Annual Commuter Airline Directory

The changes to operating conditions in the USA has seen a plethora of new hardware proposals to take advantage of the high passenger loads that can be carried per aircraft. Our own DoT is right now making a re-evaluation of operations in this regard and it is expected that 30-seater airliners will be in service with existing Third Level Airlines in the next year or so. In this higher seat category, it appears likely that Skywest Airlines of Perth will be the first off the mark with a Grumman. Basically the re-working of the original Grumman, Gulfstream American have already test flown a prototype, Albert, a re-worked G. 159 airframe.

The Shorts 330 was the first actual 30-seat airliner into production. Non-pressurised, this airliner was made available slightly ahead of the need for) airlines to commence upgrading to the larger equipment allowed by the changed regulations in the USA. But with fuel price escalation – the cost-effectiveness of flying is now far outstripping the cost of individuals travelling by car, (usually one passenger per car). Paradoxically, until fuel prices started to really increase in 1979, the general improvement in the standards of our highways was causing a flattening in passenger growth on many routes. But the latest OPEC rises (June) are going to see our Third Level Airlines greatly advantaged as more and more companies realise the cost-effectiveness of flying their staff around. Not only that, it’s less tiring to fly and higher productivity levels can be achieved also.

Besides the Shorts 330 and the American Gulfstream 1 C already mentioned, (both twin turbine-powered airliners) other projects include those from De Havilland Canada “Dash Eight”, the SAAB-Fairchild project, and the Embraer Brasilia. Thus, our existing airlines with 18/20 seat aircraft such as Swearingen Metroliners, Embraer Bandeirantes and DHC-6 Twin Otters will move up to these new airliners. In parallel, our existing six, 10, 12 and 14-seater-sized aircraft in use now will be replaced by Embraer Bandeirante’s, Swearingen Metroliners, Beech 1900s twin Otters, etc. Where passenger loadings simply won’t allow the use of 18/20 seaters then various smaller airliners will be utilised. But they will be turbine-powered for fuel economy (as well as the bonus of being faster). In this category, Piper, Cessna, Beech, Dornier and GAF will be selling hard.

Other projects do exist; some prototypes have flown; but little has been heard of late. The Ahrens, for example. A 30-seater with four turbine engines. We shouldn’t forget such in-service aircraft as the Casa 212 or the IAI Arava. Both have sold to predominantly military markets but commercial sales are growing. The Shorts Skyvan mustn’t be ignored either. Nor projects such as re-engined Partenavia P68s and Pilatus Britten-Norman Islanders. Both have had turbine engines installed and have been test-flown. But very little news has filtered through of late. And for sure – we’ve either forgotten or haven’t been advised about some other suitable candidates which would give to our Third Level Airlines and their passengers, new standards of operations and comfort whilst conserving precious fuel.

In conclusion, whilst I would very much like to! – I can’t claim total accuracy for this first annual THIRD LEVEL AIRLINES SURVEY for AADR. Corrections and amendments will appear in future issues. Cross-checking of information was greatly helped by referring to World Airline Fleets 1980 by Gunter Endres together with contributions from: G. Goodall, G. Wilkes, G. Veroude, G. Lynn, N. Pittaway, W. Bigsworth and R. McDonald (AHSA Journal).

Abbreviations TBC = to be confirmed. TBA = to be advised. OO = on order.

ADVANCE AIRLINES OF AUSTRALIA. (DR). Sydney, NSW. Currently 1 x Beech Super King Air 200. ToowoombaGunnedah-Sydney. Sydney-Lord Howe Island.

AEROPELICAN INTERCITY COMMUTER AIR SERVICE. (PO). Belmont, NSW. Now 80 per cent owned by Masling Commuter Air Services. 4 x DHC 6 Twin Otters (only 3 in service). A small number of back up Cessna 402s. Offers a high-frequency service on the Newcastle-Sydney route as well as Singleton-Sydney.

AIR GREAT LAKES (BB). Sydney, NSW 1 x Embraer Bandeirante on the route Sydney-Scone-Forster/Tuncurry. A division of Davey Air Services of Dubbo.

AIR TASMANIA PL (XZ). Hobart, Tasmania connecting Hobart with Queenstown, Wynyard, Devonport, Smithton, Strahan and Launceston plus Flinders Island. Once a week Hobart-Flinders Island-Sydney. 3 x Piper Navajo Chieftains. Just recently acquired by BASSAIR, will continue as Air Tasmania and is due to take delivery of an Embraer Bandeirante.

ALBATROSS AIRLINES( SA). Currently operating the Adelaide-Kangaroo Island route with a Piper Cherokee 6 on daily services.

AVIOR PL Perth, WA (XP). Operate a mainly coastal service up the WA coastline linking Eneabba, Jurien Bay, Mullewa, Dongara, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Carnarvon. Perth to Kambalda also. Have recently taken over most of the former Tropicair services out of Carnarvon. 2 x Piper Navajo’s 1 x Beech Baron.

BIZJETS (BUSINESS JETS PL) (BQ). Melbourne, Victoria. Ceased operations on May 19. See NORTH-WEST AIRLINES PL (BV)

BUSH PILOT’S AIRWAYS LTD. (QN). Cairns, Queensland. Both a second and third-level airline. Operate an extensive network of services out of Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane. 5 x Douglas DC-3s, 4 x Swearingen Metroliner 2s, 4 x PBN Trislanders plus Cessna 21Os, 31Os, 402s and 404s. On order: 1 x Swearingen Metroliner 2. On option: 3 x DHC Dash Eights.

BUTLER AIRLINES PL (OT). Brisbane, Queensland. Twice daily Brisbane-Stradbroke Island. Extensive charter work too. Mixed fleet: 1 Cessna 402, 1 x 404 and 1 x Mitsubishi MU2P plus some single-engined aircraft.

CLUBAIR PL (CG). Warners Bay, NSW. Runs a high frequency service linking Maitland with Sydney. 2 GAF Nomad 22b series airliners though one is currently leased to BPA for coastal surveillance work out of Townsville.

COBDEN AIR SERVICES (XF). See COUNTRYWIDE AIRLINES

CONNAIR PL (CK) See NORTHERN AIRLINES

COUNTRY AIR SERVICES PL Rockhampton, Queensland. On behalf of TAA operate the daily “Coralair” service Rockhampton-Great Keppel Island. 1 x PBN Islander and a mixed fleet of Piper aircraft for extensive charter operations.

COMMODORE AIRLINES (YJ) Adelaide, SA. Four daily return flights Adelaide-Port Lincoln. Some return flights can stop at Minlaton. 1 x Cessna 402 or 411. (tbc).

COUNTRYWIDE AIRLINES (MB) Edgecliff, NSW.

Effective from July, the joining together of BUSINESS-AIR, NSW, MURRAY VALLEY AIRLINES, SANDON AIRLINES and COBDEN AIR SERVICES. An extensive network that will link Adelaide-Renmark-Mildura-Hay-Sydney-Quirindi-Wee Waa. The new grouping also holds licences for Mildura Melbourne as well as Walcha-Sydney. 2 x Piper Navajo Chieftains, 1 x Cessna 421, 1 x Partenavia P68b. Looking at Swearingen Metroliner 2s for the near future.

DAVEY AIR SERVICES PL (BZ) Dubbo, NSW. Links Sydney with Dubbo, Cobar, Nyngan, Bourke & Brewarrina. 3 x Piper Twin’s 1 x Embraer Bandeirante.

EAST COAST AIRLINES LTD (UN) A member company of the Tamair Group, was formed by joining Air Eastland and New England Airways. East West Airlines have a shareholding. Main base is Tamworth, NSW. Has an extensive network of services linking coastal and inland towns from Newcastle to Brisbane. Are likely to operate three times a week Glen Innes-Sydney route for East-West Airlines. 3 x Cessna 404s, 1 x 402.

EASTERN AIRLINES (RI) Brisbane, Queensland. Services link Brisbane With Warwick, Stanthorpe and Cheribah and a weekly Cheribah-Sydney service.

EMU AIRWAYS (Emu Air Charter PL) (ZE) Lockley. SA. 3 return services daily between Adelaide-American RiverParndana except Sundays. Adelaide-Kangaroo Island daily. 1 x Cessna 402. 1 x Piper Navajo Chieftain 1 x Piper Aztec.

EXECUTIVE AIRLINES (Executive Air Services PL) (IP). Melbourne, Vic. A member of the HC SIGroup of Companies. Scheduled services link Melbourne with Flinders Island, Launceston, Wynyard, Burnie, Devenport & King Island. 1 x GAF Nomad 22b and as many as 20 Rockwell Aero Commander aircraft of all series. Extensive charter operations are undertaken and for which a Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina is available. 1 x GAF Nomad 24. (oo)

EYRE CHARTER PL Adelaide, SA. A twice-daily service links Adelaide-Tumby Bay-Cummins. 1 x Piper Seneca.

FAST (NP) Double Bay, NSW. Several daily return flights Sydney-Cessnock. 1 x PBN Trislander and 1 x PBN Islander. GEELONG AIR TRAVEL (FK) Belmont Airport, Geelong, Vic. Ceased operations in 1979.

HAZELTON AIR SERVICES PL (ZL) Cudal, NSW. Two main routes link Orange and the Central West of NSW whilst the other route is Cudal-Sydney. The main fleet comprises 1 x Beechcraft Super King Air 200, 5 x Piper Navajo Chieftain. A recently acquired Cessna Citation 550 is available for executive charters.

HELIFLITE ( ) Sydney, NSW. Due to commence scheduled services between the outer Sydney suburb of Castle Hill and Sydney … at any time. (tbc).

HELITRANS PL (ZQ) Cairns, Queensland. Now only operate on an on-demand connecting service for both TAA and Ansett between Gladstone and Heron Island with a Bell Jet Ranger.

HENEBERY AVIATION CO (HZ) Caloundra, Queensland. Service link Caloundra to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. 1 x Partenavia P68b plus 3 x Cessna singles.

INTERCITY AIRLINES (XQ) Parafield, SA. Until very recently was Williams Airlines but with the take-over of Radford Silver City Airlines of Broken Hill, NSW, the whole new operation has been re-titled as Intercity Airlines. Services are operated on the Broken Hill-Melbourne route whilst from Adelaide Airport services link Adelaide to Cleave, Wudinna, Minnipa and Ceduna. A great deal of charter and freighting is undertaken together with a contract in connection with the Moomba Gas Fields. The thrice-weekly Adelaide to Canberra service was ceased recently. The Cessna Citation 2 had been used on that route. the rest of the fleet comprises one Swearingen Metroliner 2, four Piper Navajo Chieftain’s three Piper Navajos.

JET CHARTER AIRLINES (JV) Sydney and Wollongong, NSW. Ceased their scheduled service in Wollongong Melbourne on 04. 03. 1980.

KENDELL AIRLINES (KO) Wagga Wagga, NSW. Operate on behalf of Ansett Airlines – direct Wagga-Melbourne. Plus Wagga-Griffith-Melbourne and also: Melbourne-Cooma-Merimbula. Reports indicate that Kendell may also operate Melbourne-King Island, again, for Ansett Airlines. Currently, two Swearengen Metroliner 2s, two DH Herons (with Lycoming engines) and one Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 series airliner make up the fleet but the two De Havilland aircraft are up for sale.

LINDEMAN AERIAL SERVICES PL (ZM) Mackay, Queensland. Operating connecting flights from both Mackay and Proserpine to Lindeman Island for Ansett Airlines with two PBN 2a Islanders and one Piper Aztec Scenic tourist flight plus general charter work is also undertaken.

MACKNIGHT AIRLINES (Macknight Air Services PL (MT) Deniliquin, NSW. Two week-day return flights on Deniliquin Wagga Wagga sector, one return flight on Saturdays. And a once-daily return service Finly-Deniliquin. A Piper Seneca and a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 comprise the fleet.

MASLING COMMUT ER SERVICES PL (EK ) Cootamundra, NSW. Commenced third-level operations back on September 11, 1967, with emphasis on the Newcastle (Williamtown)-Sydney route. With the usual setbacks along the way often brought about by external factors, Masling is now one of the biggest commuter operators and recently acquired 80 per cent shareholding in the other (alternate) Sydney-Newcastle carrier, Aeropelican. The two airlines will continue with their separate identities and services with Aeropelican on the Newcastle (Belmont)-Sydney and Singleton-Sydney run. Because of its own growth plus the acquisition of Aeropelican the Masling operation will move to complete usage of the existing Gate Seven in the TAA Terminal. Hitherto, Masling was sharing with East-West Airlines while Aeropelican had serviced the Ansett Airlines Terminal. Subsidiary: Jakair PT is the Brazillian Embraer agent for our region. Present fleet: four Embraer Bandeirantes, two Beech Queen Airs. High-frequency service on the Newcastle (Williamtown) to Sydney route plus services from Sydney to link Condobolin, Temora, Cootamundra plus the Albury-Canberra-Newcastle service.

MURRAY VALLEY AIRLINES PL (MB) Mildura, SA. See Countrywide Airlines.

NOOSA AIR SERVICES (OF) Maryborough, Queensland. Presently operate on the Brisbane Maroochydore-Noosa route. Main fleet comprises two PBN 2a Islander aircraft plus a couple of smaller airplanes. Status of the Brisbane-Coolangatta service is uncertain at press time.

NORTHERN AIRLINES (CK) Darwin, NT. Following the take-over of Connair PL by East-West Airlines earlier this year, Northern Airlines has been established in Darwin to both continue and to develop aviation services in the NT following that Territory’s increased self-government. Part of the operations of Northern will be in the third level bracket surely, but at the the top end of the market, the airline will be jointly operating newly ordered Fokker F. 28 Fellowship 4000s. The DC-3s are being phased out of service together with three of the DH Heron airliners (Lycoming engine conversion variants) right now so that by year’s end the airline will have three Swearingen Metroliner 2s and one Heron on the third level services out of Darwin and Alice Springs. Before long, Ea§tWest will be offering up to 49 per cent shareholding to residents or concerns in the Territory. Besides linking Darwin and Alice Springs, routes will serve communities at Katherine, Tennant Creek, Groote Eylandt, Gove, and many other points.

NORTH-WEST AIRLINES (BV) tba. Were operating services linking Melbourne (Essendon) with Ararat, Stawell and Horsham. Then took over the Melbourne-Sale-Bairnsdale route following the cessation of operations by South Coast Airlines (SS) and then also took over the Melbourne Warrnambool-Portland service following cessation of services by Bizjets on this route. Piper Navajo and Partenavia P68b aircraft are known to be operated.

OPAL AIR PL (08) Adelaide, SA. This company was actually the very first Commuter/Third Level carrier having commenced on July 1 , 1967, the service AdelaideAndamooka-Coober Pedy. Today, the company also operates an Adelaide-Whyalla-Woomera service as well as Adelaide Ayers Rock. The present fleet consists of two Cessna 402s and three Cessna 421 series aircraft.

ORD AIR (YO) Wyndham, WA. Now operating a scheduled service linking Wyndham-Mitchell PlateauKalumburu. Equipment: tba.

OXLEY AIRLINES PL (VQ) Port Macquarie, NSW. Linking Port Macquarie with Lord Howe Island primarily but has a network that links country centres with Port Macquarie and Lord Howe Island on Holiday Services. Townships so linked up include Inverell, Armidale, Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri & Tamworth.

PAGAS AIRLINES (Port Augusta Air Services) (YP) Adelaide, SA. With a fleet of four Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 series aircraft this carrier operates on the AdelaideKangaroo Island route as well as Adelaide-Oodnadatta route with stops at Port Pirie, Port Augusta and High Creek.

RADFORD SILVER CITY AIRLINES (XQ) see Intercity Airlines.

ROSSAIR PL (RF) Adelaide, SA. With a single Cessna 402 at present this carrier operates a twice daily service between Adelaide and Mount Gambier. On Tuesday the services extend to Portland whilst on Wednesdays the service calls into Naracoorte.

SANDON AIRLINES (ZJ) see Countrywide Airlines.

SCHEDULED AIRLINES (XE) tba. Ceased services on the Melbourne-Deniliquin-Echuca-Shepparton-Melbourne route. Effective December 31, 1979.

SCRUSE AIR HELICOPTER COMMUTER SERVICES (SF) Gosford, NSW. Commenced services on the Gosford Sydney route with a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter. Increase in frequency of services plus extra weekend surf rescue services saw need for a second helicopter recently. The airline has ordered an MB117, a 10 seat helo, for delivery in late March 1981.

SKYWEST AIRLINES (YS) Perth, WA. Another of the bigger third-level/commuter operators. Extensive route network out of both Perth and out of Karratha. Recently took over Stillwell Airlines. Originally, the company was two separate airlines, Australian Jet Charter and Pilbara Air Services. Together with Southbank Aviation of Wollongong, the three companies became Jet Charter Airlines but the east-west connection was discontinued late in 1979. From Perth, points served include Rottnest Island, Sunbury, Albany, Esperance, Norseman, Mt Magnet, Cue, Meekatharra, Wiluna, Yeelirie and Telfer. From Karratha services to Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Wittenoom, Mt Newman, Port Hedland, Onslow, Learmonth and Nullagine. Fleet was four Beech S. King Air 200s, 1 Swearingen Metroliner, 2x Cessna Citation 2s, four Piper Aerostars, one Piper Navajo, two Piper Aztecs, one Mitsubishi Mu2P and two Nomad 24 airliners. But an Embraer Bandeirante is on test/lease; the Mitsubishi and Metroliner were reported as Up for Sale and, in the longer term, the company has ordered one of the new Gulfstream American 1 C airliners.

SOUTH COAST AIRLINES (SS) have ceased operations.

SOUTHERN CROSS AIRLINES (YK) Sydney, NSW. traces its existence back to Nationwide Air Services. Commenced regular schedules on the Wollongong Newcastle route. Subsequent route expansions see the carrier operating also on Sydney-Tumut, and Sydney-Nowra Moruya as well as a limited Sydney-Wollongong service. Present inventory comprises two Beech Queen Airs and a Cessna 402.

SOVEREIGN AIRLINES (ER) Melbourne, Victoria. This carrier links Melbourne (Tullamarine) with Bendigo, Swan Hill and Mildura. Present fleet comprises one Piper Navajo Chieftain, one Piper Turbo Navajo and a Cessna 401.

STILLWELL AIRLINES (YT) Perth, WA. See Skywest Airlines. (Formerly, Stillwell, was Civil Flying Services).

SUNBIRD AIRLINES ( ) Gladstone, Queensland. Believed to have ceased operations on the Gladstone Rockhampton route. Certainly the Beech H 1 8 is now with freight carrier Eagle Airways of Sydney, NSW. tba.

TANGALOOMA AIRLINES ( ) Brisbane, Queensland. Have very successfully developed scheduled services linking Brisbane with Moreton Island, a tourist resort. One PBN2a Islander and a Partenavia P68b were the fleet but the latter aircraft may have been sold off.

THORPE’S AIR TRANSPORT PL (YW) Thursday Island, Queensland. Operating an inter-Island route network in the Cape York Peninsula area. Regular schedules plus many tourist Scenic flights. The company is licensed to fly into Papua New Guinea. One PBN2a Islander, one Piper Aztec and one Beech Baron aircraft.

TRANS WEST AIRLINES (WW) Jandakot, Perth, WA. Services are from main Perth Airport at Guildford and they are to Leonora, Laverton, Windarra and Kalgoorlie. From Port Hedland to Marble Bar, Nullagine, Hillside, Mt Goldsworthy, Mt Newman, Shay Gap and Telfer and, finally, from Derby to Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Cockatoo Island, Koolan Is, as well as Station runs in the Kimberleys. Fleet was comprising two Beech S. King Air 200s, two DHC6 Twin Otters, 1 Cessna 404 Titan, two Cessna 402s, one Cessna 421, four Rockwell Shrike Commander 500s and some smaller twins and single-engined aircraft. Two Rockwell Turbo Commanders on order.

TROPICAIR (EP) Carnarvon, WA. Recently the scheduled routes were taken over by Jandakot-based AVIOR but when the airstrip is upgraded at Useless Loop, Tropicair will commence a service Carnavon-Useless Loop. Charter work continues meantime. Fleet is one Partenavia P68b and five single engined Cessna aircraft.

UNIONAIR PL/ISLANDAIR (UJ) Toowoomba, Queensland. Operate a network of commuter services including Hervey Bay-Maroochydore-Brisbane, MaryboroughOrchid Beach, Toowoomba-Brisbane as well as to Fraser Island. The company is the amalgamation of Island Airways and Union Air way back in 1972. A mixed fleet of primarily twin engined aircraft which includes one PBN2a Islander, two Piper Navajo Chieftains, three Cessna 402s, two Beech Queen Airs. Twelve in all.

WILLIAMS AIRLINES (Williams General Aviation PL) (YI) Adelaide, SA. See Intercity Airlines.

WESTERN AIRLINES Jandakot, WA.

Formerly Skyservice Aviation, a commuter service linking Kalgoorlie to Norseman was inaugurated in April. Current fleet comprises one Piper Navajo and two Cessna 210s.