Ambulance Victoria (VAA P/L / Pel-Air Aviation) Textron B300C King Air 360CER VH-XUR "Ambulance 316" Pops into Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 23 December, Ambulance Victoria (VAA P/L / Pel-Air Aviation) Textron B300C King Air 360CER VH-XUR, flying as "Ambulance 316" landed at Longreach Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Dubbo.

It later departed to Mildura and back to Essendon.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 23 December, Air Charter Services / Flight Options (Australia) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-VKX was noted arriving into Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  It then flew back to Brisbane before returning up to Hamo and then flying back down again to Brisbane.

Nioa Aviation (Avcair) Embraer EMB505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NJR visited Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane.

And D & G Jet Leasing / Essendon Aviation Services (Mackay!) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 bizjet VH-VOF looked to make its first visit to the region, arriving into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bourke.

Finally, also on Monday 23 December, Southern Air Beech 1900 VH-YSO flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Moranbah Airport.  It departed to Toowoomba-Wellcamp and then Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 24 December, VH-YSO visited Emerald Airport from Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 26 December, VH-YSO flew into Emerald Airport again from Archerfield but this time, it departed back down to Moorabbin.

And Link Airways (Corporate Air / Vee H Aviation) Cessna 441 Conquest VH-VEY flew up from Brisbane to my local Clermont Aerodrome.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 24 December, VH-VEY departed Clermont Aerodrome and returned to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Robert Myers  ©

'Red Rock' Station (Comet) Registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC pops into Rockhampton Airport from Hedlow Airfield - Plus More!

On Sunday 17 September, Comet-registered Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-RTC arrived from Hedlow Airfield then departed to Croydon Station and Red Rock Station (where it is registered to) and then further West. 

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Mike Tango Operations (Toowoomba) Textron Aviation (Beech) B200GT Super King Air 260 VH-8MT was in and out of Bundaberg Airport.

ZephAir Australia - Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-AYT as ZD220 visited Hamilton Island Airport from its Townsville base.

And Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZRK was noted visiting Moranbah Airport from Brisbane using the Pel-Air flight numbers and callsigns of PFY9342/3.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 17 September, Bowenville (near Toowoomba) based Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up to Mackay Airport from and back to Archerfield.

Finally, on Saturday 16 September, Basair (Vectra Holdings) Piper PA-28-181 Cherokees VH-VDN landed at Longreach Airport from Mount Isa before then flying across to Mackay Airport.  It had come from Alice Springs and Tenant Creek yesterday. 

Hughes Aviation (Hughes Pastoral Group) (Gympie) Pilatus PC-12/47E NGX VH-8HP flew up from then Gold Coast to Bundaberg Airport and Keeroongooloo and then to Mackay Airport.  It then flew down to Armidale. 

UPDATE!  On Monday 18 September, VH-8HP looked to depart Armidale for Keeroongooloo and then to Emerald Airport.

And Hughenden based Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-3 Longranger VH-ZRG arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the South-West.

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman  ©

New MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Bizjet VH-PIL Calls into Gladstone Airport Again This Week - Plus More!

On Friday 25 November, and 'bookending' the week after also visiting at the start of the week, new MT Air Charters / Pilatus Australia Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-PIL was again noted visiting Gladstone Airport.

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On this occasion, it looked to fly up from Adelaide via Newcastle (Williamtown) and then depart to Sydney and then back to Adelaide.

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

And LifeFlight (Aeromed) Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-OFA "Ambulance 614" called into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from Townsville. It then departed to Brisbane before later flying back to Townsville via Mount Isa.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 25 November, Hinterland Aviation Beech B200 King Air VH-HLJ arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Cairns and Townsville and then departed to Brisbane.  Later it returned direct to Cairns.

And Aerometrex Vulcanair (Partenavia) VH-EPX was back in the region and arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Roma Airport via some survey work East of Roma.  It looks to have planned to complete an aerial survey flight out and back to Rockhampton Airport to around Blackwater on Saturday.

Finally, also on Friday 25 November, and for the first time this week, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia operated) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV was back on the Rockhampton and Mackay Airports freight run from Brisbane.

During the remainder of the week, a Pel-Air Aviation Pty Ltd (Pel-Air) SAAB 340A freighter has been noted back on the run.

Photo taken by Brodie Lawson  ©

Airlift New Zealand / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign Bizjet VH-ZEK Arrives into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 4 October, re-registered Airlift New Zealand / Flight Options (Australia) Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign bizjet VH-ZEK was noted visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

It arrived from and then later departed back to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 4 October, a number of Pilatus PC-12 turboprops were noted visiting several Central Queensland Airports.

Recently privately registered New South Wales based PC-12/47 VH-YGO landed at Bundaberg Airport from Dalby before then flying up towards Mount Isa.

Ipswich-based Airborne P/L (Palm Lake Works) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-VLQ also visited Bundaberg Airport but from its Gold Coast base.

Property Maintenance Australia P/L Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-WJA arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Dubbo before then flying up to Kidston. 

RDO Equipment Co. (ex Vanderfield) Pilatus PC-12/47 VH-WPH departed Emerald Airport for Saint George and Goondiwindi before then later returning to St George and Emerald Airport.  VH-WPH then flew down to Toowoomba. 

And flying through the region, M. D. H. P/L (Cloncurry) Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-MDH flew down from Devoncourt Station to Archerfield and Brisbane-based Australian Agricultural Company Pilatus PC-12/47E VH-AAC flew down from near Camooweal to Archerfield. 

Finally, also on Tuesday 4 October, Hawker Beechcraft G58 Baron VH-EZD departed Hamilton Island Airport for Rockhampton Airport and then Monto Aerodrome.  It had flown into Hamo from Monto Aerodrome last Friday 30 September.

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew up from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Thargomindah and then Rockhampton Airport.  It later departed back to Wellcamp. 

Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-DYN arrived into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's (Bravus Mining & Resources) Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It is due to return to Wellcamp early on Wednesday 5 October.

While New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Textron Aviation (Cessna) 208B Caravan VH-TFV "Park Air 26" flew up from Ballina / Byron Bay Gateway Airport to the Sunshine Coast and then Mackay Airport where it appears to be staying. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 5 October, VH-TFV "Park Air 26" departed Mackay Airport for Mount Isa.

Tasfast Air Freight (Southern Airlines) Beech 1900C VH-YSO was noted making another visit into Central Queensland, operating the Airlines' weekly Fly-n Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Moranbah Airport.  It flew up West Sale and Bourke to Moranbah Airport before it then departed back to Bourke Charleville Airport, West Sale and onwards to Melbourne (Moorabbin).

DeGunst Transport P/L Textron (Cessna) 208 Caravan VH-NPZ made its weekly flight from Bundaberg to Nebo Airfield and back but this week, via Gladstone and Rockhampton Airports.

And Pel-Air SAAB 340A Freighter VH-KDK was noted flying up from Brisbane to Rockhampton Airport and then Mackay Airport as PFY7416/8.  It then flew back to Brisbane from Mackay Airport as PFY7410.

I assume these flights are once again for Qantas Freight and replace the BAe 146 freight flights that have operated each week-day morning also into Rockhampton Airport and Mackay Airport for the last month.

UPDATE!  NO!  On Wednesday 5 October, Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia operated) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV was noted back on the Brisbane to Rockhampton and Mackay Airports run.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV Calls into Rockhampton and Mackay Airports - A New Freight Run?!

Early on Tuesday 6 September, a new week-daily freight run looked to start with Qantas Freight (Pionair Australia operated) British Aerospace BAe 146-200QT VH-SFV noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane as QFA7421.

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VH-SFV then flew up to Mackay Airport from Rocky as QFA7422 before it then returned to Brisbane as QFA7423.

Flight tracking websites suggest that there is no evening flight, but that this flight will be replayed each morning until Friday morning.

Reports suggest that the Pionair Australia-operated BAe 146-200 has replaced the Pel-Air operated SAAB 340 Freighters which had previously operated for Qantas Freight on a similar run, although the SAAB would park at Mackay Airport for the day and weekend.

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The three Pel-Air SAABs - VH-EKT, VH-KDB and VH-KDK - were regularly photographed visiting either Rockhampton or Mackay Airports.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Steve Vit  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLR Spotted at Bundaberg Airport on Charter

On Tuesday 7 June, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B was spotted on the ground at Bundaberg Airport. It looked to fly in all the way from Sydney on a closed charter flight, using a Pel-Air flight number and callsign as 'PFY9286'.

After spending the day parked, VH-ZLR returned to Sydney in the late afternoon but as 'PFY9287'.

Photo contributed...

Pel-Air Aviation IAI Westwind 1124 Bizjet VH-KNS Calls into CQ Airports - Spotted at Longreach Airport

On Thursday 3 June, Pel-Air Aviation IAI Westwind 1124 bizjet VH-KNS was spotted departing Longreach Airport.

The Westwind has had a busy couple of days, departing Sydney for Roma Airport on Wednesday 2 June, before then departing there and calling into Charleville and Longreach Airports.  VH-KNS departed Longreach Airport for Sydney.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 3 June, and also noted to be visiting Longreach Airport yet again, was Outback Aero Cessna 208 Caravan VH-FTT.  It looked to arrive from Bankstown and Lightning Ridge.

UPDATE!  On Saturday 5 June, VH-FTT continued from Longreach Airport to Mount Isa, Tennant Creek and Katherine (RAAF Base Tindal).

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Greg W who was at the right place at the right time at Longreach Airport to capture this great photo!

Photo taken by Greg Weir  ©

Numerous Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Charter Flights Around CQ Airports Again So Far This Week...

On Wednesday 19 August, a couple of rarely seen Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B turboprops highlighted the usual mid-week increase in Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights in and out of Central Queensland Airports.

SAAB 340B VH-ZLO landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane as PFY9884 before it continued to Richmond as PFY9804.  It then called into Rockhampton Airport from Richmond as PFY9285 before returning to Brisbane as PFY9887.

VH-ZLO at Brisbane recently

While SAAB 340B VH-ZRN also landed at Emerald Airport from Brisbane but as RXA9880 before it then continued out to Richmond as the same. VH-ZRN then returned directly to Brisbane but as RXA9281.

VH-ZRN at Brisbane recently

Of interest, VH-ZRN also visited Emerald Airport the previous day on Tuesday 18 August but as PFY9272/3 arriving from and departing back to Brisbane.

Also at Rockhampton Airport this week, on Tuesday 18 August, FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ was again noted departing for Hughenden and then Julia Creek as PE999.  However, this week, it returned to Rockhampton Airport from Julia Creek early on Wednesday 19 August as PE998.

While also on Wednesday 19 August, Seair Pacific / Istelcote De Havilland DHC-6-100 Twin Otter VH-BVS was yet again noted at Rockhampton Airport operating the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) closed charter flight from the Gold Coast and Brisbane to Rocky then up to Collinsville Aerodrome and Townsville.  As usual, VH-BVS later returned South over the same route.

Up at Mackay Airport, also on Wednesday 19 August, BPW Aviation / Airspeed Aviation of Scone, New South Wales, Cessna 404 Titan VH-SKV and Cessna 441 Conquest II VH-EQU both visited from Tamworth via Brisbane.  These pair of Cessnas seem to be regular weekly visitors

And out West, also on Wednesday 19 August, Brescon (Toowoomba) Beech B200 King Air VH-XDW flew into the Labona Station Airstrip within Adani Australia's Carmichael Coal Mine site from Toowoomba-Wellcamp and Emerald Airport.  It was due to return to Emerald Airport and Wellcamp early on Thursday 20 August.

While also on Wednesday 19 August, Beech 58 Baron VH-KGK was noted at Biloela / Thangool and Clermont Airports after flying up from Archerfield.  It then looked to fly to Labona and back to Clermont Aerodrome before flying back directly to Archerfield.

And on Monday 17 August, Redjet Aviation Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-PJU visited Labona, flying in from and back to its Toowoomba base via Emerald Airport.

Finally, it's worth noting that at Emerald Airport on Monday 18 August, there were again three Link Airways (Corporate Air  / Vee H Aviation) aircraft visiting on various FIFO charter flights.  Metros VH-VEU and VH-VET both arriving from and later departed back to Brisbane.  While SAAB 340B VH-VEO arrived from Brisbane and departed to Mackay Airport before returning to Brisbane.

And SAAB 340B VH-VEP flew from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Theodore Airport and back in the late afternoon.

All photos taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Seair Pacific / Istelcote De Havilland DHC-6-100 Twin Otter VH-BVS Spotted at Rockhampton Airport on the Weekly FIFO Run North

Finally!  On Wednesday 12 August, Seair Pacific / Istelcote De Havilland DHC-6-100 Twin Otter VH-BVS was photographed at Rockhampton Airport.  It was operating the weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) closed charter flight from the Gold Coast and Brisbane to Rocky then up to Collinsville Aerodrome and Townsville.

VH-BVS later returned South over the same route.

Both Seair Twin Otters - VH-BVS and VH-ZKF - have been spotted operating this flight since it started in April this year.

Meanwhile, also early on Wednesday 12 August, fellow Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-LYT was also spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport but from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport.

At the time of writing, it appears that VH-LYT spent the day parked and is due to depart to Wanella Station Airstrip near Coppabella early on Thursday 13 August before it then heads South to Maryborough and Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airports.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that on Tuesday 11 August, more 'usual' FIFO charter flights operated through Rockhampton and Emerald Airports with the visiting FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ again noted departing Rockhampton Airport for Hughenden and then Julia Creek as PE999.  It then returned to Rockhampton Airport in the early evening.

While Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLQ popped into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane but as RXA9882 before it later departed to Richmond as RXA9282.  VH-ZLQ then returned to Brisbane but as RXA9883.

And fellow REX SAAB 340B VH-ZLG completed a return trip to Emerald Airport and back to Brisbane on behalf of Pel-Air as PFY9272/3 before also heading to Richmond from Brisbane and back but via Emerald Airport again for Pel Air as PFY9280/9881.

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) BAe J32 VH-OTQ Pops into Rockhampton Airport – Plus More!

On Tuesday 28 July, a nice surprise visitor to Central Queensland in the form of FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ which was photographed arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Newcastle (Williamtown) as PE999.

After taking on fuel, VH-OTQ was then noted departing Rockhampton Airport for Julia Creek and Hughenden before it later returned to Rocky as PE998/9.

At the time of writing, it appears that VH-OTQ was spending at least the night at Rockhampton Airport.

Of interest, Fly Pelican (Pelican Airlines) is an Australian regional airline based at Newcastle in New South Wales.  The airline was formed in 2015 by former staff and using former aircraft of Aeropelican Air Services which was also based at Newcastle and was formed in 1968.  The airline was also associated with Ansett Australia Airlines.

Meanwhile, another closed charter flight photographed as at Rockhampton Airport also on Tuesday 28 July was the weekly visit by a Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B.  This week, VH-ZLQ was spotted as it arrived from Brisbane and then later departed to Richmond as RXA9882/9282.  VH-ZLQ later returned to Brisbane but as RXA9883.

While also on Tuesday 28 July, fellow REX SAAB 340B VH-ZRI called into Emerald Airport, flying from and back to Brisbane as PFY9272/3 before it then flew from Brisbane to Richmond and back, again via Emerald Airport but as PFY9280/9881.

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©️

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 VH-VGT Spotted at Mackay Airport as RPT Services Resume into the Sugar City

On Thursday 2 July, Jetstar Airways resumed Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) scheduled flights into Mackay Airport with Airbus A320 VH-VGT spotted arriving as JST888 from Brisbane.  It later returned to the capital as JST889.

Jetstar hasn't operated into Mackay since late March at the height of the recent COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Current schedules show no fixed pattern of operations at this stage, although I do note that another flight will touch down at Mackay Airport on Friday 3 July.

As we reported below, Qantas Airways started mainline RPT flights into Mackay Airport on Monday 22 June.  Qantas Boeing B737-800 VH-VYI was spotted at Mackay Airport (and as posted below) operating the QFA987/8 service from and back to Brisbane.

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The current week-daily Qantas flights are rumoured to be increasing to double-daily flights given the current high passenger numbers.

Finally, with the Nauru Airlines and the two Alliance Airlines closed Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flights, as well as a QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 and the Pel-Air SAAB 340A Freighter all on the ground at once, Mackay Airport is starting to look like an airport once again!

Really great to see the region on the road to recovery!

Photos taken by 'AC' and 'JM'  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLG Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 30 June, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLG was spotted at Rockhampton Airport on what is believed to be its first ever visit to the beef capital.  It had earlier arrived from Brisbane as RXA9882 on the weekly closed charter flight which then departs to Richmond as RXA9282.

As 'usual' VH-ZLG was due to call into Emerald Airport from Richmond but didn't instead continuing directly back to Brisbane.

Fellow REX SAAB 340B VH-ZRB was also in the region, also on Tuesday 30 June, with it visiting Emerald Airport before it too ultimately visited Richmond.  VH-ZRB initially flew into Emerald Airport from and back to Brisbane on behalf of Pel-Air Aviation as PFY9872/3 before it then flew to Richmond as PFY9280.  VH-ZRB then did have to call into Emerald Airport from Richmond before it then returned to Brisbane as PFY9881.

Finally, also early on Tuesday 30 June, local plane spotter Steve V was also able to capture some photos of Pel-Air Aviation SAAB 340 Freighter VH-KDB as it visited Rockhampton Airport.  It was flying as PFY7416/8 and arrived from Brisbane and later departed to Mackay Airport where it spends the day parked.

VH-KDB returned to Rockhampton Airport and then Brisbane later in the evening on Tuesday 30 June as PFY7415/7.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLV Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - From Melbourne!

Late on Monday 22 June, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLV was photographed arriving into Rockhampton Airport after flying all the way up from Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport on what appears to be a closed charter flight on behalf of Pel-Air Aviation.

The SAAB has earlier positioned from Brisbane to Tulla as PFY9812 before then calling into Albury and Armidale while on the way up to Rocky as PFY9313/5. VH-ZLV then returned to Brisbane from Rockhampton Airport but as PFY9816.

It was interesting to note that fellow REX SAAB 340B VH-ZLQ completed a flight from Rockhampton Airport to Tullamarine via Armidale and Albury some 10 days earlier - see Blog post below!

UPDATE!  Of interest, VH-ZLV returned to Rockhampton Airport on Wednesday 24 June, operating the 'usual' weekly Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight from Brisbane and Emerald Airport to Richmond before popping into Rocky on the way back to Brisbane.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLQ Pops into Rockhampton Airport

Early on Friday 12 June, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLQ was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane on a charter flight on behalf of Pel-Air Aviation as PFY9812.

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After a short time on the ground, VH-ZLQ then departed to Armidale, Albury and Melbourne (Tullamarine) as PFY9313/5.  It then flew all the way back to Brisbane as PFY9816.

Meanwhile, it's worth noting that earlier in the week on Wednesday 10 June, fellow REX SAAB 340B VH-ZRC flew from Brisbane to Richmond as RXA9884 before then flying across to Rockhampton Airport as RXA9285 and then departing back to Brisbane as RXA9887.  While SAAB 340B VH-ZLV flew up from Brisbane to Emerald Airport as PFY9272 before continuing to Richmond as PFY9880.  It then flew back to Brisbane as PFY9281.

Photo taken by Michael Malick  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLK Pops into Rockhampton Airport... Again!

During the morning on Sunday 7 June, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLK was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to arrive from Brisbane on a charter flight on behalf of Pel-Air Aviation as PFY9832.

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After a short time on the ground, VH-ZLK returned to Brisbane but as PFY9331.

This is the third weekend in-a-row that a REX SAAB 340 has been noted at Rockhampton Airport operating closed charter flights on behalf of Pel-Air Aviation.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLK Pops into Rockhampton Airport

During the morning on Sunday 31 May, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLK was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to arrive from Brisbane on a charter flight on behalf of Pel-Air Aviation as PFY9832.

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After a short time on the ground, VH-ZLK returned to Brisbane but as PFY9331.

Meanwhile, noted calling into Rockhampton Airport, but on Saturday 30 May, was Airlie Beach-based Beech D55 Baron VH-VCE.  It arrived from the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour and later departed to Emerald Airport.  VH-VCE then returned to Rockhampton Airport before departing to Mackay Airport - and possibly back to Shute Harbour(?).

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLQ Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

During the afternoon on Saturday 23 May, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLQ was spotted at Rockhampton Airport after earlier arriving from Brisbane on a charter flight on behalf of Pel-Air Aviation as PFY9332.

After a short time on the ground, VH-ZLQ returned to Brisbane but as PFY9831.

Photo taken by Michael Malick  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-REX Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 19 May, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-REX was spotted at Rockhampton Airport after earlier arriving from Brisbane as RXA9282 on what seems to be now the weekly closed charter flight.  It then departed for Richmond again as RXA9282.

VH-REX was then due to return to Brisbane via Emerald Airport but ended up flying directly back to the capital but as RXA9883.

Of interest, fellow REX SAAB 340B VH-ZLH was noted visiting Emerald Airport also on Tuesday 19 May also on a closed charter flight.  It arrived from and later departed back to Brisbane but as PFY9872/9273.

VH-ZLH then departed Brisbane to Richmond as PFY9280 before it then called back into Emerald Airport for fuel before continuing back to Brisbane as PFY9881.

Meanwhile, after arriving into Rockhampton Airport the previous day, also on Tuesday 19 May, Gulf Coast Aviation Textron Aviation (Cessna) T206H VH-KQM was noted back to Townsville and then its Vanrook Station home.

Finally, Raytheon A36 Bonanza VH-YGM was also noted visiting Rockhampton Airport, also on Tuesday 19 May, arriving from and later departing back to its Orange base in New South Wales.  As previously mentioned, VH-YGM appears to be a weekly visitor to the beef capital.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLH Spotted at Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 5 May, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLH was spotted departing Rockhampton Airport after earlier arriving from Brisbane on what looked to be a closed charter flight as RXA9282.  It was photographed departing for Richmond again as RXA9282.

VH-ZLH was then due to return to Brisbane via Emerald Airport but ended up flying directly back to the capital but as RXA9883.

Of interest, fellow REX SAAB 340B VH-ZRC was noted visiting Emerald Airport also on Tuesday 5 May also on a closed charter flight.  It arrived from and later departed back to Brisbane but as PFY9872/9273.

VH-ZRC then departed Brisbane to Richmond as PFY9280 before it too was due to return to Brisbane via Emerald Airport but it too ended up flying directly back to the capital but as PFY9881.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 6 May, fellow REX SAAB 340B VH-ZRE was noted completing a closed charter flight into Emerald Airport, arriving from and later departing back to Brisbane as PFY9272/9873.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLH Calls into Emerald Airport - Twice!

On Tuesday 28 April, Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340B VH-ZLH was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Brisbane on what looked to be a closed charter flight on behalf of Pel-Air Express as PFY9872.

Grahame Bann / https://www.flickr.com/

It then returned to Brisbane but as PFY9273.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 29 April, VH-ZLH was noted back at Emerald Airport, again on a closed charter flight.  This time, it looked to arrive from Brisbane as PFY9272 and later return there as PFY9873.