Regional Airline Director

The most interesting move in this period was that of Lloyd Aviation. They commenced commuter operations in November 1985 flying from Adelaide to a number of South Australian country ports. From the start they were handled by TAA at Adelaide Airport while their flights were loaded in the TAA Reservations system. This in spite of the fact that TAA already used Commodore Airlines as their operator in South Australia. After a battle with Commodore/State Air, Lloyd finally gained dominance with TAA/Australian Airlines as their established feeder in South Australia. On June 1st this year Lloyd moved into S. E. Queensland where they acted as the Ansett feeder and competed against Sunstate Airlines who were with Australian Airlines. In August Lloyd were taken over by an Ansett subsidiary company, Bodas P/L. This has resulted in them moving away from the Australian Airlines terminal to their own facilities at Adelaide Airport. Also they have cut back on a number of their services as they were competing against Kendell Airlines, who are the established Ansett carrier in South Australia.

In our Directory this year, we have identified 42 active operators, which is 7 down on last year’s figure. Over the last six years the numbers of operators listed have been 56, 50, 44, 47 and 49, so after reversing the downward trend in 1984 we have taken a real turn for the worse. Turnover of operators and aircraft is still very high with 13 operators off and 6 on, while we show 61 new aircraft and lose 36. The following changes have taken place in the last fourteen months:

AIR HIBISCUS terminated commuter operations August 1986 after only six weeks.

AVIOR AIRLINES-Aircraft and routes sold July 1987 to Laurie Potter Airlines.

BARRACK HELICOPTERS-suspended services in May 1987 for the winter. No decision has been made as to a restart date. CHARTER – amalgamated during the year into operations of parent company Tillair.

FORTESQUE AIR CHARTER – terminated operations November 1986 due to drop in traffic and relocation of operating base.

HENEBERY AVIATION-terminated operations August 1987. MURRAY VALLEY Airlines terminated operations October 1986 due to financial problems. Routes taken over by Sunstate Airlines (Mildura) P/L.

OPAL AIR -terminated operations August 1986 due to financial problems. Routes taken over by Kendell Airlines.

PACIFIC AVIATION-terminated operations December 1986. QOTS AlR CHARTER-terminated operations September 1986. STATE AlR – terminated operations December 1986 due to financial problems.

SUNCITY AIRLINES – terminated operations July 1987. WUDINNA AIR SERVICES- terminated operations July 1987 On the positive side the following appear for the first time in our Directory.

AUS-AIR – Commenced operations November 1986. Aus-Air (Australian Air Charterers) are a well established charter operator moving into RPT services.

BARRACK HELICOPTERS – commenced operations December 1986 with America’s Cup generating additional traffic. FLIGHT WEST AIRLINES-commenced operations June 1987 taking over Australian Airlines Jetstream 31 routes. FLINDERS ISLAND AIRLINES – commenced operations November 1986. Well-established charter operator moving into RPT services.

LAURIE POTTER AIRLINES – commenced operations July 1987. Purchased aircraft and routes of Avior Airlines. SUNGOLD AIRLINES – commenced operations December 1986 over new routes but further expanded as an Ansett feeder.

As of September 1st we had 42 Regional Airlines operating with the State breakup as follows-NSW-10, Queensland-9, South Australia-6, Victoria-6, Western Australia-6, Northern Territory-4 and Tasmania-1. Numbers in every State, except Tasmania, are down with the greatest drop being in South Australia from 9 to 6.

This year we have identified 221 aircraft, which is 22 up on last year. Considering we have lost 7 operators this is interesting in that it shows that the smaller airline is finding it harder to survive. Air Hibiscus, Chartair, Fortesque Air Charter, Pacific Aviation, QOTS Air Charter, Suncity Airlines and Wudinna Air Services were all operators that disappeared. They either operated on a single route or with a fleet of one or two aircraft. New operators joining the Directory that have brought in a number of aircraft include Aus-Air with 5, Flight West 4 and Flinders Island Airlines 8.

Turbine powered aircraft now total 60 or 27% of the fleet a figure which is slightly up from 1986. 4 King Air 200’s for Flight West and 2 Bandeirantes for Sunstate have helped boost these figures. The 9 seats and under category is still the major force in the Regional Airline fleet though with 130 aircraft or 59% of the total. The most common types in this category are the Cessna 402 and PA-31. This year we have listed 20 Cessna 402’s which is 7 down on last year, however the PA-31 fleet has risen to 44, which is 12 more than 1986.

Aeropelican Air Services

PO Box 226, Belmont, NSW 2280. (049) 45 0988. Telex AA28092. Fax (049) 45 8824. Airline Code-PO. Route – Newcastle/Belmont to Sydney. Fleet – Twin Otter 300 VH-KZN, VH-KZO, VH-KZP, VH-KZQ. Aeropelican at present schedules 82 return flights weekly between their home base at Newcastle/ Belmont and Sydney. Provisional traffic figures for the twelve months ending May 30th 1987 show that Aeropelican carried 91,000 passengers.

In June, Aeropelican standardised their fleet with the addition of a fourth Twin Otter 300. Previously registered N479WW with Atlantis Airlines, the Twin Otter entered service with Aeropelican as VH-KZN. Twin Otter 100 VH-MMY was withdrawn from service and sold to International Air Parts who will use the aircraft as a source of spare parts.

Air Hibiscus

PO Box 143, Coogee, NSW 2034. (075) 36 6799. Airline Code-AH. RoutesBrisbane/Glen lnnes/lnverell, Brisbane/Coolangatta/Evans Head.

Air Hibiscus commenced commuter operations on July 1st 1986 using a PA31-350 aircraft on two routes out of Brisbane. After only six weeks services were terminated due to poor loadings.

Air North

PO Box 38133, Winnellie, NT 5789. (089) 81 7188. Telex AA85641. Fax (089) 41 1373. Airline Code-HS. Routes-From their Darwin basei’Air North operate flights to three areas of the Northern Territory- Tiwi Island Services: to Bathurst Island and to Garden Point and Snake Bay on Melville Island. Arnhem Land Services: to Elcho Island, Lake Evelia, Oenpelli and Ramingining. Kakadu Services: to Jabiru, Cooinda/Kakadu and Katherine. Fleet – Douglas DC-3 VH-CAN, VH-MMA; Cessna 441 VH-HWD; Cessna 421 VH-ANH; Cessna 404 VH-ANV, VH-ANY, VH-AZO; Cessna 402C VH-ANO, VH-AZO; Cessna 310R VH-ANW, VH-SGL; PBN Islander VH-NTC; Beech Queen Air B80 VH-ANJ.

During the year Air North commenced services between Darwin and Smith Point on the Coburg Peninsula. Due to lack of patronage, this service was later terminated.

In February 1985 Air North took over the Northern Territory Aero Medical contract from the Ansett subsidiary Northern Territory Air Work. Four N-24A aircraft VH-DHF, VH-DHO VH-DHP and VH-DHR were maintained and flown by Air North. From September 1987 this contract will be taken over by Skywest.

Two aircraft were added to the Air North fleet in this period. Cessna 441 VH-HWD, which was previously operated by Corpair, was delivered in September 1986. In May a third Cessna 404 was purchased in the United States. Registered N43SA the Cessna flew into Darwin on May 19th after completing its transpacific ferry. The Cessna entered service with Air North a few weeks later as VH-ANY.

Air Queensland

PO Box 1381, Cairns, Queensland 4870. (070) 50 4222. Telex AA48429. Airline Code – QN. Routes – The following ports are served by Air Queensland-Aurukun, Bamaga, Brampton Island, Burketown, Cairns, Coen, Cooktown, Doomadgee, Dunk Island, Groote Eylandt, Karumba, Kowanyama, Lizard Island, Lockhart River, Mackay, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Palm Island, Poompuraaw, Thursday Island, Townsville and Weipa. Fleet – F27-600 VH-TQR, VH-TQT; F27-200 VH-FNM, VH-FNV, VH-FNW; Douglas DC-3 VH-BPUFreighter VH-BPN, VH-EDC, VH-PWN; DHC6-300 VH-AQB, VH-TGF, VH-TGG, VH-TGH, VH-TGI; Cessna 404 VH-BPO.

It should be noted that Air Queensland held two separate licences. An airline license which covers the F27’s and a supplemental airline license which covers the remainder of the fleet. For the sake of completeness, we have listed the whole Air Queensland fleet. For the twelve months ending June 30th 1987 Air Queensland carried 104,000 passengers on their commuter routes.

Air Queensland fleet and route changes were well documented in the 1987 Major Airline Directory-Australian Aviation May 1987. Since then the following can be added –

As of May 31st Air Queensland withdrew all operations in S. E. Queensland.

Ports dropped from the network as of that date were Bileola/Thangool, Blackwater, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Maryborough, Maroochydore, Proserpine and Rockhampton. Air Queensland have recently announced a further rundown of the airline due to continued financial problems. As of September 30th flights will cease to Aurukun, Burketown, Doomadgee, Karumba, Kowanyama, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton and Poompuraaw.

With the planned withdrawal from S. E. Queensland the two ATR-42’s were taken out of service and leased overseas. VH-AQC departed Brisbane on May 4th and it was followed by VH-AQD on June 5th. Both aircraft were ferried to Toulouse before starting operations with Yugoslav Airlines. GAF N-24A VH-BRP which was stored at Cairns Airport was sold to Sunstate in April. Cessna 310R VH-BPI and VH-FSR are operated out of Longreach on behalf of the Flying Surgeon.

Air Transit

Commuter Building, Adelaide Airport, SA 5000. (08) 352 3128. Routes – From Adelaide to three centres on Kangaroo Island – American River, Parndana and Kingscote. Fleet – Cessna 4028 VH-ATI, VH-ATY, VH-UBI Cessna 402 VH-BDZ.

With the suspension of services by State Air this now leaves Air Transit to battle against Albatross Airlines and Lloyd for the traffic between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. In March Cessna 4028 N87128 arrived in Adelaide on delivery to Air Transit. Registered VH-ATY it entered service on April 3rd.

Air Whitsunday

PO Box 166, Airlie Beach, Queensland 4802. (079) 469 133. Telex AA46489. Airline Code- RW. Routes- Airlie Beach/Whitsunday/Mackay/Airlie Beach. Airlie Beach/South Molle Island/Hayman lsland/Townsville/Hayman Island/ South Molle lsland/Airlie Beach. Townsville/Orpheus lsland/Hinchinbrook Island/Orpheus lsland/Townsville. Townsville/Orpheus lsland/Hinchinbrook lsland/Cairns/Hinchinbrook Island/Orpheus lsland/Townsville. Fleet – Grumman Mallard VH-LAW; P-688 VH-PNP; DHC-2 Beaver Floatplane – VH-HAQ, VH-HQE, VH-IDN VH-OCW.

Using their P-688 Air Whitsunday operate a twice-weekly service between Airlie Beach/Whitsunday and Mackay. On the remainder of their scheduled services Air Whitsunday use their Grumman Mallard or their Beaver floatplanes. Arguably one of the most interesting commuter flights in Australia is Air Whitsunday’s twice weekly (Wed/Sat) service connecting Airlie Beach with Cairns. Normally operated by the Mallard this flight takes 4 hours and offers water landings and takeoffs at South Molle, Hayman, Orpheus and Hinchinbrook Islands.

Air Whitsunday have recently purchased 3 floatplane Beavers in the United States and they are in the process of being added to their fleet. These aircraft are N88757 which is now VH-HQE based in Airlie Beach, N47005 which was registered VH-OCW and operates from Townsville and N67110 which will enter service shortly as VH-JDX. Air Whitsunday also retain 3 Lake Buccaneers in their fleet, VH-AWY, VH-AWZ and VH-SYA. These aircraft are used on tourist charters from Airlie Beach to the Barrier Reef.

Airlines of Tasmania

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

In October 1986 Airlines of Tasmania were awarded a two year contract to provide aircraft and pilots for the Tasmanian Air Ambulance service. PA31P VH-BSF and PA31-350 VH-NPC were added to the fleet to service this contract.

DH114 Heron VH-CLX entered service on April 21st after a long-term rebuild at Launceston. PA31-350 VH-TYV was traded in to Pacific Aviation in March and was replaced by PA31-350 VH-TAS. In November 1986 Smithton was dropped from the network, however schedules effective September 1987 show a resumption of services through this port with a twice weekly service to and from Melbourne.

Albatross Airlines

6 Todd Street, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA 5223. (0848) 22296. RouteKingscote to Adelaide. Fleet – PA23-250 VH-BKJ, VH-MCI.

Aquatic Air

Barrenjoey Boathouse, Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, NSW 2108. (02) 919 5966. Airline Code – VZ. Routes – Gosford/Rose Bay. Gosford/Palm Beach/Rose Bay. Fleet – GAF N-228 Amphibian VH-BRQ; DHC-2 Beaver Floatplane VH-AQA, VH-AQV.

From Monday through Friday Aquatic Air operate up to 13 sectors daily on their scenic route between Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour, Palm Beach and Gosford.

Arnhem Air Charter

PO Box 39431, Winnellie, NT 5789. (089) 84 4322 Routes – Darwin/ Maningrida/Milingimbi. Darwin/Milingimbi. Maningrida/Goulburn Island. Darwin/Croker lsland/Goulburn Island. Fleet- PA31-350 VH-IXP; PA31-31 0 VH-JWH, VH-SAO; P-688 VH-ECO

Augusta Airways

PO Box 1756, Port Augusta, SA 5700. (086) 42 3100. Telex AA80962. Airline Code – SH. Routes – Port Augusta/Adelaide. Port Augusta/Leigh Creek. Adelaide/Leigh Creek. Port Augusta/Leigh Creek/lnnamincka/Birdsville/ Soulia/Mount Isa. Fleet- Cessna 421B VH-AAI; PA31-350 VH-NPD; Cessna 402A VH-AWS; Commander 500S VH-ACZ.

Augusta Airways maintain their unique ‘Mail Run’ weekly service between Port Augusta and Mount Isa. Operated by their Commander 500S VH-ACZ the flight departs Port Augusta at 0830 each Saturday and arrives in Mount Isa that evening at 1815. Southbound the flight leaves Mount Isa at 0730 on the Sunday arriving in Port Augusta at 1750.

In June PA31-350 VH-NPD was added to the Augusta Airways fleet. During the year Olympic Dam was dropped from the Augusta Airways network.

AUS-AIR

Northern Avenue, Moorabbin Airport, Mentone, Victoria 3194. (03) 580 6166. Telex AA37553. Airline Code – NO. Routes – Moorabbin/King Island. Moorabbin/King Island/Smithton. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-MBP, VH-MBT, VH-TXD; PA31-310 VH-MBY, VH-RTO.

Appearing in our listing for the first time Aus-Air (Australian Air Charterers) are a long established charter operator in the Melbourne area having commenced flying in 1956 using a Percival Proctor.

On November 7th 1986 Aus-Air commenced APT services with a three times weekly flight from Essendon to Smithton. From November 20th Essendon to King Island was added to the network. On July 27th Aus-Air services were transferred to Moorabbin after approval was gained from the Department to use this airfield for APT operations. At Moorabbin, Aus-Air provide their own terminal facilities. Present schedules show Aus-Air operating a daily (Monday to Friday) service to Smithton via King Island. The Moorabbin to King Island route supports seventeen return services weekly.

PA23-250F VH-MBQ is used by Aus-Air for charter work.

Avior Airlines

Unil 8/431 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe, WA 6104. (09) 277 7422. Telex AA93762. Airline Code – XP. Routes – Perth/Southern Cross/Kalgoorlie/ Norseman. Perth/Geraldton/Kalbarri/Useless Loop/Denham/Carnarvon.

Avior Airlines ceased operations on July 23rd 1987, after the owner of the company, Perth property tycoon Stephen Chew sold tl)e airline and its aircraft to Perth health club owner Laurie Potter. The following day the airline started flying as Laurie Potter Airlines.

Barrack Helicopters

PO Box 33, North Fremantle, WA 6159. (09) 430 4126. Telex AA96847. Fax (09) 336 2366. Route- Fremantle Heliport/Rottnest Island. Fleet – Sikorsky S-61N VH-BHJ, VH-BHO.

Barrack Helicopters, who are a division of Barrack Aviation Services P/L. , commenced scheduled APT operations from the Fremantle Heliport . to Rottnest Island in late December 1986.

To operate these services Barrack purchased two S-61N helicopters from Whyalla. Fleet- EMB-110P1 VH-PGS, VH-WBI Cessna 402C VH-UCI.

This was a period of many changes for Lloyd Aviation. In June they became an Ansell feeder in Queensland, were then taken over by an Ansell associated company and thus severed relations with Australian Airlines in South Australia.

In early August, Sodas P/L. , an Ansell-associated company purchased a major shareholding in Lloyd Aviation. From August 16th this resulted in Lloyd moving back to their own terminal at Adelaide Airport and cutting back on their services to Olympic Dam, Port Lincoln and Whyalla. When Murray Valley Airlines ceased operations on the Mildura to Melbourne route on October 31st 1986, Lloyd stepped in for a few days using Bandeirante aircraft. On November 10th Murray Valley resumed services as Sunstate Airlines (Mildura) and Lloyd withdrew from the route.

Highlight of the year in the fleet changes was the purchase of 4 Mohawk 298 aircraft from Pan American Commuter. These aircraft are N29811, N29812, N29814 and N29817. First to arrive in Adelaide was N29814 on June 29th. Since registered VH-HEI the Mohawk was planned to enter service with Lloyd/Queensland in late September.

There have been a number of changes in the Bandeirante fleet. VH-KIP resumed services with Lloyd in August 1986 after a spell with Lloyd Nationair. In May 1987 it was withdrawn from service before sale to Eagle Airways in New Zealand. VH-WBI was leased from Skywest and it arrived in Adelaide on February 6th. VH-MWV was leased from Aeromil and it entered service in early May still carrying the colours of its previous operator Bangkok Airways. In June VH-MWV was transferred to S. E. Queensland operations.

Meanwhile, CASA 212 VH-ICJ which is normally based in Darwin on contract to the oil industry was used on the Adelaide to Kingscote route between November 1986 and February 1987. Cessna 550 VH-WNZ was sold to the Queensland Police Department via Aeromil in December 1986 while Cessna 550 VH-JBH was sold to an Austrian operator as OE-GCH in February. Learjet 258 VH-LJB was delivered in June and joins Learjet 36 VH-8I8 and Learjet 25 VH-SLJ on the Defence Forces target towing contract.

On ther fixed wing aircraft in the Lloyd charter fleet are F28-4000 VH-LAR, King

Air 200 VH-MXK, Cessna 402C VH-OAS and Bandeirante P2-NAL. Lloyd also operate the largest fleet of Bell helicopters in Australia from the 214ST to the 2068. For the twelve months ending May 1987 Lloyd carried over 55,000 passengers.

LLOYD (Queensland)

PO Box 5, Brisbane Airport, Queensland 4007. (07) 268 4800. Airline CodeMF. Routes – From Brisbane Lloyd operate services to Biloela, Blackwater, Bundaberg, Emerald and Gladstone. Fleet- EMB-110P1 VH-MWV; Cessna 550 VH-WGJ; Merlin Ill VH-JCB; Mohawk 298 VH-HEI.

Lloyd Aviation moved into S. E. Queensland on June 1st after Air Queensland terminated services in the area. With Lloyd firmly tied to Australian Airlines in South Australia it came as a surprise to many when they moved in to become the Ansell carrier in S. E. Queensland.

From June 1st services from Brisbane were operated to Bundaberg and Gladstone on the coast and inland to Biloela/Thangool, Blackwater and Emerald.

Eventually Lloyd will put their Mohawk 298’s on these routes, however in the interim they are operating a variety of aircraft. EMB-110P1 VH-MWV entered service with Lloyd in Adelaide on May 7th. It was then transferred to Queensland and has operated there from June 1st. The Bandeirante still carries a red colour scheme which is the legacy of a previous lease to Bangkok Airways. A second EMB-110P1 VH-MWX also entered service on June 1st. This aircraft was leased from Countryair and after flying Lloyd’s passengers during the day went back to carrying freight at night. VH-MWX terminated its lease to Lloyd on August 31st. Merlin IIIC VH-JCB was used on the run to Emerald and Blackwater, though during this period Lloyd also leased Tillair Cessna 441’s VH-TFB, VH-TFW and VH-KDN. Finally on the Brisbane to Gladstone route, Lloyd offered their Cessna 550 VH-WGJ, which operates two return services a day, four days per week.

Lloyd have purchased 4 Mohawk 298’s in the United States from Pan American. The first of these aircraft to be delivered was N29814 c/n 99, which flew into Adelaide on June 29th. Since registered VH-HEI the Mohawk arrived in Brisbane on August 31st and is expected to enter service in late September.

Macknight Airlines

PO Box 356, Deniliquin, NSW 2710. (058) 81 2504. Airline Code – MT. Routes – Deniliquin/Hay/Wagga. Deniliquin/Wagga. Deniliquin/Tocumwal/ Wagga. Fleet- Commander 500S VH-MAV; PA60-600A VH-MVY.

With the demise of Opal Air in August 1986 Macknight Airlines, who commenced operations in July 1970, can now claim to be the oldest surviving Australian commuter airline. From its inception, Macknight Airlines have acted as a feeder carrier and today it is no different as it schedules its flights in and out of Wagga to connect with the Air NSW Sydney service.

MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship)

PO Box 821, Nhulunbuy, NT 5797. (089) 87 2777. Telex AA85820. RoutesGove/Elcho Island/Gove. Gove/Elcho lsland/Ramingining/Milingimbi/Elcho Island/Gove. Elcho Island/Lake Evella/Elcho Island. 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 worldwide Missionary Aviation Fellowship who operate 140 aircraft throughout the world. MAF’s current timetable shows them operating some 87 sectors a week connecting Gove with Elcho Island, Lake Evelia, Ramingining and Milingimbi.

Midstate Airlines

131 Claisebrook Road, East Perth, WA 6000. (09) 328 9480. Airline Code –

MB. Route – Perth/Sunbury/Perth. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-TWU.

Midstate Airlines commenced operations on July 1st 1986 on the Perth to Sunbury route. Present schedules show them operating twice daily, Monday to Fnday, 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, Victoria 3500. (050) 22 2444. Airline Code – FB. Routes – Mildura/Melbourne. Mildura/Renmark/Adelaide. Mildura/Broken Hill.

Murray Valley Airlines can trace their involvement in commuter operations back to December 1975, when they commenced flying out of Albury using a PA31-350. During 1980 the Murray Valley name disappeared when they Joined with a number of other operators to form Countrywide Airlines. In January 1981 Murray Valley emerged again after the failure of Countrywide. This time their base was Mildura where services were operated to Adelaide and Melbourne. Over the next few years Murray Valley built the Mildura to Melbourne route up from a 5 seat Commander 500S to a 36 seat Short 360.

On October 31st 1986 Murray Valley ceased operations due to financial problems. On November 9th after refinancing by local interests and Sunstate Airlines, it recommenced operations under the name of Sunstate Airlines (Mildura) P/L.

Norfolk Airlines

GPO Box 905, Brisbane, Queensland 4001. (07) 229 5872. Telex AA41421. Fax (07) 229 7073. Airline Code- UG. Routes- Norfolk Airlines operate a network of services connecting Brisbane, Coolangatta, Newcastle and Sydney with Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. Fleet-Beech King Air 200 VH-AAZ, VH-IBC, VH-IBD, VH-IBF (Note that VH-IBF operates in the markings of Lord Howe Island Airlines).

In July 1986 Norfolk Airlines sold the Brisbane to Toowoomba route, as well as Cessna 4028 VH-RUE to Kingaroy-based Sabair. In March this year Queen Air 80 VH-BQL was sold to a dealer in Melbourne. King Air 200

Ansett Airlines in Melbourne. VH-BHO which was previously VH-BRI with Ansett was delivered in early November 1986. It was followed later in the month by VH-BHJ which was previously VH-BRH.

Using the name ‘Island Hopper’ Barrack commenced operations on December 20th 1986 with their two S-61N’s which were fitted out in a 28 seat configuration. With the America’s Cup in full swing Barrack were scheduling up to 21 return flights daily on the route. For the months of January and February they carried more than 9,000 passengers. In early May Barrack Helicopters suspended RPT operations for the winter months. In their brief operating period they had carried more than 33,000 passengers. At time of writing no decision had been made whether services would recommence in the summer months. Barrack Helicopters also operate Squirrel’s VH-BHX and VH-LEW on general charter work.

Charter

PO Box 1921, Alice Springs, NT 5750. (089) 52 6666. Airline Code – CH. Routes – Chartair connected Alice Springs with – Papunya, Yuendumu, Willowra, Docker River, and Giles. Mail services were operated to a further twenty-eight destinations to the NW, NE and South of Alice Springs. Chartair is owned by John Tilley of Tillair, Katherine. During the year they ceased to exist as a separate entity with their operations being combined with Tillair’s.

Easter Airways

PO Box 177, Charlestown, NSW 2290. (049) 43 2000. Telex AA28700. Airline Code- EF Route- Newcastle/Williamtown/Wollongong. Fleet – Cessna 310R VH-LAF.

From November 1986 Easter Airways added Wednesday to their days of operation thus making Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the days they operate two return services between Newcastle/Williamtown and Wollongong.

In June 1986 Easter Airways sold their Cessna 402B VH-ESV to Steel City Airlines of Newcastle.

Eastern Australia Airlines

PO Box 538, Mascot, NSW 2020. (02) 693 1000. 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 and Young. Fleet- EMB-110P1 VH-HVS, VH-WDI; EMB-110P2 VH-WDF; Cessna 404 VH-ARQ, VH-DLF, VH-SON, VH-TMP, VH-TMU, VH-TMX, VH-UOP.

The last fourteen months has been one of consolidation for Eastern Australia Airlines. In October 1986 services to Temora and West Wyalong were terminated with Hazelton Airlines now serving these ports.

For the twelve months ending May 1987 Eastern Australia Airlines carried 121,000 passengers.

Eyre Commuter

PO Box 16, Cummins, SA 563. (086) 86 2329. Routes – Cummins/Tumby Bay/Adelaide. Adelaide/Port Lincoln/Cummins. Fleet – Cessna 402B VH-FFJ PA34-200T VH-KAE

Flight West Airlines

PO Box 241, Fortitude Valley, Queensland 4006. (07) 252 1152. Fax (07) 854 1971. Airline Code – GV. Routes – From Brisbane, Flight West operate a network of services to the following Western Queensland ports- Barcaldine, Blackall, Charleville, Longreach, Quilpie, Roma, Windorah and Winton. From Townsville direct flights are operated to Mount Isa as well as via the following ports – Charters Towers, Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek and Cloncurry. Fleet- Beech King Air 200 VH-SKC, VH-SKN, VH-SPQ, VH-XDB.

Flight West are a Queensland-registered company set up by the New Guinea operator Talair. This was done when they were awarded a licence by the Queensland State Government to take over the former Australian Airlines Jetstream 31 routes.

Australian Airlines terminated their Jetstream 31 services on May 31st and the following day Flight West started flying from Brisbane to Western Queensland and between Townsville and Mount Isa. Equipment selected by Flight West was the King Air 200 and initially leased aircraft VH-MKR, VH-SPQ and VH-TNQ were used. Of these only VH-SPQ remains in service with Flight West. In the interim a number of King Air 200’s have been imported – ZK-WNL c/n BB-690 arrived in Brisbane from New Zealand on May 30th and it has since entered service as VH-SKN. From the Philippines came RP-C200 c/n BB-47 and it is now flying as VH-SKC. From Partnair in Norway came LN-PAH c/n BB-533. This aircraft was ferried to Australia as N87RK before entering service as VH-XDB.

Flinders Island Airlines

Hangar 8, Third Street, Moorabbin Airport, Mentone, Victoria 3194. (03) 580 3777. Airline Code- CK. Routes – Moorabbin/Essendon/Albury. Moorabbin/ Essendon/King Island. Essendon/Swan Hill. Essendon/Moorabbin/Flinders Island. Essendon/Warracknabeal/Hopetoun/Ouyen/Mildura/Robinvale/ Balranald/Swan Hill/Essendon. Essendon/Sale. Essendon/Wangaratta/ Corowa/Albury/Wangaratta/Essendon. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-KGN, VH-PWA, VH-WGF, VH-BKE; PA31-310 VH-AWW, VH-KJS; PA34-200 VH-FIH, VH-STO. Flinders Island Airlines is a name with long associations with the charter business in the Melbourne area. For many years they have held the contract to deliver the Melbourne Herald to Victorian country centres. With a network of services already in place it was no great surprise when they commenced commuter operations on November 11th 1986.

One port that has benefitted since Flinders Island commenced commuter operations is Albury. Effective early August they were operating 4 return flights daily (Monday to Friday) between Albury, Essendon and Moorabbin.

With an expansion in operations Flinders Island Airlines have recently added PA31-310 VH-KJS and PA31-350 VH-BKE to their fleet.

Fortesque Air Charter

PO Box 107, Wittenoom, WA 6752 (Wittenoom 52). Route- Wittenoom/Tom Price/Paraburdoo.

Fortesque Air Charter terminated commuter operations in late November 1986. Reason given was a fall in passenger loadings plus the fact that Wittenoon township was being relocated. Fortesque have operated commuter flights since 1978 and offered a connection to Ansett WA services at Paraburdoo.

Goldfields Air Services

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

Hazelton Airlines

PO Box 12, Cuda!, NSW 2864. (063) 64 2104. Telex AA63057. Fax (063) 64 2294. Airline Code – ZL. Routes – Hazelton Airlines operate a network of services which connect the following ports – Canberra, Condoblin, Cudal, Dubbo, Gunnedah, Moruya, Mudgee, Orange, Quirindi, Sydney, Temora and West Wyalong. Fleet- EMB-110P2 VH-WPI; PA31-350 VH-CJQ, VH-DMV, VH-DVG, VH-DVR, VH-MYQ VH-MZV, VH-TWB; Cessna 310R- VH-DVN, VH-IBM, VH-MXY, VH-UJF.

Hazelton Airlines sold Cessna 310Q VH-RIX and PA30-160 VH-TOD to Civil Flying Services in March.

Two ports were added to the network in October 1986. These were Temora and West Wyalong that were previously served by Eastern Airlines. Present schedules show these ports share one return service six days a week to Sydney. Hazelton Airlines main route though is from Orange to Sydney and their current timetable shows that they schedule 32 return services weekly.

For the twelve months ending May 31st 1987 Hazelton Airlines carried 58,429 passengers.

Henebery Aviation

PO Box 523, Archerfield, Queensland 4108. (07) 277 8544. Airline CodeHZ. Route- Caloundra/Brisbane.

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

In late 1985 the business was sold to Anson-Worth P/L. , of Archerfield though they continued to operate as Henebery Aviation. On August 17th Henebery Aviation ceased operations and it is expected that Sungold Airlines will take over the route.

Kendell Airlines

43 Tompson Street, Wagga, NSW 2650. (069) 21 2131. Telex AA69066. Airline Code- KD. Routes- Kendell Airlines operate an extensive network of services which connect the following ports – Adelaide, Albury, Broken Hill, Ceduna, Cooma, Goober Pedy, King Island, Melbourne, Merimbula, Mildura, Mount Gambier, Olympic Dam, Port Lincoln, Portland, Streaky Bay, Wagga, Whyalla, Woomera and Yulara. Fleet – Saab SF340 VH-KDK, VH-KDP; Metro II VH-BIF, VH-BIS, VH-KDQ, VH-KDR, VH-WGV, VH-WGX, VH-WGY; Merlin IV VH-SWP.

From August 23rd 1986 Kendell Airlines added Olympic Dam, Goober Pedy and Woomera to their network after the collapse of Opal Air. A weekly service from Adelaide to Goober Pedy and Yulara also started on May 2nd. This flight operates northbound on the Saturday and southbound on the Sunday.

In September 1986 Kendell added the former Opal Air Merlin IV VH-SWP to their fleet. For the 12 months ending June 30th 1987 Kendell Airlines carried nearly 227,000 passengers.

Laurie Potter Airlines

Suite 2/403 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe, WA 6104. (09) 277 7422. Airline Code – XP. Routes – Perth/Southern Cross/Kalgoorlie. Perth/ Geraldton/Kalbarri/Useless Loop/Denham/Carnarvon. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-EDV, VH-PRJ; PA31-310 VH-WGU.

Appearing in our Directory for the first time, Laurie Potter Airlines commenced operations on July 24th 1987. Laurie Potter is a well known health club entrepreneur in Western Australia and in July he bought out the established commuter operator Avior Airlines. The Avior fleet of three PA31 aircraft were also included in the deal. Laurie Potter Airlines dropped Norseman from their route network as of late August.

LLOYD (South Australia)

Adelaide Airport, SA 5000. (080) 352 6944. Airline Code – LL. Routes- From Adelaide flights are operated to Kingscote, Olympic Dam, Port Lincoln and

VH-KNR, which was based in Cairns on a freight contract, was re-registered VH-IBF and painted in the markings of an affiliate company Lord Howe Island Airlines.

Norfolk Jet Aviation was formed in July when Norfolk Airlines took over wards Jet Charter as well as their two Learjet 35As VH-WFE and VH-WFJ. With their four King Air 200’s these two Learjets, Norfolk Airlines are very heavily involved in the night freighter scene. For the future Norfolk are planning to extend their services further into the South Pacific with a twice weekly Norfolk Island to Noumea flight. A DHC-8 remains on order for delivery in August 1988.

O’Connor Airlines

PO Box 21, Mount Gambier, SA 5290. (087) 25 6666. Telex AA80156. Airline Code – OL. Route-Mount Gambier/Adelaide. Fleet – Cessna 441 VH-OAA

Opal Air

Adelaide Airport, West Beach, SA 5000. (08) 352 3337. Telex AA82198. Airline Code – OB. RoutEls – Opal Air operated a network of routes from Adelaide to Woomera, Olympic Dam, Goober Pedy and Yulara.

As a result of financial problems Opal Air ceased operations on August 22nd 1986: Their last flight OB15-16 Adelaide, Woomera, Olympic pam to Adelaide was operated by leased Cessna 402C VH-RUY. The name Opal Air will always be remembered in Australian commuter . airline history as on July 3rd 1967 they became the first of this new breed Of operators to start operations. . . .

Opal Air’s fleet at the time of their collapse consisted of Merlin IV VH-SWP and Cessna 421C’s VH-BUC and VH-SQV. The Merlin entered service with Kendell Airlines, VH-BUC was sold to Sunbird Airlines in Cairns while VH-SQV was sold privately in the Sydney area.

ORD Air Charter

PO Box 73, Wyndham, WA 6740. (091) 61 1335. Airline Code-YO. RoutesOrd Air Charter operate a network of services to the following ports-Baigo Hills, Birrindudu, Carson River, Derby, Doongan, Drysdale River, Ellenbrae, Flora Valley, Fitzroy Crossing, Gordon Downs, Halls Creek, Inverway, Kalumburu Mission, Karunjie, Kirkimbie, Kununurra, Lake Gregory, Lirnbunya, Margaret River, Mitchell Plateau, Nelson Springs, Ord River, Nicholson, Waterloo and Wyndham. Fleet:. . . PBN Islander VH-IOA; Baron 58 VH:AYV, VH-BBP, VH-EZB, VH-MNH; Cessna U206F VH-IRY; Cessna U206G VH-BBU, VH-SHZ, VH-STX.

Oxley Airlines

91 Horton Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444. (065) 83 1955. Telex AA63138. Fax (065) 83 1097. Airline Code-VQ. Routes – Port Macquarie/ Lord Howe Island/Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie/Colts Harbour/ Coolangatta/Brisbane. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-RUI, VH-STO, VH-WGG, VH-WGH.

From October 1986 Oxley Airlines once again resumed services on the NSW North coast. Two return flights daily are operated between Port Macquarie, Coifs Harbour, Coolangatta and Brisbane. An optional stop is now offered at Ballina.

Two return services, five days a week, are also operated between Port Macquarie and Lord Howe Island.

Pacific Aviation

PO Box 220, Bankstown, NSW 2200. (02) 709 6666. Airline Code – CK. Route- Melbourne/Essendon/Sale.

Pacific Aviation commenced commuter services between Melbourne and Sale on October 21st 1985 using PA31-350 VH-NPA. Initially flights were operated from Tullamarine which gave easy access to the interlining of passengers, however, in June 1986 operations were transferred to Essendon. It was normal for Pacific Aviation to discontinue flights over the December and January holiday period however due to an ongoing downturn in loadings, it was decided not to resume services after December 1986.

Phillip Island Air Services.

170 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Victoria 3922. (059) 56 7316. Route-Phillip lsland/Wynyard. Fleet – Cessna 402 VH-BPZ. Phillip Island Air Services provide a twice weekly service with their Cessna 402 connecting Cowes on Phillip Island with Wynyard in Tasmania.

Piccolo Airlines

PO Box 832, Rockhampton, Queensland 4700. (079) 27 2977. Airline CodeNP. Routes Piccolo Airlines operate a network of services from Rockhampton to the following ports in the Central Queensland coalfields – Clermont, Dysart, Emerald, Middlemount, Moranbah and Blackwater. FleetBeech Baron 55 VH-MNJ P-68B VH-FSH, VH-PFN, VH-PNQ, VH-PNU.

Piccolo Airlines commenced operating a Ballina to Brisbane service on February 18th. Due to poor loadings, this service was terminated after three months. Ballina is now uttered as an optional stop by Oxley Airlines on their route from Coifs Harbour to Coolangatta. During the year P-68B VH-IXD was sold. In March Baron 55 VH-FDC was added to the charter fleet while at time of writing Baron 55 VH-MNJ is being prepared for entry into the commuter fleet.

Promair Airlines

Midland Highway, Welshpool, Victoria 3966. (056) 88 1487. Airline Code – FB. . Routes – Welshpool/Latrobe Valley/Launceston. Essendon/Flinders Island. Fleet- PA31-310 VH-BRL, VH-EYF, VH-RRM. QOTS AIR CHARTER (Queensland Outback Tourist Service)

PO Box 287, Winton, Queensland 4735 (Winton 240). Airline Code – QS. Route-Winton/Longreach. QOTS Air Charter provided a weekly connection between Winton and Longreach with the TAA F27 service from Brisbane. With the Jetstream 31 replacing the F27’s on the Western Queensland routes in September 1986, the QOTS service was discontinued.

Rottnest Airbus (Previously Rottnest Airlines)

Fauntleroy Avenue, Redcliffe, WA 6104. (09) 478 1322. Route – Perth/ Rottnest Island. Fleet – PBN Islander VH-IGT, VH-SYU; Beech Baron 58 VH-EPJ, VH-FDJ, VH-FDN, VH-FIT.

This was an eventful year for Rottnest Airbus with a new owner, new name and a challenge from another operator on their only route. In April the then Rottnest Airlines was sold by their owners Allied A_viation to Havsin P/L. In October 1986 Havsin had purchased Bernies Aviation at Jandakot so they had the previous owner Bernie Baldwin installed as General Manager of Rottnest Airlines. With the new ownership came a change in name to Rottnest Airbus which more reflected the high frequency of service ottered by this operator between Perth and Rottnest Island.

From December 1986 until May 1987 Rottnest Airbus had to face a challenge from Barrack Helicopters onthe run to Rottnest Island. During the year Islander VH-RTP was sold to an operator in Cairns. Added to the fleet in August 1986 was Islander VH-SYU, which was previously With Aerial Enterprises in Derby. By the time this is read Rottnest Airbus will have added a third Islander to their fleet.

Sabair

PO Box 404, Toowoomba, Queenslancl 4350. (076) 33 1533. Airline CodeZG. Route- Toowoomba/Brisbane. Fleet:. . . Cessna 402B VH-TWF.

This was a period of considerable change for Sabair. On August 18th 1986 they took over the Toowoomba to Brisbane route from Norfolk Island Airlines. Also included in the deal was Cessna 402B VH-RUE. In January services to Gayndah, Monto, Thangool and Rockhampton were suspended. The Brisbane to Kingaroy route was also suspended in July.

Fleet changes for the period saw Sabair re: register their Cessna 337G VH-SHT as VH-SBZ before it was sold. Cessna 402B VH-RUE was also sold and replaced by another Cessna 402B VH-TWF. Present schedules see Sabair operating a twice daily (Monday to Friday) plus Saturday and Sunday service on the Toowoomba to Brisbane route.

Singleton Air Services

Private Mailbag 5, Singleton, NSW 2330. (065) 74 4575. Airline Code ST. Routes – Singleton/Sydney. Singleton/Cessnock/Sydney. Scone/Singleton/ Sydney. Scone/Cessnock/Sydney. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-WAD; EMB-820C VH-HVA; Commander 680FLP VH-EXZ.

During the year Grand Commander VH-EXZ was added to the Singleton fleet while Cessna 414 VH-DRN was sold. Present schedules show Singleton Air Services_ offering twenty-five direct services weekly (Monday to Friday) between. Cessnock and Sydney and ten direct services weekly (Monday to Friday) between Singleton and Sydney.

Skywest Airlines

GPO Box R1248, Perth, WA 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 Magnet/Wiluna/Mount Magnet/Perth. Port Hedland/Marble Bar/Telfer/Nullagine/Newman. Karratha/Onslow. Fleet – BAe Jetstream 31 VH-ESW, VH-HSW, VH-JSW, VH-OSW; Cessna 310R VH-DAW, VH-TRN, VH-TWN, VH-TWQ.

For this period there were many changes affecting Skywest though the commuter division was one part that had few changes. For the twelve months ending March 1987 just over 79,000 passengers were carried.

EMB-110P2 VH-WBI, which was stored at Perth Airport awaiting saie, departed for Adelaide in early February to commence flying on lease to Lloyd Aviation. King Air 200 VH-SPQ commenced a long-term lease to Flight West Airlines from June 1st. King Air 200 VH-TNQ also was leased to Flight West fronJ June 1st though it has since returned to the Skywest charter fleet. Other King Air 200’s used by this division are VH-AIH, VH’. TLX and VH-WNH. To service the Argyle Diamond Mine contract Skywest operate Twin Otter 300’s VH-USW and VH-XSW. Cessna 402CVH-TSI is based at Karratha.

The Jet Charter department meanwhile took delivery of BAe125-B00B VH-I11 in early July 1986. Less than twelve months later the department was closed down with VH-111 going to the ANZ Banking Group, Westwind VH-SQH to an operator at Essendon and Falcon 50 VH-SFJ sold in the United States.

State Air

Adelaide Airport, West Beach, SA 5000. (08) 352 2877. Airline Code – PG. Routes – From Adelaide, State Air operated a network of services to Kingscote, Penneshaw, American River, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Port Augusta and Leigh Creek.

After operations were suspended, the State Air Shorts 360 VH-MVW finally became part of the Sunstate Airlines fleet. N-24A VH-PGW returned to a leasing company. in Melbourne, while Cessna 402B’s VH-CEM, VH-FYX, VH-IGU, VH-TIV and VH-TWX were placed in storage. At time of writing it would appear that State Air will once again commence commuter operations with flights from Adelaide to Port Lincoln and Adelaide to Kingscote.

Staywood Airlines

PO Box 709, Warnambool, Victoria 3280. (055) 65 9348. Telex AA55817. Airline Code – . OW. Routes – Warnambool/Hamilton/Essendon. Hamilton/ Warnambool/K1ng Island. Fleet- PA31·310 VH-SOW. Staywood Airlines commenced commuter operations in November 1985 on the former Kendell Airlines route from Melbourne to Hamilton and Warnambool. In_ late 1986 a three times weekly service was introduced connecting Hamilton and Warnambool with King Island.

Sunbird Airlines

PO Box 1492, Caims, Queensland 4870. (070) 53 4544. Telex AA48013. Fax (070) 53 7769: Airline Code – SF. Routes – Sunbird Airlines operate a network of services to the following North Queensland and Torres Strait ports – Aurukun, Bamaga, Cairns, Croydon, Delta Downs Dorunda Dunbar Georgetown, Ackerman, Koolatah, Kowanyama, Mareeba, Mirand’a Downs: Normanton, Robin Hood, Rutland Plains, Spring Creek Thursday Island Van Rook, Weipa, Badu, Boigu, Coconut, Darnely, sauna, Horn, Kubin: Mabu1ag, Murray, Sa1ba1, St Paul’s Mission, Stephen, Sue, Yam, Yorke. Fleet – Cessna 421 VH-BUC, VH-CSF, VH-SBJ, VH-TWH, VH-MQZ; Cessna 404 VH-SBG, VH-SBV; Cessna 310R VH-FOA, VH-TDS; PBN Islander VH-MET VH-SBD, VH-SBH; PA31-350 VH-RDL, VH-SBN; PA31-310 VH-PNL· P-688 VH-IYB; Bell 206B VH-FJB, VH-FJE. • Sunbird Airlines have added_ Aurukun and Mareeba to their network. With the recent announcement by Air Queensland that in late September they will cease operations to a number_ of ports on Cape York and the lower Gulf area it would appear that Sunb1rd will further expand their services. In this period Sunbird Airlines have had a number of fleet changes They have added 5 Cessna 421’s – VH-BUC, VH-BUI, VH-CSF, VH-MQZ and VH-TWH. VH-BUI _ was later re-registered VH-SBJ. Islander VH-SBH was added to the fleet In March after being delivered from the United States as N59JA. PA31-350 VH-EME was re-registered VH-SBN, while PA23-250 VH-WJJ was sold.

Suncity Airlines

206 Walnut avenue, Mildura, Victoria 3500. (050) 22 1155. Airline Code_ JJ. Routes -:- M1ldura/Griff1th. Mlldura/Adelaide. Mildura/Broken Hill. Albury/ Canberra. Using Nomad N:22C VH-IIG, which carried the markings of Mildura Air Tours, Sunc1ty Airlines commenced operations in June 1986. Initially they offered 7 flights weekly on the route from Mildura to Griffith with their schedules tailored to feed In and out of the Air NSW F27 from Sydney. On September 1st 1986 they commenced operating between Mildura and Adelaide and Mildura and Broken Hill. To cope with this additional flying Cessna 402B VH-MAX was added to the fleet. In May 1987 Suncity Airlines moved their operating base to Albury. Using their N-22C, Sunc1ty scheduled 11 return flights weekly on the route from Albury to Canberra. By late July Suncity Airlines terminated operations and at time of writing, N-22C VH-IIG and Cessna 402B VH-MAX are parked at Moorabb1n.

Sungold Airlines

PO Box 119, Palmwoods, Queensland 4555. (071) 48 7000. Telex AA43990 Fax (071) 48 7500. Airline Code-KO. Routes-Maroochydore/Orchid Beach Resort. Maroochydore/Coolangatta. Maroochydore/Brisbane. Maryborough/ Brisbane. Maryborough/Hervey Bay/Orchid Beach Resort. Maroochydore/ Maryborough. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-OCG· PBN Islander VH-OCH· p 68B VH-IYC. ‘ ‘ – A new airline o_n our listing Sungold Airlines commenced operations on December 6th. Flights were operated from Maroochydore to Orchid Beach Resort on Island and from Maroochydore to Coolangatta. With Air Queensland w1thdraw1ng from S. E. Queensland, this left the way open for Sungold_ to further_ expand their operations in this area as the Ansett nominated carrier. Add1t1onal routes opened up connected Brisbane with Maryborough, Maroochydore and Hervey Bay. Initial equipment used by Sungold Airlines were Islander VH-OCH and P-68B VH-IYC. _With th_e expansion of services Sungold added PA31-350 VH-OCG t_o their fleet in late July. At time of writing it would appear that Sung old will commence services in early September on the former Henebery aviation route between Caloundra and Brisbane.

Sunstate Airlines

PO Box 256, Hamilton Central, Queensland 4007. (07) 268 5466. Telex AA140753. Fax (07) 268 1207. Airline Code-OF. Routes-Sunstate operate a network of services to the following ports – Bileola/Thangool, Blackwater Brisbane, Bundaberg, Clermont, Emerald, Gladstone, Great Keppel Island ‘ Hervey Bay, Mackay, Maroochydore, Maryborough Noosa Rockhampton’ Toowoomba _ and Townsville. Fleet – Short 360 VH-FCU, VH-MVW; Short

330 VH-KNQ, EMB-110P1 VH-FCE, VH-FCG, VH-FCK; DHC6-100 VH-TZL· DHC6-300 VH-TNM, VH-TNS; GAF N-24A VH-BRP, VH-FCX. A_busy time for Sunstate_Airlines with a number of new routes together with add1t1ons to the fleet list. With Air Queensland withdrawing from operations in S. E. Queensland, Sunstate opened up the following new routes- On June 1st Brisbane was connected to the Central Highlands ports of Bileola/Thangool

Blackwater and Emerald. On June 22nd the service from Brisbane to Gladstone via Bundaberg was extended north to Rockhampton Mackay and Townsville. On August 11th Clermont was added to the network.

During this time the following fleet changes took place – Short 360 VH-MVW, which previously saw service with State Air, entered service in May. Two Bande1rantes DO-FOE and DQ-FDF were purchased from Air Pac1f1c. Delivered in late April and early May, DO-FOE entered service as VH-FCK while DQ-FDF became VH-FCE. In early April N-24A VH-BRP was purchased from Air Queensland, while the same month two N-22B’s VH-WRT and VH-RCC were acquired from Pel-Air in Sydney. Subs1d1ary company Whitaker Air Services using the SE designator operate Islanders VH-FCJ and run from Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island. N-22B VH-WRT will J0In these aircraft in early September while its sister_ ship VH-RCC will be used as a source of spares. The Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island flights operate·as closed charters. For the twelve months ending June 30th 1987 Sunstate carried 113,500 passengers.

Sunstate Airlines (Mildura)

PO Box 1080: Mildura, Victoria 3500. (050) 22 2444. Routes – Mildura/ Melbourne. M1ldura/Broken Hill. Mildura/Renmark/Adelaide. Fleet – Short 360 VH-MVX; Cessna 404 VH-LAD. Due to financial problems Murray Valley Airlines ceased operations on October 31st _1986 with their Short 360 VH-MVX being impounded at Essendon. _ Until November 9th Lloyd Aviation using Bandeirante aircraft took over the Mildura to Melbourne route. Finances of Murray Valley were rescued by a combination of local business interests and Sunstate Airlines on November 10th the airline, now known as Sunstate Airlines (Mildura) P/L resumed flying. . , Cessna 404 VH-LAD was delivered to Mildura in Sunstate colours on December 12th and it is used to operate the Broken Hill and Renmark to Adelaide services from Mildura. The Short 360 VH-MVX was painted in Sunstate colours In early January though to keep the locals happy it carries the 1nscriptIon The Airline that shines in Australia’ rather than ‘The Airline that shines In Queensland’

Tillair

PO Box 1596, Katherine, NT 5780. (089) 72 1711. Airline Code-TL. Routes – Allee Springs/Tennant Creek/Katherine/Darwin. Katherine/Roper River/ Borroloola. . . Katherine/Roper River/Numbulwar/Gove/Groote Eylandt. KathermeNictona River Downs/Wave Hill Station/Kalkgurang/Hooker Creek Allee Springs I_s connected with Papunya, Yuendumu, Willowra, Docker Rive; and . Giles. T1lla1r also operate mail services to a further twenty eight destinations to the NW, NE and S of Alice Springs. Fleet _ Cessna 441 VH-KDN, VH-TFB, VH-TFG; Cessna 208 VH-TFT; Cessna 402C VH-ROS VH-TFD, VH-TFM, VH-TZH, VH-UCE VH-UPB· Cessna 310R VH-DZH , VH-TFP. ‘ ‘ ‘ During the year subsidiary _ company_ Chartair were absorbed in the Tillair network. Fleet changes m this period included the following – Cessna 414 VH-SM_X and Cessna 441 VH-TFW were sold to an operator in Western Australia. From the charter fleet Cessna 550 VH-TFY was sold in May to Rex Av1at1on at Bankstown. Commander 690 VH-AAG is now operating freight charters out of Po_rt Macquarie while Commander 690 VH-ATF is with George Hams and Associates at Essendon. An addition to the fleet was Cessna 208

Caravan VH-TFT which was delivered in August 1986.

Waratah Air Services

PO Box 493, Tumut, NSW 2720. (02) 667 4296. Airline Code-WO. Route_ Tumut/to Sydney. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-LCE; Commander 500S VH-IBY Waratah Air Services commenced commuter operations in July 1983 on the route from Tumut to Sydney. In 1986_ the company changed hands with P&T Av1at1on at Bankstown buying the airline from its founder Gordon Pickering.

February 1987 saw another change of ownership when Sydney based ?harter Operator Crane Air bought the airline. Not included in the deal were me two previously operated Cessna 402B’s VH-BIZ and VH-BOZ which stayed w1!h P&T Aviation. Aircraft now used by Waratah Air Services are Crane Air s PA31-350 VH-LCE and Commander 500S VH-IBY.

Western Nsw Airlines

Hangar 219, Forest Hill Airport, Wagga, NSW 2650. (069) 22 7777. Airline Code – FO. Routes-Wagga/Tumut/Canberra. Canberra/Albury. Canberra/Fleet – PA31-310 VH-WAL; PA60-600A VH-UYY; PA34-200 Fr?m February, Western NSW Airlines extended their Canberra to Albury service through to Shepparton. This flight though was discontinued after three months. An addition to the fleet was PA31-31o VH-WAL. AS N71TC the PA-31 was flown from Texas to Australia via the Pacific ferry route in May.

Wudinna Air Services

Richards Ave_nue, Wudinna, SA 5652. (086) 80 2176. Airline Code _ WA Route – Wud1nna/Cleve/Adelaide. In_ November 1983 the rural districts of Wudinna and Cleve, on the Eyre Peninsula of . South-Australia, lost their air service to Adelaide when 0 Connors Air Services cut_ back on their commuter operations on December 2nd 1984 Wudinna Air Services commenced commuter operations using . PA-34 VH-IOC on the route Wudinna, Cleve to Adelaide. The following April the PA-34 was replaced by a Cessna 402B VH-BYN with 4 return services weekly being operated. Wudinna Air Services ceased operations on July 31st 1987 with their Cessna 402B VH-BYN being offered for sale.