QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A (Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa) First Visit to Mackay Airport on a Diversion - Plus More!

On Friday 26 June, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A was flying from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport as QLK1592 but was unable to land there and diverted to Mackay Airport - the first ever visit by an Airbus A220 into Mackay Airport.

File photo

It later continued from Mackay Airport to Hamo as QLK1592 and then returned to Brisbane as per normal, albeit a little late!

Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-Q200 VH-TQX was noted operating the SKP85/6 service to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport from and back to Cairns. A rare visit!

While Metro Holdings Australia (Air Link - Dubbo) Cessna 525A CitationJet2 bizjet VH-EJT flew across from Alpha Aerodrome to Emerald Airport. It looked to earlier fly up from Warwick.

And Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Cessna 172 VH-MAO and Gippsland GA-8 Airvan VH-MFI departed Longreach Airport for Richmond and Mareeba.  It looks like they had arrived into Longreach Airport on Wednesday 24 June from Barkley Downs and Mount Isa.

Meanwhile, on Thursday 25 June, Queensland Government (QGAir) Rescue (State of Queensland) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopter (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-EGF was heading up from Archerfield to Emerald Airport but half way it turned back to Archerfield.

UPDATE!  On Monday 29 June, VH-EGF landed at Emerald Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Cairns. 

And Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" visited Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield.

Finally, also on Thursday 25 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-207 as "Stallion 61" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete a touch-and-go at Rockhampton Airport before returning down to Amberley for more.

Australian Army Airbus Helicopters H135 'Juno' training helicopter N52-103 as "Warhorse 33" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Oakey and this afternoon departed back to there but as "Warhorse 34".

Photo taken by Bernie Proctor  ©

New QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4L Makes First Visit into Central Queensland at Hamilton Island Airport - UPDATED!

On Friday 19 June, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) brand spanking new Airbus A220-300 VH-X4L made its first visit into Central Queensland visiting Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Brisbane as QLK1592/3.

Photo updated!

VH-X4L is the 12th A220-300 to be delivered to National Jet Systems at Canberra after it ferried across from Airbus Canada at Montreal Mirabel at the end of last month.  It entered service with Qantas / QantasLink just over a fortnight ago.

Continuing the theme of the A220s being named after native Australian wildlife, VH-X4L wears the name 'Blue Tongue Lizard'.

Photo taken by Ryan Hothersall  ©

New QantasLink Dash-Q400 Next Gen VH-84J (ex C-FQWE) First Flight into CQ at Gladstone Airport

On Sunday 12 April, recently delivered QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84J completed its first revenue flight into CQ, with it touching down at Gladstone Airport as QLK2336/7 from and back to Brisbane. It had earlier flown up from Canberra after spending some time operating in the Southern states.

Added...

VH-84J then returned to Gladstone Airport for an overnight stay as QLK2340. It is expected to leave early on Monday 13 April as QLK2329. It is scheduled to also then visit Bundaberg and Moranbah Airport later on Monday 13 April.

The second-hand Dash-8-Q400 is the tenth of 12 (or 14) aircraft that the Qantas Group has purchased from Canadian operator WestJet Encore. VH-84J previously operated as C-FQWE and operated with the airline from June 2014 until November 2025.

The Dash-8 arrived into Australia via Brisbane on Thursday 26 March - as shown below.  

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

Photos taken by Quentin Cowman, Vernon Harvey and James Saunders  ©

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'  ©

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  ©

QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4G First Visit of Type to Rockhampton Airport BUT on a Diversion from Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 15 January, poor weather over the Whitsundays saw QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4G operating as QLK1592 from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport unable to land at Hamo and divert into Rockhampton Airport.

This is the first time that an Airbus A220 has landed at Rockhampton Airport.

After taking on fuel, the A220 was unable to continue to Hamilton Island and instead re-positioned back to Brisbane as QLK7801. 

And a little later, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-YIQ as VOZ1283 from Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport was also unable to land up there and also diverted into Rockhampton Airport.

VH-YIQ departed Rocky and was able to land at Hamilton Island Airport before it then returned down to Sydney as VOZ1282.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 15 January, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) and Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport.

UPDATE!  On Friday 16 January, VH-XCU departed Hamilton Island Airport and returned to Essendon and then Moorabbin.

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS looked to depart Hamilton Island Airport for Mackay Airport and then down to Cessnock.

Late in the day, Avcair LearJet 60 bizjet VH-AVL visited Mackay Airport from Brisbane.

While FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-ACV completed the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) charter flight into Emerald Airport from Archerfield and Toowoomba-Wellcamp.  It also completed a similar flight late on Wednesday 14 January.

And LifeFlight Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter VH-XIA flying as "Rescue 599" departed Mackay Airport for Gladstone Airport and Archerfield.  It had flown up last Saturday 10 January.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

New QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4K Makes First Visit into Central Queensland at Hamilton Island Airport

On Thursday 1 January, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) brand spanking new Airbus A220-300 VH-X4K made its first visit into Central Queensland visiting Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Brisbane as QLK1592/3.

VH-X4K on its delivery flight

VH-X4K is the eleventh A220-300 to be delivered to National Jet Systems at Canberra after it ferried across from Airbus Canada at Montreal Mirabel just before Christmas. It entered service with Qantas / QantasLink five days after arriving into the country.

The Qantas Group has ordered 29 A220s to replace the Boeing B717 fleet on regional routes around Australia under the QantasLink brand and operated by National Jet Systems. The A220s will be named after native Australian wildlife and VH-X4K has been adorned with the name 'Sugar Glider'.

Each A220 will seat 137 passengers, including 10 in business and 127 in economy class. It has double the range of the B717, at 6,000 kilometres, while burning 25 per cent less fuel per seat and generating less noise.

Nice!

Photo taken by Michael Macgowan  ©

New QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4J Makes First Visit into Central Queensland at Hamilton Island Airport

On Friday 26 December, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) brand spanking new Airbus A220-300 VH-X4J made its first visit into Central Queensland visiting Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Brisbane as QLK1592/3.

https://www.planespotters.net/

VH-X4J is the tenth A220-300 to be delivered to National Jet Systems at Canberra after it ferried across from Airbus Canada at Montreal Mirabel just over a fortnight ago.  It entered service with Qantas / QantasLink soon after arriving into the country.

The Qantas Group has ordered 29 A220s to replace the Boeing B717 fleet on regional routes around Australia under the QantasLink brand and operated by National Jet Systems. The A220s will be named after native Australian wildlife and VH-X4J has been adorned with the name 'Crimson Rosella'.

Each A220 will seat 137 passengers, including 10 in business and 127 in economy class. It has double the range of the B717, at 6,000 kilometres, while burning 25 per cent less fuel per seat and generating less noise.

Nice!

Helicorp Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-LWF Spotted at Gladstone Airport Ferrying North - Plus More!

On Friday 19 December, Helicorp Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-LWF was spotted passing through Gladstone Airport while looking to be on a ferry flight up to Far North Queensland and possibly further.

The Toll liveried helicopter arrived from its 'base' at the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and then departed to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then Cairns.

UPDATE!  In early February 2026, the Bell 412EP helicopter emerged from the hangar at Cairns now wearing the Papua New Guinea registration marking of P2-HCH.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 19 December, recently delivered ADD Aviation Services (Victoria) Gulfstream G-IV-X G350 bizjet VH-TG4 flew up from Gold Coast to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and then down to Mackay Airport.  Later, it hopped back to Proserpine Airport and then returned to the Gold Coast.

VH-TG4 was registered and then delivered into Melbourne (Tullamarine) in late November.  It is photographed above at Wagga Wagga.

While re-registered Poolhurst Aviation Air Charter Services Pilatus PC-24 jet VH-VIF flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Archerfield. 

This is the first time that VH-VIF has visited with its new registration marking, changing at the end of October from VH-VTF.

Execujet Australia Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 bizjet VH-LEP flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne (Avalon) and the Gold Coast.  It then flew across to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for parking.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 23 December, VH-LEP hopped back from Proserpine Airport to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying down to Melbourne (Avalon).

And Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY completed a late visit to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin), Melbourne (Essendon), Ararat and Tamworth before later departing to the Gold Coast.

Finally, also on Friday 19 December, Queensland Police Service (Airwing) / Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 Super King Air 350i aircraft VH-8PD visited Rockhampton Airport from Mount Isa.

While Townsville Airlines Cessna 208B Grand Caravan VH-NXU completed the East Air flight EA1/2 run to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Cairns.

And former QantasLink Dash-8-Q300 VH-TQE landed at Alice Springs from Tamworth.  It is reported to be the final Dash-8-Q300 to fly into Alice Springs from Tamworth for (temporary) storage.  As we have posted, some of them have ferried via Charleville Airport (and also Birdsville).

Photos taken by Jamie C and Robert Myers  ©

Re-Registered SHM Aviation Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-TCS Calls into Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 10 December, re-registered SHM Aviation (Gold Coast) Textron Aviation (Cessna) 525B CitationJet CJ3 Bizjet VH-TCS was noted visiting Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

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VH-TCS was re-registered to SHM Aviation of Robina on the Gold Coast in late October after previously being operated out of Canberra.

UPDATE!  VH-TCS returned to Bundy on Friday 12 December again visiting from Archerfield.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 10 December, Townsville Airlines (Flightech Air Logistics) Cessna 402C Utiliner/Businessliner VH-UCM visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns on the scheduled EA1/2 flight service for East Air.

UPDATE!  VH-UCM operated the same flight into Hamo also on Friday 12 December.

While former QantasLink Dash-8-Q300 VH-SBT ferried up to Alice Springs from Tamworth via Charleville Airport.

And CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY as "Choppa 41" flew down from Townsville to Mackay and Gladstone Airports before continuing to RAAF Base Amberley.

Finally, on a quiet Tuesday 9 December, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-ZDM landed at Biloela / Thangool Airport from the Gold Coast and Newcastle (Williamtown) before it then departed back to the Gold Coast.

New QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4I Makes First Visit into Central Queensland at Hamilton Island Airport

On Wednesday 3 December, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) brand spanking new Airbus A220-300 VH-X4I made its first visit into Central Queensland visiting Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Brisbane as QLK1592/3.

VH-X4I is the ninth A220-300 to be delivered to National Jet Systems at Canberra after it ferried across from Airbus Canada at Montreal Mirabel around a fortnight ago.  It entered service with Qantas / QantasLink soon after arriving into the country.

The Qantas Group has ordered 29 A220s to replace the Boeing B717 fleet on regional routes around Australia under the QantasLink brand and operated by National Jet Systems. The A220s will be named after native Australian wildlife and VH-X4I has been adorned with the name 'Echidna'.

Each A220 will seat 137 passengers, including 10 in business and 127 in economy class. It has double the range of the B717, at 6,000 kilometres, while burning 25 per cent less fuel per seat and generating less noise.

Nice!

QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 Jet VH-UYN Medical Diversion into Longreach Airport

On Saturday 29 November, QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 Jet VH-UYN was spotted at Longreach Airport.

It was operating as QLK1874 from Brisbane to Alice Springs and diverted into Longreach Airport due to a medical emergency.

After a short time, VH-UYN as QLK1874 departed Longreach Airport and continued to Alice Springs.

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

Photos taken by Liam Sellick and Calen Harvey  ©️

American Registered but Australian based Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW Spotted at Longreach Airport - Plus More!

On Thursday 27 November, American Registered but Australian based Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW was spotted visiting Longreach Airport.

It looked to arrive from and then later depart back to the Sunshine Coast.

While Boss Engineering (NSW) Hawker Beechcraft G36 VH-EYY visited Clermont Aerodrome from Toowoomba.

Finally, also on Thursday 27 November, the latest former QantasLink Dash-8-Q300 VH-TQL flew from Tamworth into Alice Springs via Charleville Airport.

Photos taken by Drew Mackay  ©

QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84P 'Dasher-8' in Special Christmas Colour Scheme First Flight into CQ at Bundaberg Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 25 November, QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84P was revealed as having special Christmas themed stickers added and was spotted visiting Bundaberg Airport from Brisbane as QLK2322/3.  It has previously been operating in Far North Queensland and so is assumed that it had the decals applied up there over the last few days.

https://www.facebook.com/onlyplanesnet

VH-84P was then due to head to Moranbah Airport.

VH-84P has been dubbed 'Dasher-8' and is designed to bring festive flair to passengers during the months of November and December.

A Qantas Boeing B737-800 dubbed 'Roo-dolph' will also feature special Christmas stickers - VH-XZP. Frequent Flyers travelling on either aircraft will receive double Qantas Points!

A Qantas Freight Airbus A321PF freighter aircraft VH-XF4 will also be decorated with ‘Santa’s Freight’ livery is also set to transport thousands of presents and festive fare across the country in the coming weeks.

Nice!

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 25 November, Bowenville based (operated by Real Time Aviation - Brisbane) Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1+ bizjet VH-JSZ flew up from Archerfield and Dalby to Longreach Airport and then to Natal Downs.  It then flew back down to Dalby and Archerfield.

Tindal Air (NT) Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 bizjet VH-NNA flew into Barcaldine Airport on Monday from Brisbane via Biloela / Thangool Airport and then returned to Brisbane today.

While late in the day, Cirrus SR22T N51GH was tracking from Dili and Darwin to the Gold Coast but due to weather out West, it diverted into Longreach Airport.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 26 November, Cirrus SR22T N51GH departed Longreach Airport for the Gold Coast.

And Kahu NZ Sikorsky EH-60A Black Hawk helicopter ZK-HKU also made a late arrival into Longreach Airport from the North-West.  It is assumed that it is heading back down South.

Finally, also on Tuesday 25 November, Alliance Airlines (ex JetBlue Airways - USA) Embraer ERJ-190AR VH-A2S (ex N274JB) departed Rockhampton Airport for Wagga Wagga (pictured) as UTY9810.

It had arrived into Rockhampton Airport in a full JetBlue Airways livery in mid-August.  It is assumed that the aircraft will be painted into the standard Alliance Airlines livery while at Wagga Wagga.

While National Jet Express Dash-8-Q400 Next Gen VH-IYK was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.

It arrived from Brisbane and departed to Cairns and Horn Island as JTE444/6.  It then returned to Cairns as JTE447. 

And Aerlink ATR 72-500 VH-FVI was scheduled to make a late visit into Mackay Airport from Brisbane as AL520/1.

Photos taken by Robert Myers, 'AC' and Liam Sellick  ©

Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 313" Pops into Hamilton Island Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 10 November, Machjet International Hawker Beechcraft (Beech) B200 King Air VH-8UY as "Machflight 313" visited Hamilton Island Airport from Cairns.

File photo

While Seair Pacific (Istlecote) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX VH-LYI arrived into Rockhampton from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) and Maryborough Airports and then flew to Middlemount Aerodrome and back to Rocky before then departing back to Hervey Bay Airport.

And (reportedly now formerly) Stirling Helicopters Piper PA-23-250 Aztec VH-EQD arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Townsville and Cairns Airports.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 10 November, Air Gold Coast Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-CDG flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport and then to Clermont Aerodrome and down to Dalby and back to Archerfield.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Melbourne (Essendon) to the Gold Coast and then Miles Airport before continuing up to also Mackay Airport. It then departed to Stawell and back to Essendon.

Parker Aviation Ventures (Sydney) / Air Link (Dubbo) Embraer EMB-500 Phenom bizjet VH-PNM flew up from Archerfield and Sydney to Hamilton Island Airport and then back down to Archerfield.

And QantasLink (Alliance Airlines) Embraer E-190 jet VH-UYK also completed a visit to Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Cairns as QLK2691/UTY6280.

Photo taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Finally! QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A (Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa) Makes First Visit into Central Queensland at Hamilton Island Airport

On Monday 10 November, QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 VH-X4A finally made its first visit into Central Queensland visiting Hamilton Island Airport from and back to Brisbane as QLK1592/3.

VH-X4A was the first A220-300 to be delivered to National Jet Systems at Sydney after it ferried across from Airbus Canada at Montreal Mirabel in December 2023.

The aircraft rolled out of the paint shop with a complex livery as the latest addition to Qantas’ longstanding Flying Art Series. Qantas worked with Leading Indigenous Australian design agency, Balarinji, the Copyright Agency and Tjungu Palya Art Centre to reproduce senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker’s painting Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa (Two Sisters Creation Story) for the aircraft.

After arriving in Australia, VH-X4A completed 69 check / training flights on the eastern seaboard before completing a special 'inaugural flight' to Ayres Rock and then to Melbourne (Tullamarine) in February 2024.  It subsequently entered service on the Melbourne-Canberra-Sydney triangle route in March 2024.

The Qantas Group has ordered 29 A220s to replace the Boeing B717 fleet on regional routes around Australia under the QantasLink brand and operated by National Jet Systems.

Each A220 will seat 137 passengers, including 10 in business and 127 in economy class. It has double the range of the B717, at 6,000 kilometres, while burning 25 per cent less fuel per seat and generating less noise.

Nice!

Sincere thanks to Sydney plane spotter Bernie P for allowing us share his wonderful photos of a wonderful aircraft!

All photos taken by Bernie Proctor  ©

New QantasLink Dash-Q400 Next Gen VH-84O (ex C-GVWE) First Revenue Flight into CQ at Bundaberg Airport

On Wednesday 5 November, recently delivered QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-84O completed its first ever revenue flight, and it happened to be into CQ, with it touching down at Bundaberg Airport as QLK2970/1 from and back to Brisbane.

VH-84O departs Brisbane for Bundaberg Airport.

It then completed a run to Miles Airport and the Gladstone Airport, both also from and back to Brisbane, before then finishing the day back at Bundaberg Airport. VH-84O looks to be due to complete flights out of and then back into Bundaberg Airport, as well as Moranbah Airport, all on Thursday 6 November.

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-84O previously operated as C-GVWE and operated with the airline from January 2015 until March 2024.

File photo

The Dash-8 arrived into Australia via Brisbane on Saturday 25 October, still wearing its Canadian registration marking of C-GVWE, completing a delivery flight from Canada across the Pacific.

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

Photos taken by Daniel Gorza and Wally H  ©

TWO QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300s VH-X4C & VH-X4H Both Make First Visit into Central Queensland at Hamilton Island Airport

A week after the aircraft changes for the Qantas Group - Qantas / QantasLink / Jetstar Airways - on Sunday 2 November, two QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220-300 aircraft were noted making their first visits into Central Queensland visiting Hamilton Island Airport.

File photo

VH-X4C operated as QLK1596/7 from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).  The aircraft was delivered to National Jet Systems at Canberra after it ferried across from Airbus Canada at Montreal Mirabel in August 2024.

And VH-X4H operated as QLK1592/3 from and back to Brisbane.  The aircraft was only delivered last weekend and entered service mid-way through this last week!

Photo added

The Qantas Group has ordered 29 A220s to replace the Boeing B717 fleet on regional routes around Australia under the QantasLink brand and operated by National Jet Systems. The A220s will be named after native Australian wildlife.  VH-X4C has been adorned with the name 'Little Red Flying Fox' and VH-X4H wears the name 'Wedge-tailed Eagle'.

Each A220 will seat 137 passengers, including 10 in business and 127 in economy class. It has double the range of the B717, at 6,000 kilometres, while burning 25 per cent less fuel per seat and generating less noise.

Nice!

All photos taken by Lloyd Fox  ©

Airline and Aircraft Changes in the Whitsundays - Jetstar Moves to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport only - Qantas moves to Hamilton Island Airport only

Over the weekend, big changes have happened at the Whitsundays Airport with a shuffle of Qantas Group airlines between the two nearby Airports - Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and Hamilton Island (Great Barrier Reef) Airport.

Jetstar Australia Airlines has officially ceased operating into Hamilton Island and moved entirely to Proserpine.

The final Jetstar flight at Hamilton Island Airport takes off.

Jetstar has also upsized some of its flights including the daily JST840/1 service from and back to Sydney to an Airbus A321 aircraft.  On Sunday 26 October, VH-VWW (delivered May 2009) operated the flight - and it was back on Monday 27 October too.

VH-VWW arrives into Proserpine Airport from Sydney.

Meanwhile, Qantas and QantasLink flights have gone from Prosie and now their B737-800s and QantasLink Airbus A220s will fly between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and Hamo.

The final Qantas/QantasLink flight - an E-190 - at Proserpine Airport.

Awesome news that both airlines will add additional flights to the region, which will result in more than 2,300 new low fare seats on Jetstar routes to Proserpine every week and a new Qantas service from Melbourne to Hamilton Island.

Qantas (QantasLink) will also commence flying its new Airbus A220 to Hamilton Island Airport for the first time from both Brisbane and Melbourne. These are operated by National Jet Systems.  

On Sunday 26 October, A220 VH-X4G 'Whale Shark' (delivered May 2025) operated as QLK1596/7 from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine), while VH-X4E 'Tasmanian Devil' (delivered November 2024) operated as QLK1592/3 from and back to Brisbane.

VH-X4G arrives into Melbourne (Tullamarine)  (File photo)

The A220s will replace Alliance Airlines-operated Embraer E-190 regional jets on the Brisbane services.

UPDATES!!  Over the next week, there were numerous 'first visits' into Central Queensland (from what we know) by the Jetstar Airways Airbus A321 aircraft into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and QantasLink (National Jet Systems) Airbus A220 aircraft into Hamilton Island Airport.  Here is a list...

On Monday 27 October, A220 VH-X4F 'Rainbow Lorikeet' (delivered March 2025) operated as QLK1592/3 at Hamo from and back to Brisbane.

On Tuesday 28 October, A321 VH-VWN (delivered December 2016) operated as JST840/1 at Prosie from and back to Sydney.

On Wednesday 29 October, A220 VH-X4B 'Koala' (delivered January 2024) operated as QLK1592/3 at Hamo from and back to Brisbane.

And on Friday 31 October, A321 VH-VWX (delivered May 2009) operated as JST840/1 at Prosie from and back to Sydney, while A220 VH-X4D 'Platypus' (delivered September 2024) operated as QLK1596/7 at Hamo from and back to Melbourne (Tullamarine).

Plus, we have noticed that E-190s have been substituted on some Brisbane services in particular in the subsequent weeks.