There are a series of charters and other interesting aircraft arriving over the coming months at Rockhampton Airport in support of the upcoming Singapore Armed Force's 'Wallaby 2010' Exercise.
As previously reported, Air New Zealand is operating charters to Rockhampton Airport in four 'waves' with arrivals at 2000 (8.00pm) and departures from 2130-2200 (9.30-10.00pm) each night from 26/9-29/9, 15/10-19/10, 4/11-8/11, and 22/11-26/11.
There will also be an Antonov 124 Cargo transport aircraft arriving at Rockhampton Airport on or around 20/9 with a load of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Also expected into Rocky are RSAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft (expected around 18/9), RSAF CH-47 Chinook helicopters (expected around 3/10), and RSAF General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) F-16 fighter jets (expected around 15/10).
All this information is subject to change...
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Alliance still operating for QantasLink
Ben O has photographed Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 VH-FKA operating for QantasLink at Rockhampton Airport on Friday 10 September.
This is due to the continued grounding of several Dash-8-Q400 aircraft for landing gear inspections.
This is due to the continued grounding of several Dash-8-Q400 aircraft for landing gear inspections.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Skytrans to fly to Blackwater Airport ??
The CQ News on Wednesday 8 September reports that Skytrans maybe coming to Blackwater Airport's rescue by possibly offering residents three direct return flights to Brisbane each week.
A closed meeting in the town last week, which was attended by local politicians and Skytrans representatives, seemed to have a positive outcome with the airline reportedly "keen to have a look at the project".
Skytrans is Australia's largest operator of the smaller 36-seat Dash-8-100 series aircraft, which will enable Skytrans to overcome the biggest obstacle to Blackwater Airport's future - a deteriorating runway.
Initial proposed ticket prices range from $160 to $350.
A closed meeting in the town last week, which was attended by local politicians and Skytrans representatives, seemed to have a positive outcome with the airline reportedly "keen to have a look at the project".
Skytrans is Australia's largest operator of the smaller 36-seat Dash-8-100 series aircraft, which will enable Skytrans to overcome the biggest obstacle to Blackwater Airport's future - a deteriorating runway.
Initial proposed ticket prices range from $160 to $350.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
TRIP REPORT: Qantas Link (Sunstate) Airlines – EMERALD-BRISBANE-EMERALD
Emerald to Brisbane – Saturday 14 August 2010 – QF2404 – VH-QOA
Early flight from Emerald and surprised to use the newly opened departure/waiting area. This area is a little bigger than the old terminal (now a pile of rubble!) and will soon feature security screening (so hopefully Virgin Blue can start flying to Emerald!!). Nice views out the windows over the apron saw QantasLinks oldest Dash-8-Q400 arrive to take me to Brisbane (photo below). We boarded and lifted off about 10 mins late.
As mentioned in a previous report, I reckon that these aircraft are quite roomy. I have included a photo below of me sitting in my seat – an aisle seat and there is plenty of legroom – I’m over 180cm tall and I’m not cramped up. I will concede that the seat is narrow, but not uncomfortable.
A light refreshment consisting of foul tasting yogurt and a sesame seed bar was served along with drinks. Pretty ordinary selection – I didn’t each much!!
We managed to make up a bit of time in the air, but a landing on Runway 14 and subsequent long taxi at Brisbane saw us pull up pretty much on time.
Brisbane to Emerald – Wednesday 18 August 2010 – QF2404 – VH-QOP
Easy check-in and waiting downstairs at Brisbane – was advised of a 20 minute delay due to the late arrival of the aircraft. Once it did arrive there were no less than 4 wheelchair passengers (plus partners) who had to be taken off the plane, so that delayed our flight even more. Ended up boarding and departing Runway 01 about 45 minutes late.
The usual departure path off Runway 01 is a series of right turns that take us back over Brisbane Airport before heading west. Today however, we received a nice shortcut from ATC, and headed west via a left turn straight after departure. We were treated to fantastic views of Redcliffe, including Redcliffe Airport – both shown below.
About 10 minutes after take off, our ‘light refreshment’ came out and as shown below – a nice pull apart and some apple pieces – much better selection on this flight!! Drinks followed and then we settled back for cruise.
Coming into Emerald it was a normal descent, however we seemed to orbit around Emerald Airport at least once, before completing the approach and landing. This was a bit bumpy with some steep turns – unsure why we did this – possibly a bit high. Unfortunately, some passengers were reaching for the sick bags. We eventually landed about 50 minutes after the scheduled ETA.
Baggage came out pretty quickly and was collected from the new temporary outside area adjacent to the new Emerald terminal – shown below. In all, apart from the delays, another pretty good flight with QantasLink.
Early flight from Emerald and surprised to use the newly opened departure/waiting area. This area is a little bigger than the old terminal (now a pile of rubble!) and will soon feature security screening (so hopefully Virgin Blue can start flying to Emerald!!). Nice views out the windows over the apron saw QantasLinks oldest Dash-8-Q400 arrive to take me to Brisbane (photo below). We boarded and lifted off about 10 mins late.
As mentioned in a previous report, I reckon that these aircraft are quite roomy. I have included a photo below of me sitting in my seat – an aisle seat and there is plenty of legroom – I’m over 180cm tall and I’m not cramped up. I will concede that the seat is narrow, but not uncomfortable.
A light refreshment consisting of foul tasting yogurt and a sesame seed bar was served along with drinks. Pretty ordinary selection – I didn’t each much!!
We managed to make up a bit of time in the air, but a landing on Runway 14 and subsequent long taxi at Brisbane saw us pull up pretty much on time.
Brisbane to Emerald – Wednesday 18 August 2010 – QF2404 – VH-QOP
Easy check-in and waiting downstairs at Brisbane – was advised of a 20 minute delay due to the late arrival of the aircraft. Once it did arrive there were no less than 4 wheelchair passengers (plus partners) who had to be taken off the plane, so that delayed our flight even more. Ended up boarding and departing Runway 01 about 45 minutes late.
The usual departure path off Runway 01 is a series of right turns that take us back over Brisbane Airport before heading west. Today however, we received a nice shortcut from ATC, and headed west via a left turn straight after departure. We were treated to fantastic views of Redcliffe, including Redcliffe Airport – both shown below.
About 10 minutes after take off, our ‘light refreshment’ came out and as shown below – a nice pull apart and some apple pieces – much better selection on this flight!! Drinks followed and then we settled back for cruise.
Coming into Emerald it was a normal descent, however we seemed to orbit around Emerald Airport at least once, before completing the approach and landing. This was a bit bumpy with some steep turns – unsure why we did this – possibly a bit high. Unfortunately, some passengers were reaching for the sick bags. We eventually landed about 50 minutes after the scheduled ETA.
Baggage came out pretty quickly and was collected from the new temporary outside area adjacent to the new Emerald terminal – shown below. In all, apart from the delays, another pretty good flight with QantasLink.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Embraer 135 at Rockhampton Airport
A nice treat for locals at Rockhampton Airport on Wednesday 1 September was a visit from an Embraer 135 Legacy BizJet. The Legacy with Brazilian rego PP-VVV, flew Brisbane-Rockhampton-Townsville-Brisbane.
A photo of the Legacy can be found on the South East Queensland Plane Spotting Blog HERE.
A photo of the Legacy can be found on the South East Queensland Plane Spotting Blog HERE.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Air Whitsunday Seaplanes to Wind-up?
Cessna Finance (as Petitioning Creditor) has applied to wind up Air Whitsunday Seaplanes. A hearing will take place later this month.
Air Whitsunday Seaplanes (http://www.airwhitsunday.com.au/) operates tours and charter flights from The Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour (near Airlie Beach). Their current fleet includes a mix of DHC-2 Beaver and Cessna 208 Caravan float plane aircraft.
This action does not necessarily mean the company will cease trading as it could go into administration rather than liquidation.
Air Whitsunday Seaplanes (http://www.airwhitsunday.com.au/) operates tours and charter flights from The Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour (near Airlie Beach). Their current fleet includes a mix of DHC-2 Beaver and Cessna 208 Caravan float plane aircraft.
This action does not necessarily mean the company will cease trading as it could go into administration rather than liquidation.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Clermont Aerodrome visitors this morning
A quick trip to Clermont Aerodrome on Tuesday 31 August revealed a visitor from Victoria amongst the usual FIFO movements.
Amateur Built Van's RV-10 VH-LYY (registered in Victoria) is photographed below, along with Central Airlines PA-31 VH-NWN, and Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s VH-QQH and VH-QQJ (both wearing new colours).
Amateur Built Van's RV-10 VH-LYY (registered in Victoria) is photographed below, along with Central Airlines PA-31 VH-NWN, and Skytrans Airlines Dash-8-100s VH-QQH and VH-QQJ (both wearing new colours).
Saturday, August 28, 2010
QantasLink final RPT service to Blackwater Airport
Pictured below is Blackwater Airport showing the terminal and apron area. Plane spotting and photography over the apron is easy from the fenceline.
On Sunday 15 August, QantasLink (Sunstate Airlines) Dash-8-Q300 VH-SBI operated the final RPT flight to Blackwater. It operated inbound as QF2396 Brisbane-Thangool-Blackwater, and departed as QF2397 back through Thangool to Brisbane. The QantasLink terminal departure board is shown below commemorating this final service.
As previously reported, BHP is closing Blackwater Airport as an RPT airport. It will remain open to charter and medical aircraft however.
On Sunday 15 August, QantasLink (Sunstate Airlines) Dash-8-Q300 VH-SBI operated the final RPT flight to Blackwater. It operated inbound as QF2396 Brisbane-Thangool-Blackwater, and departed as QF2397 back through Thangool to Brisbane. The QantasLink terminal departure board is shown below commemorating this final service.
As previously reported, BHP is closing Blackwater Airport as an RPT airport. It will remain open to charter and medical aircraft however.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Alliance ops for QantasLink at Rockhampton Airport
It has been reported that Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 VH-FKJ was operating for QantasLink on Thursday 26 August on the Brisbane-Rockhampton-Brisbane run. This is due to the grounding of most of the QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 fleet due to landing gear issues.
Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 VH-FKD was noted operating for QantasLink on Friday 27 August on this same run.
Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 VH-FKD was noted operating for QantasLink on Friday 27 August on this same run.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Rockhampton Airport future considered
The Rockhampton Morning Bulletin reports that Rockhampton City Councillors have recently been asked to consider the corporatisation of Rockhampton Airport. However, they voted unanimously to let the issue lie on the table to allow further consideration of the pros and cons, with one Councillor, Stephen Schwarten, advocating “a conversation with the community” about how it can provide a better return to ratepayers.
The Rockhampton Morning Bulletin newspaper has had reports both on Tuesday 24 August HERE and Wednesday 25 August HERE.
The Rockhampton Morning Bulletin newspaper has had reports both on Tuesday 24 August HERE and Wednesday 25 August HERE.
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