Brisbane but as "Jetex 443D". VH-IYP also completed a direct return flight yesterday.

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZPY as 'MC242' / "Machflight 242" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns before then departing to Brisbane. It later returned to Cairns.

Finally, also on Wednesday 20 December, Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 VH-PNI continues to fly into Central Queensland operating flights for Bonza Airline. On this occasion, it flew the Bonza flight into Rockhampton Airport from and back to the Gold Coast as BNZ1543/4.

All photos taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-319 VH-XNU at Mackay Airport on Behalf of Bonza Airline - Plus More!

On Sunday 3 December, Nauru Airlines 'classic' Boeing B737-319 VH-XNU was noted arriving into Mackay Airport from the Gold Coast operating a flight for Bonza Airline as RON1609.

VH-XNU arrives into the Gold Coast prior to departing to Mackay Airport

It later returned to the Gold Coast as RON1610.

This seems to be the first time that VH-XNU has operated for Bonza, and certainly into Central Queensland.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 3 December, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" flew down from Townsville to Gladstone Airport and then to Brisbane.

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" flew into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane before then departing to Cairns. Later it flew down to Mackay Airport and then back to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Sunday 3 December, Aero Professional Services SOCATA TBM700 VH-VSV departed its Denison Downs (Emerald) base for the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

UPDATE!  VH-VSV looked to return to its landing site on Thursday 7 December.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-700 VH-INU First Visit to CQ at Rockhampton Airport Operating for Bonza Airline - Plus More! - UPDATED!

On Monday 27 November, the bright and colourful Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-79L VH-INU made its first visit into Central Queensland operating a Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flight for Bonza Airline in and out of Rockhampton Airport.

VH-INU flew down from Townsville (pictured) to Rockhampton Airport as RON927 (BNZ927) and then returned to Townsville as RON928 (BNZ928).

VH-INU is one of the Nauru Airlines fleet that Bonza are currently flying due to their two newest aircraft - Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft C-FLKC and C-FLHI - not being able to fly in Australia as yet.

Of interest, VH-INU was delivered to Nauru Airlines in July 2021.  It was previously operated by Air China as B-5203 and Surinam Airways as PZ-TCS.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 28 November, VH-INU was back at Rockhampton Airport again (pictured below) operating for Bonza, but this time, operating as RON623/1052/1051/624 from the Sunshine Coast to Melbourne (Tullamarine) and back to Rocky and the Sunny Coast.  It then completed a run to Mackay Airport and back to the Sunshine Coast as RON591/2. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 27 November, Cirrus Design Corp. SF50 Vision Jet wearing the American registration marking of N616TS landed at Bundaberg Airport from the Sunshine Coast on a training flight then departed back to there.  During the afternoon it repeated the flight. 

 LifeFlight (Aeromed) Bombardier Challenger 604 bizjet VH-URR "Ambulance 604" was back in the region yet again (daily visits almost!) with it landing at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport before it then hopped to Bundaberg Airport.  It then flew up to Townsville and then back down to Mackay Airport and back to Brisbane.

Finally, also on Monday 27 November, Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TFB flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and Maryborough Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome before flying down back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Photos taken by 'AC' and Scott Harris  ©

McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 Bizjet VH-SUY "Machflight 41" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 21 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 41" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast.  It later returned there again as "Machflight 41" - a recent change where Machjet are now using Flight number Callsigns.

As shown, the Citation parked beside Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UKH which arrived into Rockhampton Airport late on Tuesday 20 June as BNZ1055 from Melbourne (Tullamarine) but didn't depart.  It seems the Citation brought engineering staff and possibly crew to the B737 as it eventually departed as BNZ8303 to Melbourne shortly before the Citation returned to the Sunny Coast.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 June, Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ looked to fly down from Cairns to the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site as HND420 before it then flew across to Rockhampton Airport and back as HND1121/2.  VH-HLJ later returned to Cairns from Labona again as HND420.

Seair Pacific / Istlecote Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Rockhampton Airport and then Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then departed to Maryborough Airport and back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Tex Onsite (Tex Assets P/L) Aero Commander 500-U VH-TXE visited Gladstone Airport from Townsville.

RDO Equipment Co. Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH called into Bundaberg Airport and then Biloela / Thangool Airport during a flight out of and back to its Toowoomba base.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 22 June, VH-WPH looked to call into Bundaberg Airport again before then heading out to Emerald Airport.

Brisbane-based Avcair Cessna 425 Conquest 1 VH-BSM looked to fly up from Archerfield to Collinsville and Mackay Airports.

Dalydine P/L (Pilatus Australia) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-PDE flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 22 June, VH-PDE departed Mackay Airport for Brunette Downs.

Southern Airlines Cessna 441 VH-YFD departed Alpha Aerodrome for Archerfield and Melbourne (Moorabbin).  It looks to have operated from Emerald, Longreach and Alpha Airports over the last week on aerial survey flights.

Flight One (Services) Raytheon B300 Super King Air VH-UVH flew into Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 24 June, VH-UVH finally returned to Archerfield from Emerald Airport.

Finally, in the wee small hours of Wednesday 21 June, LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" visited Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane. Then later in the day, it visited Roma Airport, also from Brisbane.  Plus also in the wee small hours, fellow LifeFlight Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFC "Ambulance 634" visited Rockhampton Airport, arriving from Townsville and departing to Brisbane.

Bonza Airline Launches Services to Rockhampton Airport from Cairns - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT BNZ911/2

On Friday 31 March, low-cost start-up Bonza Airline continued its staggered start of its new network, launching its third route into Rockhampton Airport this time from Cairns in Far North Queensland.

VH-UJT departs Cairns Airport

Bonza's Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - touched down at Rockhampton Airport as BNZ911 from Cairns before it later returned there as BNZ912.  VH-UJT had originally departed Bonza's Sunshine Coast base as BNZ583 and then later returned to the Sunny Coast from Cairns as BNZ586.

As mentioned below, Bonza flights between Rockhampton Airport and Townsville started on Friday 24 February and between Rockhampton Airport and the Sunshine Coast Monday 13 March.  Each route maintains 2-3 flights per week.

Flights from and back to Melbourne will be coming at a later date.

Exciting stuff!

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Bonza Airline Launches Services to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown) - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT BNZ919/20

On Thursday 30 March, low-cost start-up Bonza Airline continued its staggered start of its new network, launching its latest route flying into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown) Airport in New South Wales.

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Bonza's Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - touched down at Proserpine Airport as BNZ919 from Williamtown before it later returned there as BNZ920.  VH-UJT had originally departed Bonza's Sunshine Coast base as BNZ607 and then later returned to the Sunny Coast from Williamtown as BNZ610.

As mentioned below, Bonza flights between Proserpine Airport and the Sunshine Coast started back on Tuesday 31 January and maintains 2-3 flights each week on this run.

Exciting stuff!

Bonza Airline Launches Services to Mackay Airport from Cairns - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT BNZ903/4

On Wednesday 29 March, low-cost start-up Bonza Airline continued its staggered start of its new network, launching its second route into Mackay Airport this time from Cairns in Far North Queensland.

Bonza's B737-8 MAX VH-UJT at Mackay Airport  (File photo)

Bonza's Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - touched down at Mackay Airport as BNZ903 from Cairns before it later returned there as BNZ904.  VH-UJT had originally departed Bonza's Sunshine Coast base as BNZ583 and then later returned to the Sunny Coast from Cairns as BNZ586.

As mentioned below, Bonza flights between Mackay Airport and the Sunshine Coast started on Tuesday 14 February and maintains 2-3 flights each week on this run.

Flights from and back to Melbourne will be coming at a later date.

Exciting stuff!

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Bonza Airline Launches Services to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK BNZ927/8

A momentous day on Friday 24 February, as low-cost start-up Bonza Airline continued its staggered start of its new network, launching its latest route from Townsville Airport down to Rockhampton Airport.

Bonza's Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - touched down at Rockhampton Airport as BNZ927 from Townsville before it later returned there as BNZ928.  VH-UIK had originally departed Bonza's Sunshine Coast base as BNZ631 and then later returned to the Sunny Coast from Townsville as BNZ634.

The Townsville (only) services were started on Wednesday 22 February with fellow Bonza Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJK named 'Shiela' operating the BNZ631/2 direct service from and back to the Sunshine Coast.

The low-cost airline will continue flights to Rockhampton Airport from and back to Townsville three days per week before 'direct' flights to Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast and back also three days per week start on Monday 13 March.  Flights from and back to Cairns will start on Friday 31 March and be two days each week.  Flights from and back to Melbourne will be coming at a later date.

Exciting stuff!

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Scott H and John L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a great day at Rockhampton Airport!

Photos taken by Scott Harris and John Lee  ©

Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJK 'Sheila' First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport

On Thursday 23 February, the third Boeing B737-8 MAX to be delivered to low-cost start-up airline Bonza made its first visit into Central Queensland, operating the airline's recently launched scheduled service into Mackay Airport as 'BNZ593/4' from and back to their Sunshine Coast base.

VH-UJK - named 'Sheila' - was delivered to the airline from the USA at the Sunshine Coast back on Monday 12 December 2022 and has sat there until it entered service with Bonza on Wednesday 22 February when it operated their inaugural flight to Townsville and back to the Sunny Coast.

Of interest, Bonza now has a fleet of four B737-8 MAX aircraft, with its latest aircraft VH-UKH touching down on the Sunshine Coast from the USA via Honolulu and Nadi last Friday 17 February.  VH-UKH will reportedly wear the name 'Malc' and possibly be their first aircraft to be based out of Melbourne.

Meanwhile, CQ Plane Spotters are looking forward to the launch of Bonza's scheduled services into Rockhampton Airport on Friday 24 February, with the first BNZ926/7 service due to arrive in the beef city from Townsville at around 11am.  After some ground crew training, it will return to Townsville from Rockhampton Airport at around 12.30pm.  This new service will operate three days per week.

Thanks to Cairns-based enthusiast Seth A for allowing us to share these great photos as he joined VH-UJK on the flight from Mackay Airport to the Sunshine Coast.

Photo taken by Seth Ali  ©

Australia's Newest Airline Bonza Launches its Second Route from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay Airport - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK BNZ593/4

On Tuesday 14 February, low-cost start-up Bonza Airline continued its staggered start of its new network, launching its second route from its base on the Sunshine Coast up to Mackay Airport.

Bonza's B737-8 MAX VH-UJT at Mackay Airport  (File photo)

Bonza's Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - touched down at Mackay Airport as BNZ593 from the Sunshine Coast before it later returned there as BNZ594.

Bonza’s first route from the Sunshine Coast to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport began at the end of January.  This route will 're-start' this Thursday 16 February with up to three flights per week planned.

Bonza will next begin flights from the Sunshine Coast to Melbourne (Avalon) next Tuesday 21 February and then to Townsville on Wednesday 22 February.  It also seems they will link Townsville to Rockhampton Airport from Friday 24 February.

Bonza is the first Australian operator to attempt to fly so-called 'point-to-point' leisure services that skip out major cities and allow consumers to fly direct from holiday destination to holiday destination.

The business has said 93 per cent of its final network - 25 out of its 27 routes - are not currently flown by any other airline, while 96 per cent are not served by any other low-cost carrier.

Bonza was hoping to begin flying last winter but waited far longer than expected to receive its crucial licence to fly from CASA, which came through in early January.

It currently has a fleet of three Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft to service its early network but plans to expand that to as many as eight aircraft as it services more destinations.

UPDATE!  On Friday 17 February, Bonza took delivery its fourth Boeing B737-8 MAX with VH-UKH touching down on the Sunshine Coast from the USA via Honolulu and Nadi.  VH-UKH will reportedly wear the name 'Malc'.

Photo taken by 'JM'  ©

Australia's Newest Airline Takes to the Skies as Bonza Airline Lands at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK BNZ777/8

A historic day on Tuesday 31 January as Bonza Airline took the skies for its first ever commercial passenger flight, becoming the first new carrier to launch in Australia in 16 years.

Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - touched down at the Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as 'BNZ777' a little behind schedule from the Sunshine Coast, also after completing a short scenic flight over Airlie Beach and Whitsundays.

After a day of festivities for invited guests, VH-UIK returned to the Sunny Coast late in the day from Prosie but as 'BNZ778'.

Bonza will fly three Sunshine Coast to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport services per week.  This is the first of 27 new domestic routes to 17 destinations set to roll out in coming months - 26 of which are not currently serviced by any other airlines.

Bonza's long-delayed launch comes after receiving regulatory approval by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on Thursday 12 January.  Presently, flights to 12 destinations across 15 routes are available to book through their app or through registered travel agents.

Bonza has three B737-8 MAX aircraft in its fleet all based at the Sunshine Coast - VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - and VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - and VH-UJK - named 'Sheila'.  It also becomes the first local carrier to operate the B737-8 MAX in Australia.

Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK Calls into Some CQ Airports While on a Training Flight

On Tuesday 13 December, the 'new kid on the block' paid Central Queensland another visit with Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK calling into some CQ Airports on what appeared to be a training or proving flight possibly for their technical and cabin crews.

VH-UIK flew up to Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast as "Bonza 8701" before then flying down to Gladstone Airport as "Bonza 8702" where it was photographed below parked up for a crew changeover.

VH-UIK then completed the short hop down to Bundaberg Airport as "Bonza 8703" and was again photographed as it arrived and then sat on the tarmac without opening any doors.

VH-UIK then returned to the Sunshine Coast as "Bonza 8704".

The airline was hoping to begin operations in September but is unable to do so until it receives the crucial Air Operators Certificate (AOC).  Hopefully, the continuing series of flights being operated by their Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - and VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - are potentially bringing the airline one step closer to achieving clearance from the safety regulator to launch scheduled services.

Bonza's third Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft VH-UJK - named 'Sheila' - touched down at the Sunshine Coast on Monday 12 December, completing its delivery flight from North America.

A fourth Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft has been registered VH-UJZ and remains in the USA with it likely to be based in Melbourne next year.

Bonza originally announced initial plans to launch with a fleet of two to three Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft before increasing its fleet to eight.  A fleet of three would be enough for it to begin operating some of its planned 27 routes in a staggered start.

When Bonza does begin commercial operations, it will fly so-called 'point-to-point' leisure services not serviced by the capital city-focused Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, and Rex.

Bonza has claimed that 93 per cent of its network - 25 out of its 27 routes - are not currently flown by any other airline, while 96 per cent are not served by any other low-cost carrier. Flights are expected to cost around $50 for each hour of the flight.

Destinations on Bonza's initial route map include Melbourne, Avalon, Sunshine Coast, Mildura, Albury, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Townsville, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Toowoomba.

We wish them all the very best!

Photos taken by 'AC', Locky Halliwell and Hayden Matthew Alexander  ©

Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT Calls into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on a Training Flight

On Wednesday 7 December, Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJT was spotted soon after it arrived into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport on what appeared to be a training or proving flight, jetting up from the Sunshine Coast as 'BNZ8101' / "Bonza 8101".

The airline was hoping to begin operations in September but is unable to do so until it receives the crucial Air Operators Certificate (AOC).  Hopefully, the continuing series of flights being operated by VH-UJT and fellow B737-8 MAX VH-UIK are potentially bringing the airline one step closer to achieving clearance from the safety regulator to launch scheduled services.

VH-UJT later departed Proserpine Airport and returned to the Sunshine Coast but as 'BNZ8012'.

Meanwhile, what was thought to be Bonza's next Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft, VH-UBI, ferried across from Seattle to Tucson in the USA in mid-November before then being placed into storage and de-registered (and placed on the American Aircraft register as N9521B).

A couple more future aircraft for Bonza - VH-UJK and VH-UJZ - were also recently spotted parked at Boeing Field in Seattle in the USA.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 10 December, Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UJK commenced its ferry flight from Seattle in the USA to Hawaii, Fiji and then to the Sunshine Coast, with arrival into Australia expected on Monday 12 December.

Bonza originally announced initial plans to launch with a fleet of two to three Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft before increasing its fleet to eight. A fleet of three would be enough for it to begin operating some of its planned 27 routes in a staggered start.

When Bonza does begin commercial operations, it will fly so-called ‘point-to-point’ leisure services not serviced by the capital city-focused Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, and Rex.

Bonza has claimed that 93 per cent of its network - 25 out of its 27 routes - are not currently flown by any other airline, while 96 per cent are not served by any other low-cost carrier. Flights are expected to cost around $50 for each hour of the flight.

Destinations on Bonza’s initial route map include Melbourne, Avalon, Sunshine Coast, Mildura, Albury, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Townsville, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Toowoomba.

We wish them all the very best!

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK Touches Down at Rockhampton Airport on a Training Flight

On Wednesday 23 November, the 'new kid on the block' paid Central Queensland another visit with Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK calling into Rockhampton Airport as BNZ8012 on what appeared to be a training flight for local ground crews.  This also potentially brings the airline one step closer to achieving clearance from the safety regulator to launch scheduled services.

The airline was hoping to begin operations in September but is unable to do so until it receives the crucial Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

VH-UIK flew into Rockhampton Airport from the Sunshine Coast - it’s first ever flight within Australia since arriving into the country at the in late October.

VH-UIK departed Rockhampton Airport for Cairns Airport as BNZ8014 as it completed yet more ground crew training.

Of interest, VH-UIK was originally destined for LOT - Polish Airlines as SP-LVH but the airframe wasn't taken up. It will also be named 'Bazza' after a highly publicised competition.

Meanwhile, Bonza's future Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft VH-UBI is at Tucson in the USA with speculation mounting that its delivery is only days away.

A couple of future aircraft - VH-UJK and VH-UJZ - were also recently spotted parked at Boeing Field in Seattle in the USA.

Bonza originally announced initial plans to launch with a fleet of two to three Boeing B737-8 MAX aircraft before increasing its fleet to eight. A fleet of three would be enough for it to begin operating some of its planned 27 routes in a staggered start.

When Bonza does begin commercial operations, it will fly so-called ‘point-to-point’ leisure services not serviced by the capital city-focused Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, and Rex.

Bonza has claimed that 93 per cent of its network - 25 out of its 27 routes - are not currently flown by any other airline, while 96 per cent are not served by any other low-cost carrier. Flights are expected to cost around $50 for each hour of the flight.

Destinations on Bonza’s initial route map include Melbourne, Avalon, Sunshine Coast, Mildura, Albury, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Townsville, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Toowoomba.

We wish them all the very best!

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Scott Harris, Don Williams, ‘IAD’ and Glenn Lloyd  ©