1983 Regional Airline Directory

• In NSW East West terminated services from Sydney to a number of country towns after they had previously been rationalised with several commuter operators. The Sydney/ Orange Route went to Hazelton Air Services, Sydney/ Bathurst to East Coast, Sydney/Cowra and Sydney/Forbes to Wings and Sydney/Parkes to Avdev Airlines.

• In Victoria Ansett surrendered the Melbourne/Mildura route to Murray Valley Airlines after a very interesting battle between the two operators. Another Ansett route in Victoria, Melbourne to Hamilton and Mount Gambier, went to Kendell Airlines. Remember that Ansett operated their first service in February 1936 on the Hamilton to Melbourne route, so this must have been a hard one to give up.

While this has been a plus for the Regional operators they must realise that soon it will all end. Both Ansett Airlines and TAA now operate very few F-27 routes. At present the only Ansett F-27 route left is Melbourne to Wynyard and Devonport while TAA, who once had a fleet of 19 Friendships now fly only three. These aircraft are all based in Brisbane and operate to Western Queensland and between Mount Isa and Townsville.

While in competition with the F-27 operators, the Regional Airlines offered a lower fare and frequency of service. The Melbourne/Mildura route is a good example of how frequency has made this a winner for Murray Valley Airlines. Before they commenced services Ansett operated 6 F-27 return services a week, now. Murray Valley offers 25 return flights a week and Commodore Air 5.

In spite of all this, we have still more operators this year than we have gained. Since July last year, we have welcomed the following to our listing – Coddair/Corpair/Drennan/Jayrow/ Regional/Sabair and Waratah. Of these, all except Jayrow and Regional commenced operations on routes vacated by other Regional Airlines. The following have terminated services during the year – Air Great Lakes/Bowral/Eastern/Gawne/Jayrow/ North West/Northern Territory Air Charter/Regional/Scruse Air/ Southern Cross/Sovereign/Transnorth and Wings.

The most serious loss to the Regional Airline industry was the withdrawal of Wings, as they were one of our major operators. Their services have mainly been covered by East Coast, while other operators have benefited from their aircraft coming on the market. The drought appears to have hit Victorian operators the hardest with well-established Reg. 203 operators like North West Airlines/ Gawne Airlines and Sovereign Airlines all going under. To make matters worse their routes now lie vacant.

At mid-July 1983 we had 50 Regional Airlines operating with State break-up as follows – Tasmania/1, Victoria/2, NSW/13, Queensland/11, Northern Territory/5, South Australia/10 and West Australia/8.

In the Regional Airline Directory we have directly identified 235 aircraft though in quite a number of cases it is very difficult to differentiate whether the company uses the aircraft for commuter operations or for some other function.

Of these 235 aircraft, 73 or 31% of them would be affected by the new Department ruling on two pilot crews, which came into effect on July 1st.

The most common types used by the Regional operators are the Cessna 402 of which there are 32 and the PA-31 which total 26. These two types account for 24. 6% of the aircraft on our listing. Of the turbine types in the Directory, the most common are – Bandeirante/13, Twin Otter/12, King Air 200/11 and Metro/11.

The last year has seen very few aircraft come into the country for delivery to Regional operators. Trans Regional purchased a Bandeirante, which had previously seen service in Guam. An interesting ‘new’ type was the Grumman Mallards imported by Air Whitsunday from a Canadian operator, one of which was a Frakes conversion. Apart from a few ex-showroom Cessna 402C and PA-31/350, there have been no other imports of note.

In spite of that, there have been quite a number of fleet changes by various operators, with the aircraft coming from within Australia. Rationalisation of the Skywest fleet; the purchase of the remainder of the Northern Airlines Heron fleet; the withdrawal from commuter operations by Wings; and the disposal by Air Queensland of most of their light piston-engined aircraft were the major factors behind changing the fleets of the Regional operators.

Even though the last year has probably been one of the worst for aircraft manufacturers with sales well down, it is interesting to note the variety of types that are coming online for the Regional Airline market. We have recently seen demonstrations in Australia by the Beech C99, Piper T-1040 and the BAe Jetstream 31.

The Short 3-30 still sells well overseas and we saw this type enter service with Sunstate and Murray Valley earlier this year. Its big brother the 3-60 has picked up its first order in this part of the world with Murray Valley expecting one in September. Options have been taken on another two of this type.

Deliveries of the the Dornier 228 and Beech 1900 are now underway and no doubt we will see both types on demonstration tours in the not-too-distant future. Two other types of special interest to this region have also recently been in the news. In Brazil, the first Embraer Brasilia has been rolled out, while at Downsview the prototype de Havilland Canada Dash 8 took to the air for the first time in June. We expect to see both these types in service with Australian operators. Slightly ahead of the Dash 8 and Brasilia in development is the Saab Fairchild 340 and deliveries are expected to commence in April 1984. This aircraft will probably make the biggest impression on the local scene in the next 18 months.

What our Regional Airlines will have to watch is that they don’t start upgrading to larger aircraft too rapidly and find they have to cut the frequency of service, otherwise they will be in the same position as some of the F-27 operators are at present.

SPECIAL NOTE: This Directory is effective for the year ending August 1st 1983. While every attempt is made to ascertain the precise routes served and the aircraft types in operation, these may change following closing for the press. Information for this Directory has been obtained from the industry in general with the kind assistance of the DofA. However, as we all know, commuter operators tend to come and go with great rapidity and even the best updates from the Department, and the major distributors, miss the odd carrier who has ceased APT operations.

Aeropelican Intercity Commuter Air Services

P. O. Box 221, Belmont NSW 2280, (049) 45 0988. Airline Code – PO. Routes- Newcastle/Belmont to Sydney. Fleet- Twin Otter 100 VH-MM Y, Twin Otter 300 VH-KZO/KZP/ KZQ.

Aeropelican commenced third-level operations in June 1971 on Newcastle/Belmont to Sydney route. The initial equipment was the Cessna 402. Though the two airfields are just over sixty miles apart this route carries the greatest number of passengers of all the regional airline routes in Australia. At present Aeropelican flies eighty return flights a week using their eighteen-seat Twin Otter aircraft and this year they expect to carry over one hundred and twenty thousand passengers.

Air Great Lakes

203 New South Head Road, Edgecliff NSW 2027. (02) 328 1733. Airline

Code – BB. Routes- Forster / Sydney and Scone / Sydney.

Air Great Lakes suspended commuter operations mid 82. The equipment used on their services was the PA-31/350. Both routes were taken over by Singleton Air Services, though the Foster/Sydney service was later suspended due to runway problems at Foster.

Air Mount Isa

PO Box 2168, Mount Isa, Queensland 4825. (077) 43 2630. Routes – Northern mail and passenger run connect Mount Isa with Lawn Hill/ Gregory Downs/Lorraine Station/Doomadgee Mission/Burketown/ Station and Wondoola. This run is normally served by twin-engined aircraft while Air Mount Isa uses their single-engined Cessnas on station runs to the South and West. Fleet-Cessna 402 VH-RDZ, Baron 58 VH-EGM, Cessna 210L VH-EUX, Cessna 210M VH-SQT.

Air North

PO Box 38133, Winnellie, Northern Territory 5789. (089) 81 7188. Airline Code-HS. Routes-Darwin/Bathurst Island/ Garden Point/ SnakeBay, Darwin/Ramingining/Elcho Island/Lake Evelia, Gove/Groote Eylandt/ Numbulwar. Fleet-King Air 200 VH-ANH, Cessna 404 VH-ANV/AZU, Cessna 402B VH-IGU, Cessna 402C VH-ANO/AZO, Cessna 310R VH-ANW.

Air Queensland

PO Box 1381, Cairns, Queensland 4870. (070)53 1331. Airline Code – ON. Routes -Air Queensland serves the following ports- Alpha / Aurukun / Bamaga / Barcaldine /Biloela / Blackwater /Bowen / Brampton Island / Brisbane / Bundaberg / Burketown / Cairns / Clermont / Coen / Collinsville / Cooktown / Dommadgee / Dunk Island/ Dysart / Edward River / Emerald / Gladstone / Groote Eylandt /Karumba / Kowanyama / Lizard Island / Lockhart River / Longreach / Mackay / Maryborough / Maroochydore / Moranbah / Mornington Island / Mount Isa / Normanton / Proserpine / Rockhampton / Roma / Thursday Island / Toowoomba / Townsville / Weipa / Whitsunday. Fleet- Douglas DC-3 VH-BPN/EDC/PNM/PWN, Douglas DC-3 VHBPL/MAL (Freighter), Fokker F-27/200 VH-FNM /FNV/FNW, Twin Otter 300 VH-AQB/TGF/TGG /TGG/TGH/TGI, Metro 11 VH-BPA/BPG/BPK/ BPV/EEF, Nomad N-24A VH-VRP, Cessna 404 VH-BPO, Cessna 310R VH-BPI/FSR.

Air Queensland came into being on 1st December 1980. Before that the airline was known as Bush Pilots Airways. The company operates with both a full airline licence and a Reg. 203 exemption. Air Queensland is now the only RPT operator in Australia still flying the DC-3 on both passenger and freight operations. The past year has seen a rationalisation of the fleet with the withdrawal from service of most of the light piston-engined aircraft Trislanders, 1 Cessna 404, 1 Cessna 402A and 2 Cessna 402Bs. With Sunstate taking over the Rockhampton to Great Keppel Island run from Air Queensland this has resulted in the two Twin Otter 300 aircraft that were based there being moved north to Cairns, which is the first time that Air Queensland have based this type in this port.

AIR WHITSUNDAY

PO Box 166, Airlie Beach, Queensland 4800 (079) 46 9133. Airline Code – RW. Route – Mackay/Shute Harbour/Townsville. Fleet – Lake Buccaneer VH-AOW/AWI/AWY/AWZ/T WU, P-68B VH-PNP, Grumman Mallard VH-JAW/LAW.

Air Whitsunday has recently imported two Grumman Mallard aircraft from the Canadian regional operator Air B. C. One of the sea aircraft, VH-LAW, is a genuine Mallard while the other VH-JAW is a Frakes conversion and is powered by two PT-6 engines. Initially, the Mallards will be used to replace the Lake Buccaneers which operate tourist flights from Shute Harbour to the Outer Reef, however, it is possible that we will also see them replace the P-68B which is primarily used on their commuter route connecting Townsville and Mackay.

Airlines of Tasmania

47 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000. (002) 34 9577. Airline Code – IP. Routes network of services connects the following ports – Hobart /Queensland/Strahan/Smithton/Wynyard/Devonport/Launceston/ Flinders Island/King Island/Melbourne (Essendon). Fleet-Cessna 404 VH-DLF, Heron VH-CLT/CLX/CLY/CLZ, PA-31 /350 VH-PFS/T Y V/T ZY, Commander 680FL VH-EXZ.

Airlines of Tasmania came into being on 1st July 1982 with the amalgamation. C. Sleigh Airlines and Air Tasmania. The last year has seen an increase in services and a number of changes to their fleet structure. The most interesting addition was the purchase of the ex-Southern Airlines Heron VH-CLT, which entered service in April. Airlines of Tasmania have also purchased the remainder of the Northern Airlines Heron fleet, which was stored at Alice Springs. These three aircraft, VH-CLX/CLY/CLZ were delivered to Launceston early in July, however, whether all will enter service remains to be seen. With the delivery of VH:CLT in April, Airlines of Tasmania sold two of their Cessna 404s, VHSONIUOP, to the East Coast.

Albatross Airlines

6 Todd Street, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, South Australia 5223.

(0848) 2 2296. Route-Kingscote to Adelaide. Fleet-Queen Air 65 VHCFD, PA-23/250 VH-BKJ/MCI.

Yet another operator flying between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. Albatross Airlines commenced commuter operations on the Kingscote to Adelaide run in September 1979.

Aquatic Air

Barrenjoey Boathouse, Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, NSW 2108. (02) 919 5966. Airline Code-VZ. Route-Palm Beach to Port Stephens/ Corlette. Palm Beach to Rose Bay (optional). Fleet – Cessna 185E Floatplane VH-ELQ, DHC-2 Beaver Floatplane VH-AQV.

Arnhem Air Charter

PO Box 39431, Winnellie, Northern Territory 5789. (089) 81 7822. Routes -Darwin to Maningrida and Millingimbi, Maningrida to Goulburn Island. Fleet-P-68B VH-ECO/IXD, PA-31 /310 VH-SAO, PA-31 /350 VH-IXP.

Avdev Airlines

Flight Facilities, 11th Street, Mascot, NSW2020. (02) 693 1000. Airline Code -DR. Routes- Sydney to Lord Howe Island, Newcastle/Williamtown to Lord Howe Island, Sydney to Parkes, Sydney to Cobar, Sydney to Nyngan, Parkes to Cobar, Parkes to Dubbo, Parkes to Bourke, Nyngan to Bourke, Nyngan to Cobar, Bourke to Brewarrina, Cobar to Borke, Cobar to Wilcannia and Broken Hill. Fleet-Heron VH-CLV/KAM, King Air 200 VHAAZ, EMB-110P1 VH-WDF/WDI, Cessna 402B VH-DT V/UBI.

Avdev Airlines can trace its commuter operations back to September 1974 when Advance Airlines commenced services. Late in 1980, after the acquisition by Aviation Developments came a name change to Avdev Airlines. In 1981 the Dubbo-based commuter operator Davey Air Services was taken over and for some time the airline operated as Avdev Airlines Davey. The Davey has since been dropped so once again the airline operates as Avdev Airlines. During the last year, a new service was opened between Sydney and Parkes while Gunnedah was dropped. Another new service operates out of Dubbo to Parkes and offers connections to Cobar, Wilcannia and Broken Hill. During the winter season, Avdev will operate an N-22B, VH-WRT, on a closed charter service between Sydney and Jindabyne.

Avior Airlines

4/431 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe, WA 6104. (09) 277 7422. Airline Code -XP. Routes-Perth / Southern Cross / Kalgoorlie / Kambalda Perth / Eneabba / Dongara / Geraldton / Mullewa / Kalbarri / Useless Loop / Denham / Carnarvon. Fleet-PA-31/310 VH-CFE/PVL/RRM/RTN.

Bowral Flight Centre

Mossvale Road, Burradoo, NSW 2576. (048) 91 1121. Route-Bowral to Sydney.

Bowral Flight Centre commenced computer operations in January 1979 using a P-68B VH-PNV. Services were operated twice daily on that Friday) between Bowral and Kingsford Smith. Due to a downturn in traffic commuter operations were terminated in November 1982.

Chartair

PO Box 1921, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 5750. (089)52 2544. Airline Code-CH. Routes-Connects Alice Springs with Papunya/Yuendumu/Willowra/Docker River/Giles/Mt Davies/Ernabella/Mimili/Fregon/Amata. Also operates mail services to a further 28 destinations to the North West/ North East and South of Alice Springs. Fleet-Cessna 402C VH-UPB, Cessna 310R VH-DZH, P-68C VH-UUP.

Chartair is owned by Mr John Tilley of Tillair, Katherine. During the year he also assumed control of the Tennant Creek-based charter operator, Tennant Air.

Coddair Airlines

PO Box 12, Brisbane Airport, Queensland4007. (07)2684700. Airline Code – JJ. Routes-Brisbane/Dalby/Goondiwindi/St George, Brisbane/ Goondiwindi/St George/Cunamulla, Brisbane/St George/Cunamulla. Fleet – Queen Air 80 VH-BQA/BQL/TGC, Cessna 340 VH-FAC, Cessna 421C VH-TRC, Baron 58 VH-BAK/EZG/PRH.

A new addition to our Regional Airline Directory, Coddair commenced commuter operations on 9th April 1983 after the collapse of Eastern Airlines. Coddair is a well-established charter operator with a large fleet of aircraft based in Adelaide/Brisbane/Rockhampton/Roma/Charleville and Longreach.

Commodore Air

PO Box 135, Port Lincoln, SA 5606. (086) 84 3540. Airline Code-YJ. Routes- Port Lincoln/Adelaide, Adelaide/Cleve, Adelaide/Whyalla, Adelaide/Penneshaw/Kingscote, Adelaide/Renmark/Mildura, Mildura/Broken Hill, Melbourne/Mildura. Fleet- EMB-110P1 VH-KIQ, PA-31/310 VH-CFP, Cessna 402B VH-FYX/TIV/TLQ/TWX.

Commodore Airlines commenced operations in May 1979 between Port Lincoln and Adelaide. This is now their most important route and they offer 28 return services a week between the two ports. Seventeen of these flights are operated by their Bandeirante with the remainder being a Cessna402B. On the Port Lincoln/Adelaide route they compete with Airlines of South AustraliaF-27s, however, Commodore offers both frequency of service and a cheaper fare. In the last year Commodore have expanded their operations by adding a Bandeirante to their fleet and basing an aircraft in Melbourne. With the withdrawal of Ansell Airlines from the Melbourne/Mildura run Commodore initially moved their newly leased Bandeirante into their Victorian operations to compete against Murray Valley Airlines. Their frequency of schedules did not prove a success and the Bandeirante was moved to the Port Lincoln/Adelaideservice with a Cessna402B taking over in Victoria.

Corsair (Corporate Air Services)

125Burwood Road, Victoria Park, West Australia6100. (09)362 4177. Airline Code- XC. Route-Perth to Katanning and Narrogin. Fleet-Cessna 303 VH-AOV, Cessna 402C VH-UEZ.

Corsair commenced commuter operations on 26th May 1983. They operate a twice-daily (Monday to Thursday) service from Perth to Katanning and Narrogin with their schedules tied in with the stock sales In these two country towns.

Drennan Aviation

PO Box 1756, Port Augusta, South Australia 5700. (086) 42 3100. Routes -From their base at Port Augusta Drennan Aviation operates services through the Channel Country to Birdsville. Fleet – P-68B VH-PNQ.

Drennan Aviation, who have been based in Port Augusta for a number of years, commenced commuter operations in December 1982 after the withdrawal of Trans Regional Airlines from their Channel Country services. Drennan replaced the Commander 5008 operated by Trans Regional with a P-68B with the normal uplift being three passengers with the other two seats being blocked off for freight.

East Coast Airlines

PO Box 49, Westdale, NSW 2340. (067)67 7105. Airline Code-UN. Routes – Sydney/Temora/West Wyalong, Sydney/Cootamundra/Young, SydneyI Cowra, Sydney Bathurst, Sydney/ Maitland, Sydney/Williamtown, Newcastle (Williamtown) to Canberra/Albury, Williamtown/Taree/ Port Macquarie/Coffs Harbour/Grafton/Lismore/Coolangatta/Brisbane, Tamworth/Armidale/Coffs Harbour/Grafton Lismore/Coolangatta/ Brisbane, Tamworth/Coifs Harbour/Lismore/Brisbane, Williamstown Tamworth/Armidale. Fleet-EMB-110P2 VH-MWU/ MWV / MWW /MWX, Cessna 404 VH-ARQ/SON/T MP/T MU/T MX/UOP.

East Coast Airlines, who are based in Tamworth, operates an extensive network of services throughout New South Wales and to Coolangatta and Brisbane. In the last twelvemonths, they have made further expansions with the major of these being the addition of the Wings services after the withdrawal of that company from commuter operations. To cope with the additional traffic, which is expected to be 85,000 passengers in the first year, the four Wings Bandeirantes were added to the East Coast fleet. One of these aircraft VH-MWW however, is used as a source for spares. With the influx of Bandeirantes, East Coast terminated their lease on VH-KIR so it was flown north to join the Sunstate fleet. East Coast also purchased two Cessna 404s, VH-SON/UOP from Airlines of Tasmania and they entered service in March/April. June 1983 schedules saw East coast operating to twenty different ports and flying over 550 legs per week, so they are certainly developing into a large regional operator.

Easter Airways

PO Box 177, Charlestown, NSW 2290. (049) 43 2000. Airline Code-EF. Route-Newcastle/Williamtown to Wollongong. Fleet-Cessna 4218 VH-URT Cessna 402B VH-ESV, Cessna 310R VH-PEE.

Easter Airways operate a morning and afternoon return service on the Newcastle to Wollongong route on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and a morning return service on Monday.

Eastern Airlines of Australia

GPO Box 1761, Brisbane, Queensland 4001. (07) 221 1927. Airline Code-RI.

Eastern Airlines terminated operations on 8th April 1983 due to financial problems. The following day Coddair commenced services on Eastern’s routes. Eastern Airlines commenced Reg. 203 operations in November 1977 with their initial route being Brisbane to Cherribah.

Emu Airways

20 Davey Crescent, Seaview Downs, South Australia5049. (08) 352 3128.

Route-Adelaide to American River/Kingscote and Parndana. Fleet – Cessna 402 VH-BDZ/PGH.

Emu Airways commenced commuter operations in July 1974 on the Adelaide/Parndana route with American River being added as an optional stop the following year.

Eyre Charter

PO Box 16, Cummins, South Australia 5631. (086) 86 2329. Routes – Cummins/Tumby Bay/Adelaide. Fleet – Cessna 402B VH-FFJ, PA-34/200T VH-KAE.

Eyre Charter commenced commuter operations on 1st April 1980 on the route they still operate-Cummins/Tumby Bay I Adelaide.

Fortesque Air Charter

PO Box 107, Wittenoom, WA 6752. (Wittenoom 52. ) Route-Wittenoom I Tom Price/Paraburdoo. Fleet-P68B VH-IYE.

Gawne Airlines

PO Box 486, Shepparton, Victoria3630. (058)23 1481. Airline Code- GG. Route – Shepparton to Melbourne/Tullamarine. Fleet – PA-23/250 VH-PFD, Baron C55 VH-WSW.

Another victim of the drought and recession in the aviation game, Gawne Airlines ceased operations on 30th June 1983. Gawne commenced commuter operations on 19th March 1979 and operated twice daily (Monday-Friday) on the Shepparton to Tullamarine route offering passengers from Central Victoria connections to/from domestic and international flights.

Goldfields Air Services

PO Box 435, Kalgoorlie, West Australia 6430. (090) 21 2116. Route – Kalgoorlie to Laverton and Leonora. Fleet- Cessna 210L VH-CLL/T DV, Cessna 310R VH-UQR.

In a move to rationalise operations, the Kalgoorlie base of Trans-West Airlines was sold to its former manager, Mr David Horsley, who then formed Goldfields Air Services. Scheduled services commenced in May 1982 on the route Kalgoorlie/Laverton/Leonora initially three times per week. At present Goldfields operates over the route four times weekly – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday and Friday.

Hazelton Air Services

PO Box 12, Cudal, NSW 2864. (063) 64 2104. Airline Code – ZL. Routes – Cudal/Sydney, Cudal/Orange, Cudal/Canberra, Cudal/Condobolin, Cudal/Dubbo, Sydney/Gunnedah, Sydney / Mudgee, Sydney/Orange, Sydney/Moruya. Fleet – King Air 200 VH-MXK/MZV, PA-31/350 VH-CJQ/DMV/DVG/DVR/MYQ/TWB, Cessna 310N VH-KOM, Cessna 3100 VH-DVH/RIX, Cessna 310R VH-DVN/IBM/MXY/UJF.

Hazelton Air Services have been engaged in charter operations throughout Australia for a number of years, however, commuter operations did not commence till August 1979 with flights between Cudal and Sydney. In July 1982 Orange/Sydney was added to their network when East-West withdrew from the route. The City of Orange and the surrounding district is served by two airports-Orange Airport which is located at SpringHill and the nearby Cudal Airport. From these two points Hazelton now offers forty-three return flights weekly to Sydney. At the time of writing Hazelton are advertising for sale their two King Air 200 aircraft VH-MXK and VH-MZV. I doubt this is due to a combination of reasons- two pilot crews, the downturn in commuter traffic and the downturn in the charter business. As well as operating scheduled services these two aircraft were purchased to support charter operations associated with the mining industry. Since January VH-MXK has been operating on a long-term lease to Lloyd Aviation in Adelaide.

Henebery Aviation

145 Bulcock Street, Caloundra, Queensland 4551. (071) 91 1166. Airline

Code – HZ. Route – Caloundra to Brisbane. Fleet – P-688 VHIXB/IY L/IYM, Cessna 210L VH-PQU, Cessna 172M VH-WXA, Cessna

172N VH-MAI.

Henebery Aviation commenced operations in March 1974 from Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to Brisbane. Now nearing their tenth year of commuter operations, they offer on-carriage three times a day for holidaymakers and residents transiting through Brisbane Airport.

Jan Beers Aviation

PO Box 349, Derby, WA 6728. (091) 91 1259. Airline Code – XK. Routes – Perth/Newman/Halls Creek, Halls Creek/Margaret River Station/ Fitzroy Crossing/Derby, Halls Creek/Fitzroy Crossing/Derby. Fleet – Baron 58 VH-EZDI EZN/FON/SOL, Baron ESS VH-EZF.

Jan Beers Aviation, who have been well established in charter operations in West Australia for a number of years, commenced commuter operations on June 28th 1982. This was a result of a successful tender for the Kimberley services previously operated by Amity Aviation. As part of the tender Jan Beers submitted a plan to operate an airline route between Perth and Halls Creek. This would then allow them to rotate their aircraft through Perth for maintenance. The Perth to Halls Creek service, which includes a short stop at Newman to refuel, is the longest commuter route in Australia. In spite of the sector taking nearly seven hours, Jan Beers have received excellent support for this service.

Jayrow Helicopters

PO Box 46, Mentone, Victoria3194. (03)587 1833. Route- Moorabbin to Melbourne/Heliport and Tullamarine. Fleet-Bell 2068Jet Ranger 11 VHBLR.

Jayrow commenced services as a commuter operator on 1st February 1983 when up to three flights a day were flown between their base at Moorabbin, the Melbourne Heliport and Melbourne Airport. At the end of April services were discontinued for the winter months, however they are expected to recommence in September. Though Jayrow operate a large fleet of helicopters on charter work they only use Jet Ranger VH-BLR on their commuter run. This aircraft has been specifically modded for commuter operations including the fitment of flotation gear for operation into the Melbourne Heliport which is situated on the River Yarra.

Kendell Airlines

43 Tompson Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650. (069) 21 2131. Airline Code

– KO. Routes- from a central hub of Melbourne Airport Kendell operate services to Albury/Wagga/Merimbula/Cooma/King Island/Portland/ Warnambool/Hamilton and Mount Gambier. Fleet – Metro 11 VHBIS/KDQ/KDR/WGX, Merlin 1VA VH-CFO.

Kendell Airlines commenced commuter operations in October 1971 using PA-31 /350 aircraft. This year they have further established themselves as one of Australia’s leading Regional Airlines. In February they commenced flights between Melbourne and Albury in direct competition with the F-27s of East West Airlines. On May 22nd they took over the former Ansett Airlines F-27 route from Melbourne to Hamilton to Mount Gambier. This now gives Kendell operations in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. Their latest timetable shows that they are now scheduling 216 sectors a week and that they are averaging 27 flights a day (Monday-Friday)in and out of Melbourne Airport. This year Kendell expects to carry in excess of 100,000 passengers and with the addition to their network, they have added a Merlin 1VA and another Metro to their fleet.

Macknight Airlines

PO Box 356, Deniliquin, NSW 2710. (058) 81 2504. Airline Code- MT. Routes-Deniliquin/Tocumwal/Wagga, Deniliquin/Wagga, Wagga/Hay/ Deniliquin. Fleet- Commander SOOS VH-MAV, Aerostar 600A VH-PWL.

Macknight Airlines operates a morning service, Deniliquin/Tocumwal/ Wagga and an evening service Deniliquin/Wagga which connects with the Air NSW F-27 service to/from Sydney. In January this year Hay was added as an optional stop on the evening Wagga/Deniliquin flight.

MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship)

PO Box 211, Box Hill, Victoria 3128 (03) 890 4009. Routes- Gove/Elcho Island/Millingimbi, Gove/Elcho Island/Ramingining/ Millingimbi, Elcho Island/Lake Evelia. Fleet – Cessna 402C VH-UBF, Cessna 206 VH-PGJ/UBR/UBS, Cessna 207 VH-UBE/UBT/UBX.

Murray Valley Airlines

PO Box 1080, Mildura, Victoria 3500. (050) 23 5066. Airline Code – FB. Routes-Mildura/Renmark/Adelaide, Mildura/Melbourne. Fleet-Short 3-30 VH-KNQ, EMB-110P1 VH-PGS, Cessna 402C VH-UCL/UCM, PA-31 /310 VH-MNT.

Murray Valley can trace their involvement in commuter operations back to December 1975 when they commenced flying out of Albury with a PA-31/350. During 1980 the name disappeared when they became part of the Countrywide Airlines combine, however this venture proved to be unsuccessful and by January 1981 they ceased operations. The same day Murray Valley once again commenced operations, this time flying out of their base at Mildura to Adelaide with a leased Commander SOOS. Also the same month they started flying between Mildura and Melbourne in direct competition with Ansett. Frequency of service combined with a cheaper fare has made this route a winner for Murray Valley. It is interesting to note that as the demand for seats grew Murray Valley introduced new types onto the route- Commander SOOS/January 1981, Cessna 402C/July 1981, Bandeirante/ April 1982 and Short 3-30I February 1983. At the end of April 1983 Ansett withdrew their F-27s from the Melbourne-Mildura route. At present Murray Valley schedules 25 return flights a week with their 3-30 and Bandeirante, which is quite a contrast to the six return services a week offered by the Ansett F-27. Evidently, Murray Valley are confident the route can produce more traffic as they have ordered a Short 3-60 for delivery in September this year and taken options on a further two. With Sovereign Airlines withdrawing from commuter operations in December 1982 Murray Valley commenced flights with a PA-31/310 from Melbourne to Swan Hill in January. Bendigo was added from May 1st as an intermediate stop, however services to both these ports was terminated in June.

Navair Airlines

Hangar 120, Bankstown Airport, Sydney, NSW 2200. (02) 708 1222. Airline Code – ZR. Route – Bankstown/Kingsford Smith/Camden. Fleet – Beech Duchess VH-WEU.

Navair operates a daily, on-demand, service between Bankstown Airport and Camden with an intermediate stop at Kingsford-Smith.

Norfolk Island Airlines

GPO Box 905, Queensland 4001. (07)2295872. Airline Code-UG. Routes – Brisbane/ Coolangatta/Lord Howe Island/Norfolk Island. Fleet- King Air 200 VH-IBC/18D.

The recent introduction of the F-28 initially by East West and later by Air NSW on the Brisbane to Norfolk Island run has caused Norfolk Island Airlines to rearrange their schedules. As at the beginning of July, Norfolk Island began operating three times weekly on the route – Brisbane/ Coolangatta/Lord Howe Island, Lord Howe Island/Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island/Lord Howe Island/Brisbane. Outbound flights from Brisbane now depart from the TAA terminal while the inbound service returns to the International terminal for customs clearance.

North West Airlines

Main Terminal Building, Essendon Airport, Victoria 3041. (03) 374 1322. Airline Code – BV. Routes – Melbourne/Essendon to Sale and Bairnsdale, Melbourne/Essendon to Horsham.

North West Airlines commenced commuter operations as North West Skyways late in 1979. The company were mainly involved in moving bank documentation from Victorian country towns to Melbourne and several aircraft were used for this work. To bring in additional revenue a move was made to the commuter airline market. A network of passenger services was established, however, over the last 18 months there has been a gradual withdrawal from commuter operations with the last passenger service operating in late March this year.

Northern Territory Air Charter

GPO Box 413, Darwin, Northern Territory 5794. (089) 81 8069. Routes – Darwin/ Croker Island/Goulburn Island, Darwin/Oenpelli/Jabiru. Fleet – Cessna 4028 VH-FTR/WNE.

Northern Territory Air Charter commenced commuter operations on 6th February 1981 after the collapse of Northern Airlines. Due to financial problems, they are believed to have terminated flights in April this year.

O’Connors Air Services

PO Box 21, Mount Gambier, South Australia 5290. (087) 25 6666. Routes – Mt Gambier/Millicent/Naracoorte/Kingston/Adelaide, Mt Gambier/ Adelaide, Adelaide I Minlaton/Cowell/Cleve/Kimba, Adelaide Port Lincoln/Lock/Wudinna/Streaky Bay/Ceduna, Adelaide/Port Pirie/ Whyalla/Port Augusta/Hawker. Fleet – P-688 VH-IY F/PNX, Cessna 402C VH-AII/MJI/UCE.

Opal Air

Adelaide Airport, South Australia 5000. (08) 352 3337. Airline Code – OB. Routes- Adelaide to Woomera/Olympic Dam/Goober Pedy/Ayers Rock. Fleet – Cessna 421B VH-BUC/FY K/TWH, Cessna 421C VH-BUI/ BUR/SQV.

Opal Air has the distinction of being the first operator to commence commuter flights. Their first service was on 3rd July 1967.

Ord Air Charter

PO Box 73, Wyndham, West Australia 6740. Routes – Wyndham/ Kununurra/Ord River/Nicholson/Flora Valley/Gordon Downs/Stuart Creek/Balgo/Billiluna/Halls Creek, Wyndham/Karunjie/Ellenbrae/ Drysdale/Doonga/Mitchell Plateau/Theda/Kalumburu Mission/ Wyndham. Fleet- Baron 58 VH-BBP/ EZB, BN-2A VH-IOA.

Oxley Airlines

91 Horton Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444. (065) 83 1955. Airline Code – VQ. Routes – Port Macquarie/Lord Howe Island, Coolangatta//Lord Howe Island, Taree/Port Macquarie/Coolangatta/Brisbane. Fleet – PA-31/310 VH-EOX, PA-31/350 VH-AOX/WGG/WGH.

Paggi’s Aviation

PO Box 247, Carnarvon, West Australia 6701. (099) 41 1587. Route – Paraburdoo to Onslow. Fleet- P-688 VH-DNK/PFR. Phillip Island Air Charter 170 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Victoria 3922. (059) 56 7316. Route – Phillip Island to Wynyard. Fleet – PA-23/250 VH-PHD, Cessna 402 VH-BPZ.

Phillip Island Air Charter

commenced commuter operations in March 1982 with a once-weekly service between Phillip Island and Smithton. This service was discontinued in March 1983 when a twice-weekly service was operated between Phillip Island and Wynyard. At present the days of operation are Friday and Sunday. In late July Phillip Island replaced their Baron C55 VH-CFA with a Cessna 402 VH-BPZ.

Q. O. T. S. Air Charter (Queensland Outback Tourist Service)

PO Box 287, Winton, Queensland 4735. (Winton 240. ) Airline Code-QS. Route- Winton/Longreach. Fleet- PA-32R/300 VH-WMC.

Q. O. T. S. operate a weekly service (Friday) between Winton and Longreach which connects with the TAA F-27 flight to/from Brisbane.

Regional Airlines

62 Lygon Street, East Brunswick, Victoria 3054. (03) 380 9307. Route –

Melbourne/Essendon to Hamilton. Fleet- P-68B VH-IXE.

Regional Airlines commenced a twice daily (Monday-Friday) plus Sunday p. m. service from Essendon to Hamilton on 1st February this year. At that time Ansett Airlines operated F-27s between Hamilton and Melbourne/Tullamarine. Regional Airlines terminated their operations on 22nd May 1983 when Kendell Airlines replaced Ansett on the route.

Rossair

Parafield Airport, South Australia 5106. (08)258 2211. Airline Code- RF. Routes- Adelaide/Port Lincoln, Adelaide/Whyalla, Adelaide/ Streaky Bay/Ceduna, Adelaide/Mount Gambier. Fleet – Cessna 402C VH-RGK/RMI/RMQ/ROS/RUY.

Rossair commenced commuter operations on 20th August 1979 with a Cessna 402C on the Adelaide-Mount Gambier route. Later the service was extended to Portland and Naracoorte. Initially, the Adelaide/Mount Gambier service was operated in competition with Airlines of South Australia with Rossair publishing their own timetable. From late 1980 however, Rossair entered into an agreement with Airlines of South Australia so that the two companies would rationalise their services. This was later extended to other Airlines of South Australia routes and at present, the Rossair flights appear in the Airlines of South Australia timetable!

Rundle Air Services

PO Box 143, Aitkenvale, Queensland 4814. (077) 79 6933. Route – Townsville to Greenvale. Fleet- Cessna 402B VH-CWG.

Rundle operates a twice-weekly return service (Friday p. m. , Monday a. m. ) between Townsville and Greenvale.

Sabair (South Burnett Aviation)

195 Haly Street, Kingaroy, Queensland 4610. (071) 62 2553. Route – Brisbane/Kingaroy/Gayndah/Monto. Fleet – Cessna 337G VH-SHT, PA-32R/300 VH-SBK.

A new operator since the last Regional Airline Directory, Sabair commenced operations on 23rd November 1982. Flights are operated four days a week (Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday). The Tuesday schedule sees the aircraft depart Kingaroy at 0720 for Brisbane where it arrives at 0805. Northbound, the flight leaves Brisbane at 0930 for Kingaroy//Gayndah and Monto where it arrives at 1135. Southbound out of Monto at 1215 once again via Gayndah and Kingaroy to Brisbane where it arrives at 1410. At. 1630 the aircraft leaves Brisbane for Kingaroy where it arrives at 1715 at the end of a busy day’s flying. This route was previously operated by Air Queensland and was to be taken over by Aussi Air, who in fact never commenced operations.

Scruse Air

Heliport Place, Mascot, NSW 2020. (02) 693 1188. Airline Code – SF. Routes- Gosford to Sydney /Kingsford-Smith, Gosford to Newcastle. Fleet – Bell 2068 Jet Ranger 11 – VH-AHV /SAI.

Scruse Air commenced helicopter commuter operations on the Gosford Sydney Airport route in October 1978. At a later stage Gosford was also connected to Newcastle. Early in 1983 Scruse Air was taken over by New World Aviation, however services continued under the Scruse Air name. Flights were eventually terminated during June 1983.

Singleton Air Services

149A John Street, Singleton, NSW 2330. (065) 72 4444. Airline Code-ST. Routes- Sydney/Cessnock, Sydney I Singleton, Sydney I Scone. Fleet

– PA-31/350 VH-BCQ/SAQ/WAD, Cessna 4028 VH-BIZ.

Singleton Air Services are now operating five flights daily (Monday-Friday) on the Singleton/Sydney route and three flights daily (Monday-Friday) on the Cessnock/Sydney route. Singleton also took over from Air Great Lakes on the Sydney/Foster route, however services were terminated in March 1983 due to runway problems at Forster.

Skytours

GPO Box 2434, Adelaide, South Australia5001. (08) 352 3411. Airline Code – ZJ. Routes- Adelaide to Leigh Creek. Fleet- Beech Queen Air 65 VH-FDV, Beech Queen Air 8200 VH-ASY, Commander 680 VH-PSG.

Skytours commenced commuter operations in July 1980 when they operated a four days a week service between Adelaide and Yorktown. This service was discontinued in late March 1981 and Skytours returned again to charter operations. On 29th October 1982 Skytours once again became a commuter operator when they commenced services between Adelaide and Leigh Creek. Flights are operated daily except Saturday. Queen Air 8200 VH-ASY was added to the fleet in January, having previously operated with Eagle Airways.

Skywest Airlines

PO Box 469, Cloverdale, West Australia 6105. (09)478 9999. Airline Code – YT. Routes – Perth/ Sunbury, Perth/Albany, Perth/Esperance/ Norseman, Perth/Meekatharra/Telfer; Perth/Mt Magnet/Meekatharra, Perth/Laverton/Leonora/Leinster; Perth/ Rottnest Island, Perth/ Wiluna/Yeelirie, PortHedland/Marble Bar/Telfer/Nullagine/Newman. Fleet – EMB-110P2 VH-WBI/WPI, Metro 11 VH-SWN, King Air 200 VH-AIH/SPQ/TLX/WNH, King Air 200C VH-TNQ, Cessna 310R VH-DAWI TRN/TWK/TWL/TWN/TWQ/TWY.

Skywest are still rationalising their fleet after merging with Trans-West Airlines in January 1982. Aircraft to depart in the last twelve months have been- Twin Otter 300 VH-TNM/TNS, N-24A VH-FHR/FHS and BN-2A VH-TRW, all to Ian Baillie Aircraft Sales at Moorabbin. King Air 200C VH-TRS and Gulfstream 1 VH-WPA to the United States. The Gulfstream 1 which was imported by Skywest in 1981 operated its last commuter flight on April 5th before it departed Perth in late June.

Southern Cross Airways

66 Haldon Street, Lakemba, NSW 2195. (02) 750 4044. Routes – Sydney/Tumut, Sydney /Nowra/Moruya/ Canberra, Sydney / Wollongong,

Wollongong/Newcastle (Williamtown). Fleet – Cessna 402B VH-UBZ, Beech Queen Air 70 VH-CLI, Beech Queen Air 8200 VH-MWH.

Southern Cross Airways commenced operations in August 1979 using two Beech Queen Air aircraft over the former Masling Airlines route from Sydney to Nowra and Moruya. Tumut/Wollongong/Newcastle and Canberra were later added to the network. Services were terminated on 20th August 1982, though several of the Southern Cross routes are now operated by other commuter operators – Hazelton/Sydney to Moruya, Easter Airways/Wollongong to Newcastle and Waratah Air Services/ Sydney to Tumut.

Sovereign Airlines

PO Box 326, Bendigo, Victoria 3550. (054) 42 4712. Airline Code-ER. Routes – Bendigo/Melbourne, Bendigo/Swan Hill/Mildura. Fleet – PA-31 /350 VH-TMN, PA-34/200T VH-DBK.

Another casualty of the drought in Victoria, Sovereign Airlines ceased operations on 24th December 1982. At that time Sovereign were operating twice daily between Bendigo and Tullamarine and also a daily service connecting Melbourne with Mildura via Bendigo and SwanHill. The Swan Hill/Bendigo to Melbourne service was later taken over by Murray Valley Airlines, however, they have now discontinued flights on this route. Sovereign Airlines commenced operations on 4th November 1976 using a Queen Air 80 on their service between Bendigo and Melbourne.

Sunstate / Noosa Air

PO Box 186, Maryborough Airport, Queensland4650. (071)49 7166. Airline Code – OF. Routes – Brisbane/Toowoomba, Brisbane/Noosa, Brisbane/Hervey Bay/Maroochydore, Brisbane/Maryborough/ Bundaberg/Gladstone, Rockhampton/Great Keppel Island. Fleet- Short 3-30 VH-KNO, EMB-110P1 VH-FCG/FCJ, Twin Otter 100 VH-TZL, Twin Otter 300 VH-TNM/T NS, BN-2A VH-FCO/FCP.

The amalgamation of these two operators, who have the same owner, moved closer in the last year. On June 1st Sunstate changed their airline code from OV to OF so now both airlines use a single identity. The Sunstate service between Brisbane and Toowoomba is operated by the Twin Otter 100 VH-TZL which is painted in Noosa Air colours, so it is very difficult not to treat these two operators alone. Noosa Air commenced Reg. 203 flights in December 1975 using a BN-2A Islander on the Maryborough to Brisbane route. Sunstate Airlines came into being in December 1981 when it commenced operations using Bandeirante aircraft over former TAA F-27 routes in South East Queensland.

During the last year Sunstate have greatly expanded their operations.

At the end of January 1983 TAA ceased all F-27 operations between Brisbane/Maryborough/Bundaberg and Gladstone and they were taken over by Sunstate. To provide the additional capacity required Sunstate purchased a Short 3-30 from Wings and that aircraft commenced operations on the Brisbane/Gladstone route in February. Two Twin Otter 300s were purchased through Baillie aircraft sales at Moorabbin and from May 1st they took over the Rockhampton to Great Keppel Island service which was previously operated by Air Queensland. Other fleet changes during the year included the disposal of their two PA-31/350s VHBKE/T WD. Bandeirante VH-KIQ which was operated on lease departed late April to Commodore Air. It was replaced by another of its type VH-KIR which was previously operated by East Coast. T his aircraft also departed the Sunstate fleet in early July.

Thorpes Transport

PO Box 96, Thursday Island, Queensland 4875. (Thursday Island 94. ) /Airline Code-YW. Routes-Horn lsland/Bamaga, Horn lsland/Saibai/ Yorke Island/Murray Island/Badu Island/Yam Island/Sue Island. Fleet -BN-2A VH-MET.

Tillair

PO Box 710, Katherine, Northern Territory 5780. (089) 721711. Airline Code – TL. Routes – Katherine/Borroloola/Nathan River/Roper River, Katherine/Roper River /Numbulwar/Groote Eylandt, Katherine/Victoria River Downs/Kalkurung/Hooker Creek, Katherine/Victoria River Downs/ Wave Hill Station/Kalkurung/Hooker Creek-plus Station services. Fleet – Cessna 441 VH-TFB/TFG, Cessna 404 VH-TLE, Cessna 402C VHTFD/TZH, Cessna 310R VH-ARN/TLV.

Trans-Regional Airlines

GPO Box 1163, Adelaide, South Australia 5001. (08)3522877. Airline Code -YP. Routes- Adelaide/Kingscote, Adelaide/Broken Hill, Adelaide/ Port Pirie/Port Augusta/Leigh Creek. Fleet-EMB110P1 VH-HVS, PA-31/350 VH-RUH/TXD.

Trans Regional Airlines commenced operations on 1st July 1982, being the new name for the former Pagas Airlines. Pagas were the second operator in Australia to be granted a Reg. 203 license and they commenced operations in July 1967. When operations commenced Trans Regional had a fleet of 1 EMB-110P1 VH-AAP and three Commander 500S VH-BAJ/EXS/PGM. All these aircraft were disposed of during the year as services were cut back. A replacement Bandeirante VH-HVS was obtained from Island Air in Guam and it was delivered to Parafield in August 1982 before entering service the following November.

Trans Regional cut back their services to the Channel Country in December 1982 and they were taken over by Drennan Aviation of Port Augusta. At present Trans Regional are operating two return flights daily (Monday-Saturday) on the Adelaide/Kingscote route. Adelaide/Broken Hill has six return flights weekly while Adelaide/Port Pirie/Port Augusta/Leigh Creek share seven return services (Monday-Friday).

TransnorthAir Charters

PO Box 159, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 5750. (089)52 1277. Route – Alice Springs/Mintabie/Coober Pedy. Fleet-Cessna 210N VH-SJP.

Transport, who operated a Cessna210 on their service between Alice Springs/Mintabie and Coober Pedy, terminated commuter operations late December 1982.

Waratah Air Services

PO Box 27, Kingsgrove, NSW 2208. (02) 667 4296. Airline Code-WD. Routes – Sydney/Tumut. Fleet- PA-23/250 VH-TOK.

Waratah Air Services commenced commuter operations on 17th July 1983, so at time of writing it is the latest company to join the Regional Airline Directory. Using a PA-23/250 which was previously operated by Commodore Air in South Australia, Waratah operate a daily (except Saturday) service from Tumut to Sydney. On Thursday and Friday the service operates twice daily. The Sydney to Tumut route has been vacant since August last year after Southern Cross Airways ceased operations.

Western NSW Airlines

Hangar 219, Foresthill Airport, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650. (069)22 7260. Airline Code – FO. Routes – Wagga/Tumut/Canberra, Wagga/ Narrandera/Griffith, Canberra/Albury, Canberra/Wagga. Fleet-Cessna 340 VH-MT R, PA-34/200 VH-MAP.

On 4th July 1983 Western NSW Airlines expanded their route structure by including the Canberra/Albury route. At present, they schedule two return services daily (except Sat/Sun one daily). It is interesting to note that the other operator on this route is East Coast Airlines.

Wings Australia

110 Botany Road, Alexandria, NSW 2015. (02) 699 1055. Airline Code – CG.

One of our largest Regional Airlines, Wings decided to terminate this part of its operations as from 27th March 1983. The bulk of the services operated by Wings has been taken over by East Coast Airlines. Other operators have benefited from the number of ex-Wings aircraft coming on the market – East Coast: Bandeirantes, Murray Valley Airlines: 1 Short 3-30, Sunstate: 1 Short 3-30. Wings have also sold a King Air 200 to Ansett for operation in the Northern Territory.