Regional Airline Directory

The drop in figures on their Supplementary Licence in 1983 could be accounted for in the economic downturn exacerbated by the drought conditions existing at the time. Also from May 1st 1983, Air Queensland lost the Rockhampton to Great Keppel! Island route which was transferred to Sunstate Airlines. In 1982 this route alone was worth 21,000 passengers to Air Queensland’s commuter operation.

The larger drop in figures for 1984 would be more directly attributable to Air Queensland withdrawing their Metro fleet from service. This was effective from late July with most passengers being transferred to the F27’s which operate under the airline licence. During the year services were terminated to a number of ports in the Central Queensland coalfields, in South East Queensland and Cape York. Coddair Airlines and Sunbird Airlines at the time benefitted from these changes.

Provisional figures for 1984 show that Air Queensland carried 119,545 passengers on their commuter operations. This could well mean that East-Coast Airlines are now the leading commuter operator, in terms of passengers carried, as for the eleven months ending November 30th 1984, they had carried 110,827 passengers.

It is also noticeable that the two Major Domestic Airlines are taking more interest in the third-level airlines. Both Ansett and TAA benefit from the on-carriage provided by commuter airlines and by being able to offer their passengers onward connection to the smaller airline. The recent decision by TAA to take over Air Queensland is interesting as they have stated that the on-carriage alone will be worth $8 million a year. Many of the commuter operators now have their schedules loaded in the Ansett or TAA Reservations System so it is not only on the main trunk routes that the Major Domestics are in competition.

Seven commuter operators out of the forty-seven at present operating in Australia carry 65% of the total passenger uplift. How they are lined up with Ansett and TAA is shown as follows – AIR QUEENSLAND – taken over by TAA in March 1985. At common ports their aircraft are still handled by Ansett.

EAST COAST AIRLINES – handled at Sydney and Brisbane by TAA. East West have a 35% shareholding in this company. AEROPELICAN – handled at Sydney by Ansett.

SUNSTATE – handled at Brisbane by TAA. SKYWEST – handled at Perth by TAA. Skywest Airlines own East-West Airlines.

KENDELL – handled at Melbourne by Ansett. HAZELTON – handled at Sydney by Ansett. This year we have a situation in direct contrast to previous years, a fall in passengers carried but a rise in the number of operators. In our Directory we have identified forty-seven active regional airlines. In 1982 we had 56 operators on our list, in 1983 we had 50, while last year we had 44, so it is good to see the numbers rising again.

Over the last twelve months the following have disappeared – CODDAIR AIRLINES – a company sold to Norfolk Island Airlines and absorbed into their network.

NAVAIR AIRLINES – ceased commuter operations due to light loadings.

New operators this year are –

ARRMUNDA AIRWAYS – commenced operations May 1983

over routes previously flown on by Northern Territory Air Charter.

PACIFIC AVIATION – commenced operations July 1985 on the

vacant West Sale to Melbourne route.

ROTTNEST AIRLINES – commenced operations March 1985

between Perth and Rottnest Island in competition with Skywest Airlines.

SKYMASTER AVIATION – commenced operations November 1984 between Gove and Groote Eylandt. WUDINNA AIR SERVICES-commenced operations December 1984 on the Wudinna – Cleve -Adelaide route.

At June 30th 1985, we had 4 7 Regional Airlines operating with State break up as follows – Tasmania 1, Victoria 3, Northern Territory 7, Western Australia 7, South Australia 9, Queensland 9, New South Wales 11.

This year we have identified 232 aircraft as belonging to Australia’s Third Level Airlines. This total is three less than last year, however once again we have a very large turnover figure of 37% This relates to 45 aircraft being removed from last years list and 42 being added. Turbine-powered aircraft now account for 24% of the fleet, while the nine seats and under category account for a massive 69% The most common types used are the PA31 and Cessna 402. This year we have listed 25 PA31 ‘s and 35 Cessna 402’s which between them account for 26% of the commuter fleet.

During the year the first ‘super commuter’ arrived in the country and was introduced into service. This was the Saab-Fairchild 340 which was put on the line by Kendell Airlines in March.

Over the last twelve months we have seen demonstrations by a number of new types on the commuter scene -HC-8, EMB- 120 and Do228-200 but to date no orders have been announced by Australian operators.

Aeropelican Air Services

PO Box 226. Belmont. NSW 2280. (049) 45 0988. Airline Code – PO. Route – Newcastle. Belmont to Sydney. Fleet – Twin Otter 100 VH-MMY; Twin Otter 320 VH-KZO. VH-KZP. VH-KZO.

Aeropelican at present schedules eighty-six flights a week between their base al •Newcastle, Belmont and Sydney with their flight! of four Twin Otter aircraft.

Electrification of the rail link and upgrading of the freeway between Sydney and Newcastle was initially responsible for a fall in passenger loadings. This trend however has since been arrested and Aeropelican are once again experiencing traffic growth.

For the twelve months ending June 30th 1985, Aeropelican were planning to carry in excess of one hundred and ten thousand passengers.

Air North

PO Box 38133. Winnellie. Northern Territory 5789. (089) 81 7188. Airlines CodeHS. Routes-Darwin-Bathurst Island-Darwin, Darwin – Bathurst Island – Garden Point-Snake Bay- Darwin, Darwin-Snake Bay – Garden Point-Bathurst Island – Darwin, Darwin – Ramingining-Elcho Island – Lake Evelia-Darwin. Darwin – Elcho Island – Darwin. Darwin – Elcho Island- Ramingining -Darwin. Darwin – Cooinda (Kakadu) – Katherine – Kununurra-Darwin. Fleet-Douglas DC-3 VHCAN. MMA: Cessna 404 VH-ANV, AZU; Cessna 402C VH-ANO, AZO; Cessna 310R VH-ANW. SGL; BN Islander VH-NTC.

In June 1984 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 North use their DC-3’s on scheduled services to Bathurst and Melville Islands and on other routes as loadings permit.

At the beginning of February 1985 Air North took over the Aerial Medical contract from the Ansell subsidiary Northern Territory Air Work. Air North now operate four N-24A aircraft, VH-DHF, VH-DHO, VH-DHP, VH-DHR for the Northern Territory Aero-Medical Service.

King Air 200 VH-ANH was withdrawn from the fleet during the year and sold in March to the United States.

Air Queensland

PO Box 1381. Cairns, Queensland 4870. (070) 53 1331. Airline Code-ON. Routes – Air Queensland serves the following ports – Aurukun. Bamaga, Biloela, Blackwater, Brampton Island; Brisbane. Bundaberg, Burketown, Cairns, Coen, Collinsville: Cooklown, Doomadgee. Dunk Island, Edward River, Gladstone; Groote Eylandt. Karumba, Kowanyama, Hamilton Island; Lizard Island, Lockhart River, Mackay. Maryborough; Maroochydore. Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton: Proserpine. Palm Island, Rockhampton, Townsville, Weipa. Fleet – Douglas DC-3 Freighter VH-BPL; Douglas DC-3 Passenger VH-BPN, EDC, PWN; Fokker F27-200 VH-FNM, FNV, FNW; Fokker F27-600 VH-FNU; Twin Otter 300 VH-AQB. TGF, TGG. TGH, TGI; Nomad N24A VH-BRP; Cessna 404 VH-BPO; Cessna 310R VH-BPI, FSA.

It should be noted that Air Queensland hold two separate licences. An airline licence which covers the 4 F27’s and a supplementary airline licence which covers the remainder of !he fleet. For the sake of completeness, we have listed the full Air Queensland fleet.

For Air Queensland the last twelve months have seen a number of major highlights. They included a successful takeover bid by TAA; final confirmation of an order for four ATR-42 aircraft and retiral from service of the Metro fleet.

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. TAA have stated that Air Queensland would be run as a separate entity and that their headquarters in Cairns would be retained. April 1985 saw the signing of a contract for 4 ATR-42 aircraft with options being taken on a further three. Valued at $50 million this is the largest order for aircraft in Air Queensland’s history. As the ATR-42’s are delivered the four F27’s that are presently leased from Ansell Airlines will be returned. The first ATR-42 is expected to arrive in Australia in May 1986 and they will be operated by Air Queensland in a 42 seat configuration.

Details of the ATR-42’s are as follows-VH-AQC cin 13 – scheduled for delivery May 1986. VH-AOD c/n 16 – scheduled for delivery June 1986. VH-AOE c/n 18- scheduled for delivery July 1986. VH-AQF c/n 22 – scheduled for delivery in September 1986.

Air Queensland withdrew !heir Metro fleet from service in late July 1984 and offered them for sale on the World market. All four aircraft still in operation VH-BPA, VH-BPG, VH-BPK and VH-BPV were flown lo Cairns for storage. A fifth Metro, VH-EEF remains on lease to Kendell Airlines. Air Queensland have operated the Metro since late 1978 with their first aircraft VH-BPV being delivered to Cairns in November of that year.

The four Metro’s in storage at Cairns have since been disposed of as followsVH-BPV sold to Air Albatross. It departed Cairns on March 14th as ZK-SWC on ferry to New Zealand.

VH-BPK sold to an operator in the United States. It departed Cairns on June 2nd as N368SA for Majuro. VH-BPA was also sold to an operator in the United States. It departed Caims on June 5th as N1005Y also on ferry to Majuro.

VH-BPG sold to Air Albatross. At time of writing the aircraft was still at Caims awaiting ferry to New Zealand.

The withdrawal from service of the Metro fleet resulted in a capacity shortage for Air Queensland. This was overcome by leasing a 4th F27 from Ansett and dropping services to a number of parts. F27-200 VH-MMO was temporarily leased between late July and mid October before F27-600 VH-FNU could be made available on a more permanent basis. Flights were terminated to Alpha, Barcaldine, Clermont, Dysart, Longreach, Middlemount, Moranbah and Toowoomba with Coddair Airlines taking over the vacant routes.

Air Transit

Commuter Building, Adelaide Airport, South Australia 5000 (08) 352 3128. Routes – Adelaide to American River, Kingscote and Pamdana. Fleet – Cessna 4028 VH-ATI, UBI: Cessna 402 VH-BDZ.

Air Transit operates sixteen return flights a week between Adelaide and three centres on Kangaroo Island – American River, Kingscote and Parndana. A third Cessna 402 was added to the fleet in June 1985 when VH-ATI was purchased from a New Guinea operator.

Competition is extremely fierce between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island with no fewer than four airlines operating on that route. They are Airlines of South Australia who operate thirteen return services weekly with F27’s between Adelaide and Kingscote: Albatross Airlines, 15 return services between Kingscote and Adelaide with PA23-250’s Commodore Air, 32 return services between Adelaide, Penneshaw and Kingscote and Air Transit. This gives an average of over ten services a day between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island.

Air Whitsunday

PO Box 166, Airlie Beach, Queensland 4802 (079) 469 133. Airline Code – RW. Routes -Shute Harbour – Mackay: Shute Harbour – Townsville. Fleet-Grumman Mallard VH-LAW; Grumman Turbo Mallard VH-JAW; P-688 VH-PNP.

Using their P-688 Air Whitsunday operate a twice weekly service between their base at Shute Harbour and Mackay. On their other route from Shute Harbour to Townsville they use their Grumman Mallard’s. Fitted to carry 13 passengers these aircraft are also used to operate scheduled charter tights to a number of islands off the Queensland coast. These Mallard routes are from Shute Harbour to Hayman Island and from Townsville to Hayman, Orpheus and Hinchinbrook Islands.

Having recently experienced a Mallard flight from Townsville, for the aviation enthusiast I can think of no better commuter operation to fly on at present in Australia.

Airlines of Tasmania

PO Box 1126, Evandale, Tasmania 7212. (003) 91 8422. Airline Code – IP. Routes – Airlines of Tasmania operate a network of services that connect the following ports – Devonport, Flinders island, Hobart, King Island; Launceston, Melbourne Essendon, Queenstown, Smithton; Strahan, Wynyard. Fleet – DH114 Heron VH- CLT, CLV. CLX, CLZ; PA31-350 VH-PFS, TYV, TZY.

Albatross Airlines

6 Todd Street, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, South Australia 5223. (0848) 22296. Route – Kingscote to Adelaide. Fleet – PA23-250 VH-BKJ, MCL With their fleet of two PA23-250’s Albatross Airlines operate fifteen return flights a week between Kingscote and Adelaide.

Beech Queen Air 65 VH-CFD was sold in March to an Adelaide-based Charter Operator.

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.

June 1985 finally saw Aquatic Air commence operations from (the former flying boat base at) Rose Bay to Gosford. Flight time for the journey is fifteen minutes.

Arnhem Air Charter

PO Box 39431, Winnellie, Northern Territory 5789. (089) 81 7822. Routes – Darwin -Maningrida-Milingimbi, Darwin-Mitingimbi, Maningrida-Goulburn Island. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-IXP: PA31-310 VH-SAO, PA60-601 VH-IXA; P-68B VH-ECO. During the year PA60-601 VH-IXA was added to the fleet while P-688 VH-IXD was sold.

ARRMUNDA AIRWAYS GPO Box 413, Darwin, Northern Territory 5794. (089) 81 8299. Routes – Darwin- Oenpelli – Jabiru – Darwin, Darwin – Croker Island – Goulburn Island – Darwin. Fleet – Cessna 402C VH-AMU; Cessna 402B VH-FTR; Baron 58 VH-TWO: P688 VH-PFN.

Armunda Airways are an addition to our listing though they have in fact been operating since May 1983. The above routes were previously operated by Norther Territory Air Charter and when they went into provisional liquidation in 1982 the Aboriginal people on Croker Island acquired a 50% interest in the airline. At a later stage the Kunwinku Association purchased the remaining 50% and changed the name to Armunda Airways.

Augusta Airways

PO Box 1756, Port Augusta, South Australia 5700. (086) 42 3100. Airline Code – AA. Routes – Port Augusta to Adelaide, Whyalla to Mount Isa via Channel Country ports. Fleet – Cessna 402B VH-AWS; P-688 VH-PNO.

On July 30th 1984, Augusta Airways commenced operations on the Port Augusta to Adelaide route. To operate this new service Cessna 4028 VH-AWS was added to their fleet. Augusta Airways maintains a twice daily return service, Monday to Friday between Port Augusta and Adelaide.

Augusta Airways also operate the World’s Longest Mail Run’ from Whyalla in South Australia to Mount Isa in Queensland. Using their P-688 Augusta operate this service fortnightly. They leave Whyalla at 0800 on the Saturday and ten hours later arrive in Mount Isa, after a number of en-route stops in the Channel Country, Southbound the service leaves Mount Isa at 0900 on Sunday and arrives in Whyalla at 1715 that evening.

Avior Airlines

8/431 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe, West Australia 6104. (09) 227 7422. Airline Code – XP. Routes – Perth-Southern Cross-Kalgoorlie – Norseman, Perth – Geraldton Kalbarri Useless Loop – Denham-Carnarvon. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-EDV, PRJ; PA31-310 VH-WGU.

During the year Avior Airlines terminated services to Kambalda on their Goldfields run and to Morawa on the run to Carnarvon.

Chartair

PO Box 1921, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 5750. (089) 52 6666. Airline Code- CH. Routes – Connects Alice Springs with Papunya-Yuendumu Willowra Docker River and Giles, Chartair also operates mail services to a further twenty. eight destinations to the North Wes/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 – Brisbane – Dalby – Roma, Brisbane – Toowoomba – Goondiwindi – St George – Cunnamulla – Thargamindah, Rockhampton – Blackwater – Emerald, Rockhampton – Middlemount-Dysart-Moranbah-Clermont. Fleet – Queen Air 80 VH-BOA, BOL, FDR, MWH; Cessna 421C VH-TRC; Cessna 4028 VH-RUE. TWZ; Baron B55 VH-GMM, ILU: Baron 58 VH-BAK, EZG.

By the end of June 1985 the name Coddair Airlines should disappear both as a Commuter airline and as a charter operator. The commuter side of the business has been taken over by Norfolk Island Airlines while Corporate Air Services are absorbing the charter side of the company.

Queensland-based Coddair commenced charter operations in 1969 and grew to be one of the largest companies involved in charter work in Australia. They commenced commuter operations in April 1983 when they took over several Brisbane to Darling Downs services previously operated by Eastern Airlines. In August 1983 they introduced a service from Rockhampton to Dysart and Clermont in Central Queensland. July and August 1984 saw further expansion when they took over several Air Queensland routes including Brisbane to Toowoomba and from Rockhampton to a number of centres in the Central Queensland coalfields. Their timetable of March 3rd 1985, saw them operating from Brisbane to Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, St George, Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, Dalby and Roma while from Rockhampton they operated to Blackwater, Emerald, Alpha, Barcaldine, Longreach, Middlemount, Dysart, Clermont and Moranbah.

Earlier this year EMP-110P1 VH-KIP was operated for a short time in Coddair Airlines markings.

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, Adelaide Penneshaw Kingscote, Adelaide – Port Augusta – Leigh Creek, Adelaide – Broken Hill. Fleet GAF N24A VH-PGW: Cessna 4028 VH-CEM, FYX, IGU, TIV, TLQ, TWX.

Commodore Airlines Commenced operations in May 1979 on the Port Lincoln to Adelaide route. Their latest timetable shows them operating nearly 200 flights a week. Their main routes are: Port Lincoln to Adelaide twenty nine return flights weekly and Adelaide to Kingscote and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, thirty two return flights weekly.

In August 1984 they added a sixth Cessna 4028 to their fleet when they took delivery of VH-CEM from a Darwin-based charter operator.

On March 31st Commodore Air put Nomad N24A WH-PGW into service. The aircraft was purchased from lan Bailie Aircraft Sales at Moorabbin PA31-310 VH-CFP was taken out of service and traded in on the N24A

East Coast Airlines

PO Box 49, Westdale, NSW 2340. (067) 67 7224. 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, DLF, SON, TMP. TMU. TMX.

UOP After two years of rapid expansion, East Coast Airlines have settled down over the last twelve months to consolidate their operations.

For the twelve months ending December 31st 1984. East Coast were planning to carry in excess of 140,000 passengers, Figures for the equivalent period in 1982 Were 46,000 and 1983 100,000.

East Coast fly to twenty two centres in New South Wales, which is more than any other artine. On the Newcastle, Willamtown to Sydney route they operated 52 return services a week while from Mailand to Sydney another 38 return services a week are scheduled.

During the year East Coast added a seventh Cessna 404 to their fleet. This was VH-DLF which was purchased from a Darwin based charter operator.

Earlier in the year Heron VH-KAM was withdrawn from service and sold to a Sydney company. On March 16th it departed Sydney on delivery to Tongair, however it was back on May 1st and has remained static at Sydney Airport since.

Easter Airways

PO Box 177, Charlestown, NSW 2290. (049) 43 2000. Airfine Code – EF. Roule- Newcastle, Williamtown to Wollongong, Fleet – Cessna 421C VH-URT: Cessna 414 VH-MAK: Cessna 4028 VH-EŠV.

During the year Cessna 310R VH-PEE was sold and replaced by Cessna 414 VH-MAK.

Eyre Commuter (Previously Eyre Charter)

PO Box 16, Cummins, South Australia 5631. (086) 86 2329. Routes-Cummins- Tumby Bay-Adelaide, Adelaide – Port Lincoln-Cummins. Fleet – Cessna 4028 VH-FFJ: PA34-200T VH-KAE, On August 1st 1984, Eyre Charter changed their name to Eyre Commuter. Their latest timetable shows them operating eleven return flights a week on the Cummins -Tumby Bay-Adelaide route.

Fortesque Air Charter

PO Box 107, Wittencom, Western Australia 6752. (Wittenoom 52) Route – Wittencom – Tom Price – Paraburda. Fleet-P-688 VH-YE.

Goldfields Air Services

PO Box 435, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia 6430, (090) 21 2116. Routes – Kalgoorlie-Laverion, Kalgoorlie- Leonora Laverton, Fleet – Cessna 402C VH-LAE: Cessna 310R VH-UOR: Cessna 3100 VH-FYZ; Cessna 210L VH-CLL, TOV Goldfields Air Services now operate eight flights a week on their route between Kalgoorlie, Leonora and Laverton. The decision by Skywest Airlines to drop Laverton from their route network has resulted in an increase in business for Goldfields. They now operate a direct service six times a week between Kalgoorlie and Laverton and this is scheduled to give passengers travelling to and from Laverton a connection to the Skywest service to and from Perth.

Goldfields Air Services have recently added Cessna 402C VH-LAE to their flee

Hazelton Airlines

PO Box 12, Cudal, NSW 2864. (063) 64 2104. 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: PA31-350 VH-CJQ, DMV, DVG. DVR, MYQ, MZV, TWB: Cessna 3100 VH-DVH, RIX; Cessna 310R VH-DVN, IBM, MXY, UJF: Cessna 310N VH-KOM: PA30-160 VH-ESI, TOD Hazelton Airlines are experiencing good traffic growth and have increased their schedules on a number of routes to meet the demand.

A seventh PA31-350 was added to the fleet when VH-MZV was delivered in September 1984.

Henebery Aviation

145 Bulcock Street, Caloundra, Queensland 4551. (071) 91 1166. Airline Code- HZ. Route – Caloundra to Brisbane. Fleet-P-688 VH-IYL, IYM For thirteen years now Henebery Aviation have been carrying holidaymakers between Brisbane Airport and Caloundra on the Queensland Sunshine Coast. At present twenty-one retum flights are operated weekly.

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 Mount Gambier, Melbourne – Portland: Melbourne- Wamambool, Melbourne-Portland-Wamambool Melboume-Portland-Mount Gambier, Melbourne-Midura. Fleet-SF-340 VH-KDK: Metro 11 VH-BIS, EEF, KDO, KDR, WGX For Kendell Airlines the highlight of the year was the delivery and entry into service of the first of the super commuter aircraft to be delivered to Australia. This was the Saab-Fairchild 340 which Kendell had ordered in July 1984 and taken an option on a second with a subsequent order for two more. The SF-340 VH-KDK arrived at Kendell Airlines base at Wagga on February 23rd after its delivery flight from Linkoping in Sweden. Kendell have had the aircraft fitted out with 35 seats and it entered service with them on March 8th. From all indications, the SF-340 is proving to be a very popular aircraft with both passengers and crew.

Kendell Airlines are planning to take delivery of a second SF-340 later this year though the fall in the Australian dollar has pushed back the delivery date. While an additional two have been ordered for 1986 delivery.

Macknight Airlines

PO Box 356, Deniliquin, NSW 2710. (058) 81 2504. Airline Code -MT. Rules – Deniliquin-Tocumwal – Wagga, Deniliquin-Hay-Wagga, Deniliquin – Wagga. Fleet Commander 500S VH-MAV; PA60-600A VH-PWL Macknight Airlines schedules are planned to feed in and out of the Air NSW F27 service into Wagga from Sydney. Their present timetable shows them operating a daily except Sunday service from Deniliquin to Tocumwal and Wagga in the morning and a daily except Saturday Deniliquin to Hay and Wagga service in the evening.

MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship)

PO Box 211, Box Hill, Victoria 3128. (03) 890 4009. Routes-Gove-Elcho Island- Maingimbi-Ramingining, Gove-Elcho Island-Lake Evella, Gove-Lake Evella- Elcho Island – Ramingining-Mingimbl, Fleet – Cessna 402C VH-A, UBF.

To maintain their commuter schedules in Arnhem Land MAF use two Cessna 402C aircraft. Also based at Gove, Nhulunbuy are a number of single-engined Cessna’s and they may occasionally be substituted on a service. These aircraft are – Cessna 206 VH-KBN. PGJ, UBS, UBY and Cessna 207 VH-UBE, UBT.

Murray Valley Airlines

PO Box 1080, Mildura, Victoria 3500. (050) 23 5066. Airline Code – FB. Routes – Mildura – Melbourne: Mildura-Broken HIL, Mildura-Renmark-Adelarde. Fleet- Short 360 VH-MVW, MVX; EMB-110p1 VH-PGS; Cessna 402C VH-UCM.

In January 1984 Murray Valley Airlines commenced scheduled operations on the Mount Gambier to Adelaide route using their Short 330 aircraft. At the time there were already three other operators on the route; Airlines of South Australia and East-West using F27 equipment and O’Connors Air Services using Cessna 402’s- East-West withdrew from the route the following May. Murray Valley continued to operate late October when they terminated services between Mount Gambler and Adelaide. The Short 330 VH-KNO was retired from the Murray Valley fleet and ferried to Brisbane where it entered service with Sunstate Airlines.

In October 1984 Murray Valley increased their schedules on the Mildura to Melbourne route to nineteen return services weekly.

In City- early January both Short 360 aircraft were painted with the Inscription ‘Inter-

Navair Airlines

Hangar 120, Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW 2200. (02) 708 1222. Airline Code- ZR. Route-Bankstown – Kingsford Smith – Camden.

During the year Navair Airlines terminated commuter operations.

Navar commenced flying on the Bankstown – Kingsford Smith – Camden route in May 1976-

Norfolk Island Airlines

GPO Box 905, Brisbane, Queensland 4001. (07) 229 5872. Airline Code – UG Roules-Norfolk Island-Brisbane: Norfolk Island-Lord Howe Island, Lord Howe Island-Brisbane, Lord Howe Island-Coolangatta, Lord Howe Island-Newcastle, Lord Howe Island-Sydney, Sydney – Toowoomba, Fleet-King Air 200 VH-AAZ, IBC. IBD.

At time of writing Norfolk Island Airlines are in the process of greatly expanding their commuter and charter network. Early in June they took over the Brisbane based Coddair Airlines and purchased a major interest in the Perth and Brisbane based charter operator Corporate Air Services. Norfolk Island Airlines will take over a number of the Coddair Airlines routes though which ones remain to be seen. On March 12th Norfolk Island Airlines commenced a six times weekly return service between Sydney and Toowoomba. That month they had also planned to start a Melbourne-Canberra – Lord Howe Island service however this was later deferred to August.

Earlier this year Norfolk Island King Air 200 VH-IBC became the first of its type in the World to pass 20,000 flying hours.

O’Connor AIRLINES (previously O’Connors Air Services)

PO Box 21, Mount Gambier, South Australia 5290. (087) 25 6666. Airline Code- OL. Routes-Mount Gambier-Adelaide, Mount Gambier-Millicent-Naracoorte- Adelaide, Fleet – Cessna 441 VH-OAA; Cessna 402C VH-OAS.

The highlight of the year for O’Connor Airlines was the introduction into service of their first turbine-powered aircraft. This was Cessna 441 VH-OAA which was delivered to their Mount Gambier Base on May 27th and entered service a few days later. With seating for nine passengers the Cessna 441 is scheduled to operate twelve return flights a week on the Mount Gambier to Adelaide route. The Cessna 441 cuts twenty minutes off the tying time of the previously used Cessna 402C, During the year O’Connors sold Cessna 402C VH-UCE to Tilar.

From November O’Connor flights in and out of Adelaide were handled at the TAA terminal.

Opal Air

Adelaide Airport, South Australia 5000. (08) 352 3337. Airline Code -OB. Routes – Adelaide Woomera-Coober Pedy-Marta, Adelaide – Olympic Dam – Coober Pedy, Adelaide Woomera Olympic Dam-Coober Pedy, Adelaide – Coober Pedy-Yulara. Fleet-Merin 1118 VH-SWK; Cessna 421C VH-BUI, SOV: Cessna 4218 VH-BUC, FYK, TWH.

Opal Air have the distinction of being the first commuter operator in Australia to be granted a licence and the first to commence scheduled operations, Opal Air operated their first service on July 3rd 1967.

ORD Air Charter

PO Box 73, Wyndham, Western Australia 6740. (Wyndham 61 1335). Airline Code -YO. Routes-Derby-Fitzroy Crossing- Halls Creek-Fitzroy Crossing-Derby. Derby Fitzroy Crossing Halls Creek Margaret River-Fitzroy Crossing- Derby. Wyndham – Karunje – Ellenbrae – Drysdale River – Doongan – Mitchell Plateau-Theda Kalumburu Mission – Carson River – Wyndham, Wyndham – Kununurra-Halls Creek-Kununurra – Wyndham, Wyndham-Kununurra-Ord River-Halls Creek-Billiluna-Lake Gregory-Balgo-Birrindudu-Flora Valley- Kununurra – Wyndham, Wyndham Kununurra – Halls Creek – Billuna – Lake Gregory – Balgo – Birrindudu – Inverway Kununurra – Wyndham. Fleet – BN Islander VH-OA; Baron 58 VH-BBP, EZB, MNH; Cessna U206F VH-IRY: Cessna U206G VH-BBU, SHZ, STX.

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, Forster Sydney, Forster Port Macquarie Coffs Harbour – Coolangatta- Brisbane, Taree Port Macquarie Coffs Harbour Coolangatta – Brisbane, Casino Lismore Coolangatta Brisbane. Fleet PA31-350 VH-RUI, STO. WGG, WGH, On February 22nd Oxley Airlines commenced a twice-daily service on a new route connecting Port Macquarie with Forster and Sydney.

PA31-350 VH-RUI was added to the fleet in October 1984.

PA31-350 VH-AOX was written off on April 12th at Port Macquarie after it crashed shortly after taking off for Coffs Harbour.

Pacific Aviation

Essendon Airport, Essendon, Victoria 3041. (03) 379 7333. Route – West Sale to Melbourne. Fleet PA31-350 VH-NPA, At time of writing Pacific Aviation were planning to start a three-weekly return service between West Sale and Melbourne, Tullamarine. Days of operation will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday to the following schedule West Sale depart 0745-amive Tullamarine 0830, Tullamarine depart 0915-arrive West Sale 1000, West Sale depart 155-arrive Tullamarine 1640, Tullamarine depart 1845- arrive West Sale 1930.

Pacific Aviason flights at Tullamarine will be handled by Ansett.

Paggi’s Aviation

PO Box 247, Carnarvon, Western Australia 6701 (099) 41 1587. Route – י Paraburdoo to Onslow. Fleet-P-688 VH-DNK, PFR.

Phillip Island Air Charter

170 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Victoria 3922. (059) 567316. Route-Phillip Island to Wynyard, Fleet – Cessna 402 VH-BPZ.

Phillip Island Air Charter continue to operate a twice weekly service, Friday and Sunday between Phillip Island and Wynyard

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

PO Box 287, Winton, Queensland 4735. (Winton 240) Airlines Code OS. Route- Winton to Longreach, Fleet- PA32R-300 VH-WMC.

Rossair

Parafield Airport, South Australia 5106. (08) 258 2211. Airline Code – RF. Routes – Adelaide-Port Lincoln: Adelaide-Whyalla, Adelaide-Mount Gambier: Adelaide -Kingscote, Adelaide Streaky Bay Ceduna. Fleet Cessna 441 VH-LBA; Cessna 404 VH-LAD; Cessna 402C VH-RGK, RMO, RUY: Cessna 310R VH-ALY. LAF: Cessna T303 VH-MRO.

Rossair commenced commuter operations in August 1979 on the Adelaide to Mount Gambler route, In late 1980 Rossair entered into an agreement with Airlines of South Australia where the two companies would rationalise their services. Rossair flights now appear in the Airlines of South Australia timetable.

Rottnest Airlines

Perth Airport, Redcliffe, Western Australia 6105. (09) 478 1322. Route-Perth to Rottnest Island. Fleet – BN Islander- VH-IGT. RTP.

Rottnest Airlines, who are a division of Perth charter operator Allied Aviation commenced commuter operations on March 1st between Perth and Rottnest Island, Conceived as a high frequency, low cost Operation Rottnest Airlines Compete against the established Skywest Airlines. Using a single BN Islander, VH-IGT Rottnest Airlines scheduled up to 10 return flights a day in the summer, On May 16th they added a second Islander, VH-RTP, to their fleet as business has evidently been so good.

To encourage groups of people to travel together Rottnest Airlines have Introduced a unique fare scheme. Their normal Adult return between Perth and Rottnest Island is $19, however this is reduced by $1 for every other person in the group. With all 9 seats on the Islander filled by the one group then each passenger would pay $11 return.

Rundle Air Services

PO Box 116, Garbutt, Queensland 4814. (077) 79 6933, Route Townsville to Greenvale Fleet Cessna 310R VH-PPL Rundle Air Services operate a twice-weekly return service between Townsville and Greenvale. The aircraft that they use to Operate this service is their Cessna 310OR VH-PPI. Rundle are also involved in charter work and for this they operate two Cessna 404’s. VH-BPM was purchased from Air Queensland in 1984 while VHJOH was delivered in January this year from New Zealand.

Cessna 402B VH-CWG was sold earlier this year to Kimberley Air Charter.

Sabair (South Burnett Aviation)

PO Box 33, Kingaroy, Queensland 4610. (071) 62 2533. Airline Code-ZG. Route- Monto-Gayndah Kingaroy-Brisbane, Brisbane-Kingaroy-Gayndah -Monto Thangool-Rockhampton. Fleet – Cessna 337G VH-SHT: Cessna R172K VH.

SPW Sabair commenced commuter operations in November 1982 on the Monto- Gayndah – Kingaroy – Brisbane route.

From January 1st this year they moved their operations to the TAA terminal at. Brisbane Airport. On January 7th they extended their route system to include Thangool and Rockhampton. Days of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Singleton Air Services

149A John Street, Singleton, NSW 2330. (065) 744 575. Airline Code – ST. Routes -Singleton-Sydney, Singleton Cessnock-Sydney, Cessnock-Sydney, Scone -Singleton- Sydney, Scone Cessnock Sydney. Fleet- PA31-350 VH-BCQ, WAD; Cessna 402B VH-BIZ.

PA31-350 VH-SAQ was retired from Singleton Air Services fleet in November and sold to the Royal Flying Doctor Service – SA & NT Region.

Skymaster Aviation

GPO Box 2955, Darwin, Northern Territory 5794. (089) 81 7522. Airline Code-SY. Routes – Gove to Groote Eylandt. Fleet – Cessna 337 VH-KUX, MAC.

On November 21st 1984 Skymaster Aviation commenced commuter operations from Gove to Groote Eylandt. Services are operated twice weekly – Wednesday and Friday.

Skywest Airlines

GPO Box R1248, Perth, Western Australia 6001. (09) 426 4555. Airine Code – YT. Routes – Perth-Albany: Perth-Bunbury: Perth-Esperance, Perth-Geraldton: Perth-Kalgoorlie, Perth-Leonora – Leinster Perth, Perth – Rottnest Island, Perth Meekatharra Telfer Meekatharra – Perth, Perth Mount Magnet- Wiluna – Mount Magnet-Perth, Port Hedland-Marble Bar-Teller-Nullagine- Newman, Fleet-BAe Jetstream 31 VH-HSW, JSW, OSW; EMB-110P2 VH-WBI; King Air 200 VH-AIH, SPQ, TLX. WNH; King Air 200C VH-TNO; Twin Otter 300 VH-USW, XSW; Cessna 402C VH-TSI; Cessna 310R VH-DAW, TRN, TWK, TWL TWN, TWQ, TWY.

The BAe Jetstream 31 is now firmly established on the Skywest network. With three aircraft of this type in service and orders placed for another two Skywest are evidently very pleased with the way. Jetstream has performed in Western Australia. On their current timetable, Skywest have the Jetstream operating to eight destinations on their network from Perth. They are Albany, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Leonora, Leinster, Meekatharra and Telfer. Skywest are planning to take delivery of their fourth Jetstream in September.

Laverton was dropped from the Skywest network during the year. The town however still has a good air service to Kalgoorlie and Perth as Goldfields Air Services and Skywest have scheduled their fights to provide a connection through Kalgoorlie On March 26th the second Twin Otter 300 to be used on the Argyle Diamond Mine contract was delivered to Perth. Formally operated by Trans North Airlines in Canada it arrived in Australia carrying Canadian registration C-GTNO. The Twin Otter was later registered VH-XSW before being delivered to Kununurra on April 4th.

Early in 1984 Skywest withdrew King Air 200 VH-AH from service and the aircraft was flown to Moorabbin for sale through a dealer. This sale failed to eventuale and VH-AIH returned to Skywest Airlines operations in May.

In October 1983 Skywest were given approval by the West Australian government to operate over four routes in competition with the then Airlines of Western Australia. They were from Perth to Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Karratha and Port Hedland. For the Kalgoorlie and Geraldton routes selected the Jetstream 31. On the route from Perth to Port Hedland and Karratha Skywest were authorised to import jet equipment. It was while studying this problem that led Skywest to make a successful takeover bid for East-West Airlines. The first jet service was operated on November 29th when F28-4000 VH-EWC departed Perth for Port Hedland and Karratha.

Sunbird Airlines

PO Box 1492, Cairns, Queensland 4870. (070) 53 4544. Airline Code-SF. Routes -Cairns-Bloomfield: Caims-Yorke Island, Cairns-Georgetown-Croydon- Normanton-Delta Downs-Dorunda-Van Rook-Miranda Downs-Normanton- Cairns, Cairns-Georgetown-Robin Hood – Spring Creek – Cairns, Cairns – Croydon Normanton – Dunbar – Koolatah – Kowanyama – Rutland Plains – Inkerman-Normanton-Croydon-Caims. Services are operated to the following islands in the Torres Strait-Yorke, Yam, Stephen, St Paul’s Mission, Sue, Saibal Murray, Mabulag, Kubin, Darnley, Dauan, Coconut, Boigu, Badu. Horn Island Bamaga-Weipa Fleet – Cessna 404 VH-SBV; BN-2A Islander VH-MET. SBD; PA31-350 VH-EME, RDL; PA31-310 VH-PNL; P-688 VH-FAO, IYB: Cessna 310R VH-FOA, TDS; PA23-250 VH-WJJ; Bet 2068 VH-FJB; AS350 VH-SRA During the year Cessna 404 VH-SBV was added to the Sunbird Airlines fleet. This aircraft is mainly used on their service between Cairns and Yorke Island. At Claims Airport Sunbird Airlines have moved their administration and operations into the former TAA terminal on the West side of the airfield

Sunstate Airlines

PO Box 186, Maryborough Airport, Queensland 4650. (071) 497166. Airline Code- OF. Routes-Brisbane-Gladstone: Brisbane-Bundaberg, Brisbane-Bundaberg -Gladstone, Brisbane – Maryborough: Brisbane – Maryborough – Hervey Bay. Brisbane – Maroochydore Brisbane – Noosa, Brisbane – Toowoomba : Rockhampton-Great Keppel Island, Gladstone-Rockhampton. Fleet-Short 360 VH-FCU; Short 330 VH-KNQ, EMB-110P1 VH-FCG; Twin Otter 100 VH-TZL; Twin Otter 300 VH-TNM, TNS; Nomad N-24A VH-FCX.

Fleet changes during this period have included the disposal of a Bandeirante and the entry into service of a Short 330.

Sunstate have already had operating experience with the Short 330 as VH-KNO flew with them between February 1983 and June 1984. On November 5th Sunstate put Short 330 VH-KNO on the line. This aircraft was previously operated by Murray Valley Airlines. In the two years to February 1985 that Sunstate have operated the Short 330 and 350 they have carried in excess of 90,000 passengers on these aircraft.

Bandeirante VH-FCJ was withdrawn from service in November and it departed Brisbane on the 21st of that month on delivery to Talair, New Guinea.

Since commencing operations in December 1981 Sunstate have had a very close association with TAA. With the recent TAA takeover of Air Queensland, it will be interesting to see what developments take place over the forthcoming months on the Queensland airline scene.

Tillair

PO Box 1596, Katherine, Northern Territory 5780. (089) 72 1711. Airline Code-TL Routes – Alice Springs – Tennant Creek – Katherine-Darwin, Alice Springs- Tennant Creek – Alice Springs, Katherine – Roper River – Borroloola, Katherine- Roper River – Numbulwar-Gove, Katherine – Roper River – Numbulwar – Groote Eylandt, Katherine-Victoria River Downs-Kalkgurung-Hooker Creek, Katherine -Victoria River Downs – Wave Hill Station – Kalkgurung-Hooker Creek. Fleet- Cessna 441 VH-KDN, TFB, TFG; Cessna 414 VH-SMX; Cessna 402C VH-TFD, TFM, TZH, UCE; Cessna 310R VH-TFP.

Tillair operate a number of services each week with their Cessna 441 aircraft for Airlines of Northern Australia. These are mainly fights between Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin.

Tillair are also extensively involved in charter work around Australia. They recently put on line their first jet aircraft when VH-TFY a Citation 550 was delivered earlier this year.

During the year a further two Cessna 402C aircraft were added to the fleet. VH-TFM was imported from the United States while VH-UCE was purchased from O’Connors Air Services in Mount Gambier. Cessna 310R VH-ARN and VH-TLV were both sold while VH-TFP another Cessna 310R was imported from the United States.

Waratah Air Services

PO Box 493, Tumul, NSW 2720. (02) 667 4296. Airline Code – WD. Route – Tumut to Sydney. Fleet – PA23-250 VH-TOK.

Waratah Air Services who commenced commuter operations in July 1983 are presently operating six return flights a week on the Tumut to Sydney route. Ownet! Pilot Gordon Pickering has been very pleased with the loadings, especially during the May school holidays. Waratah Air Services are presently advertising a number of package tours to the Tumut Valley.

Western N. S. W. Airlines

Hangar 219, Forest Hill Airport, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650. (069) 22 7260. Airline Code-FO. Routes-Wagga-Tumut-Canberra, Canberra – Albury: Canberra – Wagga. Fleet – PA60-600A VH-UYY: PA34-200 VH-MAP.

With positive growth in their loadings, Western NSW Airlines are planning to add a PA31-350 to their fleet within the next twelve months.

Wudinna Air Services

Richards Avenue, Wudinna, South Australia 5652. (086) 80 2176. Airline Code- WA. Routes – Wudinna-Cleve – Adelaide. Fleet – Cessna 402B VH-BYN, In November 1963 the rural districts of Wudinna and Cleve on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia lost their air service to Adelaide, when O’Connors Air Services cut back on their commuter operations.