Regional Airline Directory

Charlie had agreed immediately and, although he had tried two or three times without success to contact the owner of the strip to check its dimensions, he remained unperturbed – Wally had described the aircraft he’d seen and Charlie identified them as Beavers.

He hadn’t had much to do with Beavers. . . nothing in fact . . . but he knew them to be a big, bulky beast and figured that he could get his 172 into anything from which they could operate.

At two and a half thousand feet conditions were pretty comfortable – the prevailing southwesterly had blanketed the area with a broken Cu and Strata Cu base at about three thousand feet and the twenty knots of wind was only a minor time-consuming irritation. Scattered rain showers criss-crossed the area and although Charlie had found it necessary to deviate around heavier falls three or four times the flight was generally progressing smoothly.

As their destination loomed up ahead Charlie throttled back and descended to fifteen hundred feet while Wally pointed out the landing area just a hundred or so metres west of the farmhouse. Aligned north/south he estimated the strip length at six or seven hundred metres with trees and what looked like a power line on the northern end – he filed these away for a closer look later and turned his attention to the southern end.

No problem there approach-wise although the heavily laden ‘Hills’ hoist immediately behind the house did indicate a bit of a tailwind.

After taking a second to put his passenger in the picture – ”Down in a jiff, mate. Just a tick to get the lay of the land . . . don’t want to bend anything, do we?” – Charlie made a further descent to five hundred feet and continued with the inspection.

Aeropelican Air Services

PO Box 226, Belmont, NSW 2280. (049) 45 0988. Airline code – PO. Route – Newcastle/Belmont -Sydney. Fleet – TwinOtter 100 VH-MMY. Twin Otter 320 VH-KZO/KZP/KZO.

Air North

PO Box 38133, Winnellie, Northern Territory 5789. (089) 81 7188. Airline Code – HS. Routes -Darwin – Bathurst Island- Garden Point – Snake Bay; Darwin – Elcho Island -Lake Evelia; Darwin – Aamingjning – Elcho Island; Darwin -Cooinda (Kakadu) -Katherine- Kununurra; Darwin- Kununurra. Fleet- Douglas DC-3VH-CAN/MMA, King Air 200 VH-ANH, Cessna 404 VH-ANV/AZU, Cessna 402C VH-ANO/AZO, Cessna 310A VH-ANW/SGL, BN Islander VN-NTC.

During the last twelve month Air North have added two DC-3 aircraft to their fleet. The first, VH-MWQ, was purchased from Setair and after overhaul by Hawker Pacific at Bankstown, was delivered to Air North in November as VH-MMA. This aircraft has long links with the Northern Territory, having been operated thereby MacRobertson Miller between 1947 and 1969. The DC-3s are used on scheduled services to Bathurst and Melville Islands and on other Air North routes as loadings permit. In June Air North opened up a new route known as the Scenic Connection between Darwin and Kununurra. En-route stops are made at Cooinda which provides easy access to the Kakadu National Park, and Katherine, where you can visit the famous Katherine Gorge.

Air Queensland

PO Box 1381, Cairns, Queensland 4870. (070) 53 1331. Airline Code – QN. Routes – Air Queensland serves the following ports – Alpha – Aurukun – Bamaga – Barcaldine – Biloela – Blackwater – Brampton Island – Brisbane – Bundaberg – Burketown – Cairns – Coen – Collinsville- Cooktown -Doomadgee – Dunk Island – Edward River

– Emerald- Gladstone – Groote Eylandt – Karumba- Kowanyama – Hamilton Island – Lizard Island- Lockhart River – Longreach – Macka : Maryborough – Maroochydore – Moranbah- Mornington Island – Mount Isa – Normanton – Proserpine – Palm Island – Rockhampton – Roma – Thursday Island – Toowoomba – Townsville – Weipa. Fleet – Douglas DC-3/Freighter VH-BPL, Douglas DC-3/Passenger VH-BPN/EDC/PWN, Fokker F27/200 VHFNM/FNV/FNW, TwinOtter300 VH-AQB/TGF/TGG/TGH/TGI, Metro II VH-BPA/BPG/BPK/BPV, Nomad N-24A VH-BAP, Cessna 404 VH-BPO, Cessna 310A VH-BPI/FSA

During June a major fleet policy decision was announced by Air Queensland. The four Metroliners left in service will be withdrawn by August and as a temporary replacement another F-27 is to be leased from Ansett. During the last twelve months three aircraft have departed the Air Queensland fleet. Metro II VH-EEF has been leased to Kendell Airlines for two years. The OC-3 fleet was depleted with the sale _ of freighter VH-MAL to Cathay Pacific and VH-PNM to the Mackay Air Museum. Before departing for Hong Kong VH-MAL was returned to its 1946 Cathay Pacific colour scheme and was re-registered VA-HOB. The Mackay Air Museum took delivery of their DC-3 in November with the former VH-PNM being re-registered VH-SBT toM in with its blue/yellow scheme. An addition to the Air Queensland OC-3 fleet was VH-BPA. This aircraft was purchased a few years ago from Air Niugini as a source for spare parts. It has been restored to full Air Queensland colours and mounted on display outside the new terminal building at Cairns Airport. From mid April Air Queensland added Hamilton Island to their network.

Twin Otter services are operated to/from Mackay and Townsville. At time of going to press, Air Queensland were preparing to make a final decision on whether to purchase three ATR42 or DHC Dash 8 aircraft.

Air Transit

Commuter Building, Adelaide Airport, SA 5000. (08) 352 3128. Route- Adelaide to American River, Kingscote and Parndana. Fleet – Cessna 402 VH-BDZ. Cessna 402B VH-UBI.

Air Transit Pty Ltd, trading as Emu Airways, commenced commuter operations on the Adelaide to Parndana route in July 1974. A second Emu Airways commenced operations out of Adelaide Airport in July 1983 on the run to Broken Hill. Even though this Emu ceased flying the following December it was decided that from April 1984 the original Emu Airways would use the name Air Transit.

Air Whitsunday

PO Box 166, Airlie Beach, Queensland 4741. (079) 469133. Airline Code -RW. Routes – Mackay-Shute Harbour-Townsville. Fleet-P-688 VH-PNP, Grumman Mallard VH-JAW/LAW.

Air Whitsunday used a leased BN-2A VH-EER for a trial period in late 1983, however it has since been returned.

Airlines of Tasmania

47 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tas. 7000. (002) 34 9577. Airline Code-IP. Routes-a network of services connect the following ports-Hobart- Queenstown Strahan Smithton-Wynyard Devonport Launceston – Flinders Island King Island – Melbourne/Essendon. Fleet – FA-31/350 VH-PFS/TYVITZY, Heron VH-CLT/CLV/CLX/CLZ “Spirit of Tasmania’.

Heron VH-CLY was written off in a crash at Launceston Airport on 4th August 1983. The aircraft was inbound to Launceston after operating a flight from King Island and Wynyard. There were no injuries to the crew or passengers.

Heron VH-CLX which had been purchased from Northern Airlines as a source of spares was instead pressed into service using parts from VH-CLY. Another Heron was added to the fleet in May 1984 when VH-CLV which was previously operated by Avdev, was delivered to Launceston. During the year, Commander 680FL VH-EXZ and Cessna 404 were removed from the fleet and sold to operators on the mainland.

Albatross Airlines

6 Todd Street, Kangaroo Island, SA 5223. (0848) 2 2296. Route – Kingscote to Adelaide. Fleet – Queen Air’65 VH-CFD, PA-23/250 VH-BKJ/MCI.

Aquatic Air

Barrenjoey Boathouse, Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, NSW 2108. (02) 919 5966. Airline Code VZ, Routes Palm Beach Port Stephens/Corlette, Palm Beach-Rose Bay; Rose Bay-Gosford. Fleet – DHC-2 Beaver Floatplane VH-AQA/AQV.

During the year Aquatic Airways added a second floatplane Beaverton their fleet. This aircraft, VH-AQA, was originally built for the Ghana Air Force and was brought up to floatplane standard by Aerial Agriculture at Bankstown, The Beaver replaced Cessna 185E Floatplane VH-ELO which was sold to Alligator Airways in Kununurra.

Aquatic Air have obtained approval to operate a four-times daily service between Rose Bay and Gosford Breakwater. Flight time will be seventeen minutes and the fare $25,00. The airline is hoping to eventually operate Nomad floatplanes in addition to the Beavers.

Arnhem Air Charter

PO Box 39431, Winnelle. Northern Territory 5789. (089)81 7822. Routes -Darwin-Maningrida-Millingimbi, Maningrida – Goulburn Island. Fleet – P-68B VH-ĔCO/XD, PA-31/310 VH-SAO, PA-31/350 VH-XP.

Augusta Airways

PO Box 1756, Port Augusta, SA 5700. (086) 42 3100. Routes – Port Augusta to Boulia via ports. Fleet-P-68B VH-PNQ.

On 9th August 1983 Augusta Airways took over the aircraft and most of the commuter routes previously operated by Drennan Aviation.

Avdev Airlines

Flight Facilities, 11th Street, Mascot, NSW 2020. (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 Bourke; Cobar to Wilcannia and Broken Hill Fleet-Heron VH- CLV/KAM, King Air 200 VH-AAZ, EMB-110P1 VH-WDF/WDI, Cessna 4028 VH-DTV/UBI.

Due to continuing unprofitability, Avdev Airlines terminated operations on April 26th 1984. Its routes and equipment have been sold off to three other commuter operators. The Sydney to Lord Howe Island run to Norfolk Island Airlines, the operations of Thorpes Transport to Helitrans in Cairns and the bulk of its New South Wales country routes to East Coast Airlines. In the latest passenger figures published by the Department, which are for the year ending 31st December 1982, Avdev carried 36,433 passengers. Avdev Airlines can trace their commuter operations back to September 1974 when Advance Airlines commenced services. After the acquisition by the Aviation Development Corporation in late 1980 came the name change to Avdev Airlines. In 1981 they took over the Dubbo based commuter operator Davey Air Services and for some time after the airline operated as Avdev Airlines Davey.

The bulk of the aircraft in the Avdev fleet have found new homes Coast Airlines have taken over the Heron VH-KAM and the two EMB-110s VH-WDF/WDI. Heron VH-CLV has been sold to Airlines of Tasmania while the King Air 200 VH-AAZ is now operated by Norfolk Island Airlines. Finally Cessna 402B VH-UBI has gone to Air Transit in South Australia.

Avior Airlines

8/431 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe, West Australia 6104. (09) 277 7422. Airline Code-XP. Routes-Perth-Southern Cross-Kalgoorlie -Kambalda-Norseman – Perth-Morawa-Geraldton-Kalbarri – Useless Loop – Denham Carnarvon. Fleet PA-31/310 VH-CFE/PVL/RAM, PA-31/350 VH-EDV/PRJ/WGU

Charter

PO Box 1921,Alice Springs, Northern Territory 5750. (089)522544. Airline Code-CH. Routes-Connects Alice Springs with Papunya-Yuendumu -Willowra-Docker River-Giles-Mt Davies-Ernabella-Mimili- Fregon and Amata. Also operates mail services to a further twenty-eight 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.

Coddair Airlines

PO Box 12, Brisbane Airport, Queensland 4007. (07) 268 4700. Airline Code=JJ. Routes – Rockhampton-Dysart-Clermont; Brisbane- Dalby – Goondiwindi – St George; Brisbane Goondiwindi – St George Cunnamulla. Fleet – Queen Air 80 VH-8QA/BOL/TGC. Cessna 421C VH-TRC. Cessna 4028 VH-RUE. Baron B55 VH-GMM, Baron 58 VH-BAK/EZG/PRH.

On August 1st 1983 Coddair extended their commuter operations when they introduced a new service from Rockhampton to Dysart and Clermont in the central Queensland coalfields. Using a Cessna 4028 aircraft, the route is flown four times weekly.

Commodore Air

PO Box 135, Port Lincoln, South Australia 5606. (086) 84 3811. Airline Code-YJ. Routes – Adelaide – Port Lincoln Adelaide – Whyalla; Adelaide – Kingscote; Adelaide – Penneshaw-Kingscote; Adelaide – Port Augusta-Leigh Creek; Adelaide Broken Hill. Fleet – PA-31/310 VH-CFP, Cessna 402B VH-FYX/IGU/TV/TLQ/TWX.

The collapse of Trans-Regional Airlines in July 1983 resulted in Commodore Air taking over several of their routes and increasing their schedules on others. Services from Adelaide to Broken Hill, Port Augusta and Leigh Creek were added to the Commodore Air network. Due to poor loadings Melbourne to Mildura and Broken Hill flights were discontinued in August 1983.

Bandeirante VH-KIQ which had been leased initially to operate on the Mildura to Melbourne route was taken out of service in October.

Corpair

(Corporate Air Services) 125 Burswood Road, Victoria Park, West Australia 6100. (09) 478 2988. Airline Code – XC. Routes – Perth to Collie and Manjimup. Fleet- Cessna 310R VH-CWZ/PSI, Cessna 402C VH-UEZ, Cessna 404 VH-TLE. Corpair commenced commuter operations on 26th May 1983, operating a twice daily (Monday and Thursday) service from Perth to Katanning and Narrogin. Due to lack of patronage, services were terminated on 17th October 1983. Corpair expect to commence commuter operations in August on the route Perth-Collie-Manjimup. At present the airstrips in these two South Western towns are being brought up to Supplemental Airline standard.

Drennan Aviation

PO Box 1756, Port Augusta, South Australia 5700. (088) 423100. Routes -Port Augusta – Whyalla; Port Augusta – Boulia via ports.

Drennan Aviation commenced commuter operations in December 1982 after the withdrawal of Trans-Regional Airlines from Channel Country services. Services were terminated in August 1983 with Augusta Airways taking over the routes previously operated by Drennan.

East Coast Airlines

PO Box 49, Westdale, NSW 2340. (067) 67 7105. Airline Code – UN. Routes-Sydney-Cootamundra-Young: Sydney-Temora-West Wyalong: Sydney-Cowra; Sydney Bathurst; Sydney – Maitland; Sydney-Newcastle/Williamtown; Sydney-Forbes-Parkes; Sydney -Cobar- Nyngan; Sydney-Bourke Brewarrina, Newcastle/ Williamtown Canberra; Newcastle/Williamtown – Taree – Port Macquarie-Coffs Harbour – Grafton Lismore Coolangatta- Brisbane; Tamworth Armidale Coffs Harbour Lismore Coolangatta Brisbane; Newcastle/Williamtown Tamworth – Armidale. Fleet EMB-110P1 VH-HVS/WDI, EMB-110P2 VH-WDF, Cessna 404 VH-ARQ/SON/TMP/TMU/TMX/UOP, Heron VH-KAM.

Highlight of the year for East Coast came in April when they paid more than $2 million for a substantial share of the assets of Avdev Airlines. Involved in the deal were three aircraft, an engineering facility at Sydney Airport and the rights to operate to a further six NSW country centres from Sydney. With the addition of Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Forbes, Nyngan and Parkes, this means that East Coast operate to twenty two NSW ports, which is more than any other carrier. Their latest timetable shows that they operate six hundred and seven sectors a week to twenty five different destinations. The former Avdev routes are expected to yield a further 30,000 passengers annually which should give them a total uplift in the year 1984/5 of 160,000 passengers. Quite a contrast from the 20,000 carried in the year ended December 31st 1981 and 46,000 for the year ended December 31st 1982. The three aircraft purchased from Avdev were their two Bandeirantes, VH-WDF/WDI, and a Heron VH-KAM. The Heron will mainly be used as a backup aircraft to cover maintenance and school holidays. With the addition of these three aircraft to their fleet East Coast terminated the lease they had on the four Bandeirantes from Wings. These aircraft, VH-MWU/MWV/MWW/MWX, are now parked at Sydney Airport while work is sought for them. During June East Coast added another Bandeirante to their fleet. This aircraft, VH-HVS was originally operated by Trans Regional Airlines. When they terminated services in July 1983 VH-HVS was flown to Bankstown for storage. In May this year it was moved to the East Coast Hangar at Sydney Airport for maintenance prior to entering service. To cover their operations prior to the entry into service of VH-HVS East Coast leased another Bandeirante. This aircraft, VH-KIR, was previously operated by East Coast, however it has recently seen service with Skywest Airlines in Perth and Lloyd Aviation in Adelaide. From late April 1984 East Coast terminated operations on the Canberra – Albury route.

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 4028 VH-ESV, Cessna 310R VH-PEE.

EMU AIRWAYS/Broken Hill

144 Lippsett Terrace, Brooklyn Park, South Australia 5032. (08) 352 1627. Route – Adelaide to Broken Hill. Fleet – Cessna 402C VH-UCD.

Emu Airways/Broken Hill commenced operations on July 25th 1983 on the Adelaide to Broken Hill route using a Cessna 402C. Due to poor loadings flights were terminated the following December.

The naming of this company must have caused a lot of confusion as Air Transit Pty Ltd have been operating from Adelaide Airport since July 1974 using the operating name of Emu Airways. With Emu Airways/Broken Hill terminating services and the other Emu now using the name Air Transit, some sanity has returned to the commuter scene in South Australia.

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 have been operating commuter flights since 1st April 1980 when services commenced on the Cummins – Tumby Bay – Adelaide route.

Fortesque Air Charter

PO Box 107, Wittenoom, West Australia 6752. Wittenoom 52. Route – Wittenoom-Tom Price – Paraburdo. Fleet – P68B VH-IYE.

Goldfields Air Services

PO Box 435, Kalgoorlie, West Australia 6430. (090) 21 2116. Routes – Kalgoorlie to Laverton and Leonora. Fleet- Cessna 210L VH-CLL/TDV, Cessna 3100 VH-FYZ, Cessna 310R VH-UQR.

Goldfields Air Services, who commenced commuter operations in May 1982, at present operate a four times weekly service-Tues/Wed/Thu//Fri – on the route from Kalgoorlie to Laverton and Leonora.

Hazelton Airlines

PO Box 12, Cudal NSW 2864. (063) 642104. Airline Code – ZL. Routes – Cudal – Sydney; Cudal – Canberra; Cudal – Dubbo; Cudal- Condobolin; Dubbo Cudal Canberra; Sydney – Quirindi – Gunnedah: Sydney-Mudgee; Sydney-Orange; Sydney-Moruya. Fleet EMB-110P2 VH-WPI, 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, PA-30/160 VH-ESI/TOD.

Hazelton Airlines

added Quirindi to their network in May by including it as a stop on their Sydney to Gunnedah route. During the year Hazelton sold their two King Air 200 aircraft-VH-MXK to Lloyd Aviation in Adelaide and VH-MZV to an operator in the United States. They introduced a Bandeirante onto their network in January when VH-WPI ex-Skywest Airlines was delivered to Cudal. For the twelve months ending June 30th 1984 Hazelton are planning to carry in excess of 65,000 passengers.

Helitrans

PO Box 1492, Cairns, Queensland 4870. (070) 53 4544.

Helitrans have operated to a number of North Queensland ports on behalf of Air Queensland since 1983. On March 1st 1984 they were granted a licence under their own name, however all commuter operations are flown under the name of Sunbird Airlines.

Henebery Aviation

145 Bulcock Street, Caloundra, Queensland 4551. (071)91 1166. Airline Code HZ. Route Caloundra to Brisbane. Fleet P-68B VH-XB/IYL/IYM.

Jan Beers Aviation 18 Galaxy Street, Beckenham, West Australia 6107. (09) 458 4461. Airline Code-XK. Route – Perth-Newman- Halls Creek; Halls Creek – Fitzroy Crossing-Derby; Halls Creek-Margaret River Station-Fitzroy Crossing Derby. Fleet Baron E55 VH-EZF. Baron 58 VH- EZA/EZD/EZN/FDN/SDL.

Jan Beers Aviation

have been well-established in charter operations in West Australia for a number of years. On June 28th 1982 they became a commuter operator when they successfully tendered for the Kimberley services previously operated by Amity Aviation. As part of the tender Jan Beers submitted a plan to operate a commuter route between Perth and Halls Creek. This then allowed him to rotate his aircraft through Perth for maintenance. Including a fuel stop at Newman, this fight takes seven hours, so is the longest commuter route in Australia. On 10th March 1984 Jan Beers operated his last commuter service and returned to charter operations. As a temporary measure the Kimberley services are being operated by Ord Air Charter using Baron aircraft on charter to the West Australian Transport Commission. At time of writing tenders are being sought from operators interested in providing an R. P. T. service in the Kimberleys.

Jayrow/King Village Helicopters

PO Box 46, Mentone, Victoria 3194. (03) 587 1833. Route-Moorabbin to Melbourne Heliport and Tullamarine. Fleet-Bell 206B Jet Ranger 11 VH-FJO.

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. Flights were discontinued in late April 1983 for the winter months with the intention of resuming the following September. This was not to be the case, however Melbourne Airport did see a regular helicopter service commence in a different form. From the first week in September 1983 the King Village Convention Complex in the outer Melbourne suburb of Wantirna commenced a helicopter service between Wantirna and Melbourne Airport. A Bell 206B VH-FJO in joint Jayrow/King Village markings was used. Even though a timetable was produced showing a twice-daily service Monday to Friday except Wednesday, it was found that they were operating as a closed charter and not under a Reg 203 license. Flights were discontinued on the route the following Autumn.

Kendell Airlines

43 Tompson Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650. (069) 21 2131. Airline Code = KD. Routes – Melbourne Albury; Melbourne — Wagga; Melbourne – Albury-Wagga; Melbourne-Merimbula – Cooma- Melbourne, Melbourne-King Island; Melbourne-Hamilton; Melbourne -Mount Gambier; Melbourne-Hamilton-Mount Gambier, Melbourne – Portland; Melbourne Warrnambool; Melbourne – Portland – Warnambool; Melbourne-Mildura. Fleet-Metro 11 VH-BIS/EEF ‘King Islander” / KDQ “Progress of Albury-Wodonga” /KDR “City of Wagga Wagga’/WGX.

Kendell added a fifth Metro to their fleet in August 1983 when VH-EEF was leased from Air Queensland for two years. On March 18th 1984 Kendell commenced operations on the Melbourne to Mildura route in direct competition with Murray Valley Airlines. Kendell are scheduling eighteen return services a week on the route against the sixteen offered by Murray Valley. At a press conference held at Melbourne Airport on July 11th it was announced that Kendell Airlines had ordered two Saab- Fairchild 340s, with the first to enter service during December 1984. For the year ended June 30th 1984 Kendell Airlines were planning to carry 88,000 passengers.

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 500S VH-MAV. Aerostar 600A VH-PWL

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 Evella. Fleet Cessna 402C VH- All/UBF, Cessna 206 VH-PGJ/UBR/UBS: Cessna 207 VH- UBE/UBT/UBX.

MAF Have added a second Cessna 402C, VH-All, to their fleet and have increased their schedules in Arnhem Land.

Murray Valley Airlines

PO Box 1080, Mildura, Victoria 3500. (050) 23 5066. Airline Code – FB. Routes – Mildura Melbourne, Mildura Broken Hill; Mildura – Renmark-Adelaide; Mount Gambier – Adelaide. Fleet – Short 360 VH-MVW/MVX “City of Mildura”, Short 330 VH-KNQ, EMB-110P1 VH-PGS, Cessna 402C VH-UCM.

Murray Valley became the first Australian Regional operator to place the Short 360 in service when VH-MVX commenced operations on the Mildura to Melbourne route in October 1983. A second Short 360, VH- MVW, entered service in February this year. With the delivery of these aircraft Murray Valley have been seeking new routes. In October they commenced a daily (Monday to Friday) service using their Bandeirante between Mildura and Broken Hill. Flights are timed so as to provide a through connection from/to Adelaide and Melbourne.

On January 30th 1984 using a Short 330 they started operations on the Mount Gambier to Adelaide route. Twelve return services a week are scheduled. At the time Murray Valley moved on to the route there were already three other airlines operating services. Airlines of South Australia and East-West Airlines with F-27s and O’Connors Air Services with Cessna 402Cs. East West have since withdrawn from the route.

Murray Valley have also received permission to operate between Melbourne and Albury, however at time of writing have not started services. This route is already well served by both East West and Kendell Airlines. On May 20th Murray Valley commenced operations on the Mount Gambier to Melbourne route in competition with Kendell Airlines. Twelve return flights a week were scheduled using a Short 360, however after only two weeks Murray Valley withdrew due to poor loadings.

In April 1983 Ansett withdrew from the Mildura to Melbourne run leaving Murray Valley as the sole operator. In return Murray Valley agreed to move from the TAA to the Ansett terminal at Melbourne Airport, thus giving Ansett the first choice of on-carriage passengers. When this agreement expired in April 1984 Murray Valley returned to the TAA terminal and the same day Kendell Airlines, who use the Ansett terminal, commenced operations from Melbourne to Mildura. At present Kendell are offering eighteen return flights a week using their Metros against the sixteen return services of Murray Valley using the Short 360.

Navair Airlines

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

Noosa Air

PO Box 186, Maryborough Airport, Queensland 4650. (071) 49 7166. Airline Code – OF.

Noosa Air commenced commuter services in December 1975 using a BN-2A between Maryborough and Brisbane. In December 1981 the owners of Noosa Air set up another airline to operate over former TAA routes in South East Queensland. This was Sunstate Airlines, who in the next two years became the dominant operator. With Sunstate being handled by TAA at Brisbane Airport and Noosa Airby Ansett, the two airlines were kept separate identities. On 31st December 1983Noosa Air operated its last flight and was officially absorbed into Sunstate Airlines operations.

Norfolk Island

Airlines GPO Box 905, Brisbane, Queensland 4001. (07) 229 5872. Airline Code – UG. Routes – Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island are connected through a network of services to Brisbane, Coolangatta and Sydney. Fleet -King Air 200 VH-AAZ/IBC/BD.

On 15th March Norfolk Island Airlines took over on the Sydney to Lord Howe Island service from Avdev Airlines. They also added the Avdev King Air 200 VH-AAZ to their fleet and it now carries the titling Norfolk Island Airlines – Lord Howe Airlines.

O’Connors Air Service

PO Box 21, Mount Gambier, South Australia 5290. (087) 25 6666. Routes -Mount Gambier – Adelaide; Mount Gambier-Millicent; Mount Gambier – Naracoorte – Adelaide. Fleet – Cessna 210N VH-OAL, P-688 VH-YF/PNX; Cessna 402C VH-OAS/UCE.

The decision by TNT Ltd to end its bank data contract with O’Connors Air Services has resulted in the withdrawal of air passenger services to several South Australian country centres. With eighty per cent of the airline’s revenue tied up in the TNT contract, O’Connors had no alternative but to terminate services in late November 1983 to the following ports- Ceduna/Cleve/Cowell/Hawker/Kingston/Kimba/Lock/Minlaton/ Port Lincoln/Port Pirie/Port Augusta/Whyalla/Wudinna/Streaky Bay. The new TNT contract was awarded to Wings Australia and they commenced freight-only flights in December 1983.

Opal Air

Adelaide Airport, South Australia 5000. (08)3523337. Airline Code-OB. Routes – Adelaide – Woomera Olympic Dam – Coober Pedy: Adelaide-Coober Pedy-Marla-Yulara; Adelaide-Olympic Dam. Fleet-Merlin 1118 VH-SWK, Cessna 421B VH-BUC/FYK/TWH, Cessna 421C VH-BUI/SOV.

Ord Air Charter

PO Box 73, Wyndham, West Australia 6740. Wyndham 61 1335. Routes -Wyndham-Karunjie-Ellenbrae-Drysdale River – Doongan- Mitchell Plateau – Kalumburu Mission – Carson River – Wyndham; Wyndham-Kununurra – Halls Creek; Wyndham-Kununurra – Nelson Springs-Ord River-Halls Creek-Billiluna Lake Gregory -Balgo Hills-Gordon Downs-Flora Valley-Nicholson-Birrindudu -Kununurra – Wyndham; Wyndham-Kununurra – Halls Creek – Billiluna – Lake Gregory Balgo Hills – Birrindudu – Inverway- Kirkimbie-Limbunya-Waterloo-Kununurra – Wyndham. Fleet- Baron 58 VH-BBP/EZB, BN-2AVH-IOA, Cessna U206F VH-IRY, Cessna U206G VH-BBU.

With the termination by Jan Beers Aviation of their Kimberley services Ord Air Charter are at present maintaining schedules on behalf of the West Australian Transport Commission. First service was operated by Ord Air Charter on March 14th 1984.

Outback Air

181 Jensen Street, Edge Hill, Queensland 4870. (070) 53 4899. Route- Cairns to Bloomfield.

Another operator recently taken over by Helitrans and whose commuter service from Cairns to Bloomfield will now operate under the Sunbird Airlines name.

Oxley Airlines

92 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 Coffs Harbour – Coolangatta-Brisbane; Casino-Lismore-Coolangatta-Brisbane. Fleet-PA-31/350 VH-AOX/STO/WGG/WGH.

In August 1983 Oxley Airlines added three new Northern New South Wales towns to their route network. They were Casino, Lismore and Coffs Harbour. PA-31/310, VH-EOX, was sold during the year and replaced by PA-31/350, VH-STO, thus giving Oxley a common type in their fleet.

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.

At present Phillip Island Air Charter operate a Friday and Sunday service from Phillip Island to Wynyard, however they are planning to add a third service later this year.

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

PO Box 287, Winton, Queensland 4735. Winton 240. Airline Code – QS. Route – Winton to Longreach. Flet-PA-32R/300 VH-WMC.

Due to a major change in the TAA schedules to Western Queensland, Q. O. T. S. now operate their weekly connecting service to the TAAF-27 on a Wednesday.

Rossair

Parafield Airport, South Australia 5106. (08) 2582211. Airline Code-RF. Routes – Adelaide – Port Lincoln; Adelaide – Whyalla; Adelaide – Mount Gambier, Adelaide – Kangaroo Island; Adelaide – Streaky Bay -Ceduna. Fleet – Cessna 404 VH-LAD, Cessna 402C VH-LAE/MJI/ RGK/RMQ/RUY, Cessna 310R VH-LAF, Cessna T303 VH-MRO.

Rundle Air Services

PO Box 143, Aitkenvale, Queensland 4814. (077) 79 6933. Route – Townsville to Greenvale. Fleet – Cessna 4028 VH-CWG, Cessna 310R VH-PPI.

Sabair (South Burnett Aviation)

195 Haly Street, Kingaroy, Queensland 4610. (071) 62 2553. Route – Monto-Gayndah-Kingaroy-Brisbane, Kingaroy-Brisbane. Fleet -Cessna 337A VH-DVY, Cessna 337G VH-SHT.

Sabair commenced commuter operations on 23rd November 1982 and at present operate four days a week on the route Monto/Gayndah/ Kingaroy to Brisbane.

Singleton Air Services

149A John Street, Singleton, NSW 2330. (065) 72 4021. Airline Code – ST. Routes-Singleton- Sydney, Singleton-Cessnock – Sydney. Cessnock-Sydney: Scone-Singleton-Sydney, Scone-Cessnock -Sydney. Fleet-PA-31/350 VH-BCQ/SAQ/WAD, Cessna 402B VH-BIZ

Skytours

GPO Box 2434, Adelaide, South Australia 5001. (08) 352 3411. Airline Code ZJ, Route- 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 on the route Adelaide to Yorketown. This service was discontinued in March 1981 and Skytours returned to charter operations.

On October 29th 1982 Skytours again commenced commuter operations, this time on the Adelaide to Leigh Creek run. This service was terminated on July 31st 1963 so once again Skytours have rejoined the ranks of the charter operators.

Skywest Airlines

PO Box 469, Cloverdale, West Australia 6105. (09) 478 9999. Airline Code -YT. Routes – Perth-Albany; Perth-Bunbury, Perth-Esperance; Perth-Geraldton: Perth-Kalgoorlie, Perth-Laverton-Leonora – Perth Perth-Leonora-Laverton-Leinster-Perth; Perth-Rottnest Island, Perth-Mount Magnet-Wiluna – Mount Magnet – Perth; Perth -Meekatharra-Telfer-Meekatharra-Perth, Port Hedland-Marble Bar Telfer Nullagine – Newman. Fleet BAe Jetstream 31 VH-HSW/JSW/OSW, EMB-110P2 VH-WBI, King Air 200 VH-SPQ/ TLX/WNH, King Air 200C VH-TNQ, Twin Otter 300 VH-USW, Cessna 402CVH-TSI,Cessna 310R VH-DAW/TRN/TWK/TWL/TWN/TWQ/TWY. Takeover of East West Airlines; approval from the West Australian Government to compete on certain routes with Airlines of Western Australia; ordering and placing into service the first BAe Jetstream 31 in Australia; purchase of H. C. Sleigh Aviation; purchase of Moorabbin Aircraft Spares – these are some of the highlights for what has become a very eventful twelve months for Perth-based Skywest Airlines.

In October 1983 Skywest were named as the successful operator when the West Australian Government decided to partly deregulate some of the State’s air services. Approval was given for Skywest to compete over four routes with Airlines of Western Australia Perth to Geraldton and Kalgoorlie with propjet equipment and Perth to Karratha and Port Hedland with jet equipment. With this approval Skywest placed an order with British Aerospace for three Jetstream 31 aircraft. The first Jetstream, VH-JSW was delivered to Perth in February 1984 and entered service on the 27th of that month. Kalgoorlie and Geraldton were the first ports served by the Skywest Jetstream. When the second aircraft, VH-HSW, was delivered in April, Esperance was added to the network. This aircraft was also planned to operate on the Perth-Meekatharra-Telfer route, however runway upgrading at Telfer is holding up Jetstream operations on this route. The third Jetstream on order, VH-OSW, was due to be delivered in August. It was while assessing jet equipment for the Port Hedland and Karratha routes that Skywest found themselves negotiating a takeover for East West Airlines. With two F-28/4000s in service and a further two on order, here was a ready made jet fleet. Though Skywest have taken over East West, the two airlines will retain their individual names. When operating on the Skywest route from Perth to Port Hedland and Karratha the aircraft will retain East West markings but will be crewed by Skywest personnel. With the delivery and entry into service of the Jetstream, Skywest have had numerous fleet changes over the last twelve months.

Metro 11 VH-SWN was sold in November 1983 to the New Zealand operator Air Albatross as ZK-SWA. EMB-110P2 VH-WPI was sold to Hazelton Airlines in January 1984. EMB-110P1 VH-KIQ was leased from November 1983 till May 1984. EBM-110P1 VH-KIR was leased from September 1983 till March 1984. King Air 200 VH-AIH was withdrawn from service and sold to Lan Baillie Aircraft Sales at Moorabbin. To service a new contract to carry workers between Kununurra and the Argyle diamond mine, Skywest imported a second hand Twin Otter 300 in February 1984. This aircraft was registered VH-USW. For the year ending 30/6/84 Skywest are planning to carry 75,000 passengers.

Sunbird Airlines

PO Box 1492, Cairns, Queensland 4870. (070) 53 4544 Routes – Cairns to Bloomfield; Cairns to several Far North Queensland destinations including Normanton, Georgetown and Croydon; Horn Island– Bamaga: Horn Island-Saibai-Yorke Island-Murray Island-Badu island- Yam Island-Sue island. Fleet-BN-2AVH-MET/SBD, PA-31/350 VH- EME/RDL/WJK. PA-31/310 VH-PNL, P-688 VH-FAO/YB, Cessna 310R VH-FOA/TDS, PA-23/250 VH-DCQ/PDQ/WJJ, Bell 2068 VH-FJB/PDH The name Sunbird Airlines has been used by the Helitrans organisation for a number of years, however with the recent transfer of some commuter routes in North Queensland from Air Queensland to Helitrans it has been decided to operate these services under the Sunbird Airlines name. The ‘new’ Sunbird Airlines came in to being on March 1st 1984 and now encompasses the commuter operations of Helitrans, Outback Air and Thorpes Transport. Thorpes Transport was part of the Aviation Development Corporations-Avdev Airlines and was recently sold to Heltrans in Cairns.

Sunstate Airlines

PO Box 186, Maryborough Airport. Queensland 4650. (071) 49 7166. Airline Code OF. Routes Brisbane Toowoomba, Brisbane- Noosa; Brisbane Hervey Bay Maroochydore: Brisbane – Mary. borough Bundaberg Gladstone; Gladstone Rockhampton; Rockhampton-Great Keppell Island. Fleet Short 360 VH-FCU City of Bundaberg’. EMB-110P1 VH-FCG/FCJ: Twin Otter 100 VH-TZL Twin Otter 300 VH-TNM/TNS: Nomad N-24A VH-FCX Fleet changes in the last twelve months have been the delivery in June of Short 360 VH-FCU. This aircraft entered service on the 14th of that month on the Brisbane – Bundaberg-Gladstone route. On the 16th June it was christened ‘City of Bundaberg’ at a ceremony held at Bundaberg Airport. The 360 replaced the Short 330 VH-KNO in service and so VH-KNO was ferried to Sydney at the end of June, having terminated its lease to Sunstate. Sunstaté added a N-24A Nomad to their fleet in November. This aircraft, which had previously seen service with a Swiss operator, was registered VH-FCX and named “The Koral Islander”. The Nomad has been based in Rockhampton to operate the service between there and Great Keppel Island. With the delivery of the Nomad the two BN-2As in the fleet, VH-FCO/FCP, were sold. As from January 1st 1984 all Noosa Air flights were amalgamated into Sunstate operations and the name Noosa Air was dropped. Sunstate were planning to carry in excess of 90,000 passengers for the year ending 30th June 1984.

Thorpes Transport

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

Owned by the Aviation Development Corporation, Thorpes Transport routes and aircraft were recently sold to the Caims-based Sunbird Airlines.

Tillair

PO Box 1596, Katherine, Northern Territory 5780. (089) 72 1711. Airline Code – TL. Routes-Katherine-Roper River – Numbulwar-Gove; Katherine-Roper River – Numbulwar-Groote Eylandt, Katherine- Victoria River Downs-Kalkung-Hooker Creek; Katherine-Victoria River Downs-Wave Hill Station-Kalkung-Hooker Creek; Katherine – Roper River – Borroloola; Alice Springs – Tennant Creek – Alice Springs; Alice Springs- Tennant Creek-Katherine-Darwin. Fleet -Cessna 441 VH-KON/TFB/TFG, Cessna 402C VH-TFD/TZH, Cessna 310R VH-ARN/TLV.

From March 1984 Tillair greatly expanded their commuter operations by commencing regular operations on the Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine to Darwin route. Previously these stopping services on the Alice Springs to Darwinrun had been operated by Airlines of Northern Australia, using a leased King Air 200. Tillair are using their Cessna 441 Conquest aircraft, though a feasibility study is being carried out on operating a larger turbine-powered type.

Trans-Regional Airlines

GPO Box 1163, Adelaide, South Australia 5001. (08) 352 2877. Airline Code – YP. Routes – Adelaide – Kingscote; Adelaide – Broken Hill; Adelaide Port Pirie Port Augusta-Leigh Creek. Fleet EMB-110P1 VH-HVS, PA-31/350 VH-RUH/TXD.

With just over twelve months in operation Trans Regional Airlines ceased flying in July 1983. Trans Regional had evolved out of the former Pagas Airlines who were one of the first commuter operators in Australia when they commenced flying in July 1967. At the time of their collapse Trans Regional operated three aircraft. EMB-110P1 VH-HVS was ferried to Bankstown for storage and at time of writing is being prepared for entry into service with East Coast Airlines. The two leased PA-31/350s, VH-RUH/TXD were returned to their owners. Most of the Trans Regional routes were taken over by Commodore Air.

Waratah Air Services

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

Waratah Air Services commenced commuter operations on 17th July 1983. Eight return flights a week are flown between Tumut and Sydney.

Western NSW Airlines

Hangar 219, Forest Hill Airport, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650. (089) 22 7260. Airline Code -FO. Routes-Wagga-Tumut – Canberra; Canberra -Albury: Canberra – Wagga. Fleet-PA-34/200 VH-MAP, Aerostar 600A VH-UYY.

Western NSW Airlines terminated services from Wagga to Narrandera and Griffith in December 1983. In July 1983 they expanded onto the Canberra to Albury route in competition with East Coast Airlines. The two airlines remained in competition on the route till April 1984 when East Coast withdrew. At present Western NSW operate twelve return services a week between Canberra and Albury using their new five-passenger Aerostar.