1986 Major Airline Directory

Ansell Worldwide have been included in our Directory as movements of their aircraft will intermesh with a number of airlines in the area and it will help to complete the overall picture. Another operator included for the first time is the Perth-based Transcorp Airways. Owned 51% by Ansett Transport Industries they will offer scheduled and non-scheduled cargo operations to South East Asia and the South Pacific.

Two airlines will be appearing for the last time. They are Airlines of South Australia who will finish operations in July as a result of continued losses on their routes and Trans Australian Airlines, who will change their name to Australian Airlines.

Bath Qantas and Air New Zealand improved their trading positions in this period. For the year ending March 31st 1985 Qantas recorded an operating profit of A$62. 3 million which was slightly up on the previous year. Air New Zealand for the year ending March 31st 1985 recorded an operating profit of NZ$153. 6 million which was up from the NZ$79. 2 million of the previous year. Whether our major international airlines will be able to maintain these results remains to be seen as there are a number of factors now working against them which may see declining profits.

In Australia the domestic defined total tonne-kilometres rose 8. 8% to 1,144. 5 million, passenger kilometres rose 9. 5% to 10. 914. 8 million and passengers carried rose 8. 3% to 11. 8 million. While growth is continuing in all sectors it should be remembered that in 1980 Australia’s domestic airlines carried 11. 6 million passengers. Once again East-West Airlines showed some spectacular growth with an increase of 65% in total tonne kilometres, 65% in passenger kilometres and 43% in passengers carried. By the time this is read East West will have carried 1 million passengers in 12 months for the first time in the history of the company.

Air Caledonie International

Airline Code: SB Head Office: 8 Rue Frederic Surfeau, Noumea, New Caledonia Executives Vice President: W. Ravel, Chairman: D. Leroux, Managing Director: D. Famin, Director Sales & Marketing Jean-Pierre Le Goft, Manager Australia: Mme. M. Varrier, Sales Manager Australia R. Prevol Fleet Caravelle 108 F-GEPC Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) Air Caledonie International commenced operations on December 1st 1983 and from their home base at Noumea flights are operated to Brisbane, Port Vila, Nadi and Wallis Island. In conjunction with Qantas a service is also operated to with a 767 using a combined OF/SB flight number.

Since November 1984 Air Caledonie International have operated their services with F-GEPC Caravelle 10B leased used from the French airline Air Corse International. The French Polynesian Government have recently acquired the airline and has s resulted in the purchase of the previously leased Caravelle was decided to send F-GEPC to Europe for a complete overhaul and cabin refurbishment, so on March 19th the Caravelle departed Noumea for Townsville and Darwin en route to Europe. While there F-GEPC will also be painted in Air Caledonie International colours, which are basically an all-white fuselage with a Red Hibiscus on the tail. To maintain their schedules while F-GEPC was in It Europe Air Caledonie International leased another Caravelle, F-GFBA which is a model 10R arrived in Noumea on March 17th from Darwin and Brisbane. This is a late model Caravelle which was delivered as D-ABAV to Lufttransport- Unternehmen in 1968. It has spent all its operating life to date on the West German register with its last owner being Sat Flug of Cologne.

AIR NAURU Airline Code: ON Head Office Government Buildings, Yaren, Republic of Nauru Executives Chief Executive Hon. Hammer Deroburt, Director George Vaeau, Chief Pilot: Capt. Keith Molloy.

Fleet

Boeing 737-2L7C C2-RN3, Boeing 737-2L7 C2-RNG; Boeing 737-2L9 Boeing 727-77C C2-RN7 (Operates on lease to TAA Cargo).

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/03/86)

Due to continuing losses, Air Nauru have cut back on their aircrew numbers, their schedules and sold 2 aircraft.

Boeing 727-95 C2-RNS Chief Nobob was withdrawn from service at Melbourne in July 1983. In April 1984 it was test flown from there on announcement of its sale to Evergreen International Airlines a United States-based cargo was registered N740EV before it departed Melbourne on June 4th for Townsville and Majuro on its Trans-Pacific delivery flight to Evergreen’s base at Marana, Arizona. The bulk of the Evergreen fleet are contracted out to United Parcel Services as freighters however N740EV being a passenger aircraft was leased to New Orleans based Pride Air.

Boeing 737-2L9 C2-RN9 ‘Chief Gadabu’ was sold to Canadian Pacific Airlines in October 1985 and now operates with them as C-FACP.

Boeing 727-77C C2-RN7 continues on its long-term dry lease to TAA Cargo which commenced in April 1984. The Boeing operates a four times weekly return service between Perth and Melbourne.

Air New Zealand

Airline Code: TE Head Office Air New Zealand House, I Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand. Executives Chairman H. Fetcher, Deputy Chairman CJ. Keppel, Managing Director: NLM. General Manager Airline Operations & Personnel McCrea, General Manager Marketing & Administration: NA. Macfarlane, Assistant General Mana er Finance: A. W. Varcoe, Manager Administration Division: IJ. Diamond, Mana- ger Personnel Division, H. E. De Silva, Manager Planning Division: MR. Stanton, Wallace Secretary, LG, Philip, Manager Public Affairs Department: R. G. Wallace.

In February Air New Zealand underwent a major organisational and management change. Mr Norman Geary relinquished his role of General Manager but retained that of Managing Director with overall management responsibility. This will allow Mr Geary to spend more time developing the Air New Zealand group of companies’ broadened base.

Two General Managers were appointed to assume prime responsibility for the day-to-day running of the airline. The appointees were Mr NA. Macfarland (General I Manager Marketing & Administration) and Mr M. McCrea (General Manager Airline Operations & Personnel).

Fleet list as at 30/04/86

Boeing 747-2198 ZK-NZV, ZK-NZW, ZK-NZX, ZK-NZY, ZK-NZZ, ZK-NZU- on order. Boeing 767-219ER ZK-NBA, ZK-NBB ZK-NBC- on order for delivery 03/86. MD DC-8-54F ZK-NZD – Air New Zealand Cargo markings. Boeing 737-219A ZK-NAP, ZK-NAR, ZK-NAS, ZK-NAT, ZK-NAU, ZK-NAV, ZK-NAIW, ZK-NAX, ZK-NAY. Boeing 737-219C ZK-NOC. Fokker F27-100 ZK-BXE, ZK-BXF, ZK-BXG, ZK-BXH, ZK-BXI. Fokker F27-500F ZK-NFA, ZK-NFB, ZK-NFD, ZK-NFE, ZK-NFF, ZK-NFH, ZK-NFI, ZK-NFL The Boeing 747-2198 aircraft are powered by the Rolls Royce RB211-52404. The Boeing 767-219ER aircraft are powered by the General Electric CF6-80A2. Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85-30/04/86) For Air New Zealand this was an extremely busy period as they took delivery of 2 767s, 6737s and disposed of 6 older 737s.

In July 1984 Air New Zealand placed an order with Boeing for 3767-219ERs. It was later announced that the General Electric CF6-80A2 had been selected to power these aircraft. The first Boeing 767 to be delivered was ZK-NBA ‘Aotearoa which flew into Wellington from Nadi on September 10th. Air New Zealand operated their inaugural 767 service with this aircraft when it flew from Wellington to Sydney on September 30th as TE149. The second 767 ZK-NBB “Arahina’ arrived in Auckland on March 6th. Besides giving Air New Zealand an aircraft that can operate international services out of Wellington the 767s are being used to replace 747s on some longer sectors-Auckland/Perth and Auckland/Raratonga. April 1985 saw Air New Zealand place an order for 6 Advanced model Boeing 737-219 aircraft. As they were delivered they replaced the 6 oldest 737s in the Air New Zealand fleet. It was later announced that the 6 737s to be taken out of service had been sold to the International Lease Finance Corporation. Delivery details of the new 737s and disposal of the old are as follows: ZK-NAT Pihaihar arrived in Christchurch on January 21st. ZK-NAU ‘Pateke arrived in Christchurch January 26th. ZK-NAV ‘Pukeko’ amived Christchurch February 15th. ZK-NAW “Purourou arrived Christchurch February, 18th. ZK-NAX Piene arrived in Christchurch on February 24th. ZK-NAY Piripin’ arrived in Christchurch March 9th. Before departure from Christchurch, the 737s sold to ILFC were painted in the markings of the airlines that were going to lease these aircraft. ZK-NAD became N322XV of Presidential Airways before departing Christchurch on March 1st. ZK-NAK became N323XV of Presidential Airways and departed March 8th. ZK- NAE became N453AC of Air Cal and departed March 26th. ZK-NAM became N7302F of Frontier and departed April 18th. ZK-NAC became N321XV of Presidential Airways and departed April 24th. ZK-NAI became N7310F of Frontier and departed April 24th.

To enable it to further expand the domestic air travel market Air New Zealand leased a Boeing 737 for 6 months from Airways International. The aircraft concerned was 737-204 G-BAZI and it flew into Christchurch on November 2nd after its ferry flight from the UK. For the period of its stay in New Zealand the Boeing remained in full Airways International markings though Air New Zealand titles were painted on the port side. G-BAZI departed Christchurch on April 30th on termination of its lease In July 1984 Air New Zealand placed an order for a sixth 747-2198. No delivery date has been settled on this aircraft.

Air Niugini

Airline Code: PX Head Office Executives PO Box 7186, Boroko, Papua New Guinea.

General Manager: M. Langalia, Director Finance & Administration: E. Kwant, Marketing Manager: H. Lahari, Engineering Manager: L. Strong.

Fleet AI A300B4-203 P2-ANG (leased from TAAL Fokker F28-1000 P2-ANE, P2- ANF, P2-ANU, P2-ANW. DHC-7 P2-ANN. P2-ANO, P2-ANP.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) During this period Air Niugini disposed of their 2 retired 707-338Cs to a dealer in Belgium. P2-ANA was withdrawn from service in Hong Kong on January 30th 1985 with P2-ANB being taken out of service the same day in Port Moresby. On April 9th P2-ANA departed Hong Kong for Singapore and there wailed for P2-ANB which flew Part Moresby to Singapore on April 10th. The 2 aircraft then continued on the following day to Bahrain and Brussels. Both aircraft were placed on the Icelandic register P2-ANA to TF-AEC and P2-ANB to TF-AEB. Latest reports on the aircraft have TF-AEC flying as a freighter with ZAS Airline of Egypt and TF-AEB with Air Maldives.

A Niugini continued to operate P2-ANG their A300 leased from TAA in November 1984. To cover the maintenance layup of this aircraft in Melbourne A300 VH-TAC flew with Air Niugini during October. At present Air Niugini operate their A300 twice weekly on the route Part Moresby to Brisbane and Sydney and once weekly Port Moresby to Singapore and Port Moresby to Manila.

Air Nsw

Kingsford Smith Airport, Mascot, NSW 2020 Airline Code: WX Head Office: Executives Chairman: Sir Roden Cutler, General Manager: 1. Hutchison, Marketing Manage V. North, Operations Manager: Capt. LB. Strother Traffic & Passenger Manager: 1. Moynihan, Finance Manager: H. Tuppe Services Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKA, WH-FKB, VH-FKD. Fokker F27-200 VH-MMV. Fokker F27-400 VH-FNO. Fokker F27-500 VH-FCA, VH-FCC, VH-FCD. VH- FCE, VH-FCF. Note-Fokker F27 VH-MMV and VH-FNO operate in the Southern Cross colours with Ansett titles. Fokker F27 VH-FCE, VH-FCF operate in Air New South Wales Canary colours.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85-30/04/86) A busy period for Air NSW a change of name, 2 F28s added to the fleet, expansion of their network and F27 airports being upgraded to F28 standard. NSW and adapted the From I May 1st 1985 Air New South Wales became Air M Ansett Southern Crass colour scheme. The first aircraft to be painted which was rolled out at Melbourne on May Two F28-1000s were a operated was added with f the new with Air New South Wales but was transferred to Ansett WA in October 1984, It was redelivered to Sydney on April 15th 1985 still carrying Ansett WA titles and it the following month before it was painted in Air NSW titles. VH FKA also carrying Ansett WA titles arrived in Sydney on August 10th after ying from Perth and Yulara. Its first flight for Air NSW was WX942 from Sydney to Maroochydore.

The first F27 to be painted in Air NSW colours was VH-FCD which was done while in overhaul at Tullamarine during May 1985, F27-500 VH-FCB was withdrawn from the fleet in April 1986 and ferried to Melbourne where it is being prepared for Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services. To replace it Air NSW took delivery of F27-200 VH-MMV which was operating with Airlines of South Australia.

Air NSW resumed no trails flights on the Melbourne/Albury/Sydney route in Air NSW have placed an order for 1 DHC8-200 and taken options on two more. The delivery of the Dash & is dependent on the results of the enquiry being Airline Affairs). Air NSW carried out into Aur Services in New South Wales (refer Anis also expects to take delivery of their first Fokker F50 early in 1987. 1985. service had p e had previously been competition against EWA as from terminated in July 1984 as being not economically viable to operate. No-frills flights were also introduced on the Melbourne to Canberra route from March 3rd 1986 with F27 VH-FNT operating the first flight. This daily service was originally operated in competition with TAA but their decision to drop their no frills service from April 1st has left the market open for Air NSW. Both the Melbourne/Canberra and Melbourne/Sydney no-frills services are operated by Ansett aircraft and crew using Air NSW flight numbers Hobart was added to the network from August as an extension of the Sydney to Devonport F28 service Yulara was added to the network from April 30th 1986 with a once-weekly F28 service which is an extension of the Sydney to Broken Hill route.

Upgrading of NSW country airports to jet standard continued. From August 14th 28 services were introduced to Casino. While the runway was closed for upgrading Air NSW used the nearby airfield at Evans Head. From March 1986 Wagta was opened for F28 services. Air NSW expect that Coffs Harbour will be ready for F28 operations in August 1986.

Air Pacific

Airline Code: F Head Office: Air Pacific Centre, Raiaga, Suva Executives Chief Executives 1. Schaap. Director of Finance: A. Moore, Director of Marketing: 1 Campbell Director of Arine Operations: A. Wong, A/Manager Flight Operations: R Ralfe, General Sales Manager: E. Dutta, Director Engineering: P. Hughes. Fleet 747-2388 VH-EBK leased from Qantas). 727-2X2 DO-FDM. EMB-110P1 DQ- FDE, DO-FDF. DHC6-200 DQ-FCY (leased from Fiji Airways). Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 30/04/86) Air Pacific continued to fly 747-2388 VH-EBK which commenced a 3 year dry lease from Qantas in January 1985. For Air Pacific VH-EBK operates 4 retum Sights a week between Nadi and Sydney. Since entering service with Air Pacific Boeing has been named ‘Island of Viti Lev To cover a capacity shortage over the Christmas, New Year holiday period Air Pacific wet leased a Ble 748 from Mount Cook Airline. The BAe 748 ZK-MCP fired Christchurch, Auckland to Suva on December 4th and after completion of the lease returned to Christchurch on January 29th As we closed for press an Air Pacific/Qantas team was still evaluating a 40-50 seat aircraft to operate domestic services, which are presently flown by 2 Bandeirante’s and a leased Twin Otter.

From February 1986 Air Pacific commenced operations on the Nadi to Christchurch route. The once-weekly return is flown by an Air New Zealand 747 with a combined F/TE fight number. A similar agreement was reached with Polynesian Airlines on the Nadi to Apia route. Flawn by a 737 of Polynesian this once-weekly service operates with a combined FUPH fight number.

Air Queensland

Airline Code: ON Head Office: PO Box 1381, Cairns, Queensland 4870. Executives Chairman & Managing Director: Sir Sydney Williams, General Manager: A. J. Richardson, Finance Manager: T1. Blain, Engineering Manager: LC. Burrows, Operations Manager: P. Jensen, Commercial Services Manager: RM. Stendrup. Fleet List as af 30/04/86 ATR42-200 VH-ADC, VH-AQD due delivery 05/86, VH-AGE due delivery 06/86, VH-ADF due delivery 07/86. Fokker F27-200 VH-FNM VH-FNV VH-FNW. Douglas DC-3 VH-BPL Freighter, VH-8PM VH-EDC VH-PWN DHC-6 Twin Offer 300 VH-A08, WH-TGF, VH-1G VH-IGH. VH. TGI. GAF N24A VH-BRP Cessna 404 VH-BPO. Cessna 310R VH-BPI Flying Surgeon Contract, VH-FSR Flying Surgeon Contract Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85-30/04/86) Delivery of the first of 4 ATR42 aircraft on order, disposal of the Metro fleet. Purchase of F27 aircraft previously leased from Ansett and the introduction of a new colour scheme all helped to make this a busy period for Air Queensland The first of 4 ATR42 aircraft on order arrived in Cairns on May 1st 1986 after its delivery flight from Toulouse. VH-ADC was wearing Air Queensland’s new colour scheme, which is identical to the present scheme carried on TAA aircraft except for the stylised TAA on the fuselage and tail. The second ATR42 VH-AQD was due to arrive in Australia on May 24th.

The 3 F27-200s VH-FNM, VH-FNV and VH-FNW which were previously leased from Ansett were purchased outright on July 19th. F27-400 VH-FNU which was also operating on lease from Ansett was returned on July 31st. It then remained static at Brisbane Airport till August 27th when it was ferried south to Melbourne. Though Air Queensland now own VH-FNM, VH-FNV and VH-FNW their maintenance is still contracted to Ansett. While VH-FNM was in Melbourne for overhaul during September Air Queensland dry leased an F27 from TAA VH-TOR, VH-TOS and VH-TOT were all used during this period. In late November VH-FNV was flown to Melbourne for maintenance and its loss in the fleet was covered by VH-FNU.

For reasons unknown, this aircraft has continued to fly with Ansett in full Air Queensland colours even though the lease terminated last July. There are evid- ently further changes about to take place in the Air Queensland F27 fleet as at time of writing TAA were preparing VH-TQT for delivery to its Cairns-based subsidiary.

Air Queensland withdrew their Metro fleet from service in July 1984 and apart from one aircraft that was leased to Kendell Airlines the remainder were stored at Cairns. Disposal of these aircraft was as follows: VH-BPV sold to Air Albatross, Nelson. Registered ZK-SWC before departing Caims on March 14th 1985 on delivery. VH-BPG sold to Air Albatross, Nelson. Registered ZK-SIND before departing Cairns on June 10th. VH-BPA and VH-BPK were sold to the United States dealer General Aviation Services of Wheeling, Illinois. VH-BPA was registered N1005Y before departing Cairns on June 7th while VH-BPK became N368SA before leaving on June 2nd. (Further details on the disposal of these aircraft can be found in Traffic, May 85). Metro VH-EEF which was on lease to Kendell Airlines returned to Brisbane in mid-September. It too was sold to General Aviation Services and was registered N10060 before departing on its Trans-Pacific ferry on October 1st.

Air Vanuatu

Airline Code: NF Head Office: Air Melanesiae House, Kumul Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu Executives Chairman: Hon K. Kalsakau Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) For the present Air Vanuatu have ceased operating as the agreement thay had with Ansett to provide aircraft and personnel was terminated on March 26th, 1986.

Air Vanuatu was formed in early 1981 as the national airline of Vanuatu, which until July 1980 was the New Hebrides. A five year contract was signed with Ansett allowing them to provide aircraft and personnel to get the new airline operational. The first service was flown on September 5th 1981 between Sydney and Port Vila using Ansett Airlines DC-9 VH-CZF. The DC-9 flew in Ansett Airlines markings with the addition of Air Vanuatu stickers. In October 1981 Air Vanuatu were allocated their own aircraft and DC-9 VH-CZD was painted in their attractive red, yellow and green colours. In May 1982 Polynesian Airlines 737 5W-PAL was used for the first time. The following month the DC-9 was withdrawn from service and sold to the United States Navy. The Polynesian 737 was used till October 1985 when it too was sold in the United States. It in turn was replaced by Ansett 737 VH-CZM which operates in Ansett colours but has Air Vanuatu and Polynesian titles. Though Air Vanuatu have for the moment ceased flying, Ansett as the nominated Australian carrier still maintains a weekly 737 on the Sydney. Brisbane to Port Vila route.

Airlines of South Australia

Airline Code: Gl Head Office 150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA. 5000. Executives Chairman: K. Williams, General Manager: L. Connelly, Operations Manager: Capt G. Mason.

Fleet Fokker F27-200 VH-MMR, VH-FNP. Fokker F27-600 VH-FNR Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) As a result of heavy financial losses on their country routes, it was announced in February that Airlines of South Australia would cease flying in July. The majority of the routes would be turned over to Kendell Airlines who would use a mix of Metro and SF340 aircraft to replace the Airlines of South Australia F27s. Another blow to Airlines of South Australia was the loss of the Cooper Basin contract to Lloyd Aviation. Up to 15 F27 dosed charter services were operated weekly between Adelaide and Moomba.

Airlines of South Australia operated their last charter to Moomba on June 28th with Lloyds making their first flight on July 1st using their newly imported F28-4000 VH-LAR. A new service was opened on July 31st when a twice-weekly flight between Adelaide and Ayers Rock was inaugurated. This service ran till October 30th when the route was terminated. Since then the following Airlines of South Australia routes have been terminated in favour of Kendell Airlines: Adelaide to Mount Gambier on November 16th, Adelaide to Streaky Bay and Ceduna on March 7th, Adelaide to Broken Hill on March 9th and finally Adelaide to Kangaroo Island flights terminated on April 4th though the nominated Ansett carrier on this route is State Air.

This leaves Airlines of South Australia operating services from Adelaide to Port Lincoln and Adelaide to Whyalla. These services will continue till early July when they will be handed over to Kendell Airlines.

Fleet changes in this period are as follows: F27 VH-VMV was withdrawn from service in mid-September and flown to Melbourne for overhaul. The Fokker was painted in Southern Cross colours and had Ansett titles applied before it returned to Adelaide in early November. VH-MMV stayed with Airlines of South Australia till mid-April 1986 when it was moved to the Air NSW fleet. While VH-VMV was in Melbourne for overhaul it was replaced in service by F27 VH-FNU which was still flying in full Air Queensland colours. F27 VH-FNR was transferred to Ansett operations in early December though it continued to fly in Airlines of South Australia colours. With the withdrawal of VH-MIVV to Sydney, VH-FNR has once again taken up residence in Adelaide.

Ansett

Airline Code: AN Head Office: 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000. Executives Joint Managing Directors: Sir Peter Abeles, Mr Rupert Murdoch, General Manager: ELB. Forrester, Deputy General Managers: G. JP. McMahon, AL Yates, Director Regional Airlines: 1 Corcoran, Director Pacific Airlines Division: LE Karasek, Director Operations: Capt. MT. Temell, Director Planning & Services: J McAllister, Director Engineering: JH. Bibo, Asst Eng Director – Operations: G. S. Fallscheer, Asst Eng Director – Administration: R. A. Bitcon, General Marketing Manager: T. Dery, Public Affairs Executive: R. G. Alexander.

Fleet List as at 30/04/86 Boeing 767-277 VH-RVD, VH-RME, VH-RMF, VH-RMG, VH-RVH. 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-RMZ. Boeing 727-277F VH-RMX- Ansett Air Freight markings. Boeing 737-277 VH-CZN, VH-CZO, VH-CZP, VH- CZO, VH-CZR, VH-CZS, VH-CZT, 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 markings, VH-FNU – Air Queensland markings. Sikorsky S-61N VH-BRH, VH-BRI-WFS and awaiting disposal. Douglas DC-3 VH-ABR – Australian National Airways colours. Static exhibit at Melbourne Airport Maintenance Base.

Aircraft on Order Al A320-2008 ordered with first delivery 09/88 (Aircraft will be powered by the CFM56-5). Boeing 737-377 12 ordered with first delivery 10/86, VH-CZA, VH- CZB, VH-CZC, VH-CZD, VH-CZE, VH-CZF, VH-CZG, VH-CZH, VH-CZL, VH-CZI, VH- CZK, VH-CZL. BAe 146-200 6 options held. Fokker F50 22 ordered with first delivery 12/86 (These aircraft will be shared between Ansett, Air NSW, Corsair & Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services) Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85-30/04/86) In February 1985 Ansett became the launch customer for the Fokker F50 when they placed an order for 10. Since then Ansett and their subsidiary Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services have committed themselves to a further 65 new airliners at a total cost of nearly A$3 billion.

At the Paris Air Show in June 1985 Ansett announced an order for 8 Al A320 aircraft with options on a further 9. To be known as the Skystar with Ansett they would be powered by the CFM56-5 with first delivery planned for September 1988. Since then Ansett have nominated an extended-range version to be known as the A320-200. The 8 aircraft on order will replace the 727-277s presently operated by Ansett. The 9 options on the A320 have been taken over by Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services.

727-277 VH-RMY was withdrawn from service on September 21st for wet lease through Ansett Worldwide to Air Jamaica. The Boeing departed Melbourne on October 9th on its ferry flight to Kingston. The lease is for 12 months with an option to buy. VH-RMY has since been registered 6Y-JML with Air Jamaica. The 3 Boeing 727-277s that Ansett had on dry lease to Republic Airlines have been sold to that company. The Boeings were VH-RMU, VH-RMV and VH-RMW and they are now flying with Republic as N274WC, N275WC and N276WC respectively. In June Ansett announced an order for 12 737-377 aircraft at a cost of A$500 million. First delivery is planned for October 1986 with the -377 Boeings replacing the present fleet of 12 737-277s. Since then Ansett have ordered a further 12 737-377s which will be allocated to Ansett Worldwide. It was initially planned that the 737-277s would be leased overseas however in September it was announced that they had been sold to America West Airlines for A$230 million. Meanwhile 737-277 VH-CZM was withdrawn from the Ansett fleet in late October for lease to Polynesian Airlines. VH-CZM retained its Southern Cross tail but had the airline titles Polynesian and Air Vanuatu painted on the forward fuselage.

In February 1985 Ansett ordered 10 Fokker F50 aircraft to replace their present F27 fleet. This order was later increased to 15 and then to 22. First delivery of the F50 is planned for December 1986 though it is uncertain just how many of the 22 aircraft on order will come to Australia. The F50 order is being shared by Ansett, Ansett Worldwide and US associate leasing company Corsair.

F27-200s VH-FNM, VH-FNV and VH-FNW which were previously operating on lease to Air Queensland were sold to that company on July 19th, 1985. F27-600 VH-FNU which was also leased to Air Queensland terminated its flying with that company on July 31st, 1985. Since then the Fokker has seen service with Airlines of South Australia, September/October, Air Queensland, November/December and with Ansett. F27-600 VH-FNR in Airlines of South Australia markings opera- ted with Ansett between December and April.

S-61Ns VH-BRH and VH-BRI which have been stored at Melbourne since September 1984 have been sold to Aviation Consultants of El Paso, Texas.

Ansett N. T. – Previously Airlines of Northern Australia

Airline Code: BT Head Office: 31 Smith Street Mall, Darwin NT. 5790.

Executives General Manager: F. K. McCue, Marketing Manager: C. Constance. Fleet Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKF.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) August 1985 saw the former Airlines of Northern Australia became Ansett NT. With the change in name came the delivery of their own aircraft as prior to this Airlines of Northern Australia operated with aircraft leased from other companies. Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKF which had previously seen service with Airlines of Western Australia was delivered to Darwin in August in Ansett Southern Cross colours and Ansett NT titles.

From Darwin the Ansett NT F28 operates to Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. For their services to Groote Eylandt, Gove and Caims Ansett NT use a BAe 146 from the Ansett WA fleet. Cessna 441s of Tillair are used to supplement the F28 on services to Katherine and Tennant Creek from Darwin.

Ansett WA

Airline Code: MV Head Office: 26 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000.

Executives State Manager-Ansett-S. L. Butcher, Manager Ansett WA. : I. Sutton, Marketing Manager: GW. Court.

Fleet BAe 146-200 VH-JP, VH-UIQ. Fokker F28-4000 VH-FKI, VH-FKI. Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKC, VH-FKE, VH-FKG Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85-30/04/86) Highlight of the year for Ansett WA was the delivery and entry into service of the 2 BAe 146-200s they had on order. Though the BAe 146-200 is offered to airlines as a 100 seater Ansett WA was nominated to have only 75 as an important weapon in their battle against East West and Skywest Airlines. The first Be 146-200 VH-JP arrived in Perth on April 26th 1985 after its ferry flight from Hatfield. However, due to Flight Attendant industrial action it was June 28th before Ansett WA were able to get their new jet into service with VH-JJP operating MV352 from Perth to Kalgoorlie. The second BAe 146-200 VH-WQ flew into Perth on June 26th and entered service on July 9th.

With the BAe 146s entering service Ansett WA moved some of their F28 fleet to other areas on the Ansett Network. F28-1000 VH-FKD departed Perth on April 15th 1985 on delivery to Air NSW. F28-1000 VH-FKA followed in the same direction when it departed Perth on August 9th for Ayers Rock and Sydney and entry into service with Air NSW. Finally F28-1000 VH-FKF was rolled out after overhaul in August carrying the markings of Ansett NT.

In June 1984 Ansett WA were awarded a contract from the Australian Department of Territories & Local Government to operate a weekly F28 service to the Cocos and Christmas Islands. This was discontinued in June 1985 with TAA taking over the contract with a weekly 727-276.

Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services

Head Office: 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000. Executives General Manager: A. J. Yates, Executive Director: P. Keen.

In March 1986 Ansett Airlines of Australia, jointly backed by its two parent companies, TNT and News Limited, officially announced the formation of a new company Worldwide Aviation Services. The new Ansett aviation organisation would offer to airlines throughout the world total airline management and equipment leasing packages.

Deputy General Manager of Ansett Airlines, Mr Alan Yates was appointed.

General Manager with “Mr Paul Keen formally General Manager of TNT Bulkships Ltd. , as Executive Director.

In October 1985 Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services placed an order for 12 Boeing 737-300 aircraft with the first delivery in October 1986. When Ansett Airlines of Australia ordered 8 Al A320s in June 1985 they took up options on a further 9. These options have now been taken up by Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services. In March 1986 an order was officially placed with McDonnell Douglas Corporation for 6 MD-83 aircraft with options on a further 6. The first MD-83 will be available for delivery in January 1987. Finally in an agreement with its United States associate, Corsair, Ansett Worldwide have access to 22 Fokker F50 aircraft.

Fleet List as at 30/04/86 Boeing 727-277 VH-RMY-leased to Air Jamaica 10/85 as 6Y-JML. Boeing 727-25F VH-LAP-leased to Spinit of America Airlines as N8119N. Boeing 737-277 VH-CZM- leased to Polynesian Airlines 11/85. Boeing 737-2A6 N1288-purchased from United Technologies 01/86. Boeing 737-209 5W-PAL -leased to America West Airlines 11/85 as N149AW. Fokker F27-500 VH-FCB- withdrawn from Air NSW fleet 04/86 and being prepared for lease. Aircraft on Order Al A320-200 9 options held. Boeing 737-376 12 ordered with first delivery 10/86. MDC MD-836 was ordered with first delivery 01/87. 6 options held. Fokker F50 22 was ordered with first delivery 12/86. (These aircraft will be shared between Ansett Airlines, Air NSW, Corsair and Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services).

East West Airlines

Airline Code: EW Head Office: 323 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Executives Managing Director: D. Howe, Company Secretary M. Lloyd-Jones, General Manager Operations: R. Entsch, General Manager Administration: N. Berkett, General Manager Marketing: P. Glaser, Manager Employee Relations: R. Atkins, Manager Airline Services: A. Murdoch, Manager Sales: Mrs Z. Butcher, Manager Operations: T. King, Manager Engineering J. Murphy, Manager Research & External Affairs: B. Gibbs, Manager Public Relations: 1. Mulcair.

Fleet as at 30/04/86 Fokker F28-400 VH-EWA, VH-EWB, VH-EWC, VH-EWD. Fokker F27-500 VH- EWP, VH-EWU, VH-EW, VH-EWW, VH-EWX, VH-EWY, VH-EWZ.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) The past year has been a period of consolidation for East-West as they continue their battle to be recognised as Australia’s third airline and for the abolition of Australia’s two airlines policy. East West passenger figures continue to rise at a dramatic rate- for the 12 months ending December 31st 1983 East West carried 576,000 passengers. For 1984 it was 656,000 and for 1985 it was an amazing 938,400, which represents a rise of 43% over the previous twelve months. East West are carrying these passengers with only 4 F28-4000 and 7 F27-500 aircraft. They now have the highest annual utilisation for these types in the world. East West are presently seeking government approval to import 3 Boeing 737-200 aircraft. These will primarily be used to service their planned routes in Queensland, however, they are also needed to relieve the shortage of seats in the rest of the network.

F27-500 VH-EWZ was christened ‘City of Port Macquarie’ at a ceremony held at Port Macquarie Airport on November 26th. This celebrated the 30th anniversary of East West operations from that port. F28-4000 VH-EWC was christened ‘Basil Brown’ at Tamworth on March 22nd 1986.

Ipec Aviation

Airline Code: IN Head Office: Hangar 86, Bristol Street, Essendon Airport, Victoria 3041. Executives General Manager: R. D. Creak, Aviation Manager: S. J. Wareham, Engineering Manager: D. Cameron, Manager Flying Standards: W. Gronbeck. Fleet MD DC-9-33CF VH-IPF. BAe 650 Argosy 222 VH-IPA, VH-IPB. BAe 650 Argosy 101 VH-IPD.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) A year of consolidation for IPEC with their DC-9 freighter operating 20 return flights a week between Melbourne and Tasmania. The Argosys operate 4 return flights weekly on the Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney to Brisbane route.

On January 11th IPEC started a new weekly service out of Brisbane in the early hours of Saturday morning to Mackay, Townsville and Cairns.

Mount Cook Airline

Airline Code: NM Head Office: 47 Riccarton Road, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Executives Chairman & Chief Executive: N. M. T. Geary, General Manager – Airline: M. L. Corner, Senior Executive Finance. E. R. Macleod, Marketing & Administration Manager. P. F. Andrews, Public Affairs Manager: E. G. Beckett, Company Secretary: M. J. Aim.

Fleet List BAe 748 ZK-CWJ, ZK-DES, ZK-MCA, ZK-MCF, ZK-MCI, ZK-MCP, DHC6-300 ZK-MCO. BN-2A Islander ZK-DBV, ZK-MCD, ZK-MCE. PA31-350 ZK-MCM. Pilatus Porter ZK-MCK, ZK-MCN, ZK-MCT. Cessna U206 ZK-CHQ. Cessna 185 ZK-CAV, ZK-CBS, ZK-CBY, ZK-CHL, ZK-CKP, ZK-CKT, ZK-CVF, ZK-CVG, ZK- CYA, ZK-ELO, ZK-MCQ, ZK-MCR, ZK-MCS.

In September 1985 Air New Zealand gained a 77% controlling interest in the Mount Cook Group. This was achieved after a long battle between Air New Zea- land and Newmans for the Goodman Group’s shareholding in the Mount Cook Group. Prior to this Air New Zealand held a 30% interest in Mount Cook. Mr Nelson Tollerton returned in April 1986 as Chief Executive of the Mount Cook Group. His place was taken by Mr Norman Geary the former General Manager of Air New Zealand. Mr Geary remains as Managing Director of Air New Zealand but his new position allows him to spend more time on the Air New Zealand group of companies.

Fleet & Operational Changes

(01/04/85 – 30/04/86) Bell 2068 ZK-HPP was sold to Alpine Helicopters in late 1985. The helicopter was used for flights to the Franz Josef Glacier. Mount Cook still offers flights to this area with their Cessna ski-planes.

BAe 748 ZK-MCP was wet leased to Air Pacific to cover a capacity shortage over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. The 748 departed Christchurch on December 4th for Auckland and Suva and returned on January 29th.

Newmans Air

Airline Code: ZQ Head Office: PO Box 14139, Christchurch Airport, New Zealand.

Executives Chief Executive: KL. McDonald, Flight Operations Manager: R. G. Raymond, Engineering Manager: I. Craib, Commercial Services Manager: J. Webb, Financial Controller: M. J. Hendy, Customer Services Manager: B. R. Saussey, Personnel Manager: J. Velleman, Marketing Manager: R. G. Quinn, Cabin Services Control- ler: LM. McCarthy.

Fleet DHC-7 ZK-NEW, ZK-NEX.

Newmans Air have ordered 2 DHC8-200 aircraft for delivery in September and November 1986. An option is held on a third DHC8-200. Options are also held on 3 DHC8-300 aircraft and the fleet will be rolled over when they become available. Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) Following deregulation of the New Zealand airline industry, Newmans Airways Ltd operating as Newmans Air, commenced scheduled operations on February 12th 1985. Newmans Air are a subsidiary of the TNL Group who are the largest ground transportation company in New Zealand.

When services commenced Newmans operated between Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown. On March 19th 1985 Mount Cook, Glentanner was added to their network. During the winter ski season, Ashburton was added as a stop on the Christchurch/Queenstown route. Newmans also use two local operators to provide onward connection from/to their flights to Queenstown. Operating with 20 flight numbers Aspiring Air fly from Wanaka, while Waterwings Airways fly from Te Anau.

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 737-277 VH-CZM (leased from Ansett). GAF N-24A 5W-FAT. GAF N- 22B 5W-FAR. BN-2A Islander 5W-FAF.

Fleet Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) Boeing 737-209 5W-PAL ‘Sina’ was withdrawn from service during October 1985 and after lay-up in the Ansett hangar at Melbourne Airport departed there on November 11th on ferry to the United States. The Boeing was sold to America West Airlines of Phoenix, Arizona and was registered to them as N149AW. To replace 5W-PAL in Polynesian service Ansett took Boeing 737-277 VH-CZM from their fleet. The Boeing retained its white fuselage and Southern Cross tail, but had Polynesian and Air Vanuatu titles painted on the forward fuselage.

Polynesians have also used Ansett 737’s VH-CZN and VH-CZO on odd occasions throughout the year.

A long-forgotten unit of the Polynesian fleet is BAe 748 5W-FAO. In June 1982 it was flown to Christchurch where it operated with Mount Cook. After a spell of storage at Christchurch it was ferried to Singapore in February 1983. The aircraft remained there till last October when it was ferried to the UK for use by Euroair of Gatwick as G-BMFT.

Perhaps a sign of the future was the use by Polynesian Airlines of an Ansett Boeing 767. VH-RME using call sign ‘Polynesian 6856 flew out of Sydney on July 30th 1985, bound for Nadi and Raratonga. The need for the additional capacity was the Pacific Mini Games being held in the Cook Islands.

Qantas

Airline Code: OF Head Office: Qantas International Centre, International Square, Sydney NSW 2000. Executives Chairman: J. B. Leslie, Vice-Chairman: LB. Reid, Chief Executive: R. J. Yates, Deputy Chief Executive: J. F. Ward, General Manager of Finance: LA. Olsen, GM of Marketing: P. T. Stainlay, GM of Operations: AL Terrell, Treasurer: M. J. Haworth, Dir. of Cargo: R. Parkes, Dir. of Cabin Service: S. F. M. Brown, Dir. ‘of Flight Operations: J. K. Davenport, Dir. of Marketing Planning: I. P. Gay, Dir. of Corporate Planning: J. G. V. Hercus, Dir. of Engineering & Maintenance: M. Ryan, Dir. of Personnel: J. L. Bradfield, Dir. of Information Systems: W. A. Swingler, Dir. of New Aircraft Projects: R. C. Walker, Dir. Public Affairs: K. V. Welsh, Dir. of Sales & Field Services: B. W. Wild, Corporate Secretary: LJ. Fisk.

Fleet List as at 30/04/86 Boeing 747-2388 VH-EBG, VH-EBH, VH-EBI, VH-EBJ, 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, VH-EBW, VH-EBX – on order for delivery 11/86. Boeing 767-238ER VH-EAI, VH-EAK, VH-EAL, VH-EAM, VH-EAN, VH- EAO.

The following engine types have been selected to power the Qantas Boeing fleet: Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7A VH-EBG, VH-EBH, VH-EBI. Pratt & Whitney JT90-7F VH-EBJ, VH-EBL thru VH-EBP, VH-ECA. Pratt & Whitney JT9D- 7R4E VH-EAJ thru VH-EAO. Rolls Royce RB211-52482 VH-EBQ, VH-EBR, VH-ECB, VH-ECC, VH-EAA, VH-EAB. Rolls Royce RB211-524D4 VH-EBS thru VH-EBX.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) A very busy period for Qantas on the fleet re-equipment front. They took delivery of and placed in service the 6 767s ordered in September 1983. On top of that a further 2 747-338s were added to the fleet, while 5 of their older 747- 2388s were taken out of service and disposed of overseas.

Delivery details of the Boeing 767-238ER fleet are as follows “City of Wollongong’ using call sign Qantas 7671 flew into Sydney on July 5th. The ferry routing was Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Nadi to Sydney. VH- EAK “City of Townsville’ arrived in Sydney on July 13th as Qantas 7672. This aircraft operated the inaugural Qantas 767 service when it flew from Melbourne to Wellington on July 30th as QF37. VH-EAL “City of Geelong as Qantas 7673 arrived in Sydney on October 2nd. VH-EAM “City of Lake Macquarie’ as Qantas 7674 arrived in Sydney on December 14th. This aircraft demonstrated the long- range capabilities of the type when it flew Seattle/Honolulu/Sydney on its delivery. VH-EAN ‘Alice Springs’ as Qantas 7675 arrived in Sydney on February 7th, while the final aircraft on order VH-EAO ‘City of Cairns’ as Qantas 7676 arrived on March 21st.

The Boeing 767-238ER has provided Qantas with an aircraft that not only gives them increased frequency of service on the Tasman but one which has opened up a number of new international routes out of Australia-Perth to Tokyo, Cairns to Tokyo, Hobart to Auckland, Adelaide to Singapore and Brisbane to Singapore.

Qantas added 2 further 747-338EUDs to their fleet in this period. VH-EBV ‘City of Melbourne’ arrived in Sydney on April 15th 1985 while VH-EBW ‘City of Brisbane’ was delivered on April 2nd 1986. An order has been placed with Boeing for a fifth 747-338EUD and it is scheduled for delivery in November.

With the arrival of 8 new aircraft Qantas have disposed of a number of their older 747-238Bs. VH-EBC was sold through the Boeing Company to People Express. It was painted in People Express colours at Sydney and registered to them as N607PE. For its test and delivery flights, the US registration N747BM was taped over N607PE. The 747 departed Sydney on July 9th for Wichita where refurbishment was carried out by Boeing before handover to People Express. VH-EBD also followed VH-EBC to People Express via Boeing. Originally it carried the US registration N747BN but after painting in People Express colours it became N608PE, before departing Sydney for Wichita on September 21st.

VH-EBB was sold to Guinness Peat Aviation in 1984 and leased back to Qantas. On termination of this lease, the Boeing was taken out of Qantas service and painted in the colours of Air Lanka. Still registered VH-EBB it departed Sydney on October 24th for Hong Kong, where it was handed over to Air Lanka and registered to them as 4R-ULG.

VH-EBE was sold through Boeing to People Express. It was painted in People Express colours at Sydney and registered N609PE. As such it departed on delivery on April 18th 1986. VH-EBF is scheduled to be delivered to People Express in July as N610PE In July 1985 Qantas and Air New Zealand introduced a joint overnight freight service between Sydney and Auckland. Known as ‘The Southern Crossing’ the flight operates 4 times weekly using a Westwind aircraft leased from Transe-Cutive Airlines.

Safe Air

Airline Code: 7A Head Office: PO Box 244, Blenheim, New Zealand Executives Chairman: A. A. Watson, General Manager: W. R. Tannock, Accountant: B. R. Lock, Engineering Manager: JS. Wilks, Marketing Manager: G. Ransby, Product Manager Airline: Dr S. D. Truman, Operations Manager: Capt. R. S. F. Lamb, Traffic Manager: D. G. Gollop, Chief Inspector: M. V. H. Blee, Administration Supervisor: M. R. Fairbrother.

Fleet as at 30/04/86 BAe 650 Argosy 222 ZK-SAE, ZK-SAF. Bristol 170-31 ZK-CLT, ZK-CLU. Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) For Safe Air 1986 was to be the year that they finally said farewell to the Bristol Freighter, a type which they had operated continuously since 1951. This remarkable aircraft had finally reached the end of the line due mainly to a shortage of spares for its Bristol Hercules engines. As a farewell to the type on December 14th, Safe Air put their remaining 4 Bristol Freighters in the air together over their home base at Blenheim. Since then ZX-CPT Merchant Courier and ZK-CRK “Merchant Islander’ have been withdrawn from service at Blenheim. For the other 2 aircraft, ZK-CLT and CK-CLU came a reprieve in the form of a number of Bristol Hercules engines purchased from Owen Airmotive. Though Safe Air are primarily a freight operator they still operate a very unique passenger service between New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. A special capsule in inserted in the Argosy aircraft which allows the uplift of 30 passengers. Otherwise the 2 Argosy aircraft fly over the main trunk routes carrying freight for Air New Zealand.

Safe Air are a 100% owned subsidiary of Air New Zealand and with the impending withdrawal of the Bristols came the announcement that they were to enter a new niche in aviation. At present they are actively studying the 19-seat commuter aircraft market and at press time were reported to have decided upon the purchase of used BAe Jetstream aircraft.

Trans Australia Airlines

Airline Code: TN Head Office: Box 2806AA, Franklin Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000. Executives Chairman: N. A. Smith, General Manager: J. A. Strong, Assistant General Manager: LW. Pearce, Director Marketing: B. R. Palmer, Director Engineering: F. McMullen, Director Flight Operations: Capt L. T. Heard, Director Planning & Administration: D. G. Withers, Director Legal Services & Corporate Secretary: Ms. M. M. Rush, Manager Planning & Development: B. W. Porter, General Cargo Manager: C. C. O’Brien, Manager Public Relations: J. S. Tilton, Manager Finance: S. T. Park, Manager Industrial Relations: R. H. Reynolds.

Fleet List as at 30/04/86 AI A30084-203 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-TJQ, VH-TIR, VH-TIS, VH-TJT, VH-TJU. Fokker F27-6000C VH-TOR, VH-TOS, VH-TOT. Douglas DC-3 VH-AES on display at Melbourne Airport in TAA 1946 colour scheme. Al A30084- 203 VH-TAA commenced a three-year dry lease to Air Niugini in November 1984 as P2-ANG.

Aircraft on Order AI A320-200 9 ordered with first delivery 04/89 (Aircraft will be powered by the IAE V2500). Boeing 737-376 12 ordered with first delivery 07/86 VH-TAF VH-TAG, VH-TAH, VR-TAI, VH-TAJ, VH-TAK, VH-TAU, VH-TAV, VH-TAW, VH-TAX VH-TAY, VH-TAZ. BAe Jetstream 31 3 ordered with first delivery 08/86 VH-TQJ, VH-TOK, VH-TOL.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/04/85 – 30/04/86) A busy period indeed for TAA which included the announcement that they would change their name to Australian Airlines: ordered A$1,170 million of new aircraft in a major re-equipment programme and appointed a new General Manager.

Mr James Strong from the Australian Mining Industry Council took over as General Manager (refer Interview this edition) of TAA in December. He replaced Mr Frank Ball who retired from TAA on November 25th.

In late March it was announced that TAA will be renamed Australian Airlines. The new name and colour scheme will be introduced in July on delivery of the first Boeing 737-300.

During the year TAA placed orders for A$1,170 million of new aircraft. In late Maya A$500 million order was signed with Boeing for 12 737-300 aircraft. First delivery is planned for July 1986 with all 12 aircraft to arrive within 12 months. With TAA the aircraft will be known as the B300 and will be operated in a 112 seat configuration. The Boeing will be powered by CFM56-3 engines and will replace DC-9 and 727-200 aircraft presently used.

In late December a A$650 million order was placed with Airbus Industrie for 9 A320-200 aircraft. The first of these will be delivered in April 1989 and will be powered by the new IAE V2500 engine. Finally an order for A$20 million was placed with British Aerospace for 3 Jetstream 31 aircraft. The jetstreams will replace the F27s presently used on TAA’s Western Queensland routes. The Jetstream will be operated as a 15 seater with the first being delivered in August. During October Al A300 VH-TAC was dry leased to Air Niugini to cover the planned maintenance on their Al A300 P2-ANG. TAA dry leases F27 equipment to Air Queensland to cover planned maintenance on their F27 VH-FNM. VH-TOS was used between August 29th and September 24th, VH-TOT from September 25th to 29th and VH-TOR on September 30th. At present VH-TOT is being prepared for lease to Air Queensland on a more permanent basis as the aircraft was noted at Melbourne Airport on May 2nd in Air Queensland colours.

On July 2nd TAA resumed its weekly charter to the Department of Territories and Local Government on the route from Perth to the Cocos and Christmas Islands. In June 1984 this contract was awarded to Ansett WA.

In October they commenced a no-frills F27 service on the Melbourne to Canberra route. Initially, a daily flight was offered however demand was so good that a second service was added from late January. Then on April 1st the service was terminated as apparently the uplift was depreciating the yield on the competing TAA jet services.

Transcorp Airways

Airline Code: TC Head Office: International Centre, Hay Street, Perth WA 6000. Executives Chairman: A. Manzi, Commercial Director: J. Cornish.

Fleet Boeing 707-330C VR-HTC.

Transcorp Airways were formed in 1985 to take advantage of the relaxation of international air freight controls recently adopted by the Federal Government. Based in Perth their initial aim was to provide a market between Western Australia and Brunei. Startup was delayed when Qantas scheduled a weekly 747 freighter from Perth to Brunei.

In early December it was announced that Ansett Transport Industries had purchased a 51% interest in the company and that when VR-HTC was delivered it would be flown by Ansett crews.

Transcorp finally commenced operations on November 28th when West Coast Airlines Boeing 707-331C 9G-ACY flew into Melbourne from Darwin. That even- ing the Boeing departed for Perth, Brunei & Singapore. Over the next few weeks Boeing settled on a weekly run – Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brunei, Singapore. Loadings out of Perth were not up to expectation so it was no surprise when 9G-ACY operated its last flight out of there on March 6th. Transcorp then moved their operations to the East Coast using a Boeing 707- 331C N345FA leased from Race Aviation. This aircraft operated a number of primary produce charters from Sydney to Noumea.

Transcorp are planning to introduce their hush-kitted Boeing VR-HTC into service on June 1st. It will operate once weekly on the route Sydney, Darwin, Brunei to Singapore and once weekly Sydney, Brisbane, Manila to Hong Kong. NEXT ISSUE: Don’t miss our annual Regional Airline Directory listing Australia’s third-level commuter operators. Exclusive to Australian Aviation.