1987 Major Airline Directory

Airlines appearing in our Directory for the first time are Ansett Air Freight, Ansett New Zealand, Australian Airlines and Cook Islands International. Recorded for the last time are Airlines of South Australia, Trans Australia Airlines and Newmans Air.

The next twelve months should see a very interesting period in the history of the airlines in our region. In New Zealand the national carrier, Air New Zealand, is facing direct competition on the main trunk routes from Ansett New Zealand. In Australia, the May report has been released and later this year the Minister will decide which option he will recommend.

Provisional figures for 1986 for East West Airlines make interesting reading.

For the twelve months to December 31st 1985, East West achieved a 43% growth in Revenue Passengers and 64.7% growth in Total Tonne Kilometres flown. For 1986 these figures increased by 0.1% and 3.8% respectively. This would appear to indicate that East West are now at saturation point with their present fleet in their ability to provide additional seats. Government permission has been granted to import an additional F28 and a Boeing 737-200. The F28 will not really add to East West’s capacity as it will largely cover scheduled maintenance on the present fleet. The Boeing 737-200 will be used to develop new routes on the Queensland coast. Until these aircraft come on line and East West receive Government permission to import further Boeings, it would appear that thousands of prospective passengers are being lost to the industry.

Air Caledonie International

Airline Code: SB
Head Office: 8 Rue Frederic Surleau, Noumea, New Caledonia.
Executives
Vice President: G Ravel, Chairman: D Leroux, General Manager: D Famin, Director Sales & Marketing: Jean-Pierre Le Goff, Manager Australia: R Prevot

Fleet
Caravelle 10B F-GEPC
Fleet & Operational Changes (01/05/86-28/02/87)
Air Caledonie International commenced operations on December 1st 1983. From their home base at Noumea, flights are operated to Brisbane, Sydney, Port Vila, Nadi and Wallis Island. In conjunction with Qantas a service is offered to Melbourne with the Qantas aircraft using a combined QF/SB flight number.
During this period Sydney was added to the Air Caledonie International network. From December 10th a twice weekly service, Wednesday and Saturday, commenced. In the summer months Brisbane has had a second weekly service added. On April 1st 1987 Air Caledonie will commence a weekly service between Noumea and Auckland.
In March 1986 Air Caledonie International ferried their Caravelle 108 F-GEPC from Noumea to Paris where the aircraft was given a complete overhaul, repaint and cabin refurbishment. While F-GEPC was in France, Caravelle 10R F-GFBA was leased from a French operator. F-GEPC returned to Noumea on June 23rd with the leased Caravelle F-GFBA departing there on June 27th for France. Present utilisation of the Caravelle is as follows:
Tuesday – Departs Noumea at 0900 for Nadi and return then departs Noumea at 1615 for Port Vila and return. Wednesday- Depart Noumea 0900 for Sydney and return. Thursday – Depart Noumea 0900 for return service to Nadi and Wallis Island. Friday – Depart Noumea at 0800 on return service to Port Vila then operates return service to Brisbane, depart Noumea at 1900 for Port Vila where aircraft remains overnight. Saturday – Depart Port Vila at 0700 for Noumea then operates return service to Sydney and late evening service to Port Vila where the aircraft remains overnight. Sunday – Depart Port Vila at 1600 for Noumea then operates late afternoon return service to Brisbane. Monday – Caravelle remains in Noumea for the day.

Air Nauru

Airline Code: ON
Head Office: Government Buildings, Yaren, Republic of Nauru. Executives
Chief Executive: Hon Hammer Deroburt (President of the Republic of Nauru and Minister for Island Development). Acting Director: Ramone J Tom. Chief Pilot: Capt. Keith Malloy.
Fleet
Boeing 737-2L7C C2-RN3. Boeing 737-2L7 C2-RN6. Boeing 737-2L9 C2-RN8. Fleet & Operations Changes (01/05/86-28/02/87)
Boeing 727-77C C2-RN7 continues on its long-term dry lease to Australian Cargo. The lease commenced in April 1984 and Australian Airlines use the Boe- ing to operate a four times weekly return flight between Perth and Melbourne. The aircraft carries basic Air Nauru colours with TAA Cargo titles. On January 27th C2-RN7 departed Melbourne for Christchurch for overhaul by Air New Zea- land. On return the aircraft is expected to be carrying Australian Cargo colours and registered VH-TBS.
In January, Air Nauru commenced a second weekly service on their Australian run to Sydney and Melbourne. Added to the network during the year were two Micronesian ports, Majuro and Kosrae. Air Nauru’s current timetable is evidence of just how far their Boeing 737s roam across the Central and South Pacific and into SE Asia. Ports served are – Apia, Auckland, Guam, Hong Kong, Honiara, Kagoshima, Koror, Kosrae, Majuro, Manila, Melbourne, Nadi, Nauru, Niue, Noumea, Okinawa, Pago Pago, Port Vila, Saipan, Suva, Sydney, Taipei and Tarawa.

Air New Zealand

Airline Code: TE
Head Office: Air New Zealand House, 1 Queen Street, Auckland.
Executives
Chairman: H Fletcher. Deputy Chairman: CJ. Keppel. Managing Director: N.M.T. Geary. Gen Manager Airlines Operations & Personnel: J. McCrea. Gen Manager Marketing & Administration: NA. Macfarlane. Asst Gen Manager Finance: A.W. Varcoe. Manager Administration Division: I.J. Diamond. Manager Personnel Divi- sion: H.E. De Silva. Manager Planning Division: M.R. Stanton. Manager Public Affairs Department: J. Freer. Company Secretary: L.G. Philip.
Fleet list as at 28/02/87
Boeing 747-2198 ZK-NZV, ZK-NZW, ZK-NZX, ZK-NZY, ZK-NZZ. Boeing 767- 219ER ZK-NBA, ZK-NBB, ZK-NBC. MD DC-8-54F ZK-NZD – Air New Zealand Cargo titles. Boeing 737-219A ZK-NAP, ZK-NAR, ZK-NAS, ZK-NAT, ZK-NAU, ZK-NAV, ZK-NAW, ZK-NAX, ZK-NAY. Boeing 737-219C ZK-NQC. Boeing 737-2MSC V8-UED (dry leased from Royal Brunei). 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-NFJ.
The Boeing 747-2198 aircraft are powered by the Rolls Royce RB211-52404. The Boeing 767-219ER aircraft are powered by the General Electric CF6-8042.
02
Austen Einn Aviation
May 1097

Fleet & Operational Changes
For Air New Zealand this was a much quieter period with only one new aircraft being added to the fleet.
In July 1984 an order was placed with Boeing for three 767-219ER aircraft. At a later stage the General Electric CF6-80A2 was chosen as the powerplant. The third and final aircraft in this order, ZK-NBC ‘Atarau’, flew into Auckland on September 11th on the termination of its delivery flight from Seattle.
To enable it to meet the seasonal travel needs of an increased number of passengers Air New Zealand have dry leased a Boeing 737 from Royal Brunei Airlines for a six week period. Boeing 737-2M6C V8-UED in full Royal Brunei colours flew into Christchurch on February 15th and entered service with Air New Zealand the following day.
From early April 1987 Air New Zealand will start a weekly 767 service between Auckland and Caims.

Air Niugini

Airline Code: PX
Head Office: PO Box 7186, Boroko, Papua New Guinea.
Executives
General Manager: D Seefeld. Director Finance & Administration: E Kwant. Director Maintenance & Engineering: LH. Strong. Marketing Manager: H. Lahari. Mr Dieter Seefeld took over as General Manager of Air Niugini from January 1st. Mr Seefeld, who was with Lufthansa for eighteen years before emigrating to Australia replaced Mr Masket langalio, who left the airline.
Fleet
AI A300B4-203 P2-ANG (leased from Australian Airlines). Fokker F28-100 P2-ANE, P2-ANF, P2-ANU, P2-ANW, P2-ANL (leased from TAT, France). DHC-7 P2-ANN, P2-ANO, P2-ANP.
Fleet & Operational Changes (01/05/86-28/02/87)
In November 1984 Air Niugini dry leased an Al A30084-203 aircraft from the then Trans Australia Airlines. The lease of this aircraft now registered P2-ANG continues and it operates on the main Air Niugini international routes to Bris-Bane, Sydney, Manila and Singapore. To cover the maintenance layup of this aircraft with Australian Airlines in Melbourne, Air Niugini operated another Australian A300, VH-TAC, with its TAA titles deleted was ferried from Melbourne to Sydney on December 8th to enter service with Air Niugini. VH-TAC was returned to Australian Airlines on January 31st.
To cover additional capacity requirements Air Niugini have dry leased an F28- 1000 from an overseas operator. Registered P2-ANL the F28 was delivered to Port Moresby on November 9th. The aircraft was leased from the French regional operator Transport Aerien Transregional – TAT of Dinard. P2-ANL was the third F28 off the production line and as PH-MOL was seen in Australia and the south Pacific in February and March 1969 while on a demonstration tour.

Air Nsw

Airline Code: WX
Head Office: Kingsford Smith Airport, Mascot, NSW 2020.
Executives
Chairman: Sir Roden Cutler. General Manager: J. Hutchison. Marketing Manager: V. North. Flight Operations Manager: Capt. N. Lavers. Traffic & Passenger Services Manager: J. Moynihan. Finance Manager: H. Tuppe.
Fleet
Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKA, VH-FKB, VH-FKD. Fokker F27-400 VH-FNQ. Fokker F27-500 VH-FCA, VH-FCB, VH-FCC, VH-FCD, VH-FCF.
Note-F27-500 VH-FCA still carries the old Air New South Wales canary colours, while F27-400 VH-FNQ carries Ansett titles.
Fleet & Operational Changes (01/05/86-28/02/87)
Ballina in Northern NSW was added to the Air NSW network from December 16th with the introduction of a daily F27 on the route Sydney/Ballina/Casino/ Sydney. Before the opening of the new airport Ballina was serviced by a bus connection through Casino.
Upgrading of NSW country airports to jet standard continues and from December 12th Air NSW commenced F28 services to Coffs Harbour. This now means that Air NSW can operate their F28s to fourteen airports in their network- Brisbane, Broken Hill, Casino, Coffs Harbour, Cooma, Devonport, Dubbo, Hobart, Maroochydore, Melbourne, Norfolk Island, Sydney, Wagga and Yulara. With the increasing use for the F28s utilisation is running at more than 3,000 hours annually.
Air NSW will be one of the first airlines in the Ansett network to take delivery of the Fokker 50. Introduction into service is now planned for July though the number to be delivered will be dependent on the F28/50 mix that can be achieved.
In October Air NSW cancelled the order they held for a DHC-8.
F27-500 VH-FCB returned to the fleet during this period and replaced F27-200 VH-MMV which was transferred to Ansett Airlines. F27-500 VH-FCE was
withdrawn from service on October 25th. It departed Melbourne on November 19th on delivery to Air UK in Norwich, England.

Air Pacific

Airline Code: FJ Head Office: Air Pacific Centre, Raiwaqa, Suva.

Executives Chief Executive: J. Schaap. Director of Finance: A. Moore. Director of Airline Operations: A. Wong. Director of Passenger Marketing: E. Dutta. Director of Personnel & Administration: R. Narayan. Manager Engineering & Maintenance: K. Khatri. Manager Flight Operations: Capt. H. Steven. Manager Corporate Planning: D. Seeto. Manager Cargo: G. Southwell Company Secretary/Manager International Relations: B. Ram. General Sales Manager. V. Sharan. Fleet List as at 28/02/87 Boeing 747-2388 VH-EBK (leased from Qantas). Boeing 737-2X2 DQ-FDM. ATR42-300 DQ-FEI, DO-FEK (leased from Air Queensland). EMB-110P1 DQ-FDE, DQ-FDF. DHCS-200 DQ-FCY (leased from Fiji Air).

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/05/86-28/02/87) In August Air Pacific placed an order for two ATR42-300 aircraft for delivery in late 1988. In the interim two ATR42-300 aircraft were to be leased from Air Queensland from late 1986 for a two year period. The first of the leased ATR42s DQ-FEJ was delivered to Suva on November 6th. This aircraft operated Air Pacific’s first scheduled service by this type on November 17th when it flew from Suva to Labasa. The second ATR42 DQ-FEK was delivered to Suva on December 14th.

With the entry into service of the ATR42s Air Pacific were able to withdraw their two EMB-110P1s DQ-FDE and DQ-FDF. They were officially withdrawn from scheduled service on December 29th and offered for sale. DQ-FDF was chartered to Friendly Islands Airways between January 9th and February 11th to cover maintenance on their Casa 212.

The dry lease of DHC6-200 DQ-FCY from Fiji Airways has been extended to December 1988.

In January 1985 Boeing 747-2388 VH-EBK was dry leased from Qantas for a three year period. This aircraft presently operates a four times weekly return service between Sydney and Nadi. From late March 1987 Air Pacific will operate one of these flights via Brisbane.

The Boeing 737-2X2 DQ-FDM is used on flights out of Nadi to Auckland, Port Vila, Honiara and Brisbane.

The delivery of the ATR42s, which are used on flights from Nadi to Apia, Port Vila and Tonga as well as domestic services to Suva and Labasa have enabled Air Pacific to turn Nadi into a hub for the South West Pacific.

Air Queensland

Airline Code: QN Head Office: PO Box 1381, Cairns, Queensland 4870.

Executives Chairman & Managing Director: Sir Sydney Williams. General Manager: P. M. Boyce. Finance Manager: TJ Blain. Engineering Manager: LC. Burrows. Operations Manager: P. Jensen. Commercial Services Manager: R. M. Stendrup. During the year Mr Paul Boyce replaced Mr Alan Richardson as General Manager of Air Queensland. Mr Boyce was previously Assistant Manager, Queensland with TAA.

Fleet list as at 28/02/87 ATR42-300 VH-AQC, VH-AQD. Fokker F27-200 VH-FNM, VH-FNV, VH-FNW (stored Brisbane awaiting sale). Fokker F27-600 VH-TOR, VH-TOT (hired from Australian Airlines). Douglas DC-3 VH-BPN, VH-EDC, VH-PWN, VH-BPL (Freighter). DHC6-300 VH-AQB, VH-TGF, VH-TGG, VH-TGH, VH-TGI. Cessna 404 VH-BPO. Cessna 310R VH-BPI, VH-FSR (Flying Surgeon contract). Fleet & Operational Changes (01/05/86-28/02/87) In March 1985 TAA purchased a controlling interest in Air Queensland to broaden their base in Queensland and give themselves access to Air Queens- land’s on-carriage traffic. Even though TAA accumulated some 95% of the shares, Air Queensland schedules and carriage remained locked in with Ansett as a result of an earlier commercial agreement between the two companies. This period has been a very difficult one for Air Queensland and its staff as they awaited the outcome of a number of court battles between Ansett and Australian Airlines. In late February it was announced that after yet another court action Ansett and Australian had reached an agreement and this will result in Air Queensland finally coming under the full control of Australian Airlines later this year.

Air Queensland flew their first ATR42 service on May 22nd when VH-AQC departed QN302 from Brisbane to Thangool and Gladstone. The second ATR42 on order, VH-AQD, arrived in Brisbane on May 30th and entered service on June 12th. Air Queensland had previously signed an order for four ATR42 aircraft however two of these aircraft have been dry leased to Air Pacific for two years. During this period Air Queensland have withdrawn their three F27-200s from service and have been dry leasing the three Australian Airlines F27-600s. At time of writing the three Air Queensland F27-200s VH-FNM, VH-FNV and VH-FNW are stored at Brisbane Airport awaiting sale while in service are Australian Airlines F27-600s VH-TOR and VH-TQT. The third Australian F27-600 VH-TQS is in storage at Melbourne in Air Queensland colours.

Air Queensland aircraft are now being painted in the present Australian Airlines colour scheme but will carry Air Queensland titles. The first aircraft in the fleet to carry this scheme were the two Cessna 310R aircraft VH-BPI and VH-FSR. The remainder of the fleet either carry the old blue and gold colour scheme or the slightly modified TAA Look of the Eighties’.

N-24A VH-BRP was withdrawn from service during the year and is now stored at Cairns Airport awaiting sale.

Air Vanuatu

Head Office: Air Melanesiae House, Kumul Highway, Port Vila.

Air Vanuatu was formed in early 1981 as the national airline of Vanuatu, which until July 1980 was known as the New Hebrides. A five year contract was signed with Ansett which would see them provide aircraft and personnel to get the new airline operational. Air Vanuatu operated their first service on September 5th 1981 when DC-9-31 VH-CZF departed Sydney for Port Villa. The DC-9 carried Ansett colours with the addition of Air Vanuatu stickers near the forward passenger door. In October 1981 DC-9 VH-CZD was painted in Air Vanuatu’s attractive red, yellow and green colours and it commenced services on the Sydney to Port Villa route. In June 1982 VH-CZD was withdrawn from service by Ansett and sold overseas. Air Vanuatu then started operating Polynesian Airline 737 5W-PAL. The Boeing flew with Air Vanuatu until October 1985 when it too was withdrawn from service. Ansett then allocated one of their own 737-277s to the operations of Air Vanuatu and Polynesian Airlines. VH-CZM operated in Ansett colours with the addition of Polynesian and Air Vanuatu titles on the forward fuselage.

In March 1986 Ansett and Air Vanuatu terminated their commercial agreement and in effect, Air Vanuatu ceased operations. Air Vanuatu are still actively seeking another carrier to operate their services. The airline connection between Australia and Vanuatu is still maintained by Ansett Airlines as the nominated Australian carrier on the route. From March 1st Ansett Vila have scheduled a Boeing 727-277 on the weekly Sydney/Brisbane to Port Vila route.

Airlines of South Australia

Airline Code: GJ Head Office 150 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000. Fleet & Operational Changes (01/05/86-27/06/86) As a result of heavy financial losses on their country routes, Airlines of South Australia ceased operations on June 27th 1986.

Airlines of South Australia could trace their history back to December 1927 when Guinea Airways commenced operations in New Guinea. Seeking to expand their operations on the Australian mainland, Guinea Airways opened up an Adelaide to Darwin service in March 1937. By the end of the War, Guinea Airways services radiated from Adelaide on South Australian intrastate flights and on the Darwin route. In October 1959 Ansett Transport Industries made a successful takeover bid for Guinea Airways and the following January they ceased operations in favour of Airlines of South Australia.

By the beginning of May 1986 Airlines of South Australia were operating F27s VH-MMR, VH-FNP and VH-FNR on the Adelaide to Port Lincoln and Adelaide to Whyalla routes. VH-FNR was later transferred to Ansett Airlines operations out of Melbourne. By then the majority of Airlines of South Australia’s routes had been turned over to Kendell Airlines who were using a mix of Metro and Saab 340 aircraft.

Airlines of South Australia operated its last service on Friday June 27th 1986. VH-FNP flew from Adelaide to Port Lincoln and return on GJ440/441 while VH-MMR flew Adelaide to Whyalla and return on GJ456/457. The following day both F27s were ferried to Melbourne, where they joined VH-FNR in service with Ansett Airlines. It is interesting to note that the two surviving F27s VH-MMR and VH-FNR still carry the full Airlines of South Australia colour scheme almost a year after the airline ceased operation.

ANSETT Airline Code: AN Head Office: 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000. Executives Joint Managing Directors: Sir Peter Abeles, K. R. Murdoch. General Manager EJ. B. Forrester. Deputy General Managers: G. J. P. McMahon, A. J. Yates. Director Regional Airlines: J. Corcoran. Director Pacific Airlines Division: J. E. Karasek. Director Operations: Capt. J. Dorward. Director Planning & Services: J. McAllister. Director Engineering: J. H. Bibo. Asst. Eng. Director-Operations: G. S. Fallscheer. Asst. Eng. Director-Administration: R. H. Bitcon. General Marketing Manager: T. Dery. Public Affairs Executive: R. G. Alexander.

Fleet list as at 28/02/87 Boeing 767-277 VH-RMD, VH-RME, VH-RMF, VH-RMG, VH-RMH. Boeing 727-277LR VH-ANA, VH-ANB, VH-ANE, VH-ANF. Boeing 727-277 VH-RMK VH-RML, VH-RMM, VH-RMO, VH-RMP. VH-RMY, VH-RMZ. Boeing 737-377 VH-CZA, VH-CZB, VH-CZC, VH-CZD, CH-CZE, VH-CZF, VH-CZG, VH-CZH, VH-CZI, VH-CZI, VH-CZK, VH-CZL Fokker F27-200 VH-MMO, VH-MMR, VH-MMS,

VH-MMV. Fokker F27-400 VH-FNO, VH-FNR. Douglas DC-3 VH-ABR-Australian National Airways colours. Stored at Melbourne Airport Maintenance Base.

Note 767-277 VH-RMD carries Cook Islands International titles. F27-200 VH-MMR Airlines of South Australia colours. F27-400 VH-FNR Airlines of South Australian colours.

Aircraft on order Al A320-200: 8 ordered with first delivery 09/88 (Aircraft will be powered by the CFM56-5). BAe 146-200: 3 options held (three options recently taken by TNT for BAe 146-2000T freighters for European operations). Fokker 50: 22 ordered with first delivery 06/87 (These aircraft will be shared between Ansett, Air NSW, Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services and Corsair). The first twelve aircraft will be registered VH-FNA thru VH-FNL Fleet & Operational Changes (01/05/86-28/02/87) For Ansett Flight Operations this period must rate as their busiest ever in the ferrying of aircraft around the world. From late August till early February alone Ansett completed 24 Pacific crossings as they turned over their 737-277s for the 737-377.

In June 1985 Ansett announced an order for twelve Boeing 737-377s to re-place the Boeing 737-277s then in service. It was later announced that the -277s had been sold to America West Airlines, Phoenix, Arizona. Delivery of the Boeing 737-377s is as follows with the date given being their arrival in Melbourne. Ferry route for the aircraft was Seattle/Hilo/Nadi/Melbourne. VH-CZA August 25th, VH-CZB September 19th, VH-CZC September 28th, VH-CZD October 12th, VH-CZE October 18th, VH-CZF October 26th, VH-CZG November 23rd, VH-CZH November 28th, VH-CZI December 14th, VH-CZI December 19th, VH-CZK January 11th and VH-CZL January 18th. The twelve Boeing 737-277s sold to America West Airlines departed Melbourne on the following dates- VH-CZM October 3rd, VH-CZN January 1st, VH-CZ0 November 14th, VH-CZP October 17th, VH-CZQ November 20th, VH-CZR February 6th, VH-CZS January 9th, VH-CZT December 5th, VH-CZU January 23rd, VH-CZV January 30th. VH-CZW November 28th and VH-CZX September 19th. With America West Airlines these aircraft have been registered N178AW thru N189AW.

Boeing 727-277 VH-RMY departed Melbourne on October 9th 1985 on ferry to Kingston, Jamaica where it was to operate for twelve months with Air Jamaica as 6Y-JML. In an all white colour scheme but still registered 6Y-JML the Boeing flew back into Melbourne on October 17th. As VH-RMY it re-entered service with Ansett on December 6th, however the aircraft was still in its all white scheme except for Ansett painted on its nose. This return to service was only of a temporary nature and it was February 10th before it was back on line in its full Ansett colours.

Boeing 727-277 VH-RMN was withdrawn from service early in February and at time of writing is being prepared for operation by the Ansett Pacific Airlines Division. It is expected that this aircraft will be used by Ansett Vila, Polynesian Airlines and Cook Islands International.

With the impending delivery of the Fokker 50, Ansett have sold a number of F27s overseas. F27-400 VH-FNU still carrying Air Queensland colours was withdrawn from service at Melbourne on February 21st 1986. With its Air Queens- land titles deleted it departed Melbourne on August 22nd on delivery to Air UK, Norwich, England. With Air UK this aircraft has since been registered G-BNAL F27-400 VH-FNP in Airlines of South Australia colours was withdrawn from service at Melbourne on September 19th. It departed Melbourne on January 23rd also on delivery to Air UK. F27-400 VH-FNT, which was the last aircraft to carry Ansett Airlines of Australia colours, was withdrawn from service at Melbourne on June 27th. On August 23rd it was ferried to Essendon for storage in the Ansett hangar. VH-FNT returned to Melbourne Airport on January 15th and at time of writing was being prepared for delivery to Air UK with its planned departure date being March 6th.

Meanwhile, S-61Ns VH-BRH and VH-BRI which had been stored at Melbourne since September 1984 were initially sold to Grecoair of El Paso, Texas. In May they were allocated US registrations N17AZ and N16AZ respectively however for reasons known only to themselves Ansett engineering painted them as N-AZ17 and N-AZ16. The S-61Ns remained static until the following October when it was announced that they had been sold to Barrack Helicopters in Perth. With Barrack the S-61Ns were registered VH-BHJ and VH-BHO respectively. VH-BHO departed Melbourne for Perth on November 1st followed by VH-BHJ on November 26th. Both helicopters are now preparing Barrack’s Island Hopper service between Fremantle and Rottnest Island.

On August 1st F27 VH-FNR operated the first flight linking Cairns-Hamilton Island to Rockhampton.

Ansett Air Freight

Airline Code: AN Head Office: PO Box 558, Mascot, NSW 2020.

Executives General Manager: J. Mullen. National Operations Manager: G. McCulloch. National Sales Manager: K. Mundey. National Forwarding Manager: J. Cross. National Marketing Manager: R. Gosbee. National Finance & Administration Manager: D. Murray. Business Development Manager: T. Markou.

Fleet Boeing 727-277F VH-RMX. IAI Westwind VH-AJP, VH-AJQ.

ANSETT NEW ZEALAND Airline Code: ZQ Head Office: PO Box 3735, Auckland, New Zealand. Executives Chief Executive: R. B. Keenan. General Manager Operations: K. L. McDonald. Flight Operations Manager: R. G. Raymond. Engineering Manager: I. Craig. Commercial Services Manager: J. Webb. Finance Controller: M. J. Hendy. Airline Services Manager: B. S. Saussey. Personnel Manager: J. Velleman Flight Attendant Mana- ger: L McCarthy. General Manager Marketing: P. Wilson. Marketing Services Manager: R. G. Quinn. General Manager Corporate Services: G. Campbell.

Chief Executive of Ansett New Zealand’ is Mr Ross B. Keenan who was previously based in Los Angeles as Air New Zealand’s Regional Manager, North America. General Manager Operations is Mr Ken McDonald who was previously Chief Executive of Newmans Air. Mr Keenan will be based in the airline Head Office in Auckland while Mr McDonald will be in the airlines Operations Base in Christchurch.

Fleet Ansett New Zealand will officially commence services as from March 1st 1987. Initially the fleet will consist of two DHC-8s ZK-NEY and ZK-NEX which were previously operated by Ansett Newmans. These aircraft will fly the tourist routes previously served by Newmans Air connecting Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Mt Cook (Glentanner Station) and Queenstown.

Trunk route services connecting Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch will be served by four 737-100s that have been obtained through Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services. These aircraft are not expected to commence operations before mid-1987 when Ansett New Zealand hopes to complete the building of its own terminals at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

The four Boeing 737-100s obtained through Ansett Worldwide were previously operated by America West Airlines based in Phoenix, Arizona. Details of these aircraft are as follows-N701AW Boeing 737-130 c/n 19013 to be registered ZK-NEA. N702AW Boeing 737-130 c/n 19015 to be registered ZK-NEB. N703AW Boeing 737-130 c/n 19016 to be registered ZK-NEC and N708AW Boeing 737-112 c/n 19771 to be registered ZK-NED. The first three 737-100s were originally built on order for Lufthansa and are very early production aircraft being number two, four and five off the line respectively.

Ansett NT

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 (01/05/86-28/02/87) In August 1985 the former Airlines of Northern Australia changed their name to Ansett NT. With the change of 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 was delivered to Darwin carrying Ansett NT titles and the Ansett Southern Cross colours.

From Darwin the F28 operates to Katherine, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. For their services to Groote Eylandt, Gove and Cairns, Ansett NT use a BAe 146 from the Ansett WA fleet. Cessna 441s and 402s of Tillair are used to supplement the F28 with services to Katherine and Tennant Creek from Darwin.

On May 17th Ansett NT started a weekly Ayers Rock/Adelaide/Ayers Rock service. The inaugural service was operated by F28-1000 VH-FKG of Ansett WA.

Ansett WA

Airline Code: MV Head Office: Perth Airport, Cloverdale, Western Australia 6105.

Executives Manager: 1. Sutton. Operations Manager: Capt. B. Poole. Regional Flight Manager: Capt. C. Smith.

Fleet BAe 146-200 VH-JJP, VH-JJQ. Fokker F28-4000 VH-FKI, VH-FKI. Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKC, VH-FKE, VH-FKG.

Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services

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

In October 1985 Ansett Transport Industries Ltd. , jointly backed by its two parent companies, TNT and News Ltd. , announced the formation of a new company Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services. This new Ansett aviation organisation would offer to airlines throughout the world a total airline management and equipment leasing package.

Mr Paul Keen formerly General Manager of TNT Bulkships Ltd. , was appointed Executive Director with Mr Alan Yates, Deputy General Manager of Ansett Airlines, as General Manager.

In October 1985 Ansett Worldwide placed an order for twelve Boeing 737-300 aircraft. First delivery was scheduled for October 1986 with the remainder being available by September 1987. These aircraft were designated Boeing 737-33A with construction numbers 23625 through 23636. In August 1986 a further six Boeing 737-33As were ordered. In December 1986 Nordstress, a Hong Kong based subsidiary of Ansett Transport Industries, ordered a further six Boeing 737-33As. The aircraft, allocated construction numbers 23827 thru 23832 will action at Essenged between September and November 1987 and will be offered for e their last Fok ugh the Ansett Worldwide system.

rated by September 1985 an order was placed with the McDonnell Douglas Corpora- six MD-83 aircraft with options placed on a further six. Allocated IPEC ion numbers 49525 thru 49530 the first MD-83 was available for March 1987.

Ansett Airlines ordered eight Al A320-300s in June 1985 they took further nine. These options have been made available to Ansett. In conjunction with Ansett Airlines, Air NSW and US leasing company Ansett Worldwide have access to twelve of the twenty two Fokker F50s ly on order.

Te Ansett Worldwide have announced the lease of six Boeing 737-33As to West Airlines of Phoenix, Arizona and of two MD-83s to Transtar Airlines Texas.

Worldwide are also in the business of buying, selling and leasing used During 1986 they purchased Boeing 737-2A6 NI288 from United logies and leased it to America West while Boeing 737-209 was sed from America West for lease to Polynesian Airlines as 5W-PAL. Four 737-100s were purchased from America West for use by Ansett New d though at a later stage it is expected that the Boeing 737-33As will be listed as at 28/02/87 8727-25F VH-LAP-leased to Spirit of America Airlines as N8119N. Boeing A6N146AW-purchased from United Technologies 01/86 as N1288, to America West Airlines from 06/86 as N146AW. Boeing 737-209- AL-purchased from America West 09/86 as N14AW, leased to Polynesian s as 5W-PAL from 10/86. Boeing 737-130: N701AW-purchased from CA West 10/86 for lease to Ansett New Zealand as ZK-NEA. Presently leased to America West. N702AW as N701AW to be ZK-NEB, presently leased to America West. N703AW-as N701AW to be ZK-NEC, presently leased to enter Air International Boeing 737-112 N704AW-as N701AW to be ZK- Boeing 737-33A: N164AW-leased to America West, delivered 10/86. AW-leased to America West, delivered 10/86. N166AW-leased to America delivered 11/86. N167AW leased to America West, delivered 11/86. AW-leased to America West, delivered 12/86. N169AW-leased to America delivered 12/86.

aft on Order 320-200 9 options held. Boeing 737-33A 18 aircraft on order for delivery 7 thru 11/87. MDC MD-83 6 aircraft ordered with first delivery 03/87,6 ons held. -Fokker 50 12 aircraft available with first delivery 06/87. AUSTRALIAN AIRLINES ne Code: TN d Office: Box 2806AA, Franklin Street, Melbourne Vic 3000. cuties N. A. Smith. General Manager: JA. Strong, Asst. General Manager since): D. G. Howe. Asst. General Manager (Operations): J. W. Pearce. Mana- Human Resources: R. L Mcllwaine. Manager Corporate Affairs: G. Dixon. Engineering (Acting): K Kenworthy. Manager Legal Services & corporate Secretary: M. M. Rush. Manager Planning & Development: B. W. Porter. Neral Cargo Manager: C. C. O’Brien. Manager Public Relations: J. S. Tilton. Nager Finance: S. T. Park. Manager Industrial Relations: R. H. Reynolds. et list as at 28/02/87 A30084-203 VH-TAB, VH-TAC, VH-TAD, VH-TAE. Boeing 727-276 VH-TBG, -TBH, VH-TBI, VH-TBJ, VH-TBL, VH-TBM, VH-TBN, VH-TBO, VH-TBP, VH-TBQ, -TBR. Boeing 727-77C VH-TBS. Boeing 737-376 VH-TAF, VH-TAG, VH-TAH, -TAI, VH-TAI, VH-TAK, VH-TAU, VH-TAV. MDC DC-9-31 VH-TJQ, VH-TJR, VH-TJS, -TIT, VH-TJU. BAe Jetstream 31 VH-TQJ, VH-TOK, VH-TOL Douglas DC-3 -AES on display at Melboume Airport in TAA 1946 colour scheme. AI A300-84-203 VH-TAA commenced a three year dry lease to Air Niugini in ovember 1984 as P2-ANG. F27-600 VH-TOR, VH-TOS, VH-TOT are hired to Air ueensland with any two of the three F27s generally used at the one time. Aircraft on Order NA320-200 9 ordered with first delivery 04/89 (Aircraft will be powered by the AE V2500). Boeing 737-376 12 ordered in May 1985. 8 delivered to date with the remaining 4 due by June 1987 VH-TAW, VH-TAX, VH-TAY, VH-TAZ. Fleet & Operational Changes (01/05/86-28/02/87) This was an extremely busy period for TAA/Australian with their change of corporate identity, delivery and entry into service of the Boeing 737-376 and BAe Jetstream 31 and disposal of some units in the MDC DC-9-31 and Boeing 727-276 fleet.

The highlight of the year was the change in corporate identity from Trans Australia Airlines to Australian Airlines. TAA commenced services on September 9th 1946 when DC-3 VH-AES operated from Melbourne, Laverton to Sydney. Their last flight was operated by Boeing 727-276 VH-TBN on August 3rd when it departed Perth at 2345 local for Melbourne on TN15. Australian Airlines commenced operations the following day, August 4th, with their first flight being TN405 from Brisbane to Coolangatta and Sydney flown by DC-9-31 VH-TJQ.

In May 1985 TAA placed an order for twelve Boeing 737-376 aircraft. To be flown in a 112 seat configuration these aircraft would replace some of the DC-9-31 and 727-276 in the current fleet. Delivery details of the 737-376 fleet are as follows ‘Courageous’ arrived in Melbourne October 7th. Though this aircraft was the first off the production line it was leased by Boeing as N3281U to develop some new systems on the 737-300. VH-TAG ‘Advance” arrived in Melbourne August 4th and operated the first scheduled service by this type in Australia when it flew from Melbourne to Sydney on August 20th as TN472. VH-TAH “Adventure’ arrived August 16th, VH-TAI “Boldness” arrived August 26th, VH-TAJ ‘Challenge’ arrived September 9th, VH-TAK ‘Daring’ arrived November 7th, VH-TAU “Enterprise’ arrived December 5th and VH-TAV Intrepid” arrived December 16th. Still to be delivered at the time of writing are VH-TAW and VH-TAX, which was due in March and VH-TAY and VH-TAZ in June.

Another new type to enter service with Australian Airlines was the BAe Jetstream 31. Three of these aircraft were ordered to replace the F27s used on the Western Queensland flights out of Brisbane and on the Townsville to Mt Isa stopping service. The first Jetstream 31 to arrive in Brisbane was VH-TQI which flew in after its long ferry flight from Prestwick, Scotland on September 19th. VH-TQI operated Australian Airlines first service with the type on October 1st when it flew Brisbane/Roma/Charleville on TN244. The two other Jetstreams VH-TQK and VH-TQL arrived in Brisbane on October 3rd. Before leaving the UK VH-TQK appeared in the static display at the Farnborough Air Show.

Aircraft withdrawn from service in this period have been 727-276 VH-TBK, DC-9-31 VH-TUJ, VH-TJL, VH-TJO and VH-TJP and Fokker F27-600s VH-TQR, VH-TOS and VH-TOT. Details of their disposal is as follows- Boeing 727-276 VH-TBK was sold through the Aeron Aviation Corp to the UK based Dan Air Services, London. VH-TBK departed Melbourne on December 5th on its delivery flight to the Dan-Air maintenance base at Lasham in Hampshire, England. The Boeing has been registered G-BNNI with Dan Air however it will remain in storage at Lasham till next April when it is expected to enter service. The first of four DC-9-31s to be sold overseas was VH-TJL. This aircraft was sold through Australian Aircraft Sales to the US freight carrier Airborne Express. Airborne already operates the former TAA DC-9-31s VH-TJK, VH-TJM and VH-TIN from their hub at Wilmington, Ohio. VH-TJL departed Melbourne on October 7th on its Pacific crossing to Marana, Arizona where it was registered N938AX with Airborne Express. Second DC-9 to depart was VH-TJO which flew out of Melbourne on October 21st. This aircraft was sold to ILFC of Beverly Hills, Califomia and has been leased by them to Sunworld International Airlines of Las Vegas as N731L. Termination of VH-TJOS ferry flight was Phoenix, Arizona. On November 4th VH-TJP flew out of Melboume also bound for the United States. This DC-9 was sold through Australian Aircraft Salles to ILFC and then leased to Sunworld International Airlines as N741L. Final destination in the United States for VH-TJP was Phoenix. The final DC-9 to depart was VH-T which left Melbourne on January 27th for Miami, Florida. VH-TJJ had previously been sold by TAA to Australian Aircraft Sales and then leased back. In the United States VH-TII was sold to Midway Airlines and with them was registered N938ML. Midway are no strangers to Australian DC-9s as in their fleet are eight that they purchased from Ansett Airlines.

The disposal of the F27s from the Australian Airlines fleet is not nearly so defined. What can be said is the disappointing way that Australian Airlines have let this aircraft type leave their fleet. TAA were one of the first airlines in the world to operate the F27 and were certainly the first in Australia. Since 1959 a fleet of up to twenty one F27s have served the airline well yet in what appears to be their final hour they have been allowed to slip quietly into anonymity. The last service for Australian Airlines by an F27 was flown on October 24th when VH-TOS opera- ted TN247 Charleville/Roma/Brisbane. The following day VH-TOS started flying with Air Queensland and this continued till December 13th when it was flown to Melbourne for maintenance and storage. VH-TOT operated its last flight for Australian Airlines on August 29th and started flying with Air Queensland on September 4th. VH-TOR was withdrawn from Australian service on October 14th after a ferry flight from Brisbane to Melbourne for maintenance. On December 11th it headed north again still carrying TAA colours and has since operated with Air Queensland from their Cairns base To cover the maintenance layup of Air Niugini A300 P2-ANG in Melbourne, Australian Airlines dry leased A300 VH-TAC to the Port Moresby based airline. VH-TAC, which had the TAA titles removed, departed Melbourne on December 8th and returned on January 31st. In October Australian Airlines announced that they had sold one of their A300 aircraft to the Japanese operator Toa Domestic Airlines. The A300 concerned is VH-TAB and it is scheduled for withdrawal from Australian Airlines service in March.

In April 1984 TAA Cargo signed an agreement with Air Nauru to dry lease their Boeing 727 C2-RN7. Since then C2-RN7 has operated a four times weekly return service from Perth to Melbourne as well as a number of overseas charters. On January 28th C2-RN7 was flown from Melbourne to Christchurch for maintenance by Air New Zealand. While there the aircraft will be painted in Australian Cargo colours and be registered VH-TBS.

When TAA announced the change in corporate identity to that of Australian Airlines it was stated that the repainting of the fleet would be done on scheduled layup so that no additional costs would be involved. This has been the case but it has also proved to be an extremely slow process. Besides the eight new 737s and three Jetstream 31s delivered from the factory, Australian Airlines have only repainted one aircraft since coming into being on August 4th. This is Boeing 727-276 VH-TBP which entered service in its new colours on August 20th.

Cook Islands International

Airline Code: KC Head Office: Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Executives Chairman: T. Short Fleet Boeing 767-277 VH-RMD (leased from Ansett) Fleet & Operational Changes (16/08/86-28/02/87) On July 14th 1986 Sir Thomas Davis, the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, announced the formation of Cook Islands International. This new operator on the international airline scene was to commence operations with the assistance of Ansett Airlines of Australia. Through their Pacific Airlines Division they would supply an aircraft and flight crew together with management, marketing and engineering expertise. Services were to operate from Rarotonga to Sydney and Auckland.

For the Cook Islands operation, Ansett allocated Boeing 767 VH-RMD with VH-RME as the back up aircraft. VH-RMD retained its Ansett Southern Cross colour scheme, however the Ansett titles were deleted and replaced with Cook Islands International and their yellow, turquoise and blue logo.

The operation of Cook Islands International poses an interesting trivia question. ‘How can an airline operate its first two flights on schedule yet the second departs before the first? The answer is when your flights take you across the International Date Line.

VH-RMD operated Cook Islands inaugural service on Sunday August 17th when as KC202 it departed Sydney at 0925 local for Rarotonga. With the crossing of the International Date Line the aircraft arrived at its destination at 1955 local on Saturday August 16th. As KC101, VH-RMD then left Rarotonga at 1950 on Saturday 16th August arriving in Auckland at 2220 on Sunday 17th. After a crew rest break in Auckland, VH-RMD departed on KC102 at 1215 local on Monday 18th and arrived back in Rarotonga at 1750 on Sunday 17th. Final leg was KC291 which departed Rarotonga at 1850 and arrived in Sydney at 2205 on Monday 18th!

East West Airlines

Airline Code: EW Head Office: 323 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Executives Chief Executive Aviation Division: W. Meeke. Managing Director: J. Hartley. General Manager Finance & Administration: N. Berkett. General Manager Corporate Relations: J. Mulcair. General Manager East West World Travel: D. Montague. General Manager East West Cargo: B. Morgan. General Manager Operations: I. Clark. General Manager Marketing: T. Poulter. Manager Employee Relations & Training: R. Atkins. Manager Engineering Services: J. Murphy. International Marketing Development Manager: P. Glaser.

Mr John Hartley, from the parent Griffin Group, was appointed Managing Director. Mr Hartley replaced Mr Dennis Howe who left to become Assistant General Manager with Australian Airlines.

Fleet list as at 28/02/87 Fokker F28-4000 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 (01/05/86-28/02/87) A period of consolidation for East West Airlines as they battle from one court case to another for recognition as Australia’s third airline. Approval has been granted from the Federal Government to import a Boeing 737-200 and an F28-4000. The Boeing is expected to enter service in June and it will be used on the Queensland coastal routes. The F28 will not add to capacity as it will be used to cover major maintenance on aircraft currently operated.

On July 22nd, East West opened a new route between Brisbane and Cairns using F28 aircraft. Present schedules show East West operating a daily service, except Saturday, on the route. In March 1987, East West further expanded into Queensland with F28 service from Coolangatta to Cairns and a weekly Cairns/ Yulara/Perth flight.

IPEC Aviation

Airline Code: IN Head Office: Hangar 86, Bristol Street, Essendon Airport Vic 3041. Executives General Manager: R. D. Creak. Commercial 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 (01/05/86-28/02/87) Ipec Aviation continue to work their aircraft hard on their night freighter services. The DC-9 operates twenty return flights weekly (Monday-Friday) on the Melbourne to Launceston route. Hobart is served once weekly with the extension of one of the Launceston services on a Saturday morning.

The Argosy’s operate four return flights weekly (Monday-Thursday) on the Adelaide/Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane route.

Mount Cook Airline

Airline Code: NM
Head Office: 47 Riccarton Rd, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Executives
Chairman & Chief Executive: N.M.T. Geary. General Manager Airline: M.L. Corner. Senior Executive Finance: E.R. Macleod. Marketing Manager: P.J. Clark. Public Affairs Manager: E.G. Beckett. Company Secretary: MJ. Aim.
Fleet list as at 28/02/87
BAe 748 ZK-CWJ, ZK-DES, ZK-MCA, ZK-MCF, ZK-MCJ, ZK-MCP. DHC6-300 ZK-MCO. BN-2A Islander ZK-DBV, ZK-MCD, ZK-MCE. PA31-350 ZK-MCM. Turbo Porter ZK-MCK, ZK-MCN, ZK-MCT. Cessna U206 ZK-CHQ. Cessna 185 ZK-CBS, ZK-CBY, ZK-CHL, ZK-CKP, ZK-CKT, ZK-CVF, ZK-CVG, ZK-CYA, ZK-ELQ, ZK-MCQ ZK-MCR, ZK-MCU, ZK-MCV.
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 Mount Cook. Prior to this Air New Zealand held a 30% interest in the Mount Cook Group.

A service is also operated weekly (Saturday) for TNT on the Brisbane/Mackay/Townsville/Caims route. Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/05/86-28/02/87)

Cessna 185 Skiplane ZK-MCS was damaged beyond repair on September 16th, when it crashed at the head of the Fox Glacier after encountering severe turbulence.

Two Cessna A185F aircraft were purchased in the United States. One to replace the damaged ZK-MCS and the other as part of Mount Cook’s fleet replacement programme. N9919N arrived in Christchurch on November 25th and it has since been registered ZK-MCU. The second Cessna Al85F N714FV arrived in Christchurch on November 29th after a direct flight from Pago Pago. Registered ZK-MCV it departed Christchurch on December 11th for the Mount Cook airfield.

To provide additional capacity during pressure periods, Mount Cook dry leased Ministry of Transport F27-200 ZK-DCB. The F27 was initially leased in November and again in February and March, 1987.

The distribution of the Mount Cook fleet is as follows – Christchurch is home base for the BAe 748 fleet, while PA3l-350 ZK-MCM operates out of Rotorua. The Cessna 185 and Turbo Porter Skiplanes are based at the Mount Cook airfield while Queenstown houses DHC6-300 ZK-MCO, Cessna U206 ZK-CHQ, Cessna 185 ZK-CHL and the three BN-2A Islanders.

Newmans Air

Airline Code: ZQ

Head Office: PO Box 14-139, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Following the deregulation of the New Zealand airline system, Newmans Airways Ltd, operating as Newmans Air, commenced scheduled operations on February 12th 1985.

Newmans Air who are a subsidiary of the TNL Group operated a network of services using two DHC-7 aircraft connecting the main tourist centres of New Zealand. Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Mt Cook (Glentanner Station) and Queenstown.

In June Ansett Airlines of Australia, Brierley Investments Ltd of New Zealand and the Newmans Group announced that a new joint venture company was to be set up to provide jet services on the main trunk routes connecting Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The new airline would operate as Ansett New Zealand with Ansett having a 50% shareholding, Brierley Investments 27. 5% and the Newmans Group 22. 5%. Their fleet would consist of four Boeing 737-100 aircraft which would be obtained through Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services and two DHC-8 aircraft which were then on order for Newmans Air.

Newmans Air would cease operations on February 28th, 1987 with Ansett New Zealand officially starting services the following day.

Fleet list as at 28/02/87

DHC-8 ZK-NEY, ZK-NEZ.

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/05/86-28/02/87)

During this period Newmans Air withdrew their two DHC-7s and replaced them in service with two DHC-8s.

The first DHC-8 ZK-NEY arrived in Christchurch on December 15th, after its delivery flight from Canada via the North Atlantic and Middle East ferry route. The OHC-8 carried an all white colour scheme with Ansett Newmans titles on the nose and the Newmans Pegasus on the tail. ZK-NEY also carried the name ‘Queenstown’. Newmans operated their inaugural OHC-8 service on December 25th when ZK-NEY flew from Christchurch to Queenstown. Newmans second OHC-8 ZK-NEZ ‘Rotorua’ arrived in Christchurch on January 5th.

With the entry into service of the OHC-8s Newmans withdrew their two DHC-7s. Both DHC-7s were sold to de Havilland Canada who in turn have leased them to the British Midland Group. Before departing Christchurch ZK-NEW was painted in the markings of Eurocity Express and registered G-BNDC. Eurocity Express are a new airline recently set up by British Midland to operate services to the London City STOLport. With its UK registration taped over, ZK-NEW departed Christchurch on February 3rd on delivery to Eurocity Express.

POLYNESIAN AIRLINES

Airline Code: PH

Head Office: NFP Building, Beach Rd, Apia, Western Samoa. Executives

Chairman: A. Grey. General Manager: J. Buchanan. Manager Finance: B. Potter. Manager Engineering: W. Brown. Manager Flight Operations: Capt. J. K. McNeely. Fleet

Boeing 737-2U9 5W-PAL. BN-2A Islander 5W-FAF.

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/05/86-28/02/87)

In February 1987 Polynesian Airlines and Ansett reached agreement on a new 10 year contract between the two airlines. This will allow the Ansett Pacific Airlines Division to continue to provide aircraft and management expertise towards the day to day running of Polynesian Airlines.

In October 1985 Polynesian Airlines Boeing 737-2U9 5W-PAL was withdrawn from service and later sold to America West Airlines as Nl49AW. 5W-PAL was replaced in service by Ansett Airlines Boeing 737-277 VH-CZM. This Boeing was also used by Air Vanuatu so it operated in basic Ansett colours with Polynesian and Air Vanuatu titling on the fuselage. In March 1986 the commercial agreement between Ansett and Air Vanuatu was terminated so VH-CZM was operated solely on Polynesian Airlines routes.

On September 29th VH-CZM was withdrawn from service in Melbourne in preparation for sale to America West Airlines as N178AW. As a replacement Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services purchased the former 5W-PAL from America West and returned it to service with Polynesian Airlines. 5W-PAL arrived back in Melbourne on October 5th and re-entered service with Polynesian a few days later.

On March 1st, Ansett Pacific Division commenced operating Boeing 727-277 VH-RMN on the weekly service between Australia and Vanuatu. In May 1987 this aircraft will start flying with Polynesian Airlines and Cook Islands International in a split colour scheme. With the entry into service of the Boeing 727-277 Polynesian Airlines Boeing 737 5W-PAL will once again be sold overseas.

In late 1986 Polynesian Airlines withdrew from service their two Nomad aircraft 5W-FAR and 5W-FAT and later sold them to Air Safaris, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. N-228 5W-FAR now registered ZK-NOL in company with N-24A 5W-FAT now registered ZK-NME departed Apia for Wallis Island on February 4th on delivery to Air Safaris.

Qantas

Airline Code: OF

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

Executives

Chairman: J. B. Leslie. Vice Chairman: J. N. Davenport. Chief Executive, J. L. Menadue. Deputy Chief Executive: J. F. Ward. General Manager Finance: L. A. Olsen. Gen Manager Marketing: P. T. Stainlay. Gen Manager Operations: A. I. Terrell. Director Cabin Service: S. F. M. Brown. Director Cargo: R. Parkes. Director Corporate Planning: J. G. C. Hercus. Director Engineering & Maintenance: W. M. Ryan. Director Flight Operations: Capt. J. K. Davenport. Director Information Systems: I. R. Riddell. Director Marketing Planning: I. P. Gay. Director Personnel: J. L. Bradfield. Director Public Affairs: K. V. Welsh. Director Sales & Field Services: B. W. Wild. Corporate Secretary: L. J. Fisk. Treasurer: M. J. Haworth.

Mr J. L. Menadue was appointed Chief Executive of Qantas to succeed Mr R. J.

Yates who retired on June 30th 1986 after forty years of service. Fleet list as at 28/02/87

Boeing 747-2388 VH-EBA, VH-EBG, VH-EBH, VH-EBI, VH-EBJ, VH-EBK·, VH-EBL, VH-EBM, VH-EBN, VH-EBO, VH-EBP, VH-EBQ, VH-EBR, BH-EBS. Boeing 747-2388-SCD VH-ECA, VH-ECB, VH-ECC. Boeing 747SP-38 VH-EAA, VH-EAB. Boeing 747-338EUD VH-EBT, VH-EBU, VH-EBV, VH-EBW, VH-EBX. Boeing 767-238ER VH-EAJ, VH-EAK, VH-EAL, VH-EAM, VH-EAN, VH-EAO.

“VH-EBK operates in Air Pacific colours on dry lease however it is still used on some Qantas services.

Aircraft on Order

Boeing 747-338EUD VH-EBY – for delivery 04/87. Boeing 767-238ER VH-EAQ – for delivery 08/87. Boeing 747-438, On March 3rd Qantas signed an order for four ( + 15 options) Boeing 747-438 aircraft. These aircraft will be delivered in 04/89, 05/89, 06/89 and 09/89.

The following engine types have been selected to power the Qantas Boeing fleet – Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7A VH-EBA, VH-EBG, VH-EBH, VH-EBI. Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7FW VH-EBJ thru VH-EBP, VH-ECA. Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4E VH-EAJ thru VH-EAO. Rolls Royce RB211-524B2 VH-EBQ, VH-EBR, VH-ECB, VH-ECC, VH-EAA, VH-EAB. Rolls Royce RB211-524D4 VH-EBS thru VH-EBX. Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/05/86-28/02/87)

To cover an extremely busy period of refurbishing and repainting of their fleet Qantas leased back one of their former Boeing 747-238Bs. VH-EBA ‘City of Canberra’ was Qantas’ first Boeing 747 and was delivered to Sydney on August 16th 1971. It was withdrawn from Qantas service in April 1984 and sold to Guinness Peat Aviation. They in turn leased the Boeing to Air Lanka and on June 8th 1984 VH-EBA now as 4R-ULF of Air Lanka departed on delivery. The Boeing returned to Sydney on September 2nd 1986 and entered service in the new Qantas colour scheme once again as VH-EBA on October 29th. VH-EBA will remain in service with Qantas until March 1988.

Boeing 747-338 VH-EBX ‘City of Perth’ was delivered to Sydney on November !6th. An order has been placed for a sixth Boeing 747-338 and this aircraft VH-EBY ‘City of Darwin’ was planned for delivery in April.

Boeing 747-2388 VH-EBF which had been in storage at Sydney for some months finally departed on delivery on July 23rd. The Boeing which was sold through the Boeing Equipment Co was painted in People Express colours and registered N610PE before departure.

In October Qantas placed an order for a seventh Boeing 767-238ER for delivery in August 1987. This aircraft will be registered VH-EAQ.

Painting of the Boeing 747 fleet in the new corporate colours continues. The words ‘Spirit of Australia’ are now part of the new Qantas livery. Besides the newly delivered 747-338 and 767 aircraft the following have been noted in the new Qantas colours-VH-EAB, EBA, EBL, EBO, EBQ, ECB and ECC.

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: J. S. 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 list as at 28/02/87 BAe 650 Argosy 222 ZK-SAE, ZK-SAF.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/05/86-28/02/87) For Safe Air, 1986 came as the year when they finally retired the Bristol Freighter from service. This type has been in continuous operation with Safe Air since May 1951 and over the years some twenty two Bristol Freighters have given them stalwart service. At the start of 1986 four aircraft remained airworthy. ZK-CLT, ZK-CLU, ZK-CPT and ZK-CRK. First to be retired was ZK-CRK which was withdrawn from service at Woodbourne on January 3rd 1986. ZK-CPT was withdrawn at Woodbourne on February 7th 1986 after flying 9 hours 33 minutes on its last day. The last revenue service by a Bristol Freighter was flown on September 30th by ZK-CLU on the route Woodbourne/Christchurch/Invercargill/ Woodbourne. On November 20th ZK-CLU was ferried from Woodbourne to Nelson where it will be displayed in the Founders Park. Another retired Bristol Freighter to be preserved was ZK-CPT which was ferried Woodbourne to Omaka on June 15th. There the aircraft will be looked after by the Marlborough Aero Club.

Though Safe Air are primarily a freight operator they still fly a very unique passenger service between New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. Á special capsule is inserted in the Argosy which allows the uplift of thirty passengers. Otherwise the two Argosy fly over the main trunk routes carrying freight for Air New Zealand.

Trans Australia Airlines

Airline Code: TN Head Office: Box 2806AA, Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

1986 saw the demise of TAA with a change in corporate identity to Australian Airlines. The final TAA service operated on August 3rd 1986 with Australian Airlines starting up the following day.

All details for TAA can be found under the Australian Airlines heading.

Transcorp Airways

Airline Code: TC Head Office: International House, 26 St George’s Terrace, Perth WA 6000. Executives Chairman: A. Manzi. General Manager Australia/Pacific: J. Comish. 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. Their initial aim was to provide a market between Westem Australia and Brunei. To operate their proposed services Transcorp purchased a Boeing 707-330C from German Cargo. Registered D-ABUA the Boeing was given a complete overhaul in Hamburg and painted in Transcorp colours. In October 1985 D-ÁBUA was flown to Hong Kong where further modifications were to be carried out. While there it was registered VR-HTC.

Transcorp’s plans to start operations were initially thwarted when Qantas scheduled a weekly 747 ‘freighter’ on the Perth to Brunei route. On November 28th 1985 Transcorp finally commenced operations using Boeing 707-331C 9G-ACY which was leased from West Coast Airlines in Ghana.

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

The Boeing 707 leased from West Coast Airlines settled down to a weekly schedule on the Singapore/Sydney/Melbourne/Perth/Brunei/Singapore run Loadings out of Perth were well below expectations so it was no surprise when 9G-ACY operated its last flight from there on March 6th. With Transcorp’s own Boeing still undergoing certification in Hong Kong they then chartered Boeing 707-331C N345FA from Race Aviation. In March and April 1986 it operated a number of flights out of Perth and then moved to the East Coast where primary produce was carried between Sydney, Brisbane and Noumea.

In January and February, Transcorp have been using ZAS Egypt Boeing 707- 336C SU-DAD on their flights into Sydney. Certification of their own Boeing 707 VR-HTC is now complete and it will have entered service by the time we go to press. VR-HTC which now carries the name ‘Brisbane’ will operate a weekly schedule on the routing Hong Kong/Sydney/Darwin/Singapore/Darwin/Sydney/ Hong Kong