Regional Airline Directory

Airlines of South Australia’s decision to cease operations due to continuing losses will certainly benefit a number of commuter operators. South Australia now joins Victoria and Tasmania as States without major airline intrastate services. For the twelve months ending December 31st 1985 Airlines of South Australia carried 175,000 passengers. These should flow on to the 11 commuter airlines operating in South Australia though the lion’s share should go to Kendell Airlines as the nominated Ansett carrier. Kendell are predicting a growth in passenger loadings from 1985 to 1986 of 67% and if this eventuates, as it should, it will make them the largest commuter operator in Australia. They have recently taken delivery of a second Saab SF340 and have a third on order, while they have also added 3 Metro !l’s to their fleet to give them 7 of this type. With this they seem well equipped to handle this massive increase in traffic.

In our Directory this year we have identified 49 active operators. It is pleasing to see that numbers continue to rise after we hit a low in 1984. Over the last five years the number of airlines listed has been 56, 50, 44, 47 and 49. Turnover of operators is high with 6 disappearing from the 1985 list and 8 appearing for the first time.

The following changes have taken place in the last twelve months ARRMUNDA AIRWAVS terminated commuter operations May 1986 after experiencing financial problems. Routes temporarily awarded to Air North and Arnhem Air Charter.

CODDAIR AIRLINES – company taken over by Norfolk Island Airlines June 1985.

PAGGl’S AVIATION-terminated commuter operations August 1985 with Skywest now offering alternative uplift for the residents of Onslow.

ROSSAIR – operated flights on behalf of Airlines of South Australia so when they ceased flying in June 1986, Rossair reverted . to charter operations.

RUNDLE AIR SERVICES – terminated commuter operations May 1986, and their route from Townsville to Greenvale taken over by a charter operator.

SKYMASTER AVIATION-ceased operations late 1985. On the positive side we can add the following HIBISCUS – commenced operations July 1986 on vacant routes out of Brisbane to northern NSW ports.

LLOYD commenced operations November 1985 as nominated Australian Airlines carrier to a number of South Australian ports. MIDSTATE AIRLINES – commenced operations July 1986 on the vacant Skywest route between Perth and Sunbury. PACIFIC AVIATION commenced operations in October 1985 on the vacant route between Melbourne and Sale.

PICCOLO AIRLINES- commenced operations May 1986 on the routes from Rockhampton to Central Queensland coalfields that were vacated by Norfolk Island Airlines.

PROMAIR AIRLINES- commenced operations November 1985 between Latrobe Valley and Launceston.

STAYWOOD AIRLINES – commenced operations November 1985 on the route between Hamilton, Warnambool and Essendon, previously operated by Kendell Airlines.

SUNCITY AIRLINES – commenced operations June 1986 on new feeder route between Mildura and Griffith.

As of July 1st 1986 we had 49 Regional Airlines operating with State break up as follows: NSW- 11, Queensland – 9, South Australia-9, Western Australia-7, Victoria- 7, Northern Territory-5 and Tasmania-1. The largest increase in numbers was in Victoria which had 3 active operators in 1985 before the addition of Pacific Aviation, Promair, Staywood and Suncity.

This year we have identified 199 aircraft and while this is 33 down on 1985 this can be explained as follows I have listed Air Queensland’s entire fleet, ten of these aircraft are operated under their airline licence and therefore have not been included in the overall total. With Coddair becoming part of Norfolk Island Airlines, 9 aircraft from the combined fleet were sold. A further 8 were lost due to Rossair returning to charter operations and finally Skywest have standardised their commuter fleet to two types, the Jetstream 31 and Cessna 310A. The remainder, which was a further 12 aircraft, are used on charter.

Turbine powered aircraft now account for 25% of the fleet and for the first time for many years we have a jet aircraft listed. The 9 seats and under category account for a massive 69% of the fleet with the most common types being the Cessna 402 and PA31. This year we have listed 32 PA31 ‘s and 27 Cessna 402’s and they account for 30% of the commuter fleet. That the PA31 is the most sought-after type by operators is further demonstrated by the fact that of the 8 new airlines on this year’s list, 5 operate PA31’s.

AEROPELICAN AIR SERVICES PO Box 226, Belmont, 2280. (049) 450988. Telex AA28092. Airline Code – PO. Route-Newcastle, Belmont to Sydney. Fleet – DHCS-100 VHAMMY; DHC6-320 VH-KZO, VH-KZP, VHKZQ.

Aeropelican at present schedule 86 return fights a week between their home base at Belmont and Sydney with their fleet of four Twin Otters.

Provisional traffic figures for 1985 show Aeropelican carrying 97,000 passengers which is slightly under the 1984 Sigure of 98,302. Considering the competition that Aeropelican have from improved road and rail transport, plus the economic downturn in the Newcastle area, they are still very pleased with these figures.

AIR HIBISCUS PO Box 143, Coogee, 2034. (075) 36 6799. Airline Code-AH. Routes – Brisbane Glen Innes/Inverel, Brisbane CoolangattarEvans Head. Fleet – PA31-350 VH- RUH.

Air Hibiscus commenced commuter operations on July 1st on two routes out of Brisbane using a PA31-350. They are planning at a later stage to extend their routes to other centres in New South Wales AIR NORTH PO Box 38133, Winnelle NT 5789. (089) 81 7188. Telex AA85641. Airline Code- HS. Routes – Darwin/Bathurst Island/Darwin, DarwinBathurst Island/Garden Point/Snake Bay/Darwin, Darwin/Snake Bay Garden PointBathurst Island/ Darwin, Darwin Ramingining/Elcho Island Lake Evella/Darwin, Darwin Elcho is land/Darwin, DarwinElcho Island/Ramingining/Darwin, Darwinabi/Opel/ Darwin, Darwin/Cooinda (Kakadu)Katherine/Cooinda Jabiru/Darwin. Flest – Douglas DC-3 VH-CAN, VH-MMA; Cessna 421 VH-ANH: Cessna 404 VH-ANV, VH-AZU, Cessna 402C VH-ANO, VH-AZO; Cessna 310R VH-ANW, VH-SGL, BN Islander VH-NTC; Beach Queen Air B80 VH-ANJ.

During the year Air North dropped Kununura from their Scenic Connection”light and added Jabiru. Now known as the Kakadu Connection the flight operates on the rousing Darwin/Cooninda (Kakadu)Katherine/Cooinda/JabirurĎarwin. This fight provides access to the Kakadu National Park and the Katherine Gorge, which are two of the more popular destinations for tourists visiting the Northern Territory. With Armunda Airways terminating fights in late May, Air North were asked by the Northern Territory Goverment to maintain services from Darwin to Oenpe and Jabiru. These fights commenced in early June and will continue until a successful tender is accepted by the Northern Territory Government.

During the year Air North added two aircraft to their feet. Cessna 421 VH-ANH arrived in Darwin in May after ferry from the United States while Queen Air 880 VH-ANU was delivered in April VH-ANJ was purchased from Norfolk Air with whom it was registered VH-BOA In February 1985 Air North took over the Aero Medical contract from the Ansett subsidiary Northern Territory Air Work. Air North now operate four N-24A aircraft VH-DHF, VH-DHO, VH-DHP and VH-DHR for the Northern Territory Aaro Medical Service AIR QUEENSLAND PO Box 1381, Caims QLD 4870. (070) 53 1331. Telex 48429. Airline Code -ON. Routes – Air Queensland serves the following ports-Aurukun, Bamaga, Biloela, Blackwater, Brampton Island, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Burketown, Caims, Coen, Collinsville, Cooktown, Doomadges, Dunk Island, Edward River, Gladstone, Groote Eyland, Darumba, Kowanyama, Hamilton Island, Lizard land, Lookhart River, Mackay, Maryborough, Maroochydore, Momington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Proserpine, Palm Island, Rockhampton, Townsville, Weipa Fleet- ATR42-300 VH-ACC, VH-ACD (on order VH-ACE, VH-AQF); Douglas DC-3 VH- BPL (Freighter), VH-8BPN, VH-EDC, VH-PWN; Fokker F27-200 VH-FNM, VH-FNV, VH-FNW, Fokker F27-600 VH-TOT, DHC-300 VH-AQB, VH-TGF, VH-TGG, VH- TGH, VH-TGI, Nomad N24A VH-BRP: Cessna 404 VH-BPO; Cessna 310R VH. BPL VH-FSR ( should be noted that Air Queensland hold two separate licences. An airline Ecence which covers the ATR42’s and F27’s and a supplemental airline licence which covers the remainder of the feet. For the sake of completeness we have listed the full Air Queensland feet) Air Queensland changes were well documented in the Major Airline Directory- Australian Aviation, July 1986.

Since then the following can be added-Air Queensland put their ATR42 into service on May 22nd when VH-AQC operated QN302 from Brisbane to Thangool and Gladstone. The second ATR42 VH-AQD flew into Brisbane from Darwin on May 30th on termination of its delivery fight VH-ACD entered service on June 12th on QN302 Brisbane to Thangool and Gladstone. At time of writing there seems to be some doubt as to whether the 3rd and 4th ATR42’s on order, VH-ACE and VH-AQF will be delivered to Australia this year. It seems probable that they will be leased to another operator.

F27-600 VH-TOT continues to sit at Melbourne Airport but by the time this is read, will have been delivered to Air Queensland Provisional commuter passenger figures for 1985 show Air Queensland uplifting 91,281. This is a drop of 24% on the previous twelve months and can be best explained by the fact that Air Queensland are scheduling more fights under their airline licence.

AIR TRANSIT Commuter Building, Adelaide Airport, SA 5000. (08) 352 3128. Routes-Adelaide to Amercian River, Pandana and Kingscote. Fleet – Cessna 4028 VH-ATL VH UBI Cessna 402 VH-BDZ.

Winter schedules show Air Transit operating 21 services a week from Kangaroo Island to Adelaide. This is a fiercely competitive route with 4 operators offering a variety of equipment and fares between the Island and the mainland. Air Transit- 21 services using Cessna 402 equipment. Albatross – 8 services using Beech Queen Air’s. Lloyd-19 services using EMB-110 or Cessna 402. State Air-34 services using Short 380 or Cessna 402.

Air Transit were the only operator to offer fights to three points on the Island- Kingscote, American River and Pamdana, however State Air have recently announced that they will shortly add American River to their network and so put themselves in competition with Air Transit from all three points on the island.

AIR WHITSUNDAY PO Box 166, Airlie Beach, 4802(079) 489133. Telex AA46489 Airline Code-RW. Routes – WhitsundayMackayWhitsunday, Whitsunday/Townsville/Whitsunday Townsville/Orpheus island/Hinchinbrook Island/Townsville, Whitsunday Hayman Island/Whitsunday. Fleet-Grumman Mallard VH-LAW, P-688 VH-PNP.

Using their P-68B Air Whitsunday operate a twice weekly service between Whitsunday and Mackay. On the remainder of their fights they use their Grumman Mallard VH-LAWW. Having experienced a water landing and takeoff at Orpheus and Hinchinbrook Islands I can strongly recommend this as the most interesting RPT service available in Australia.

Air Whitsunday have leased their Grumman Turbo Mallard VH-JAW Vowell Air Services. The Mallard is being used on an oil industry related contract in North West Australia. VHJAW carrying Vowell Air Services markings was delivered to Karratha in July 1985.

AIRLINES OF TASMANIA PO Box 1126, Evandale, 7212 (003) 91 8422. Airline Code-IP. Routes-Airlines of Tasmania operate a network of services which connect the following ports- Devonport, Finders Island, Hobart, King Island, Launceston, Melbourne- Essendon, Queenstown, Smithton, Strahan, Wynyard Fleet-DH114 Haron VH- CLT, VH-CLV, VH-CLZ, VH-KAM; PA31-350 VH-PFS, VH-TYV DH114 Heron VH-KAM was ferried from Sydney to Launceston on September 14th on delivery to Airlines of Tasmania. The Heron which was carrying the markings on Tongair was soon painted in Airlines of Tasmania colours and entered service the following month. DH114 Heron VH-CLX which was delivered in 1983 is under long term rebuild at Launceston.

With the introduction of the 4th Heron into service Airlines of Tasmania is basing one of this type in Hobart where it has replaced the PA31 previously used on the West Coast routes.

For 1985 Airlines of Tasmania carried 55,000 passengers.

ALBATROSS AIRLINES 67 6 Todd SL Kingscote, Kangaroo Island SA 5223 (0848) 22298. Route- Kingscote to Adelaide. Fleet – PA23-250 VH-BKJ, VH-MCL AQUATIC AIR Barrenjoey Boathouse, Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, 2108. (02) 919 5968. Airline Code-VZ. Routes – Gostord/Rose Bay/Gosford. Gosford/Palm Beach/ Rose Bay/Palm Beach Gosford. Fleet-N-228 Floatplane VH-BRQ; DHC-2 Beaver Floatplane VH-AGA, VH-AV.

Earlier this year Aquatic Air added N-228 Floatplane VH-BRO to their fleet. The Nomad, which had been converted to floatplane configuration by Wipline in the United States, was previously operated by Brisbane based Barrier Reef Airways. Aquatic Air operate their Nomad in a single pilot, 9 seat configuration while on RPT services, however on charter work it can seat up to 14.

Aquatic Air’s winter timetable shows them operating 5 tum fights daily, Monday to Friday, between Gosford, Palm Beach and Rose Bay.

ARNHEM AIR CHARTER PO Box 39431, Winnelli NT 5789. (089) 81 7822. Routes Darwin Maningrida Malingimbi, DarwinVingimbi, Maningrida/Goulburn Island, Darwin/Croker Island Goulburn Island. Fleet-PA31-350 VH-XP: PA31-310 VH-JWH, VH-SAO, P-68B VH-ECO.

Arnhem Air Charter commenced operations on a temporary basis from May 30th on the former Armunda Airways route from Darwin to Croker Island and Goulbum Island. They will fly on the route for two months till the Northern Territory government announce who is to take over the route permanently.

During the year Arnhem Air Charter sold Aerostar 601 VH-XA and added PA31. 310 VH-JWH ARRMUNDA AIRWAYS GPO Box 413, Darwin NT 5794. (089) 81 8299. Routes – Darwin/Oenpellabru Darwin, Darwin Croker Island/Goulburn Island Darwin Armunda Airways ceased operations due to financial problems on May 29th Previously known as NT Air Charter, Armunda Airways commenced operations in late 1963 after the Aboriginal Kunwingu Association purchased a 49% shareholding in the company. The other 51% of the company was owned by Air Couriers PIL. Armando served the Aboriginal communities of Oenpelli, Croker Island and Goulburn Island as well as the mining town of Jabiru. The Northern Territory Government has authorised two other commuter operators to service these ports in the interim. Air North will operate services from Darwin to Oenpelli and Jabiru while Arnhem Air Charter will By to Croker and Goulbum Islands AUGUSTA AIRWAYS PO Box 1756, Port Augusta SA 5700. (088) 423100. Telex A80962 Airline Code -BH. Routes – Port Augusta/Leigh Creek/cinnamic/Birdsville/Boulia/Mounta Port Augusta AdelaiderPort Augusta, Port Augusta/Leigh Creek/Port Augusta, Port Augusta Olympic Dam/Port August Fleet – Cessna 421B VH-AAI; Cessna 402A VH-AWS; Commander 5006 VISACZ Augusta Airways commenced operations on the Port Augusta to Adelaide route on July 30th 1984. They now operate three retum services a day, Monday to Friday. In February a three times a weekly service was introduced between Port Augusta and Olympic Dam. Recently a daily, Monday-to-Friday, service was introduced between Port Augusta and Leigh Creek.

Augusta Airways still maintain their weekly ‘Mail Run’ between Port Augusta and Mount Isa. This flight departs Port Augusta at 0830 each Saturday morning and arrives in Mount Isa at 1815 that evening after flying across some of the most desolate country in Australia. Southbound the flight leaves Mount Isa at 0730 on the Sunday arriving in Port August at 1750.

Fleet changes in this period were the sale of P-688 VH-PNQ to Piccolo Airlines, Gladstone, while added to the fleet were Commander 500S VH-ACZ, which is used on the ‘Mail Run’ and Cessna 4218 VH-AAI.

AVIOR AIRLINES

Unit 8/431 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe, 6104. (09) 277 7422. Telex AA93762. Airline Code – XP. Routes – Perth/Southern Cross/Kalgoorlie/Norseman, Perth/ Geraldton/Kalbarri/Useless Loop/Denham/Carnarvon. Fleet-PA31-350 VH-EDV VH-PRJ; PA31-310 VH-WGU.

When Skywest Airlines terminated services on the Perth to Sunbury route in late April the West Australian Government appointed Avior as interim operator on the route, while tenders were called for. Avior commenced flying between Perth and Sunbury on May 1st and ceased on June 13th, when it was announced that Midstate Airlines were the successful applicant. Until Midstate commenced operations on July 1st, Allied Aviation took over flying Beech Baron’s.

Three PA31-310 aircraft previously operated by Avior were sold to Essendon-based Aero Support. VH-RRM arrived at Essendon in May 1985 and after overhaul was sold to Promair. VH-PVL departed Jandakot on July 17th 1985 for Essendon and has since entered service with Security Express. The final aircraft to arrive was the dismantled VH-RTN which was first noted at Essendon in late August.

CHARTAIR

PO Box 1921, Alice Springs NT 5750. (089) 52 6666. Airline Code-CH. RoutesChartair connects Alice Springs with Papunya, Yuendumu, Willowra, Docker River and Giles. Chartair also operates mail services to a further twenty eight destinations to the NW, NE and South of Alice Springs. Fleet – Cessna 402C VH-UPB; Cessna 310R VH-DZH.

CODDAIR AIRLINES

PO Box 12, Brisbane Airport, 4007. (07) 268 4700. Airline Code – JJ. Routes – Brisbane/Dalby/Roma, Brisbane/Toowoomba/Goondiwindi/St George/ Cunnamulla/Thargomindah, Rockhampton/Blackwater/Emerald, Rockhampton/ Middlemount/Dysart/Moranbah/Clermont.

Coddair ceased operations on June 30th 1985 due to financial problems. The commuter side of the company was taken over by Norfolk Island Airlines while Corporate Air Services took over the charter business.

Coddair were a well established charter operator with a large fleet of aircraft based in Adelaide, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Roma, Charleville and Longreach. They became involved in commuter operations in April 1983 when they took over services previously operated by Eastern Airlines of Brisbane.

The bulk of the Coddair fleet was transferred to Norfolk Island Airlines with a couple of exceptions – Cessna 421C VH-TRC was transferred to Corpair in Western Australia while Cessna 4028 VH-TWZ was retained by the former owner of Coddair, Mr Colin Codd.

COMMODORE AIR (see now under STATE AIR)

Adelaide Airport, West Beach SA 5000. (08) 352 2877. Airline Code-VJ.

From April 1986 Commodore Air operations were gradually absorbed by State Air. Commodore ceased operations on the Adelaide to Broken Hill route as of September 9th 1985.

Cessna 4028 VH-TLQ was sold during the year to an operator in North Queensland. The remainder of the fleet – N-24A VH-PGW and Cessna 402B’s VH-CEM, VH-FYX, VH-IGU, VH-TIV and VH-TWX were transferred to State Air operations.

EASTER AIRWAYS

PO Box 177, Charlestown, 2290. (049) 43 2000. Telex AA28700. Airline Code-EF. Route – Newcastle/Williamtown to Wollongong. Fleet – Cessna 4028 VH-ESV; Cessna 31OR VH-LAF.

Easter Airways operate a twice daily, Tuesday and Thursday, service between Newcastle, Williamtown and Wollongong.

EASTERN AUSTRALIA AIRLINES (previously EAST COAST AIRLINES)

PO Box 49, Westdale, 2340. (067) 67 7224. Telex AA27331. Airline Code- UN. Routes-Eastern Australia Airlines operate a network of services which connect the following ports – Armidale, Bathurst, Bourke, Brewarrina, Brisbane, Canberra, Cobar, Coifs Harbour, Coolangatta, Cootamundra, Cowra, Forbes, Lismore, Maitland, Newcastle/Williamtown, Nyngan, Parkes, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Tamworth, Taree, Temora, West Wyalong, Young. Fleet-EMB-110P1 VH-HVS, VHWDI; EMB-110P2 VH-WDF; Cessna 404 VH-ARQ VH-DLF VH-SON VH-TMP VH-TMU VH-TMX VH-UOP.

In September 1985 the former East Coast Airlines announced a name change to Eastern Airlines. This was to reflect that not only did they operate to the coastal towns of NSW but also to several in the West. At a later stage the name was further changed to Eastern Australia Airlines.

Provisional traffic figures for 1985 show that Eastern have maintained their lead as the largest passenger carrying commuter airline in Australia, though Kendell Airlines should take over this role in 1986. In 1985 Eastern carried 127,681 passengers which was a 5% increase on the previous twelve months.

During the year Grafton was dropped from the network while Eastern consolidated their position in Northern NSW after the withdrawal of Oxley Airlines from all but their Port Macquarie to Lord Howe Island run.

Easternoperate to 21 centres in NSW plus Canberra, Coolangatta and Brisbane. The Hunter Valley still generates a good percentage of Eastern’s traffic. Latest schedules show them offering 102 departures a week from Maitland and Williamtown to Sydney.

EYRE COMMUTER

PO Box 16, Cummins SA 5631. (086) 86 2329. Routes – Cummins/Tumby Bay/ Adelaide, Adelaide/Port Lincoln/Cummins. Fleet -Cessna 402B VH-FFJ; PA34- 200T VH-KAE.

Eyre Commuter timetable effective April 1st shows them operating eleven flights weekly on the Cummins, Tumby Bay to Adelaide route. On Friday and Sunday evening flights from Adelaide offer an optional stop at Port Lincoln.

FORTESQUE AIR CHARTER

PO Box 107, Wittenoom, 6752 (Wittenoom 52). Route – Wittenoom/Tom Price/ Paraburdoo. Fleet-P-68B VH-IYE.

GOLDFIELDS AIR SERVICES

PO Box 435, Kalgoorlie, 6430. (090) 21 2116. Telex AA91370. Routes- Kalgoorlie/ Laverton/Kalgoorlie, Kalgoorlie/Leonora/Laverton/Kalgoorlie. Fleet-Cessna 402C VH-LAE; Cessna 310R VH-UQR.

Goldfields Air Services commenced operations in May 1982 with a three times weekly service between Kalgoorlie, Laverton and Leonora. Present schedules show a daily except Saturday flight between Kalgoorlie and Laverton which feeds out and in to the Skywest Jetstream 31 flight from Perth. A weekly, Thursday service is operated on the route Kalgoorlie, Leonora, Laverton, Kalgoorlie.

HAZELTON AIRLINES

PO Box 12, Cudal, 2864. (063) 64 2104. Telex 63057. Airline Code-ZL. RoutesHazelton Airlines operate a network of services which connect the following portsCanberra, Condoblin, Cudal, Dubbo, Gunnedah, Moruya, Mudgee, Orange, Quirindi and Sydney. Fleet -EMB-110P2 VH-WPI; PA31-350 VH-CJQ VH-DMV VH-DVG VH-DVR VH-MYQ VH-MZV VH-TWB; Cessna 3100 VH-RIX; Cessna 310R VH-DVN VH-IBM VH-MXY VH-UJF; PA30-160 VH-TOD.

For the twelve months ending December 31st 1985 Hazelton Airlines carried 64,505 passengers which was an increase of 10% on the previous twelve months. 1986 however is not looking so healthy as passenger loadings are down due mainly to economic problems in the rural area served by Hazelton Airlines. As a result of the Bosch inquiry into aviation costs, Hazelton are expecting an increase of $80,000 in the 1986/87 financial year even with a 50% deferrment by the Department. This will lead to a direct increase in air fares of some 3%.

Since our last Regional Airline Directory Hazelton have disposed of three aircraft from their fleet. They were PA30-160 VH-ESI, Cessna 310N VH-KOM and Cessna 3100 VH-DVH.

HENEBERY AVIATION

PO Box 523, Archerfield, 4108. (07) 277 8544. Airline Code – HZ. Route – Caloundra to Brisbane. Fleet – P-68B VH-FAB VH-IYL VH-IYM.

In March 1974 Kevin Henebery commenced a scheduled service under the name of Henebery Aviation to provide a connection between Brisbane and Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

In late 1985 he sold the business to Anson-Worth P/L of Archerfield. Among the aviation companies owned by Anson-Worth are Fyles Flight Centre at Archerfield, North Coast Pilot Training and Flight Safety.

Anson-Worth will continue to operate under the Henebery Aviation name. Their latest timetable shows them operating three times daily on the Caloundra/Brisbane/ Caloundra route.

KENDELL AIRLINES

43 Thompson St, Wagga, 2650. (069) 21 2131. Telex AA69066. Airline Code- KO. Routes – Kendell Airlines operate a network of services which connect the following ports -Adelaide, Albury, Broken Hill, Ceduna, Cooma, King Island, Melbourne/ Tullamarine, Merimbula, Mildura, Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Portland, Streaky Bay, Wagga and Whyalla. Fleet-Saab SF340 VH-KDK VH-KDP on order VH-KDI; Metro 11 VH-BIF VH-BIS VH-KDO VH-KDR VH-WGV VH-WGX VH-WGY.

Highlights of the last twelve months for Kendell Airlines have been the addition of six new ports to their network, delivery of their second Saab SF340 and delivery of 3 additional Metro 11’s to their fleet.

Due to heavy financial losses in their country routes Airlines of South Australia ceased operations in late June. The nominated Ansell carrier to take over most of these routes was Kendell Airlines. Commencement dates and services were as follows-Adelaide to Mount Gambier from November 16th; Adelaide to Ceduna and Streaky Bay from March 10th; Adelaide to Broken Hill from March 1oth; Adelaide to Broken Hill from March 10th; Adelaide to Port Lincoln from June 28th; Adelaide to Whyalla from June 28th.

November 17th Kendell terminated services to Hamilton and Warnambool with Staywood Air taking over.

Provisional traffic figures for 1985 show Kendell Airlines carrying 102,000 passengers which is a 23% increase on the previous year. For 1986, when the South Australian routes come into effect Kendell are planning to carry in excess of 170,000 passengers, which will be a further increase of 67%. This should then make Kendell the largest passenger-carrying commuter operator in Australia.

Fleet movements for this period have been- In July 1985 Kendell confirmed orders for a second and third Saab SF340. In August 1985 Metro 11 VH-EEF which Kendell hadoperated on lease since August 1983 was returned to Air Queensland. In December 1986 the New Zealand commuter operator Air Albatross ceased operations and their fleet was offered for sale. The 3 Metro 11’s were purchased by Kendell Airlines as follows delivered to Wagga in late January and after overhaul and repaint in Kendell colours entered service as VH-BIF. ZK-SWD was delivered to Wagga on April 17th and it entered service with Kendell as VH-WGV. Finally ZK-SWA was delivered to Wagga on May 17th and it entered service as VH-WGY. Both VH-WGV and VH-WGY retained their blue Air Albatross colours with the addition of Kendell titles.

Kendell Airlines took delivery of their second Saab SF340 VH-KDP at Wagga on May 6th. A third Saab SF340 VH-KDI c/n 068 is on order for delivery in October.

LLOYD

Adelaide Airport, Adelaide SA 5000. (08) 352 6944. Airline Code – LL. Routes – Adelaide/Whyalla/Adelaide, Adelaide/Kingscote/Adelaide, Adelaide/Port Lincoln/ Adelaide, Adelaide/Olympic Dam/Adelaide. Fleet- Cessna Citation 550 VH-JBH VH-WNZ; EMB-110P1 VH-PGS; Cessna 402C VH-UCI.

LloydAviation was founded in South Australia in 1969 and over the last few years has become one of the fastest growing aviation companies in Australia. Today Lloyd operate a fleet of some 14 fixed-wing and 20 rotary-wing aircraft.

On November 4th Lloyd moved into commuter airline operations flying from Adelaide to a number of ports in South Australia Lincoln, Whyalla, Kingscote and Olympic Dam. Flights were handled at the TAA terminal and sold through the TAA reservations system. Initially the commuter fleet consisted of three 14 seat Bandeirante aircraft. VH-KIR was already operated by Lloyd as a freighter while VH-PGS and VH-KIP were purchased through Aeromil in Sydney. For services to Olympic Dam Lloyd used a Cessna 550 Citation.

On March 1 Lloyd added the Adelaide to Broken Hill route to their network but this was discontinued in late April. Also in March, Lloyd introduced the Citation 550 on their routes from Adelaide to Port Lincoln and Whyalla. The two aircraft used on this run are VH-JBH and VH-WNZ while a third Citation VH-WGJ operates on contract between Brisbane and Jackson in the Cooper Basin. Of the 3 Bandeirantes initially used only one VH-PGS remains and it now operates in an 18 seat configuration. Of the other two VH-KIR became P2-NAL and was delivered to Port Moresby in late March, while VH-KIP is also working in New Guinea.

On March 17th Cessna 402C VH-OAS, which was previously operated by O’Connor Airlines, was delivered to Lloyds. Another Cessna 402C VH-UCI was delivered in late May and it is now used on the commuter network. The remaining Bandeirante VH-PGS and Cessna 402C VH-UCI are used on the Olympic Dam and Kangaroo Island run while the 2 Citations VH-JBH and VH-WNZ are used in an 11 seat configuration to Port Lincoln and Whyalla.

Other fixed wing aircraft in the Lloyd Aviation fleet are-F28-4000 VH-LAR which operates in a 79 seat configuration on the Cooper E!asin Air Transport System, Casa 212 VH-ICJ, King Air 200 VH-MXK and Learjets VH-SLJ and VH-BIB which were recently delivered to be used on the Defence Forces target towing contract.

Lloyd operate the largest fleet of Bell helicopters in Australia from the 214ST to the 206B.

MACKNIGHT AIRLINES

PO Box 356, Deniliquin, 2710. (058) 81 2504. Airline Code – MT. Routes – Deniliquin/Tocumwal/Wagga, Deniliquin/Hay/Wagga, Deniliquin/Wagga. Fleet – Commander SOOS VH-MAV; PA60-600A VH-MVY.

Ju!y 1985 saw Macknight Airlines celebrate 15 years in the commuter airline business. From its inception Macknight Airlines have acted as a feeder service to a major airline and today it is still scheduling its flights in and out of Wagga to provide a connection to Air NSW Sydney services.

During the year Macknight Airlines traded in their PA60-600A VH-PWL on another of the same type, VH-MVY.

MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship)

PO Box 821, Nhulunbuy NT 5797. (089) 87 2777. Routes -Gove/Elcho Island/ Milingimbi/Ramingining, Gove/Elcho Island/Lake Evelia, Gove/Lake Evelia/Elcho lsland/Milingimbi/Raniingining. Fleet-Cessna 402C VH-AII VH-UBF.

The MAF commuter operation in Arnhem Land is a small part of an overall organisation which operates some 40 aircraft in three countries. MAF Australia, with its headquarters in Melbourne, is part of the world wide Missionary Aviation Fellowship,operate 140 aircraft throughout the world.

MAF Australia operate 20 aircraft in Papua New Guinea with their main base being at Mount Hagen. In Bangladesh they operate a Grumman Widgeon and a Pilatus Porter while in Australia bases are maintained at Alice Springs and Gove.

MAF’s current timetable shows them operating some 70 sectors a week connecting Gove with Elcho Island, Lake Evelia, Ramingining ·and Milingimbi.

MIDSTATE AIRLINES

131 Claisebrook Rd, East Perth, 6000. (09) 328 9480. AirlineCode-MB. RoutesPerth/Bunbury/Perth. Fleet- PA31-350 VH-TWU.

Midstate Airlines commenced operations on July 1st 1986 on the Perth to Bunbury route. This service was previously operated by Skywest Airlines using a Bandeirante aircraft twice daily Monday to Friday. Skywest terminated services on April 30th and the route was put out for tender. Avior Airlines using PA31-350 operated the service from May 1st through June 13th with Allied Aviation using Beech Baron’s maintaining the service till June 30th.

Midstate operate twice daily Monday to Friday plus a Saturday morning and Sunday evening return service. At Sunbury a coach connection is offered to and from Busselton and Margaret River.

MURRAY VALLEY AIRLINES

PO Box 1080, Mildura, 3500. (050) 22 2444. Airline Code-FB. Routes-Mildura/ Melbourne/Mildura, Mildura/Broken Hill/Mildura, Mildura/Renmark/Adelaide/ Renmark/Mildura. Fleet-Short 360 VH-MVX ‘City of Mildura’; PA31-350 VH-TXD VH-TZY.

Since November 1984 Murray Valley Airlines had been under the control of a receiver manager. In June 1985 the airline changed hands with the previous owner and founder Lee Blatchford, being replaced. Murray Valley Airlines are now owned by Socair P/L of Sydney.

With new owners came a number of fleet changes – EMB-110P1 VH-PGS was withdrawn from service in June 1985 and returned to Aeromil at Bankstown. This aircraft now operates with Lloyd Aviation out of Adelaide. Short 360 VH-MVW had its lease terminated in February. After a short spell with Air Hibiscus, it is now flying with State Air. Cessna 402C VH-UCM was withdrawn from service in December 1985.

Added to the fleet were PA31-350’s VH-TZY in December and VH-TXD in January.

Murray Valley Airlines intends to change their name to MVA-lnter City though their advertising to date still does not reflect this.

Provisional traffic figures for 1985 show Murray Valley Airlines carrying just over 38,000 passengers. This is almost identical to 1984 however it should be taken into consideration that from January to October 1984 Murray Valley operated services on the Mount Gambier to Adelaide route.

NORFOLK ISLAND AIRLINES

GPO Box 905, Brisbane, 4001. (07) 229 5872. Airline Code-UG. Routes-Brisbane/Toowoomba/Brisbane, Sydney/Lord Howe Island/Sydney, Sydney/ Newcastle/Lord Howe Island/Newcastle/Sydney, Brisbane/Lord Howe Island/ Norfolk lsiand/Lord Howe Island/Brisbane, Brisbane/Coolangatta/Lord Howe lsland/Coolangatta/Brisbane. Fleet – King Air 200 VH-AAZ VH-IBC VH-IBD; Queen Air 80 VH-BOL; Cessna 402B VH-RUE.

In June 1985 Norfolk Island Airlines took over the financially troubled commuter and charter operator Coddair. With the takeover came a number of additional routes though most of these have since been terminated.

Services from Rockhampton to several towns in the Central Queensland coalfields were operated till April when they were terminated in favour of Piccolo Airlines. The Toowoomba to Sydney route was terminated in March.

At the same time as taking over Coddair, Norfolk Airlines sold the charter division of that company to the Perth based Corporate Air Services, while at the same time acquiring a substantial holding in that company.

Disposal of the Coddair fleet was as follows Air 80 VH-BQA sold in April to Air North; Queen Air 80 VH-FDR written off in a crash near Biloela, Queensland on August 7th 1985 while operating a freight flight from Brisbane to Rockhampton; Queen Air 80 VH-MWH sold to private owner at Redcliffe; Baron B55 VH-GMM, VH-ILU and Baron 58 VH-BAK, VH-EZG sold to Hawker Pacific.

An addition to the fleet was King Air 200 VH-KNR which was delivered in January. This aircraft is used for charter work and night freight operations.

Norfolk Airlines have ordered a DHC8-100 for delivery in late 1987.

O’CONNOR AIRLINES

PO Box 21, Mount Gambier SA 5290. (087) 25 6666. Airline Code-OL. RoutesMount Gambier to Adelaide. Fleet-Cessna 441 VH-OAA.

O’Connor Airlines dropped Millicent and Naracoorte from their network in October 1985. Cessna 402C VH-OAS was sold through a dealer in Melbourne and is now operating with Lloyd Aviation out of Moomba.

After having to battle with East West, Airlines of South Australia and Murray Valley Airlines on the Mount Gambier to Adelaide route, the situation now is less complicated. Only two operators remain – O’Connor Airlines using their 11 seat Cessna 441 offer 12 return flights weekly and Kendell Airlines using their Metro I offer 20 return flights weekly. O’Connor advertises as ‘The Best Time Airline’ as their Cessna 441 takes 55 minutes against the 70 minutes taken by the Metro.

OPAL AIR

Adelaide Airport, West Beach SA 5000. (08) 352 3337. Telex AA82198. Airline Code-OB. Routes-Opal Air operate a network of routes connecting Adelaide with -Woomera, Olympic Dam, Goober Pedy and Yµlara. Fleet-Merlin IVA VH’. SWP; Cessna 421C VH-BUC VH-SQV.

During the year Opal Air disposed of 4 aircraft. Cessna 421B VH-FYK, VH-TWH and Cessna 421C VH-BUI were taken out of service. Merlin Ill VH-SWK was damaged in a landing accident at Goober Pedy on November 13th. The Merlin remained there till February 27th when it was flown to Parafield for further repairs. On June 3rd it was ferried to Sydney on termination of its lease with Opal Air.

Merlin IVA ZK-SWB was purchased from Air Albatross after that company ceased trading in December 1986. As ZK-SWB the Merlin flew into Adelaide on March 29th on delivery to Opal Air. After receiving its CofA at Parafield it was registered VH-SWP and entered service with Opal Air on May 15th. VH-SWP has seen service in Australia before. In May 1975 as VH-CFO it was imported by Civil Flying Services for use on their Perth to Barrow Island contract

Marla was dropped from the Opal Air network during the year. Opal Air’s timetable effective May 20th reflects the use they are getting from their Merlin IVA. Of the 46 sectors operated weekly 42 are flown by VH-SWP.

ORD AIR CHARTER

PO Box 73, Wyndham WA 6740. (091) 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/Halls Creek/Wyndham, Wyndham/Kununurra/Halls Creek/Kununurra/Wyndham, Wyndham/Karunjie/Ellenbrae/Drysdale River/Doongan/Mitchell Plateau/ Kalumburu Mission/Carson River/Wyndham, Wyndham/Kununurra/Halls Creek/ Billiluna/Lake Gregory/Balgo Hills/Birrindudu/lnverway/Kirkimbie/Limbunya/ Waterloo/Kununurra/Wyndham, Wyndham/Kununrra/Nelson Springs/Ord River/ Halls Creek/Billiluna/Lake Gregory/Balgo Hills/Gordon Downs/Flora Valley/ Nicholson/Birrindudu/Kununurra/Wyndham. Fleet-BN Islander VH-IOA; Baron 58 VH-AYV VH-BBP VH-EZB VH-MNH; Cessna U206F VH-IRY; Cessna U206G VHBBU VH-SHZ VH-STX.

Baron 58 VH-AYU was added to the fleet during the year.

On July 20th 1985 the proprietor of Ord Air Charter, Peter Reid, was killed when the Ryan STM he was flying crashed during an air display.

OXLEY AIRLINES

91 Horton St, Port Macquarie, 2444. (065) 83 1955. Telex 63138. Airline CodeVO. Routes-Port Macquarie/Lord Howe Island/Pr! Macquarie. Fleet-PA31-350

VH-RUI VH-STO VH-WGG VH-WGH.

In May 1985 Oxley Airlines cut back on their coastal commute services due to increasing operating costs. With the withdrawal of Oxley, another commuter operator Eastern Airlines tailored their schedules around those previously operated by Oxley.

At present Oxley operate two return services, five days a week on the Port Macquarie to Lord Howe Island route.

PACIFIC AVIATION

PO Box 220, Bankstown, 2200. (02) 709 6666. Airline Code – CK. Route – Melbourne to Sale. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-NPA.

Pacific Aviation commenced services on their proposed route from Melbourne to Sale on October 21st 1985. Using PA31-350 VH-NPA they operate twice daily, 3 days a week service between the. two ports.

Initially services were operated to and from the Ansell terminal at MelbourneTullamarine which gave easy access for passengers interlining to other ports. In June Pacific were forced to move their operations froni Tullamarine to Essendon at the request of the Department. At Essendon Pacific Aviation use their own charter terminal though they are hopeful of being allowed to resume services into Tullamar

PAGGl’S AVIATION

PO Box 247, Carnarvon, 6701. (099) 41 1587. Route -Paraburdoo to Onslow.

Paggi’s Aviation provided a weekly service using P-68B aircraft linking the coastal town of Onslow with the Airlines of Western Australia flight through Paraburdoo. In August 1985 this flight was terminated though Paggi’s Aviation is still involved in the charter business.

PHILLIP ISLAND AIR SERVICES (previously PHILLIP ISLAND AIR CHARTER) 170 Thompson Ave, Cowes, 3922. (059) 56 7316. Route – Phillip Island to Wynyard. Fleet-Cessna 402 VH-BPZ.

Phillip Island Air Services provide a twice weekly service connecting Cowes on Phillip Island with Wynyard in Tasmania. During the summer of 1985/86 a Wednesday service was also operated and Phillip Island are hopeful of increasing that to 4 times weekly next summer. In a twelve month period just over 1,000 passengers were carried.

PICCOLO AIRLINES

PO Box 832, Rockhampton, 4700. (079) 27 2977. Routes- Piccolo Airlines operate from Rockhampton to the following ports in the Central Queensland coalfieldsClermonth, Dysart, Emerald, Blackwater, Middlemount and Moranbah. Fleet – P-68B VH-FSH VH-PNQ VH-PNU.

A new operator to our listing Piccolo Airlines commenced commuter operations on May 1st. They have taken over from Norfolk Airlines on a network of routes centred on Rockhampton to the Central Queensland coalfields.

P-68B VH-PNQ was purchased from Augusta Airways as an addition to Piccolo Airlines commuter fleet. PROMAIR AIRLINES

Midland Highway, Welshpool VIC 3966. (056) 88 1487. Routes – Welshpool/ Latrobe Valley/Launceston/Latrobe Valley/Welshpool, Melbourne-Essendon/ Flinders lsland/Essendon. Fleet – PA31-310 VH-BRL VH-EYF VH-RRM.

A new operator to our commuter listing Promair, who were an established charter operator, commenced scheduled flights on November 25th on the Welshpool, Latrobe Valley to Launceston route. . At a later stage they commenced flying between Melbourne, Essendon and Flinders Island.

The Launceston service operates twice weekly, Monday and Friday while the Flinders Island service operates two days a week.

During the year Promair added PA31-310 VH-RRM to their fleet. This aircraft was previously operated by Avior Airlines and was sold to Promair through Aero Support at Essendon.

Q,O. T. S. AIR CHARTER (Queensland Outback Tourist Service)

PO Box 287, Winton, 4735, Winton 240. Airline Code – QS. Route – Winton/ Longreach/Winton. Fleet – PA32R-300 VH-WMC.

Q. O. T. S. continue to maintain their Wednesday connection in Longreach with the TAA F27 operating to and from Brisbane.

ROSSAIR

Parafield Airport, SA 5106. (08) 258 2211. Airline Code-RF. Routes-Adelaide to the following ports-Ceduna, Kingscote, MountGambier, Port Lincoln,StreakyBay and Whyalla.

In late 1980 Rossair entered into an agreement with Airlines of South Australia where the two companies would rationalise their services and Rossair would operate flights for Airlines of South Australia when an F27 wasn’t required. With the termination of services by Airlines of South Australia on June 27th, this has also resulted in Rossair withdrawing from commuter operations.

During the year Rossair added a second Cessna 441 to their fleet. As N164TG it flew into Adelaide on January 20th and was later registered VH-LBC. Rossair will now return to charter operations using the aircraft that once flew on their commuter flights – Cessna 441 VH-LBA, VH-LBC; Cessna 402C VH-RMQ, VH-RUY and Cessna 414 VH-LAG.

ROTTNEST AIRLINES

Shop 2, 431 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe, 6104. (09) 478 1322. Route-Perth to Rottnest Island. Fleet – BN Islander VH-IGT VH-RTP; Baron 58 VH-BRD VHEPJ; Baron D55 VH-MNJ.

Rottnest Airlines, who are a division of Perth charter operator Allied Aviation, commenced commuter operations on March 1st 1985 between Perth and Rottnest Island. Conceived as a high frequency, low cost operation Rottnest Airlines with their BN-2 Islander had to initially compete against the established Skywest Airlines.

That Rottnest Airlines had established a new market was evident when in their first year they carried 61,000 passengers and traffic on the route increased by 250%. Skywest withdrew from the Perth to Rottnest route on April 30th leaving Rottnest Airlines the sole operator. All is not rosy however as due to a massive increase in Federal Government charges as of July 1st, Rottnest Airlines are looking at a 34% increase in air fares.

RUNDLE AIR SERVICES

PO Box 116, Garbutt, 4814. (077) 79 6933. Route – Townsville/Greenvale/ Townsville.

For a number of years Rundle Air Services have operated a twice weekly service between Townsville and Greenvale, using their Cessna 310R VH-PPI. This service was terminated in late May. Rundle are still involved in charter <l,nd freight work throughout Queensland and their fleet consists of-Cessna 404 VH-BPM VH-JOH; Cessna 402A VH-ROX and Cessna 310R VH-PPI.

On June 5th North Australian Air Charter commenced a twice weekly charter service between Townsville and Greenvale. Aircraft used are Baron D55 VH-AOM and Baron C55 VH-FGM.

SABAIR (South Burnett Aviation)

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

Sabair commenced commuter operations in November 1982 on the Monto, Gayndah, Kingaroy to Brisbane route. In January 1985 they extended their network north from Monto to Thangool and Rockhampton.

SINGLETON AIR SERVICES

149A John St, Singleton, 2330. (065) 74 4575. Airline Code – ST. Routes – Singleton/Cessnock/Sydney, Scone/Singleton/Sydney, Scone/Cessnock/Sydney. Fleet-PA31-350 VH-WAD; EMB-820C VH-HVA; Cessna 414 VH-DRN.

In July 1985 Singleton Air Services came under the ownership of the Paul Rees group of companies. With the new owner came a number of fleet changes. Cessna 402B VH-BIZ was sold to Waratah Air Services and PA31-350 VH-BCQ sold to the Essendon based freight operator Skylink. Added to the fleet were Cessna 414 VH-DRN and EMB-820C VH-HVA. The Embraer is the PA31-350 built under licence in Brazil.

SKYMASTER AVIATION

GPO Box 2955, Darwin NT 5794. (089) 81 7522. Airline Code – SY. Route – Gove/Groote EylandVGove.

On November 21st 1984 Skymaster Aviation commenced a twice weekly service from Gove to Groote Eylandt using Cessna 337 aircraft.

Skymaster terminated commuter operations in late 1985.

SKYWEST AIRLINES

GPO Box R1248, Perth, 6001. (09) 426 4555. Telex AA95915. Airline Code-YT Routes – Perth/Albany, Perth/Esperance, Perth/Geraldton, Perth/Kalgoorlie, Perth/Leonora/Leinster/Perth, Perth/Meekatharra/Telfer/Meekatharra/Perth, Perth/Mount MagneVWiluna/Mount MagneVPerth, Port Hedland/Marble Bar/ Telfer/Nullagine/Newman, Karratha/Onslow/Karratha. Fleet – BAe Jetstream 31 VH-ESW VH-HSW VH-JSW VH-OSW; Cessna 310R VH-DAW VH-TRN VH-TWN VH-TWQ.

Skywest Airlines terminated services on the Perth to Sunbury and Perth to Rottnest Island routes as of April 30th mainly as a result of poor passenger loadings. This leaves Rottnest Airlines as the sole operator on the Rottnest Island run while a new company Midstate Airlines has taken over from Perth to Sunbury. On both these routes Skywest used EMB-110P2 VH-WBI. This aircraft has now been withdrawn from service and is up for sale.

Skywest took delivery of their fourth BAe Jetstream 31 VH-ESW at Perth Airport on September 7th 1985. Apart from the Cessna 31O’s operating out of Port Hadland and Karratha all Skywest’s commuter services are operated by the Jetstream.

In an off and on situation Skywest terminated their commuter operations out of Port Hedland only to reinstate them a few days later. They have added a Karratha to the Onslow service after Paggi’s Aviation withdrew from the Onslow to Paraburdoo route. The Skywest service provides connections for Onslow passengers to the East West flight in Karratha.

Provisional passenger figures for 1985 show a solid increase of 29% from 77,570 to 100,893.

During the year Skywest sold three of their Cessna 310R fleet. These aircraft were-VH-TWK, VH-TWL and VH-TWY.

With the delivery and entry into service of the fourth Jetstream Skywest now use their King Air 200 fleet for charter work only. These aircraft are VH-AIH, VH-SPQ, VH-TLX and VH-TNQ. King Air 200 VH-WNH has been withdrawn from service for sale. To service the Argyle Diamond Mine contract Skywest operate DHC6-300’s VH-USW and VH-XSW. Cessna 402C VH-TSI is based at Karratha while on the coastal surveillance contract (refer Airline Affairs) Skywest operate seventeen Commander SOO’s and three Nomad’s. For the jet charter market Skywest operate Westwind VH-SQH and were due to take delivery of a BAe125-800B in late July.

STATE AIR (previously COMMODORE AIRLINES)

Adelaide Airport, West Beach SA 5000. (08) 352 2877. Airline Code- PG. RoutesAdelaide/Port Lincoln/Adelaide, Adelaide/Kingscote/Adelaide, Adelaide/ Penneshaw/Adelaide, Adelaide/Whyalla/Adelaide, Adelaide/Port Augusta/Leigh Creek/Port Augusta/Adelaide. Fleet – Short 360 VH-MVW; Nomad N-24A VHPGW; Cessna 4028 VH-CEM VH-FYX VH-IGU VH-TIV VH-TWX.

When Airlines of South Australia announced they were terminating flights on the Adelaide to Kingscote route it was expected that Kendell Airlines would be the replacement carrier. This was not to be the case as there were already four established carriers flying between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island.

One of these carriers was Commodore Air and they proposed setting up State Air as a subsidiary so that they could be the nominated Ansell operator on the route.

On April 6th State Air commenced flying using N-24A VH-PGW on the route between Adelaide and Kingscote. On April 22nd Short 360 VH-MVW was delivered and it entered service a few days later on the Adelaide to Port Lincoln and Adelaide to Kingscote routes. It was then decided that Commodore Air and State Air should merge with the latter being the surviving name.

State Air opened their own hangar at Adelaide Airport in May and all their engineering, reservations and administration will move in there. At present State Air are fighting in the courts to stay in the TAA computer. An eight year old agreement between the two airlines was earlier severed by TAA so that they could sell Lloyd as the nominated TAA carrier on South Australian country routes.

STAYWOOD AIRLINES

PO Box 709, Warnambool, 3280. (055) 65 9348. Telex AA55817. Route – Warnambool/Hamilton/Melbourne-Essendon. Fleet-PA31-310 VH-SOW.

A new listing in our Regional Airline Directory, Staywood Airlines commenced operations on November 18th on the Warnambool, Hamilton to Melbourne-Essendon route. This service had previously been operated by Kendell Airlines using Metro II aircraft however due to falling loadings they decided to terminate operations on the route.

Staywood Air initially used a PA31-310 VH-KTD leased from the Essendon based charter operator Scenic Air.

On February 13th PA31-310 N61463 flew into Melbourne on completion of its trans Pacific delivery flight to Staywood Air. The PA31 was registered VH-SOW and entered service over the Easter holiday period. At a ceremony held at Warnambool Airport VH-SOW was named ‘Spirit of Wanambool’.

Staywood Airlines are presently operating 11 return services a week between Warnambool, Hamilton and Essendon.

SUNBIRD AIRLINES

PO Box 1492, Cairns, 4870. (070) 53 4544. Airline Code – SF. Routes – Sunbird Airlines operate a network of services to the following far North Queensland ports and islands in the Torres Strait – Bamaga, Bloomfield, Cairns, Croydon, Delta Downs, Dorunda, Dunbar, Georgetown, Ackerman, Koolatah, Kowanyama, Miranda Downs, Normanton, Robin Hood, Rutland Plains, Spring Creek, Van Rook, Weipa. Badu, Boigu, Coconut, Darnely, Dauan, Horn, Kubin, Mabuiag, Murray, Saibai, St Paul’s Mission, Stephen, Sue, Yam, Yorke. Fleet-Cessna 404 VH-SBG VH-SBV; BN Islander VH-MET VH-SBD; PA31-350 VH-EME VH-RDL; PA31-310 VH-PNL; P-68B VH-IYB; Cessna 310R VH-FOA VH-TDS; PA23-250 VH-WJJ; Bell 206B VH-FJB VH-FJE.

There have been a number of fleet changes in this period. P-68B VH-FAO and AS350B were sold while added to the fleet were Bell 206B VH-FJE and Cessna 404 VH-SBG. The Cessna was originally operated by Fiji Air and as DQ-FDT it flew into Cairns on March 9th from Nadi and Vila. After receiving its Australian CofA VH-SBG entered service with Sunbird Airlines in May. SUNCITY AIRLINES

206 Walnut Ave, Mildura, 3500. (050) 22 1155. Airline Code- JJ. Route- Mildura/

Griffith/Mildura. Fleet- Nomad N-22C VH-IIG.

Suncity Airlines commenced operations on June 2nd with eight return flights weekly on the Mildura to Griffith route. Their flights are scheduled to feed in and out of the Air NSW F27 service to and from Sydney. Previously the connection when flying from Mildura to Sydney was made in Melbourne and though the flight via Griffith does not save in time it does save in money.

Suncity Airlines are an operating arm of Suncity Aviation Holdings P/L, Manager and Chief Pilot is Lee Blatchford who was previously associated with Murray Valley Airlines. To operate their flights Suncity are using VH-IIG which is the first Nomad N-22C in commercial service. Initially the Nomad will carry the markings of Mildura Air Tours which is another division of Suncity Aviation Holdings.

SUNSTATE AIRLINES

PO Box 256, Hamilton Central, 4007. (07) 268 5466. Airline Code -OF. RoutesSunbird Airlines operate a network of services in South East Queensland to the following ports – Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Great Keppel Island, Hervey Bay, Maroochydore, Maryborough, Noosa, Rockhampton, Toowoomba. Fleet – Short 360 VH-FCU; Short 330 VH-KNQ; EMB-110P1 VH-FCG; DHC6-100 VHTZL; DHC6-300 VH-TNM VH-TNS; Nomad N-24A VH-FCX.

For the twelve months ending December 31st 1985 Sunstate carried 102,195 passengers an increase of 15% on the previous year.

During the year Sunstate terminated services on the route from Gladstone to Rockhampton.

Subsidiary company Whitaker Air Services using the SE designator use BN-2 Islanders VH-FCJ and VH-FCO on the following routes- Brisbane to Orchid Beach, Maryborought to Orchid Beach, Maryborough to Fraser Island and Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island. These flights operate as closed charters.

TILLAIR

PO Box 1596, Katherine NT 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/Gove/Groote Eylandt, Katherine/Victoria River Downs/Kalkgurung/Hooker Creek, Katherine/Victoria Downs/Wave Hill, Station/Kalkgurung/Hooker Creek. Fleet – Cessna 441 VH-KDN VH-TFB VH-TFG VH-TFW; Cessna 414 VH-SMX; Cessna 402C VH-ROS VH-TFD VH-TFM VH-TZH VH-UCE; Cessna 310R VH-TFP.

Tillair operate a number of flights each week for Ansell NT using their Cessna 441 aircraft on the Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Darwin route They have also an extensive charter fleet which operates throughout Australia mainly on night freight flights. Among the aircraft used on these flights besides the Cessna 441’s are Citation 550 VH-TFY, Commander 690 VH-AAG and Cessna T303’s VH-TFA, VH-AOV. Cessna 441 VH-TFW is a recent edition to the fleet having been imported from the United States. Commander 690 WH-ATF has recently been withdrawn from service for sale.

WARATAH AIR SERVICES

PO Box 493, Tumut, 2720. (02) 667 4296. Airline Code – WD. Route – Tumut/ Sydney/Tumut. Fleet – Cessna 402B VH-BIZ.

Waratah Air Services commenced commuter operations in July 1983 on the Tumut to Sydney route. In November they replaced their 5 seat PA23-250 VH-TOK with a 10 seat Cessna 402B VH-BIZ. Schedules have been maintained at 6 return services a week between Tumut and Sydney.

During the year owner Gordon Pickering sold the business to P&T Aviation at Bankstown though he has remained as Chief Pilot.

Waratah Air Services are actively promoting the Tumut Valley and Mt Selwyn Ski Resort as a means of increasing their traffic.

Cessna 402A ZK-DHW was purchased from Air Albatross and it arrived at Bankstown on April 10th. After overhaul by P&T Aviation, the Cessna will enter service with Waratah as VH-BOZ.

WESTERN NSW AIRLINES

Hangar 219, Forest Hill Airport, Wagga, 2650. (069) 22 7777. Airline Code- FO. Routes – Wagga/Tumut/Canberra, Canberra/Albury/Canberra, Canberra/Wagga. Fleet- PA60-600A VH-UYY; PA34-200 VH-MAP.

WUDINNA AIR SERVICES

Richards Ave, Wudinna SA 5652. (086) 80 2176. Airline Code – WA. Route – Wundinna/Cleve/Adelaide. Fleet – Cessna 402B VH-BYN.

In November 1983 the rural districts of Wudinna and Cleve on the Eyre Penninsula of South Australia lost their air service to Adelaide, when O’Connors Air Services cut back on their commuter operations.

In March 1984 Wudinna Air Charter commenced flying on the route using Seneca VH-IOC. Due to the Wudinna aerodrome not being up to standard, the Department would not grant Wudinna a Supplemental Airline Licence. For the next few months the Seneca operated a three times weekly scheduled charter from Wudinna to Cleve and Adelaide. By late 1984 the Wudinna strip was sealed and Wudinna Air Charter now operating as Wudinna Air Services were granted their licence.

Operations commenced on December 23rd 1984. In April 1985 the Seneca was replaced by a Cessna 402B and present schedules show four return services a week on the route.