Major Airline Directory

This is broken up as follows – Qantas – 4 B747-300, 6 B767-200; Air New Zealand – 1 B747-200, 3 B767-200; Ansett – 2 BAe146-200, 15 F50; EastWest- 1 B737-200, 1 F28-4000; Air Queensland – 4 ATR42; Newmans Air – 2 DHC-7.

The two major international airlines both improved their trading positions. Air New Zealand who recorded an operating loss in 82/83 of NZ$32 million reversed this to a profit in 83/84 of NZD$79 million. Qantas also recorded a loss in 82/83 of AUD$47 million and in 83/84 a profit of AUD$58 million.

Among the Australian domestic airlines Air New South Wales, Air Queensland and East-West all showed strong gains. The Air Queensland figure has been inflated by the transfer of passengers from their supplemental licence to their airline licence, after the withdrawal from service of their Metro fleet. East-West continued to record strong growth in all sectors as they put in their claim as Australia’s Third Airline. Such is the demand for seats on their services that they are seeking Government approval to import another two jet aircraft.

With deregulation taking effect in New Zealand we saw Newmans Air commence scheduled flying in February. In Australia, the takeover of Air Queensland by TAA came as a surprise to most in the industry.

Air Caledonie International

Airline Code: SB, Head Office: 8 Rue Frederic Surleau, Noumea, New Caledonia. Executives Chairman: W. Ravel, Managing Director: D. Famin, Director Sales & Marketing: Jean-Pierre Le Goff, Manager Australia: Mme M. Varnier. Fleet Caravelle lOB F-GEPC – wet-leased from Air Corse International. Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/04/84-31/03/85)

Air Caledonie International commenced operations on the 1st of December 1983 and from their home base at Noumea services are flown to Melbourne, Brisbane, Port Vila, Nadi and Wallis Island.

The Melbourne service is operated in conjunction with Qantas using a Boeing 747 aircraft with a combined QF/SB flight number. The introduction of this service on the 2nd December 1983 offered passengers the first direct flight between Melbourne and Noumea.

To operate the remainder of their schedules Air Caledonie International wet leased a Boeing 737 from Air Nauru and this aircraft, C2-RN 6, commenced services in January 1984. The lease of the Air Nauru aircraft was terminated in October 1984 and the following month a Caravelle lOB arrived in Noumea to commence a wet lease agreement with Air Caledonie International. The 104-seat Caravelle has been leased from the French operator Air Corse International and still carries their colours with Air Caledonie International titles. The Caravelle operates a weekly service from Noumea to Brisbane and from Noumea to Nadi and Wallis Island. A four-times-a-week service is also flown from Noumea to Port Vila.

Air Nauru

Airline Code: ON

Executives

Chief Executive: Hon. Hammer Deroburt (President of the Republic of Nauru and Minister for Island Development), Director: George Vai’eu, Chief Pilot: Capt Keith Molloy.

Fleet

Boeing 737-2L7C C2-RN3; Boeing 737-2L7 C2-RN6; Boeing 737-2L9 C2-RN8, C2-RN9; Boeing 727-95 C2-RN5 – WFS stored Melbourne; Boeing

727-77C C2-RN7 – Operates on lease to TAA Cargo. Fleet Movements (Ol/04/84-31/03/85)

Boeing 737-2L7 C2-RN6 terminated its lease to Air Caledonie International in October and has returned to operations with Air Nauru.

Boeing 727-95 C2-RN5 was withdrawn from service at Melbourne in July 1983. At time of writing it is being prepared for delivery to the US charter operator Evergreen International.

Boeing 727-77C C2-RN7 was withdrawn from service at Melbourne in September 1983. In April 1984 it commenced a long-term lease to TAA Cargo and now operates four return flights a week between Perth and Melbourne.

Air New South Wales

Airline Code: WX Head Office: Kingsford-Smith Airport, Mascot, NSW 2020 Executives Chairman: Sir Roden Cutler, General Manager: J. Hutchison, Marketing Manager Miss V. North, Operations Manager: Capt LB. Strother, Traffic & Passenger Services Manager: J. Moynihan, Finance Manager: H. Tuppe Fleet Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKB (Southern Cross colours), Fokker F27-400 VH-FNQ (Southem Cross colours – Ansett titles). Fokker F27-500 VH-FCA (Southern Cross colours-Ansett titles) VH-FCC VH-FCD VH-FCE VH-FCF. Operational & Fleet Changes (01/0484-31/03/85) Air New South Wales added a second F28-1000 to their fleet on June 23rd 1984, when VH-FKB was painted in “Southern Cross’ colours at Melbourne before delivery to Air New South Wales. The addition of a second jet to their fleet however turned out to be of a temporary nature. Delays in the upgrading of several NSW country airports to F28 standards are retarding the growth of Air New South Wales. With Casino not expected to have come online till June 1985 and Coffs Harbour and Wagga by Christmas it was decided that one of the F28’s should return to the West. VH-FKD was withdrawn from Air New South Wales service on October 2nd and ferried to Perth the same day. On arrival in Perth the F28 lost its ‘yellow canary colours for those of the Southern Cross’. It is expected that VH-FKD will return to Air New South Wales operations in May 1985. F27-400 VH-FNQ was added to the fleet in September 1984. As well as operating passenger flights it is used as a freighter. Four nights a week it operates a crossover flight with an Ansett F27 on the route Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville to Cairns.

F27-500 VH-FCB was transferred to Ansett operations in September 1984, however it returned to Air New South Wales service in late January 1985. Both VH-FNQ and VH-FCB are painted in the ‘Southern Cross’ colours so it is expected that they will be the first to carry the new AIR NSW titles whenever they are introduced On March 2nd 1985 Air New South Wales opened the first direct service between Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and Melbourne. Using their F28 they operate a twice-weekly return service between Maroochydore and Melbourne. This will be increased to three times weekly in April.

The Brisbane to Norfolk Island F28 service which started in 1984 as a weekly operation is now flown three times weekly at certain times of the year.

In March 1983 Air New South Wales commenced operating a twice-daily F27 service on the Sydney-Albury-Melbourne route. In July 1984 this was terminated as it was not economically viable, Unlike their main competitor East-West Airlines who had traffic rights in and out of Albury, Air New South Wales had to rely on end-to-end traffic.

For the future Air New South Wales are looking to introduce F28 services to Casino, Coffs Harbour and Wagga. They are also planning to extend their Sydney to Broken Hill F28 service to Yulara. This winter they will be operating over 30 round Australia F27 charters for Jay’s Travel, Bill Peach and the Women’s Weekly.

Air New Zealand

Airline Code: TE Head Office Air New Zealand House, 1 Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand. Executives Chairman: H. Fletcher, Deputy Chairman: C. J. Keppel, Chief Executive & General Manager: N. M. T. Geary, AGM Airline Operations: 1 McCrea, AGM Finance: A. W. Varcoe, AGM Marketing: NA. Macfarlane, Manager Planning MR. Stanton, Manager Administration: L. Diamond, Manager Personnel H. E. DeSilva, Company Secretary: LG. Philip, Manager Public Affairs: R. G. Wallace.

Fleet list as at 31/03/85 Boeing 747-2198 ZK-NZU- on order, ZK-NZV, ZK-NZW, ZK-NZX, ZK-NZY, ZK- NZZ: Boeing 767-219ER ZK-NBA-on order for delivery 09/85, ZK-NBB-on order for delivery 03/86, ZK-NBC- on order for delivery 69/86; MD DC8-54F ZK-NZD-Air New Zealand Cargo markings: Boeing 737-219 ZK-NAC, ZK-NAO, ZK-NAE, ZK-NAI; Boeing 737-219A ZK-NAP, ZK-NAR, ZK-NAS, Boeing 737- 219C ZK-NOC Boeing 737-214 21-NAK, Boeing 737-222 ZK-NAM, Fokker F27-100 ZK-BXE, ZK-8XF, ZK-8XG, ZK-8XH, ZK-8X Fokker F27-500 ZK-NAN ZK-NAO; Fokker F27-500F ZK-NFA, ZK-NFB, ZK-NFD, ZK-NFE, ZK-NFF, ZK-NFH ZK-NFI, ZK-NFJ.

The Boeing 747-2198 aircraft are powered by the Rolls Royce R8211-52404 engines. The Boeing 767-219ER aircraft will be powered by General Electric CF6-80A2 engines.

Operational & Fleet Changes 01/04/84-31/03/85 In July Air New Zealand placed an order worth more than N25643 million with Boeing for three 767ERs and a sixth 747. The first 767 which is scheduled for delivery in September 1985 will allow Air New Zealand to resume international operations from Wellington. The 767 which will be crewed by two pilots, with operate in a two-class configuration – 18 business and 202 economy. The aircraft will be powered by the General Electric CF6-80A2 which is in direct contrast to Qantas who chose the Pratt & Whitney JT90-7R4E to power their 767ER’s From October 1985 Air New Zealand will add Vancouver to their network when they inaugurate a weekly 8747 service Auckland – Honolulu – Vancouver.

Air Niugini

Airline Code: PX Head Office: PO Box 7186, Boroko, Papua New Guinea, Executives General Manager: Mlangalio, Deputy General Manager: Capt R. Ravenhill, Director Finance & Administration: E. Kwant, Commercial: W. Gumbmann, Maintenance & Engineering: P. Clement.

Fleet A. I. A30084-203 P2-ANG; Boeing 707-338C P2-ANA-WFS stored Hong Kong, P2-ANB-WFS stored Port Moresby, Fokker F28-1000 P2-ANE, P2-AN P2-ANU, P2-ANW: DHC-7P2-ANN, P2-AND, P2-ANP.

Operational & Fleet Changes (01/04/84-31/03/85) The highlight of the year for Air Niugini was the introduction into service of the A300, their first wide-bodied aircraft. The A300 has been dry leased from TAA for three years, with an option to buy, and has been registered P2-ANG The A300 was painted in a new “Bird of Paradise” scheme by TAA in Melbourne before being positioned to Sydney, where it was handed over to Air Niugini on November 27th. P2-ANG entered service with Air Niugini the following day when it operated the A300 on its International routes from Port Moresby to Singapore, Manila, Brisbane and Sydney. It is configured as a 30F 52C and 151Y. With the A300 established in service, Air Niugini were able to retire their two 8707-338C aircraft. Both Boeings were leased from ITEL in the United States, however before taking them out of service Air Niugini purchased the aircraft outright and have since offered them for sale on the World market.

January 30th was the last day of operation for both aircraft. P2-ANA was withdrawn from service in Hong Kong, where it remains in storage, after operating PX033 from Port Moresby P2-ANB was withdrawn from service in Port Moresby after operating PX4006 from Brisbane.

With Boeing’s out of service, Air Niugini terminated their tripartite agreement with Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific Airways for the operation of services on the Auckland, Port Moresby to Hong Kong route. Air Niugini had planned to continue their twice weekly 8707 till the end of March, however with the withdrawal of the Boeing’s on January 30th the route lay idle. Air New Zealand was expected to commence a weekly 8747 flight on the route from April 1st.

During this period another aircraft type was taken out of service by Air Niugini. This was the Fokker F27 which had been part of their fleet since they commenced operations. In fact it was an F27 that flew their first scheduled service on November 1st 1973. The last flight by an F27 in Air Niugini service was PX3129 from Lae to Port Moresby on July 8th operated by P2-ANS.

On June 15th F27-200’s P2-ANL and P2-ANM departed Port Moresby on delivery to the national carrier of Luxembourg- Luxair. P2-ANL has since been registered LX-LGK, while P2-ANM has become LGJ.

The final two aircraft in the fleet departed Port Moresby on August 2nd. F27-200 P2-ANC in company with F27-600 P2-ANS were bound for Norwich, England where they were handed over to their new owner Air UK. P2-ANC has since been registered as G-BLML, while P2-ANS become G-BLMM.

Air Pacific

Airline Code: FJ Head Office: Air Pacific Centre, Raiwaga, Suva, Fiji Executives Chief Executive: J. Schaap, Chief Financial Officer: A. Moore. Fleet Boeing 747-2388 VH-EBK Boeing 737-2X2 DQ-FDM EMB-1110P1 DQ- FDE, DO-FDF.

Operational & Fleet Changes (01/04/84-31/03/85) In December Qantas were selected to provide managerial help to pull the financially troubled Air Pacific out of its problems. This assistance, which is for a period of three years, became effective on January 3rd. Mr John Schaap, Sales Director Australia for Qantas was appointed Chief Executive of Air Pacific.

In September 1983 Air Pacific leased a DC-10-30 to operate between Nadi and Honolulu. This aircraft, N821L, was returned to the International Lease Finance Corp in late December. It operated its last service for Air Pacific on December 27th 1984 on the route Los Angeles, Honolulu, Nadi.

From January 3rd Air Pacific became a B747 operator, when an aircraft was wet leased from Qantas. From that date Qantas ceased operations on their four times weekly Sydney to Nadi service. Using their leased B747 Air Pacific commenced flying on the route with Qantas leasing seats on the aircraft. In late March B747 VH-ERK was rolled out of the Qantas hangar at Sydney in Air Pacific colours, and it now is used on the Nadi to Sydney route. Air Pacific will have their own crews trained to fly this 8747. Also on January 3rd Qantas commenced operations on the Melbourne route it has a combined QF/FJ flight number with Air Pacific leasing seats as required.

In March 1984 Air Pacific sold their two BAC 1-11’s to the British Defence Ministry. DQ-FBQ arrived at Gatwick on March 12th and is now based at Boscombe Down as ZE433. DQ-FBV arrived at Gatwick on March 22nd and it is now based at Bedford as ZE432.

In May 1984 EMB-110P1 DQ-FCV was sold to Air Melanesiae with whom it is now registered YJ-RV6.

1st.

F27-600 VH-FNU was wet leased from Ansett for six months commencing May

Air Queensland

Airline Code: ON Head Office: PO Box 1381, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Executives Chairman & Managing Director: Sir Sydney Williams, Executive General Manager: AJ. Richardson, Assistant General Manager: B. S. Williams, Engineering Manager: LC. Burrows, Operations Manager: Capt C. W. Shedden.

Fleet List as at 31/03/85 Fokker F27-200 VH-FNM-leased from Ansett, VH-FNV-leased from Ansett, VH-FNW-leased from Ansett, Fokker F27-600 VH-FNU-leased from Ansett; Douglas DC-3 VH-BPL-freighter, VH-BPN, VH-EDC, VH-PWN: Swearingen. Metro 11VH-BPA-WFS stored Cairns, VH-BPG-WFS stored Cairns, VH-BPK- WFS stored Cairns, VH-EEF-leased to Kendell Airlines; DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 VH-AQB, VH-TGF, VH-TGG, VH-TGH, VH-TGI; GAF N-24A VH-BRP: Cessna 404 VH-BPO; Cessna 310R VH-BPI- Flying Surgeon contract, VH-FSR – Flying Surgeon contract.

Air Queensland have ordered 4 ATR42 aircraft to replace their F27’s. The ATR42’s will be delivered between March and May 1986.

Operational & Fleet Changes (01/04/84-31/03/85) On March 4th 1985 TAA announced that they had purchased a controlling interest in Air Queensland, and by the time their offer of $1. 25 a share expired on March 29th they had accumulated 95% of the shares. Surprisingly this included the 19% interest that Ansett Transport Industries had in Air Queensland. TAA have stated that Air Queensland would be run as a separate entity and that Sir Sydney Williams would remain as Chairman and Managing Director.

TAA are presently evaluating a number of aircraft types to replace their F27’s in Queensland. Last October after a long battle between the DHC-8 and the ATR42 Air Queensland announced that they had ordered 4 of the French/Italian commuter aircraft. They would be delivered between March and May 1986 and be used in a 42-seat configuration. As they are delivered Air Queensland will phase out the F27’s and DC-3’s at present in use.

By late July 1984 Air Queensland withdrew from service their Metro aircraft. All four then in operation, VH-BPA, VH-BPG, VH-BPK and VH-BPV were flown to Caims for storage. A fifth Metro VH-EEF remains on lease to Kendell Airlines till August 1985. Three of the Metro’s have recently been sold to the New Zealand commuter operator, Air Albatross. The first to be delivered was VH-BPV which was reregistered ZK-SWC before departing Cairns for Brisbane on March 14th. The withdrawal of the Metro fleet resulted in a shortage of capacity. This was covered by leasing a 4th F27 from Ansett and dropping services to a number of ports, most of which were in the Central Queensland coalfields. The 4th F27 planned for lease to Air Queensland on a permanent basis was VH-FNU however in late July it was operating out of Nadi on lease to Air Pacific. F27-200 VH-MMO was therefore leased to Air Queensland as a temporary measure from July 28th. VH-MMO was the only aircraft to carry the colours of Airlines of Northern Australia and even though it was withdrawn from service in the Territory sometime ago it was still carrying their green and yellow colours. VH-MMO therefore operated with Airlines of Northern Australia colours and Air Queensland titles. When VH-FNU terminated its lease to Air Pacific it was flown back to Melbourne where it was painted in Air Queensland colours before being delivered to Brisbane on October 18th.

During the year Air Queensland terminated operations to the following portsAlpha, Barcaldine, Clermont, Dysart, Longreach, Middlemount, Moranbah and Toowoomba. Flights to these ports were taken over by the commuter operator Coddair Airlines.

From April 1984 Air Queensland commenced services to Hamilton Island with DHC6 Twin Otters operating from Mackay and Townsville.

It should be noted that Air Queensland holds two separate licences. An airline licence which covers the 4 F27 and a supplemental airline licence which covers the remainder of the aircraft in the fleet. For the sake of completeness, we have listed the full air Queensland fleet though the passenger figures above are for those carried under the airline licence.

Air Vanuatu

Airline Code: NF Head Office: 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Executives Chairman: Hon K. Kalsakau, Managing Director: E. J. B. Forrester, Commercial Manager: JM. C. King.

Fleet Boeing 737-209 5W-PAL – aircraft is wet leased from Polynesian Airlines and operates in their colours with dual Polynesian/Air Vanuatu titles. Boeing 737- 277 VH-CZM – aircraft is wet leased from Ansett. Operates in full Ansett colours with small Air Vanuatu titles on the forward fuselage. VH-CZO as for VH-CZM. Operational & Fleet Changes 01/04/84-31/03/85 In December they added a new port to their network when they commenced a weekly service between Port Vila and Nadi There are now four return services a week between Australia and Vanuatu. Ansett are the designated Australian carrier on the route and between them and Air Vanuatu the following flights are operated – Tuesday- AN182/3: Sydney- Brisbane-Port Vila-Brisbane-Sydney, Thursday- NF4: Sydney-Port Vila, Saturday -AN180/1: Melbourne-Brisbane-Port Vila-Brisbane-Melbourne, Saturday- NF7: Port Vila-Sydney, Sunday NF8/9: Sydney-Port Vila-Sydney.

Airlines of Northern Australia

Airline Code: BT Head Office: 31 Smith Street Mall, Darwin, Northern Territory 5790 Executives General Manager: F. K. McCue, Marketing Manager: C. Constance Fleet Airlines of Northem Australia have no aircraft of their own. To maintain their schedules they use Ansett W. A. F28’s and Tillair Cessna 441’s.

Airlines of South Australia

Airline Code: GJ Head Office: 150 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000 Executives Chairman: K. Williams, General Manager: L. Connelly, Marketing Manager: PJ. Kirk, Operations Manager: Capt G. Mason.

Fleet Fokker F27-200 VH-MMR, VH-MMV, VH-FNP; Fokker F27-600 VH-FNR

Ansett Airlines of Australia

Airline Code: AN Head Office: 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Executives Joint Managing Directors: Sir Peter Abeles, K. R. Murdoch; General Manager: E. J. B. Forrester, Deputy General Managers: G. J. P. McMahon, A. J. Yates; Director Operations: Capt M. T. Terrell Director Engineering: J. H. Bibo; Director Planning & Services: J. McAllister, General Marketing Manager: T. Dery: Public Affairs: RG. Alexander.

Fleet List as at 31/03/85

Boeing 767-277 VH-RMD, VH-RME, VH-RMF, VH-RMG, VH-RMH; Boeing 727- 277LR VH-ANA, VH-ANB, VH-ANE, VH-ANF; Boeing 727-277 VH-RMK, VH-RML, VH-RMM, VH-RMN, VH-RMO, VH-RMP, VH-RMY, WH-RMZ; Boeing 727-277F VH-RMX-Ansett Air Freight markings. Boeing 737-277 VH-CZM, VH-CZN, VH-CZO, VH-CZP, VH-CZQ, VH-CZR, VH-CZS, VH-ČZT, VH-CZU, VH-CZU, VH-CZV, VH-CZW, VH-CZX, Fokker F27-200 VH-MMO, VH-MMS; Fokker F27-400 VH- FNO, VH-FNT-Ansett Airlines of Australia colours; Sikorsky S61N: VH-BRH- WFS stored Melbourne, VH-BRI-WFS stored Melbourne, Douglas DC-3 VH-ABR – Australian National Airways colours. Static exhibit at Melbourne Airport Maintenance Base.

Ansett have on order 15 Fokker F50 aircraft with first delivery expected in December 1986. These aircraft will replace the F27’s at present in service with Ansett, Airlines of South Australia and Air New South Wales.

The following Ansett aircraft are leased to other airlines Boeing 727-277 VH-RMU to Republic Airlines as N274WC, VH-RMV – to Republic Airlines as N275WC, VH-RMW-to Republic Airlines as N276WC; Boe- ing 727-25F VH-LAP-to Flying Tigers as N8119N; Fokker F27-200 VH-FNM- to Air Queensland, VH-FNV-to Air Queensland; Fokker F27-600 VH-FNU – to Air Queensland.

Note 8727-277 VH-RMU, RMV, RMW were dry leased to Wien Alaska in November 1983 for 3 years. Wien ceased operations in November 1984 and in February 1985 the 3 aircraft began a lease to Republic Airlines. Operational & Fleet Changes (01/04/84-31/03/85) Ansett became the launch customer for the Fokker F50 when they signed a contract in February for 10 of these new 50-seat turboprops. At the same time options were taken on a further 5, however within a few weeks Ansett converted these options to orders. The first of the 15 F50’s will go into service in January 1987 and they will replace the 19 F27’s presently used by Ansett, Airlines of South Australia, Air New South Wales and Air Queensland.

The fifth and final 8767 on order for Ansett, VH-RMH was delivered to Melbourne on September 24th and entered service a few days later.

8727-277 VH-RMZ was leased to TAA from May 1st to November 30th to cover their shortage of capacity with 2 A300’s on lease to Condor.

Its been many years since Ansett last owned a 100 series 8727 however during this period one was purchased but never operated. The aircraft concemed was VH-LAP B727/25F of Bloodstock Air Services. This aircraft had been imported to Australia in 1983 by a Perth company with the express purpose of carrying livestock around Australia and SE Asia. Plans however failed to materialise and TAA started operating the aircraft on their 4 nights a week Perth, Melbourne, Perth freight service. When TAA terminated their lease in March 1984 the aircraft was purchased by Ansett. VH-LAP was ferried from Perth to Melbourne on April 16th 1984. It then sat outside the Ansett hangar till the following November. On the 25th of that month it departed Melbourne for San Francisco, where it has since reverted to its former United States registration N8119N and entered service with Flying Tigers. On July 7th Hamilton Island opened to commercial jet operations and Ansett started flying there from Sydney and Brisbane. With jet aircraft now operating into the Whitsunday Islands Ansett were able to retire their two S6IN’s. These helicopters were used for flying passengers from Proserpine to Hayman Island. Now Ansett fly these passengers to Hamilton Island by jet and they then continue their journey to Hayman on a new $1. 7 million luxury cruiser. VH-BRI operated its last passenger flight for Ansett on July 21st from Hayman to Proserpine with VH-BRH terminating on the same route on September 3rd. After retirement from passenger flying both helicopters were ferried to Melbourne where they are now stored awaiting sale.

From late July Air Queensland had a requirement to lease a 4th F-27 from Ansett. Initially, they operated F27-200 VH-MMO which still carries Airlines of Northern Australia colours but had Air Queensland titles applied for the lease. On October 18th VH-MMO was replaced by F27-600. VH-FNU. This F27 was wet-leased to Air Pacific from May till September and on return to Melbourne was repainted in Air Queensland colours before being delivered to Brisbane. VH-MMO then flew on Ansett services out of Melbourne before it was painted in the Ansett ‘Southern Cross’ scheme in January.

Ansett Air Freight’s three stored L-188AF which have been sitting at Melbourne since early in 1984 were sold to a Miami-based cargo operator for a reported $4 million. The buyer, Turbo Power International Airways planned to operate freight services between Miami and Central America. All three Electra’s were flown out of the country still in their basic Ansett colour scheme but with titles and Australian registrations removed. First to depart was VH-RMB as N3580. It flew out of Melbourne on September 12th on its Trans-Pacific ferry flight. VH-RMC as N3570 followed on September 25th with the final aircraft VH-RMA-N3560 leaving on October 12th. So after twenty-five years of service, we finally said farewell to the Lockheed Electra from Australian airline operations.

Unfortunately VH-RMC/N3570 did not last very long with its new owner in the United States. On January 9th it was operating a flight from Detroit, Willow Run to Kansas City Municipal carrying automotive parts. While executing a missed approach at Kansas City during a light snow storm it crashed into a lake killing the three crew and destroying the aircraft.

Ansett W.A.

formally AIRLINES OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Airline Code: MV

Head Office, 26 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia 6000

Executives

Manager Ansett W. A. : L. Butcher, Market Director Western Region, T. Karasek, Operations Manager, I. Sutton, Marketing Manager, G. Court.

Fleet list as at 31/03/85

8Ae146-200 VH-JJP- on order for delivery 04/85, VH-JJQ- on order for delivery 05/85; Fokker F28-4000 VH-FKI, VH-FKJ; Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKA, VH-FKC, VH-FKD, VH°FKE, VH-FKF, VH-FKG – Airlines of Western Australia colours.

Operational & Fleet Changes

(Ol/04/84-31/03/85) Ansett have decided to rationalise the aircraft livery and operations of its regional airlines. This is evidently to enhance public awareness that Ansett aircraft fly on more thanjust the main trunk routes around Australia, and also to assist in the marketing of these services. This will mean that three colourful liveries, Airlines of Western Australia, Airlines of South Australia and Air New South Wales, will ultimately disappear and be replaced by the ‘Southern Cross’ scheme. The first casualty of this rationalisation was Airlines of Western Australia. At the Farnborough Air Display in September British Aerospace had a BAe 146-200 painted in the ‘Southern Cross’ scheme with Air W. A. titles. It was later decided that the airline should be called Ansett W. A. so from November 27th that name was given to the former Airlines of Western Australia. As well as being given a new coat of paint the F28 fleet are also being refurbished in a $4 million upgrade (refer Airline Affairs, March and June issues), which includes the fitment of Atlas galleys, over-head bins and reduced seating. The reason for all these changes is competition as on November 29th East-West commenced F28 services between Perth, Karratha and Port Hedland. F28-1000 VH-FKB was withdrawn from Airlines of Western Australia service in late May. The aircraft was flown to Melbourne where it was painted in ‘Southern Cross’ _colours before delivery to Air New South Wales in Sydney on June 23rd.

Moving the other way was F28-1000 VH-FKD. On October 2nd it departed Sydney for Perth, ceasing service with Air New South Wales. There it entered the hangar for refurbishing and repainting in Ansett W. A. colours. It is expected that VH-FKD will return to A,r New South Wales operations in April 1985.

Ansett W. A. are looking forward to taking delivery of their new BAe 146-200 as they will be a trump card in their battle with East-West. The first 146 VH-JJP is due to be delivered to Perth in late April with VH-JJQ following a month later.

Airlines of Western Australia won a contract from the Australian Department of Terntones and Local Government to operate a weekly F28 service to Cocos and Christmas Islands. This replaced the joint service which had been operated by Ansett and TAA since May 1967. Airlines of Western Australia operated their first flight to these Indian Ocean Islands in June. The same month they started a fortn,ghtly flight from Port Hedland to Bali on behalf of Qantas. First flight was on June 2nd QF931/930 operated by F28-4000 VH-FKI.

East West Airlines

Airline Code: EW Head Office: 323 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Executives Managing Director: D. Howe, Company Secretary: LG. Parker, General Manager Operations: R. Entsch, Manager Market Planning: D. Bumes, Manager Public Relations: J. Mulcair, Manager Employee Relations: R. Atkins, Manager Airline Services: A. Murdoch, Manager Sales: Mrs Z Butcher, Manager Operations: T. King, Manager Engineering: J. Murphy.

Fleet Boeing 737-200 VH- on order for delivery 11/85, Fokker F28-4000 VH-EWA, VH-EWB, VH-EWC, VH-EWD, VH- on order for delivery 11/85, Fokker F27-500 VH-EWP, VH-EWU, VH-EW, VH-EWW, VH-EWX, VH-EWY, VH-EWZ. Operational & Fleet Changes (01/04/84-31/03/85) Another very busy twelve months for ‘Australia’s third Airline’. Even with the addition of two further 72-seat F28-4000 aircraft, which gives East-West a fleet of 4 F28-4000s and 7 F27-500’s, they are finding it difficult to keep up with the demand for seats. In March 1985 they lodged an application with the Federal Government for permission to import a further two jet aircraft-a fifth F28-4000 and their first Boeing 737-200.

For the twelve months ending December 31st 1983 East-West carried 576,100 passengers. For 1984 this figure rose to 674,300, an increase of 17 per cent. East-West are forecasting that this year they will carry between 900,000 and 1 million passengers – a further rise of approx 33 per cent. These figures are backed up by the fact that in January 1985 passengers carried rose by 32. 5 per cent while in February they rose by a huge 47 per cent.

East-West finally commenced their long-awaited services in Western Australia on November 29th, when F28 VH-EWC operated EW130 from Perth to Karratha and Port Hedland.

From December 1st a twice-weekly F28 return service commenced between Sydney, Yulara and Perth.

Services dropped during the year because they were not economically viable to run were Melbourne – Mount Gambier – Adelaide from May 1984 and Alice Springs – Port Hedland – Karratha from July 1984.

East-West took delivery of their third and fourth F28-4000 and also continued the rollover of their F27 fleet.

F27-500 VH-EWY entered service on August 16th while F27-500 VH-EWZ entered service on September 11th. As a trade-in on these aircraft East-West returned two older F27’s to Fokker. F27-200 VH-TFL was withdrawn from service at Tamworth on September 11th before departing there on the 27th for Amsterdam. F27-500 VH-EWQ was withdrawn from service at Tamworth on November 12th and departed from there on the 24th for Amsterdam.

East-West decided to retain one of the F27-500’s that had previously been planned as a trade-in to Fokker. VH-EWP was painted in the new East-West colour scheme by Pacific Aviation at Essendon before returning to service on October 31st.

F28-4000 VH-EWC was delivered to Tamworth on September 25th and entered service on the 28th operating EW13 from Tamworth to Sydney. East-West’s 4th F28-4000 VH-EWD arrived at Tamworth on November 17th and entered service on the 23rd, operating EW7 from Tamworth to Sydney.

Ipec Aviation

Airline Code: IP Head Office: Hangar 86, Bristol Street, Essendon Airport, Victoria 3041 Executives General Manager: R. D. Creak, Aviation Manager: S. J. Wareham, Chief Pilot: Capt D. P. Cahill.

Fleet MD DC-9-33CF VH-IPF BAe 650 Argosy 222 VH-IPA, VH-IPB: BAe 650 Argosy 101VH-IPD Fleet Changes IPEC are planning to add a second DC-9 freighter to their fleet later this year. This aircraft will allow the company to expand their operations in Australia and commence overseas charters.

Mount Cook Airline

Airline Code: NM Head Office: 47 Riccarton Road, Christchurch, New Zealand Executives Chief Executive. N. F. Tolerton, Senior Executive Operations: M. L. Corner, Senior Executive, Projects: RR. Forward, Senior Executive Finance: E. R. Macleod, Senior Executive Marketing: P. F. Andrews, Public Affairs Manager: E. G. Beckett, Company Secretary: D. N. Wadman, Airline Manager: M. L. Jervis, General Aviation Division Manager: C. J. E. Boon.

Fleet List as at 31/03/85 BAe 748 ZK-CWJ, ZK-DES, ZK-MCA, ZK-MCF, ZK-MCJ, ZK-MCP; DHC6-300 ZK-MCO; BN-2A ZK-DBV, ZK-MCD, ZK-MCE; PA31-350 ZK-MCM Turbo PorterZK-MCK, ZK-MCN, ZK-MCT: Cessna U206 ZK-CHO- Cessna 185ZK-CAV. ZK-CBS, ZK-CBY, ZK-CKP, ZK-CKT, ZK-CVF, ZK-CVG,ZK-CYA, ZK-ELQ, ZK-MCQ, ZK-MCR, ZK-MCS; Bell 206B ZK-HPP.

Fleet Changes 01/04/84-31/03/85) Mount Cook added a sixth BAe 748 to their fleet when ZK-MCP was purchased from Royal Brunei. The aircraft was delivered to Christchurch on May 1st.

In July 1982 BAe 748 ZK-MCF was leased to the Canadian operator Calm Air International. After the lease was terminated the aircraft arrived back in Christchurch on September 13th on its Trans-Pacific ferry flight. It was then still carrying its Canadian registration C-GRCU, however before returning to service with Mount Cook it once again became ZK-MCF To meet a major expansion planned for its skiing and sight-seeing operations this year Mount Cook ordered 4 new aircraft valued at NZ$1. 75 million. The aircraft were 3 Cessna 185’s and a Pilatus Turbo Porter all of which have joined the company’s skiplane fleet. All 4 aircraft were flown out to New Zealand either via the Pacific in the case of the Cessna or through the Middle East for the Turbo Porter. The three Cessna’s were model A185F’s and their delivery details are as follows-N714VU arrived in Dunedin on December 11th and we re-registered ZK-MCQ. N714XT arrived Dunedin on December 24th and was re-registered ZK- MCS. The Turbo Porter was delivered to Christchurch on February 1st as HB-FIO and it has become ZK-MCT.

Cessna 185C ski plane ZK-CHI was written off on August 9th when it crashed on the Tasman Glacier.

Cessna 185A ski plane ZK-CMS was badly damaged when it crashed on the upper level of the Tasman Glacier on September 27th. It was replaced in service by Cessna A185E ZK-ELQ.

Fleet Notes

DHC6-300 ZK-MCO is normally based at Rotorua and operates scheduled services between Rotorua, Auckland and the Bay of Islands.

The BN-2A Islanders are used for sightseeing operations in the Queenstown- Fiordland area. Additionally, they fly the scheduled service between Queenstown Alexandra and Dunedin.

Newmans Air

Airline Code: ZQ Head Office: 110 Tuam Street, Christchurch, New Zealand Executives Chief Executive: KL. McDonald, Flight Operations Manager: Capt W. Stratton, Engineering Manager: D. Olesen, Commercial Services Manager: J. Webb, Financial Controller. M. Hendy, Customer Services Manager: B. Saussey, Personnel Manager J. Velleman, Marketing Manager: J. Cook, Cabin Services Controller: L. McCarthy.

Fleet DHC-7 ZK-NEW, ZK-NEX. Operational & Fleet Changes Following deregulation of the New Zealand airline industry Newmans Airways Ltd operating as Newmans Air commenced scheduled services on February 12th 1985. Newmans Air are a subsidiary of the TNL Group who are the largest ground transportation company in New Zealand. An Air Service license was granted to Newman Air to operate over the major tourist routes in New Zealand.

To operate their flights Newmans Air have purchased two 50-seat DHC-7’s from De Havilland Canada. The first aircraft, ZK-NEW arrived at Christchurch on December 22nd after its Trans-Pacific ferry flight from Downsview. The second aircraft ZK-NEX arrived in Christchurch on February 3rd. Both aircraft have been given Maori names-ZK-NEW ‘Uenuku-God of Rainbow and ZK-NEX “Kopako”- Guide of the Heavens.

When services commenced on February 12th Newmans Air operated between Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown. On March 19th Mt Cook, Glentanner airfield was added to their network.

For their first year of operation, Newmans Air are planning to carry 200,000 passengers.

Polynesian Airlines

Airline Code: PH Head Office: N. F. P. Building, Beach Road, Apia, Western Samoa Executives Chairman: A. Grey, General Manager. J. Buchanan, Manager Finance: B. Potter, Manager Engineering: P. Davis, Manager Flight Operations: Capt J. K. McNeely. Fleet Boeing 737-209 SW-PAL, GAF N-24A SW-FAT GAF N-22B SW-FAR BN-2A IslanderSW-FAF Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/84-31/03/85) From 27th September 1984 Polynesian Airlines extended their network when they commenced B737 services between Apia, Noumea and Sydney.

Mr John Buchanan was appointed General Manager in March 1985. Mr Buchanan was previously General Manager of Airlines of Northern Australia.

Qantas

Airline Code: OF Head Office: Qantas International Centre, International Square, Sydney, NSW 2000.

Executives Chairman: J. B. Leslie, Vice-Chairman: J. B. Reid, Chief Executive: R. J. Yates, General Manager Finance: LA. Olsen, Marketing LF. Ward, Operations: D. J. Scott, Treasurer: M. J. Haworth, Director of Information Systems: M. E. P. Burge, Marketing Planning: J. G. C. Herous, Personnel LH. McKeand, Engineering & Maintenance: C. S. Morgan, Policy Development: C. W. Porter, Corporate Planning: P. T. Stainlay, Support Services: WA. Swingler, Flight Operations: Capt A. I. Terrell, Public Affairs: JR. W. Ward, Cabin Service: K. V. Welsh, Sales & Field Services: B. W. Wild. Fleet list as at 31/03/85 Boeing 747-238B VH-ERB, VH-EBD, VH-EBE, VH-EBF, VH-EBG, VH-EBH, VH- EBL VH-EBI, VH-EBL, VH-EBM, VH-EBN, VH-EBO, VH-EBP, VH-EBQ, VH-EBR, VH-EBS; Boeing 747-238B-SCD VH-ECA, VH-ECB, VH-ECC, Boeing 747SP. 38 VH-EAA VH-EAB; Boeing 747-3388-EUD VH-EBT, VH-EBU, VH-EBV- on order for delivery 04/85, VH-EBW- on order for delivery 03/86; Boeing 767- 238ER VH-EAI on order for delivery 07/85, VH-EAK on order for delivery 07/85, VH-EAL-on order for delivery 10/85, VH-EAM, VH-EAN, VH-EAD-on order for delivery 10/85-03/86.

The following engine types have been selected to power the Qantas Boeing fleet- Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7 VH-ERB, VH-EBD, thru VH-EBL VH-EBL thru VH-EBP, VH-ECA Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4E VH-EAJ thru VH-EAO; Rolls Royce RB211-524VH-EAA, VH-EAB; Rolls Royce RB211-52482 VH-EBQ, VH-ECB: Rolls Royce RB211-524D4 VH-EBR, VH-EBS, VH-ECC, VH-EBT, VH-EBU, VH- Operational & Fleet Changes (01/04/84-31/03/85) EBV.

Highlight of the year for Qantas was the delivery and entry into service of their first 8747-338EUD. The Upper Deck contains 38 Business Class seats, while the main cabin is configured for 30 First and 350 Economy. VH-EBT ‘City of Canberra’ arrived in Sydney on November 16th and operated its first service for Qantas on the 24th, when it flew QF43/44 Sydney-Auckland-Sydney. The second 8747-338EUD VH-EBU ‘City of Sydney arrived in Sydney on January 27th while the third on order VH-EBV Dity of Melbourne’ is due for delivery in mid-April. Qantas have recently placed an order with Boeing for a fourth aircraft of this type for delivery in March 1986.

With the Boeing 747-300 coming on line Qantas have been retiring and selling some of their older B747-200s.

VH-EBA and VH-EBB were sold to Guinness Peat Aviation. VH-EBA in turn was leased to Air Lanka with whom it is registered 4R-ULF. The Boeing was painted in Air Lanka colours before leaving Sydney on June 8th on its delivery flight to Colombo. VH-EBB was leased back to Qantas by Guinness Peat Aviation and it remains in service.

VH-EBC was retired from service early in December and sold to the Boeing Equipment Holding Company. They in turn have found a buyer for it in People Express however it will be some time before they take delivery. Meanwhile VH- EBC has been registered N747BM and now sits at Sydney awaiting delivery to People Express with whom it will become N607PE.

VH-EBD is expected to be withdrawn from service in mid-April when the third 8747-300 VH-EBV enters service.

After a prolonged battle with Ansett, it was announced in December that Qantas had been selected to provide managerial help to pull the financially troubled Air Pacific out of its problems. The assistance to be provided by Qantas came into effect on January 3rd and is for a period of three years. As of that date Mr John Schaap formally Qantas Sales Director Australia was appointed Chief Executive of Air Pacific. As part of the arrangement, Air Pacific were to become a 8747 operator in their own right. From January 3rd Qantas ceased operations on their four times weekly return service between Sydney and Nadi. Air Pacific have taken over, initially using a leased Qantas 8747 however in late March VH-EBK was rolled out of the Qantas hangar in Sydney in Air Pacific colours. The B747 will be crewed by Air Pacific’s own staff when it operates between Sydney and Nadi. In a reverse situation, Qantas will lease seats from Air Pacific on these flights. January 3rd also saw Qantas inaugurate their first direct Melbourne to Nadi service. The flight will operate three times weekly Melboume-Nadi- Honolulu-Los Angeles. On the Melbourne to Nadi sector the flight operates with a duel QF/FJ flight number with Air Pacific leasing space on the aircraft from Qantas.

The delivery dates of the first two 8767’s VH-EAI and VH-EAK have been brought forward from October to July 1985. Initially, the aircraft will be used on Trans-Tasman services in and out of Wellington.

From April 1st 1984 Qantas commenced a three times weekly direct service from Australia to the West Coast of the United States. Using their B747SP aircraft the routing is Melbourne-Sydney-Los Angeles. Flight time from Sydney to Los Angeles is 13 hours 40 minutes.

During the year Qantas and CAAC opened a joint service between Australia and China. The first Qantas service was operated on September 2nd on the route Melbourne-Sydney-Beijing. CAAC operated their first service into Australia on September 6th on the route Beijing-Guangzhou-Sydney. One return service is operated each week by both airlines.

Safe Air

Airline Code: 7V Head Office: PO Box 244, Blenheim, New Zealand Executives Chairman: A. A. Watson, General Manager: W. R. Tannock, Accountant: J. F. Bryce, Engineering Manager: J. S. Wilks, Marketing Manager: G. Ransby: Operations Manager: Capt RSF. Lamb, Chief Inspector: M. V. H. Blee, Administration Supervisor: M. R. Fairbrother.

Fleet BAe 650 Argosy 222 ZK-SAE Merchant Enterprise’. ZK-SAF ‘Merchant Pioneer: Bristol 170-31 ZK-CLT ‘Merchant Hauler’, ZK-CLU ‘Merchant Buccaneer, ZK-CPT “Merchant Courier, ZK-CRK “Merchant Islander”. Operational & Fleet Changes (01/04/84-31/03/85) With their fleet of Argosy and Bristol 170 freighters, Safe Air operates a network of scheduled services over the main trunk routes of New Zealand. The bulk of the freight is carried for Air New Zealand, the New Zealand Post Office and the New Zealand Railways Corporation.

Though primarily engaged in the uplift of freight, Safe Air also operate a very unique service for passengers between New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. Using their Argosy aircraft, which are fitted out to uplift 30 passengers, Safe Air fly a fortnightly service from Wellington and a weekly service from Christchurch to the Chathams. Flying time in the Argosy from Wellington to Chatham, 770 km, is 2 hours 15 mins, while Christchurch to Chatham, 860 km, is 2 hours 35 mins. Safe Air carry approximately 3,200 passengers annually on this service.

Bristol 170-31 ZK-CRM ‘Merchant Herald was retired from service in May 1984

Trans Australia Airlines

Airline Code: TN Head Office: Box 2806AA, Franklin Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Executives Chairman: NA. Smith, General Manager: F. J. Ball, Secretary: LJ. Fitzgerald, Director Marketing: B. R. Palmer, Director Engineering: F. McMullen, Director Flight Operations: Capt L. T. Heard, Director Planning & Administration: D. G. Withers, Director Personnel & Ground Services: J. W. Pearce, Manager Planning & Development: B. W. Porter, Manager Cargo: C. C. O’Brien, Manager Public Relations: J. S. Tilton, Manager Finance: ST. Park.

Fleet list as at 31/03/85 A300B4-203 VH-TAB, VH-TAC, VH-TAD, VH-TAE; Boeing 727-276 VH-TBG. VH-TBH, VH-TBI, VH-TBJ, VH-TBK, VH-TBL, VH-TBM, VH-TBN, VH-TBO, VH-TBP, VH-TBQ, VH-TBR; Boeing 727-77C C2-RN7 – dry leased by TAA Cargo from Air Nauru; MDC DC-9-31 VH-TJJ, VH-TJL, VH-TJO, VH-TJP, VH-TJO, VH-TIR, VH-TIS. VH-TIT, VH-TJU; Fokker F27-6000C VH-TOR, VH-TOS, VH-TQT; Douglas DC-3 VH-AES on display at Melbourne Airport in TAA 1946 colour scheme; A30084-203 VH-TAA is operating on a three-year dry lease to Air Niugini as P2-ANG.

Operational & Fleet Changes (01/04/84-31/03/85) On March 4th 1985 TAA announced that they had purchased a controlling interest in Air Queensland. They have stated that Air Queensland will remain as a separate entity and that Sir Sydney Williams would remain as Chairman and Managing Director.

The two A300’s that TAA had leased to the West German charter operator Condor Flugdienst for the northern summer arrived back in Australia. Before leaving Melbourne both aircraft were painted in Condor’s colours and they were allocated West German registrations. VH-TAA became D-AITA and it departed on March 19th 1984 for Hamburg. It returned to Melbourne on October 30th on termination of its lease and was immediately prepared to commence a three year lease to Air Niugini. As P2-ANG, it was rolled out in Air Niugini colours on November 21st and on the 27th it was officially handed over to Air Niugini in Sydney. During the lease, the A300 will be maintained by TAA during its stop-overs in Australia.

The second A300 to be leased to Condor was VH-TAB which became D-AITB. departed Melbourne for Hamburg on March 27th 1984 and returned from there on November 7th. After overhaul and restoration as VH-TAB the A300 re-entered service with TAA on December 18th.

To make up for the loss of capacity caused by the two A300’s being in West Germany TAA leased a 8727-277 from Ansett. VH-RMZ was painted in TAA colours and handed over on May 1st. While in service with TAA it carried the name “Frank Hann”. VH-RMZ terminated its lease to TAA on November 30th and it returned to Ansett operations the following month.

To operate their Transcontinental freight service TAA Cargo have dry leased A 8727-100 from Air Nauru. The aircraft C2-RN7 was originally built on order for Ansett as a 8727-770C. It was withdrawn from service by Air Nauru at Melbourne Airport in September 1983. C2-RN7 operated its first flight for TAA on April 17th 1984 from Melbourne to Perth, and now flies four return flights a week between Perth and Melbourne. The Boeing still wears its basic Air Nauru colours with TAA Cargo titles. Capacity is shared between TAA Cargo and Ansett Air Freight and as a result of this agreement TAA and Ansett crews also share the flying.

For sometime TAA had been looking for a buyer for 4 F270C aircraft they have had stored at Brisbane and Melbourne. They were sold through Australian Aircraft Sales to Scandinavian Airlines. SAS have formed a new division within their company named Scandinavian Business Commuter. The F27’s are to be used on services out of Copenhagen and in some cases would replace DC-9’s to offer a better frequency. TAA crews ferried the aircraft from Australia to Norwich, England where Air UK were to refurbish and paint the F27’s before they were handed over to Scandinavian. VH-TFM departed Brisbane on June 20th and it has since become SE-IRF and named “Vinge Viking. Finally VH-TOP departed Melbourne on July 11th to become SE-IRG “Vigge Viking”.

To maintain its operations in Western Queensland TAA had its three remaining F-27’s VH-TOR, VH-TOS and VH-TOT refurbished and repainted in its new colours. TAA are evaluating a number of aircraft types to replace these aircraft in Queensland though the recent take-over of Air Queensland could influence their final decision.

Since May 1967 TAA have operated a charter service for the Department of Territories and Local Government to the Indian Ocean Islands of Cocos and Christmas. In 1984 the contract was awarded to Airlines of Western Australia. TAA operated their last flight on that route on June 27th using 8727-276 VH-TBR.