1988 Major Airline Directory

The two major international carriers in our region, Air New Zealand and Qantas, both announced record profits. Air New Zealand’s operating profit for the twelve months ending March 31st 1987 was $108. 6 million. This was 2. 8% up on the previous year and their second best result on record. Air New Zealand’s net profit of $210. 5 million before tax was however an all time high. In just five years following the disastrous loss of 1981-2 the company had recorded a cumulative net profit after tax of $630 million. For the same period Qantas reported a record operating profit before tax of $104. 2 million. This was a 66% jump on their previous best result in 1985. The after tax operating profit was $63. 8 million.

y to becoming one

Ansett companies signed three massive orders for aircraft during the year. In July, Hong Kong based Nordstress ordered fifteen Boeing 737-33A’s at a cost of $400 million. These aircraft will be leased through Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services. The same month parent company TNT signed a $1. 5 billion deal with British Aerospace for up to seventy-two BAe 146’s over the next five years. The bulk of this order will be for the Quiet Trader version which will primarily operate overseas for TNT. In October came another huge order with the Boeing company. This was for twenty seven aircraft as follows – Six 757-200s and twelve 737- 33As for Ansett Worldwide, four 737-377s for Ansett Airlines and five 737-500s possibly for Ansett New Zealand.

The other airlines in our region between them ordered another $1 billion worth of new aircraft. Qantas firmed up three options on the Boeing 767-338ER, Air New Zealand ordered their first Boeing 747-419 and leased a Boeing 767-219ER, Air Niugini will replace their leased Al A300 with an A310 and Australian Airlines will add another four Boeing 737-376s to their fleet.

A final thought with the end of the two-airline policy in Australia just over two years away. How dominant an operator are Ansett going to become in our region? With the East-West takeover they now have more than 60% of the total passenger traffic in Australia and are now entering the secondary route market. In New Zealand they are competing on the main trunk routes with Air New Zealand. Through Ansett Pacific they are spreading into Vanuatu, Western Samoa and the Cook Islands and through Ansett Worldwide they are into Europe, and both North and South America. They have also purchased a 20% interest in US carrier America West Airlines. When you add together all the aircraft operated by and on order for the various aviation companies under the TNT/News Ltd banner, it brings you close to two hundred and fifty. Not quite a gorilla but certainly well on the way to becoming one.

Air Caledonie International

Airline Code: SB

Vice President: G. Ravel, Chairman: D. Leroux, General Manager: D. Famin, Director Sales & Marketing: Jean-Pierre Le Goff, Manager Australia: G. Shulty

Fleet

Caravelle 10B F-GEPC

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

Air Caledonie International commenced operations on December 1st 1983. From their home base at Noumea, flights are operated to Brisbane, Nadi, Port Vila, Sydney and Wallis Island. In conjunction with Qantas a service is offered to Melbourne with the Qantas aircraft using a combined QF/SB flight number.

From October 31st Air Caledonie commenced a weekly service between Noumea and Auckland.

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), Customer Relations Manager: R. J. Tom, Acting Chief Pilot: Capt. M. Macgregor.

Fleet list as at 29/02/88

Boeing 737-2L7C C2-RN3. Boeing 737-2L7 C2-RN6. Boeing 737-2L9 C2-RN8. Fleet & Operational Changes (0l/03/87-29/02/88)

Boeing 727-77C C2-RN7 continues on its long-term dry lease to Australian Airlines. This lease commenced in April 1984 and Australian use the Boeing to operate a four times weekly return flight between Perth and Melbourne. In March 1987 C2-RN7 returned to Melbourne from Christchurch after overhaul by Air New Zealand. The titles on the aircraft were changed to Australian Cargo though it still retains its basic Air Nauru colour scheme. In early April it returned to service with Australian Airlines as VH-TBS.

During the year Air Nauru dropped the following ports from their network – Koror, Okinawa, Saipan and Taipei.

Air New Zealand

Airline Code: TE

Head Office : Air New Zealand House, 1 Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand Executives

Chairman: H. A. Fletcher, Deputy Chairman: C. J. Keppel, Managing Director: N. M. T. Geary (retiring mid ’88), General Manager Airline Operations & Personnel:

J. McCrea, General Manager Marketing & Administration:

N. A. Macfarlane,Manager Customer Services Division: R. E. Birch, Manager Technical Services Division: I. J. Diamond, Manager Personnel Division: H. E. De Silva, Manager Planning Division: R. G. Gates, Manager Finance Division: G. A. List, Manager Corporate Investments & Development Division: P. Preston-Thomas, Manager Marketing Division: M. R. Stanton, Manager Administration Division:

I. D. Wood, Manager Public Affairs: Ken Morton, Company Secretary: R. O. Rackley. Fleet List as at 29/02/88

Boeing 747-219B ZK-NZV, ZK-NZW, ZK-NZX, ZK-NZY, ZK-NZZ. Boeing 767-219ER ZK-NBA, ZK-NBB, ZK-NBC. Boeing 767-205 ZK-NBD (leased from Boeing), MD DC-8-54F ZK-NZD (Air New Zealand Cargo – stored Auckland). 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 737-204 G-BHWF (leased from Britannia Airways). 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 747-219B aircraft are powered by the Rolls Royce RB211-524D4.

The Boeing 767-219ER aircraft are powered by the General Electric CF6-80A2. The leased Boeing 767-205 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R40. Aircraft on order

Boeing 747-419 1 ordered for delivery 07/89. Boeing 767-20DER 1 ordered for delivery 09/88 (leased from ILFC) ZK-NBE.

Fleet & Operational Changes (0l/03/87-29/02/88)

To provide sufficient capacity on their international routes until delivery of a 6th Boeing 747, Air New Zealand have added a leased Boeing 767 to their fleet. Arriving in Auckland on October 28th was Boeing 767-205 ZK-NBD. This aircraft, which belongs to Braathens, Norway, has been sub leased through Boeing. ZKNBD still carries the blue cheet line of the Brazilian operator Varig who were leasing the aircraft prior to Air New Zealand. ZK-NBD will remain with Air New Zealand until September when it will be replaced with a new aircraft off the production line. This will be ZK-NBE a Boeing 767-219ER which will be leased from ILFC for 2½ years.

In October Air New Zealand announced an order for a Boeing 747-419 for delivery in July 1989. No decision had been made at presstime on which engine will be selected to power the Boeing.

Air New Zealand Cargo DC-8-55F ZK-NZD was withdrawn from service at Auckland in late September. A decision will be made later this year as to whether the DC-8 will be refurbished and its engines hush kitted. Meanwhile Emery Air Freight appear to have taken up the freight capacity on the Auckland to Melbourne route. Since November 23rd thei_r DC-8-73CF N792FT, which is operated by Rosenbalm Aviation, has operated a weekly service on the route Los Angeles/Honolulu/Auckland/Melbourne/Auckland/Pago Pago/Honululu, Los Angeles. Air New Zealand are using capacity on this aircraft on an ad hoc basis.

Britannia Airways Boeing 737-204 G-BHWF arrived in Christchurch on January 22nd to commence flying on lease to Air New Zealand. The Boeing is expected to stay in New Zealand till May 1st. As in previous years, Air New Zealand have had to lease an aircraft from overseas to cover planned maintenance on their Boeing 737 fleet. In 1987 they leased Royal Brunei Boeing 737-2M6 V8-UEB between February 16th and March 28th.

In this period Air New Zealand added three new ports to their network. In October, Frankfurt and Dallas/Fort Worth came on line while Hong Kong returned in December.

Air Niugini

Airline Code: PX

Head Office : PO Box 7186, Boroko, Papua New Guinea Executives

Chairman – National Airlines Commission: M. Bromley, General Manager: D. Seefeld, Director – Finance & Administration: N. Skelding, Operations: Capt. I. Phillips, Maintenance & Engineering: L. Strong, Marketing Services: H. Lahari, Personnel: P. Aisa, Manager – Property & Facilities: W. Smith, Planning & Scheduling: G. Hudson, Public Relations: G. McLaughlin. Fleet List as at 29/02/88

Al A3DOB4-203 P2-ANG (dry leased from Australian Airlines). Fokker F28-1ODD P2-ANB, P2-ANE, P2-ANF, P2-ANL, P2-ANU, P2-ANW, DHC-7 P2-ANN, P2-ANP. Aircraft on order

Al A310-322 F-WWCA – due delivery 11/88

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

In June, Air Niugini announced that they had purchased an A310-300 from Airbus lndustrie, which is planned for delivery in November 1988. On delivery the A310 will replace A300 P2-ANG which will be returned to Australian Airlines. The A310-322 to be delivered to Air Niugini is c/n 378 which as F-WWCA first flew in July 1985. It has since been used by Airbus lndustrie to certify the PW4000 engine on the A310. By the time the aircraft is delivered to Air Niugini it is expected that it will have accumulated some 700 hours. Air Niugini have selected the PW4000 to power their A310 which will be operated in a 30 business, 179 economy class configuration.

During the year Air Niugini purchased an F28-1000 from the Nigerian Government. This aircraft 5N-AGN c/n 11049 was overhauled by Fokker at Woensdrecht before delivery to Air Niugini at Port Moresby on March 5th as P2-ANB. The F28 was purchased to replace the F28-1000 P2-ANL which was leased from French operator TAT in November 1986. It now appears that Air Niugini will keep P2-ANL in service until at least November 1988.

DHC-7 P2-ANO was withdrawn from service in March 1987. Later in the month it departed as C-GJKS on delivery to City Express, Toronto, Canada.

In October Air Niugini added Port Vila to their network with an extension of their Port Moresby to Honiara service. The Honiara to Port Vila sector is flown as a combined Air Niugini/Solair service. Also in October Air Niugini introduced a new operating pattern for their A300. This allows ground time in Singapore where Singapore Airlines carry out any maintenance requirements on the A300. The new schedules show the Airbus operating 1 return flight weekly between Port Moresby and Manila and Port Moresby and Cairns, 2 return flights weekly on the route Port Moresby to Singapore and 3 return flights weekly from Port Moresby to Brisbane and Sydney.

Air NSW

Airline Code: WX

Head Office : Kingsford Smith Airport, Mascot, NSW 2020 Executives

Chairman: Sir Roden Cutler, General Manager: J. Hutchison, Marketing Manager:

G. Cecil, Flight Operations Manager: Capt. N. Lavers, Planning & Development Manager: B. Miller, Finance Manager: H. Tuppe.

Fleet List as at 29/02/88

Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKA, VH-FKB, VH-FKO. Fokker F50 VH-FNA, VH-FNB, VHFNC, VH-FNE. Fokker F27-500 VH-FCF.

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

Highlight of the year for Air NSW was the delivery and entry into service of the first Fokker 50 in our Region. Since then the Fokker 50’s have gradually replaced the F27-500’s previously used. By mid March, Air NSW will operate their last F27 after the type has given them some 28 years of sterling service.

The first Fokker 50 to be delivered was VH-FNA (refer p34, Jan ’88 AA) and it arrived in Sydney on September 10th wearing Ansett titles. This was later changed to Air NSW before VH-FNA operated the first commercial service by this type on November 16th, when it flew from Sydney to Dubbo on WX900. The other Fokker 50’s were delivered as follows – VH-FNB on November 3rd, VH-FNC on December 1st and VH-FNE on December 21st. Air NSW had planned to take delivery of VH-FND as their fourth Fokker 50, however it was found to have some minor defects on the production line. This will result in VH-FND being delivered at a later stage to Ansett.

With the entry into service of the Fokker 50, Air NSW have retired their F27-500 fleet as follows – VH-FCA, which was the last to carry the Airlines of New South Wales canary colour scheme, was withdrawn from service at Melbourne on January 8th. The aircraft then continued in service with Ansett till the 25th before being parked outside the maintenance hangar, where it now awaits disposal.

VH-FCB was retired at Melbourne on December 14th. After receiving attention it departed there on January 8th in an all white colour scheme. Final destination for VH-FCB was Santiago, Chile where the F27 was to commence flying on lease to LADECO. VH-FCB was re-registered CC-CIU on arrival in Santiago. VH-FCC was withdrawn from Air NSW service in Melbourne on October 20th. The aircraft continues to fly with Ansett Airlines though it still retains its Air NSW titles. VH-FCD was withdrawn from service at Melbourne on November 13th in preparation for lease to LADECO. On November 20th it departed Melbourne on the long ferry flight to Santiago via Singapore, Europe, Iceland and North America. VHFCD was re-registered CC-CIT on arrival in Santiago. At presstime this left Air NSW with only one F27, VH-FCF, in service. Present planning indicated that this aircraft would be withdrawn in mid March and be ferried to Melbourne for disposal.

Department of Transport F28-1000 VH-ATE became part of the Ansett fleet in mid December, after the aircraft was used as a trade-in on a BAel25-700 supplied by Pacific Aviation. It was initially assumed that VHTE would become part of the Air NSW fleet, however on March 16th now registered C-GTAH it departed Melbourne on delivery to Time Air, Canada.

The acquisition by TNT/News Corp of East-West Airlines in July will result in both Air NSW and East-West terminating services on some routes. Already this has resulted in Air NSW pulling out of Tasmania by cutting out their flights between Melbourne and Devonport and on the Sydney to Devonport and Hobart routes. The retirement of the last F27 in mid March will also see flights terminated to the three Western NSW towns of Coonabarabran, Coonamble and Walgett, while the airline’s Sydney/Canberra services have also been terminated

Air Pacific

Airline Code: FJ

Head Office : Air Pacific Centre, Raiwaqa, Suva, Fiii

Executives

Chief Executive Designate: A. Drysdale, Deputy Chief Executive: A. Moore, Director of Finance: N. Kumar, Director of Airline Operations: A. Wong, Director of Personnel & Administration: R. Narayan, Manager Engineering & Maintenance: K. Khatri, Manager Flight Operations Capt. H. Steven, Manager Corporate Planning:

G. Bowmaker, Manager Cargo: G. Southwell, Company Secretary/Manager

Industrial Relations: B. Ram, General Sales Manager: V. Sharan.

Former Chief Executive Mr J. Schaap will return to Qantas Head. Office in Sydney in May. There he will take up a position as Director of Airline Operations. Fleet List as at 29/02/88

Boeing 747-238B VH-EBB (leased from Qantas). Boeing 737-2X2 DQ-FDM. ATR42-300 DQ-FEJ, DQ-FEK (leased from Air Queensland). DHC6-100 DQ-FDK (leased from Fiji Air).

Aircraft on order Boeing 747-123 VH-EEI (leased from Qantas from 04/88). ATR42-300 2 ordered for delivery 11/88.

Fleet & Operational Change (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

In January 1985 Air Pacific commenced Boeing 747 operations using an aircraft leased from Qantas. The Boeing, VH-EBK, was painted in Air Pacific’s very colourful livery and was used to operate four return flights weekly between Sydney and Nadi. In mid-October VH-EBK returned to Qantas operations though it still retains its Air Pacific colour scheme. It was replaced by VH-EBB which was re-delivered to Qantas the previous July. VH-EBB also wears Air Pacific colours and now carries the name ‘Island of Viti Levu’. From late April there will be a third Boeing 747 flying in Air Pacific colours. This is Boeing 747-123 G-HIHO which Qantas have dry leased from Citicorp and will be registered as VH-EEI.

Boeing 737-2X2 DQ-FDM operates flights from Nadi to Suva, Auckland, Brisbane, Honiara and Port Vila. While this aircraft was laid up for maintenance in Christchurch between early February and mid March, Air Pacific used Air New Zealand Boeing 737-219 ZK-NAP.

The ATR42-300’s DQ-FEJ and DQ-FEK operate services between Nadi, Suva, Labasa, Apia and Tonga. These aircraft, which are on lease from Air Queensland, will be retained until late 1988. They will then be replaced by two ATR42-300’s that Air Pacific have on order.

DHC6-100 DQ-FDK is on dry lease from Fiji Air and replaces DHC6-200 DQFCY, which was previously used. The Twin Otter operates between Nadi, Suva and Labasa. The lease on this aircraft is due to expire in December 1988.

During the year Air Pacific sold their two EMBl10-Pl’s DQ-FDE and DQ-FDF to Sunstate Airlines in Queensland. DQ-FDE arrived in Brisbane on April 30th and has since been registered VH-FCK while DQ-FDF arrived on May 7th and is now VH-FCE.

In November it was announced that Qantas had purchased a 20% shareholding in Air Pacific. The management agreement between the two airlines, which commenced in January 1985, has also been extended until 1995

Air Queensland

Airline Code: Q

Head Office : PO Box 1381, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Executives

With the winding down of Air Queensland the former General Manager Mr. Paul Boyce has moved to be Asst. State Manager/Queensland for Australian Airlines. Fleet List as at 29/02/88

Fokker F27-600 VH-TQS, VH-TQT. DHCS-300 VH-AQB, VH-TGF, VH-TGG, VH-TGH, VH-TGI.

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

In March 1985 TAA purchased a controlling interest in Air Queensland so that they might broaden their operating base in Queensland and give themselves access to Air Queensland oncarriage traffic. Even though TAA accumulated some 95% of the shares, Air Queensland schedules and carriage remained locked in with Ansett. This being as a result of an earlier commercial agreement between these two companies. After a number of court battles this issue was finally resolved, however due to continuing heavy financial losses the operations of Air Queensland are gradually being phased out.

On May 31st Air Queensland withdrew from operations in SE Queensland and on their coastal service. Ports dropped were Blackwater, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Maryborough, Maroochydore, Proserpine, Rockhampton and Thangool. Services to these ports were taken over by Sunstate Airlines.

On September 30th 1987, flights ceased to towns in the lower Gulf area and to the West Cape. Ports dropped were Aurukun, Burketown, Edward River, Doomadgee Mission, Karumba, Kowanyama, Mornington Island and Normanton.

These changes have resulted in a number of fleet movements in this period.

The termination of services in SE Queensland saw the two ATR42s leased to Jugoslovenski Aerotransport. VH-AQC was taken out of service at Brisbane on April 29th and it departed there on May 4th for Toulouse. After repainting, the ATR42 was handed over to JAT as YU-ALL. The second ATR42 VH-AQD departed Brisbane for Toulouse on June 5th, and it is now flying with JAT as YU-ALK.

The departure of the ATR42s resulted in Air Queensland reactivating F27- 200’s VH-FNM, VH-FNV and VH-FNW. Initially these aircraft were used in SE Queensland before returning to Cairns based operations. Later in the year they were once again retired as follows – VH-FNM was ferried from Cairns to Brisbane on October 23rd and placed in storage. It was then sold to Pakistan International Airlines and departed Brisbane on January 23rd. On arrival in Darwin its registration was changed to AP-BDB (corrects Traffic Mar 85 AA). VH-FNV ferried Cairns to Brisbane on October 30th and VH-FNW on November 18th. At press time, both aircraft were stored at the new Brisbane Airport awaiting sale. The retirement of these F27s resulted in the three ex-TAA F27-600s VH-TQR, VH-TQS and VH-TQT being used on flights out of Cairns. VH-TQR was later retired to Melbourne. In early March it was sold to the Canadian operator Conair as C-FBDY, and on the 11th it departed on its delivery flight.

Termination of services in the lower Gulf on September 30th also saw the retirement of the DC-3 fleet. Initially the four aircraft, VH-BPL, VH-BPN, VH-EDC and VH-PWN were stored at Cairns, however during December they were all flown to Brisbane. These aircraft have recently been sold to Australian Rambler Bus Tours of Box Hill, Victoria.

Also presently stored at Brisbane Airport is Cessna 404 VH-BPO along with the two Flying Surgeon Cessna 310R’s VH-BPI and VH-FSR. The Cessna 404 has been sold to Sunstate Airlines while the Cessna 310’s will go to Jetcare at Brisbane Airport.

Air Vanuatu

Airline Code: NF

Head Office : PO Box 148, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Executives

General Manager: P. Roberts Fleet

Boeing 727-276 wet leased from Australian Airlines. Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

Air Vanuatu was formed in early 1981 as the national airline of the newly independent island Republic of Vanuatu. A five year contract was signed with An. sett to provide aircraft and personnel to get the new airline operational. Air Vanuatu operated their first service on September 5th 1981 using DC-9-31 VH-CZF on the route from Sydney to Port Vila.

In March 1986 Ansett and Air Vanuatu terminated their commercial agreement so in effect Air Vanuatu ceased operations. The airline connection between Australia and Vanuatu was still maintained by Ansett, who as the Australian designated carrier, operated a weekly Boeing 737 service.

In mid 1987 it was announced that Air Vanuatu had signed an agreement with Central Pacific Airways of Hong Kong. They were to provide a Boeing 727-100 to operate a network of services out of Port Vila. In reality this never transpired and Air Vanuatu remained grounded.

The Vanuatu Government then appointed Mr Peter Roberts as General Manager of the company. An agreement was reached with Australian Airlines, which has resulted in Air Vanuatu resuming services. On December 19th Boeing 727- 276 VH-TBN departed Sydney for Port Vila as NF160 on the first weekly charter between the two companies.

Ansett

Airline Code: AN

Head Office : 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000 Executives

Joint Managing Directors: Sir Peter Abeles, K. R. Murdoch, General Manager: E. J. B. Forrester, Deputy General Managers: G. J. P. McMahon, A. J. Yates, Director Regional Airlines: J. Corcoran, Director Pacific Airlines Division: A. V. Rowe, Director Operations: Capt. J. Dorward, Director of Planning & Services: J. McAllister, Director of Engineering: J. H. Bibo, Engineering Director/Operations: G. S. Fallscheer, Engineering Director/Technical: R. H. Bitcon, General Marketing Manager: T. Dery, Public Affairs Executive: R. G. Alexander.

Fleet List as at 29/02/88

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, VH-CZE, VH-CZF, VH-CZG, VH-CZH, VH-CZI, VH-CZJ, VH-CZK, VH-CZL. Fokker F50 VH-FNF, VH-FNG, VH-FNH. Fokker F27-200 VH-MMO, VH-MMR, VH-MMV. Fokker F27-400 VH-FNO, VH-FNQ, VH-FNR. Fokker F27-500 VH-FCC. Douglas DC-3 VH-ABR – Australian National Airways colours.

Note – 8767-277 VH-RMD carries Cook Islands International titles. F27-200 VH-MMR carries Airlines of South Australia colours and titles. F27-400 VH-FNR carries Airlines of South Australia colours and titles. F27-500 VH-FCC carries Air NSW titles.

Aircraft on order

Al A320-200, 8 ordered with first delivery 11/88, VH-HYA, VH-HYB, VH-HYC, VH-HYD, VH-HYE, VH-HYF, VH-HYG, VH-HYH. Boeing 737-377 4 ordered for delivery 10/88, VH-CZM, VH-CZN, VH-CZO, VH-CZP. Fokker F50, 22 ordered with 7 delivered to Air NSW and Ansett as at 29/02/88. VH-FND, VH-FNI, VH-FNJ for Ansett. The remainder will be shared between Ansett Worldwide and Corsair. Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

A quieter period for Ansett with the highlight being the delivery and entry into service of the Fokker 50.

The first Fokker 50 to be delivered to Ansett was VH-FNF which flew into Melbourne on January 14th, after a direct flight from Darwin. Though February 15th was the day the F50 officially commenced flying with Ansett VH-FNF operated the first F50 service on the 12th when it flew Melbourne, Wynyard, Devonport to Melbourne. Other F50 deliveries to date have been – VH-FNG January 27th, VH-FNH February 17th and VH-FNI on March 2nd. At time of writing VH-FNJ is due in Melbourne on March 28th, while the delayed VH-FND is not expected until June.

With the delivery of the Fokker 50, the F27 fleet will be reduced to three units by April 1st. The aircraft to be retained are the series 400s VH-FNO, VH-FNQ and VH-FNR and it would appear that Ansett Air Freight will have the major utilisation of these F27s. This will leave Ansett to sell F27-500’s VH-FCA, VH-FCC, VH-FCF and F27-200’s VH-MMO, VH-MMR, VH-MMS and VH-MMV. Veteran F27-200 VH-MMS was withdrawn from service on October 19th before being ferried to Essendon on the 28th for storage. F27-400 VH-FNT departed Melbourne on March 6th 1987 for Norwich Airport in the UK. The F-27 was to sit there for nearly twelve months before a buyer was found. On March 2nd 1988 it left Norwich as EC-123 on delivery to Aviaco in Spain. Boeing 727-277 VH-RMN was withdrawn from Ansett service in March 1987 and entered service the following month with Cook Islands International and Polynesian Airlines.

DC-3 VH-ABR, which was on display outside the Ansett Maintenance Base at Tullamarine was moved by road to Essendon on March 22nd 1987. After a period of storage the DC-3 is to find a new lease of life as it is brought back to airworthy standard so that it hopefully will appear at the Bicentennial Air Show in October.

Ansett Air Freight

Airline Code: AN Head Office: PO Box 558, Mascot, NSW 2020 Executives General Manager: J. Mullen, Deputy General Manager – Operations: C. Persson, Deputy General Manager – Commercial: K. Mundey, National Manager – Express Divisions: T. Markou, National Marketing Manager: R. Gosbee, National Finance & Administration Manager: LAgati.

Fleet Boeing 727-277F VH-RMX.

Fleet & Operational Changes As a result of their Boeing 727-277F VH-RMX being delayed ex its maintenance lay-up in January, Ansett Air Freight chartered Anglo Air Cargo Boeing 707-338C G-BDEA to operate a number of flights between Australia and New Zealand.

With the introduction of the Fokker 50 into service the Ansett F27 fleet will be reduced to three units, VH-FNO, VH-FNQ and VH-FNR. The main use for these aircraft will come from Ansett Air Freight as they will operate them on a night crossover service between Sydney and Cairns.

Each week night a fleet of some thirty aircraft are used to feed into and out of the Ansett Air Freight system. It has been noted recently that a number of these aircraft are now carrying TNT Air Couriers titles. Westwind VH-AJP has even gone as far as to be painted in the orange and white colour scheme carried by the European based BAe 146-2000Ts.

Ansett Air Freight were to have announced in late March whether they will add two BAe 146-200QT aircraft to their fleet or have a second Boeing 727-277 converted for all cargo operations. Curfew hours at Brisbane and Sydney are the main criteria affecting this decision. If the BAe146s are imported then one will be based in Adelaide and the other in Caims. From these ports they can then operate a nightly crossover connecting all the major East Coast ports.

In Europe parent company TNT have now ordered a total of eight BAe 146-2000Ts out of their massive commitment for seventy-two of these aircraft. TNT have contracted for local operators to fly their 146’s as follows – Air Foyle in the UK took delivery of G-TNTA in May and C-TNTB in September, while the third aircraft 1-TNTC was delivered to the Rome based Mistral Air in December. In April Malmo Air, Sweden will take delivery of SE-DEI while Euralair, France will add F-GTNT to their fleet in May.

Ansett New Zealand

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

Executives Chief Executive: R. B. Keenan, General Manager – Airline Operations: K. L. McDonald, General Manager – Corporate Services: G. Campbell, General Manager – Marketing: P. Wilson, General Manager – Finance: JÁ. Sheridan. Fleet List as at 29/02/88 DHC-8 ZK-NEY, ZK-NEZ. Boeing 737-130 ZK-NEA, ZK-NEB, ZK-NEC. Boeing 737-112 ZK-NED.

Aircraft on order Boeing 737-500, 5 ordered for first delivery 05/90 Fleet & Operational Changes (01/03/87-29/02/88) In June 1986 Ansett Airlines of Australia, Brierley Investments Ltd of New Zealand and the Newmans Group announce 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 was to be called Ansett New Zealand.

The new company commenced operations on March Ist 1987 using two DHC-8 Dash 8 aircraft ZK-NEY ‘Queenstown’ and ZK-NEZ “Rotorua’. The DHC-8’s served the tourist routes previously operated by Newmans Air connecting Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Mt Cook/Glentanner and Queenstown.

DHC-7 ZK-NEX, which had seen service with Newmans Air was sold to Eurocity Express. As ZK-NEX, the aircraft departed Christchurch on March 21st 1987 for the UK, where it was later registered G-BNGF.

Through Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services four Boeing 737-100 aircraft had been purchased for Ansett New Zealand in the United States. These very early production Boeing 737-100’s were being flown by America West Airlines. The first to arrive in Christchurch was N703AW which flew in from Pago Pagoon April 27th. This aircraft was later registered ZK-NEC and named ‘City of Christchurch’. The other three Boeing 737-100’s arrived in Christchurch on the following dates-N701AW May 18th to ZK-NEA ‘City of Auckland’: N702AW June 25th to ZK-NEB “City of Wellington’: N709AW July 17th to ZK-NED “City of Nelson’. Jet services on the main trunk routes connecting Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland commenced on July 25th. In October 1987, Ansett placed an US$850 million order with Boeing. Among the aircraft were five Boeing 737- 500’s which will be delivered to Ansett New Zealand commencing May 1990.

Ansett Nt

Airline Code: BT Head Office: 31 Smith Street, The Mall, Darwin, NT 5790 Executives General Manager: P. Hillas, Marketing Manager: C. Constance.

Fleet Fokker F28-1000 VH-FKF.

Former General Manager Mr. F. K. McCue retired in March 1987 after 31 years with Ansett.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/03/87-29/02/88) In August 1985 the former Airlines of Northern Australia changed their name to Ansett NT With the change came their own aircraft, as prior to this Airlines of Northern Australia operated with aircraft leased from other companies. Former Ansett WA F28-1000 VH-FKF was delivered to Darwin carrying Ansett NT titles. With only one F28 in their fleet Ansett NT operate their schedules utilising aircraft from other airlines. Ansett WA supply F28-1000s and BAe 146-200s while an Ansett F27 operates a twice weekly Cairns to Groote Eylandt flight with one of these services extending through to Darwin. Cessna 402 and 441 aircraft of Tillair are used to supplement the F28 on flights between Katherine and Darwin and Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

The route from Alice Springs to Yulara is the busiest for Ansett NT with the latest timetable showing 23 return flights weekly using the F28.

Ansett WA

Airline Code: MV

Head Office : Perth Airport, Cloverdale, WA 6105

Executives

Manager Ansett WA: I. Sutton, Operations Manager: Capt. B. Poole, Regional Flight Manager: Capt. C. Smith.

Fleet list as at 29/02/88

BAe146-200 VH-JJP, VH-JJQ. Fokker F28-4000 VH-FKI, VH-FKJ. Fokker F28- 1DOD VH-FKC, VH-FKE, VH-FKG.

Aircraft on order

BAe146-200 3 ordered, 2 for delivery 07188, 1 for delivery 12/88. VH-JJW, VH-JJX, VH-JJY.

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

During the year Ansett WA announced orders for three more BAel46-200s. The first two aircraft will be delivered in July with a third the following December. On delivery of the two BAel46s in July it is expected that Ansett WA will transfer two of their F28s to East-West Airlines.

Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services

Head Office: 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Executives

Change in% 7. 9 7. 2 -7. 6 -8. 4 5. 7 6. 0

Executive Director: P. Keen, General Manager: A. J. Yates, General Manager/ Europe: S. Vella.

Fleet list as at 29/02/88

Ansett Worldwide leased aircraft are in service with the following airlines – Boeing 737-33A Nl64AW, Nl65AW, Nl66AW, Nl67AW, Nl68AW, Nl69AW, Nl72AW, Nl73AW, Nl74AW, Nl75AW-America West Airlines, Phoenix. G-OBMA, G-OBMB – British Midland, UK; G-BNXW-Monarch Airlines, UK; LN-NOS-Air Norway; PP-VNT, PP-VNX- Varig, Brazil. Boeing 737-2A6 Nl46AW-America West Airlines. Boeing 737-2U9 Nl49AW – America West Airlines. Boeing 727-25F N8119N CF – Airfreight, Indianapolis. McDonnell Douglas MD-83 N938MC, N939MC – Continental Airlines. N931TW, N9302B, N9303K, N9304CTrans World.

Aircraft on order

Al A320-20D 9 options held. Boeing 757-200 6 aircraft ordered with first delivery 02/88. Boeing 737-33A 29 aircraft ordered with delivery thru 11/89. Fokker 50 12 aircraft ordered to be shared between Ansett, Ansett Worldwide and Corsair. BAe146-200QT 61 options held.

Fleet Changes (0l/03/87-29/02/88)

In October 1985 Ansett Transport Industries jointly backed by its two parent companies, TNT and News Ltd, announced the formation of 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, as General Manager.

In October 1985 Ansett Worldwide placed an order for twelve Boeing 737-300 aircraft. Given the Boeing designation – 33A, ten of these aircraft have been delivered to America West Airlines as follows – Nl64AW, Nl65AW October 1986, Nl66AW, 167AW November 1986, Nl68AW, Nl69AW December 1986, Nl72AW, Nl73AW in February 1987 and Nl74AW, Nl75AW in August 1987. The two remaining aircraft from this first order, N3282Y and N3283G are presently stored at Boeing Field.

In November 1985 an order was placed with McDonnell Douglas for six MD-83 aircraft with options on a further six. These options have since lapsed however the six M-83’s ordered have been leased out as follows-N938MC, N939MC to Transtar in March 1987 then to Continental Airlines in August 1987. N931TW, N9302B to TWA in September 1987, N9303K, N9304C to TWA in October 1987. In December 1986 a further six Boeing 737-33A’s were ordered through Nordstress, a Hong Kong subsidiary of Ansett Transport Industries. These aircraft have since been delivered as follows- LN-NOR to Air Norway in October 1987 but aircraft then sub-leased to Monarch Airlines as G-BNXW. PP-VNT, PP-VNX to Varig in November 1987. G-OBMA, G-OBMB to British Midland in November and December 1987 and LN-NOS to Air Norway in January 1988.

In July 1987 Nordstress announced a further order for fifteen Boeing 737- 33A’s which will be delivered between June 1988 and June 1989. These aircraft have been allocated construction numbers 24025-24030 and 24092-24100.

In October 1987 came yet another huge order for Boeing aircraft. This comprised six Boeing 757-200s to be powered by Rolls Royce engines for Ansett Worldwide, five Boeing 737-500’s for Ansett New Zealand, four Boeing 737- 377’s for Ansett Airlines and twelve Boeing 737-33A’s for Ansett Worldwide.

When Ansett ordered eight Al A320-200’s in June 1985 options were also taken on a further eight aircraft. These options have since been made available to Ansett Worldwide.

In June 1987 TNT announced a $1. 5 billion commitment for seventy two BAe 146-200QT freighter aircraft. A substantial number of these aircraft are expected to see service with TNT however the remainder have been made available to Ansett Worldwide. Finally in conjunction with Ansett and US leasing company Corsair, Ansett Worldwide have access to 12 of the 22 Fokker 50s presently on order.

Australian Airlines

Airline Code: TN Corporate Office: Box 2806AA, Franklin Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Executives Chairman: A. E. Harris AO, General Manager: J. A. Strong, Asst. General Manager (Operations Group): J. W. Pearce, Chief Manager State Operations & Development: R. L. Mcllwain, Manager Corporate Affairs: G. J. Dixon, Chief Financial Officer: G. Toomey, Manager Human Resources: W. R. Vickers, Manager Legal Services & Corporate Secretary: M. M. Rush, Manager Maintenance & Engineering: D. Gillies, Manager Flight Operations: Capt T. D. Wiltshire, Strategic Planning Manager: B. W. Porter, Marketing Manager: D. Adams, General Cargo Manager: C. C. O’Brien, Public Relations Manager: J. S. Tilton.

Fleet List as at 29/02/88 AI A300B4-203 VH-TAC, VH-TAD, VH-TAE. Boeing 727-276 VH-TBG, VH-TBH, VH-TBI, VH-TBJ, VH-TBM, VH-TBN, VH-TBO, VH-TBP, VH-TBQ, VH-TBR. Boeing 727-77C VH-TBS. Boeing 737-376 VH-TAF, VH-TAG, VH-TAH, VH-TAI, VH-TAJ, VH-TAK, VH-TAU, VH-TAV, VH-TAW, VH-TAX, VH-TAY, VH-TAZ, MDC DC-9-31 VH-TJQ, VH-TJR, VH-TJS, VH-TJT, VH-TJU.

AI A300B4-203 VH-TAA was dry leased to Air Niugini in November 1984 and will return to Australian Airlines service in February 1989. BAe Jetstream 31s VH-TQJ, VH-TOK, VH-TQL have been in long-term storage at Brisbane Airport. Douglas DC-3 “VH-AES’ which was previously on display at Melbourne Airport is presently being restored to flying condition.

Aircraft on order Al A320-200 9 ordered with original delivery date of 4/89-6/90. Order now deferred to date yet to be nominated. Boeing 737-376 4 ordered in October 1987 with first delivery 12/88 – VH-TJA, VH-TJB, VH-TJC, VH-TJD.

Fleet & Operational Changes Highlights for Australian Airlines in this period included the completion of their initial order for twelve 737-376 aircraft, deferment of their A320 order and the withdrawal from service of the Jetstream 31 fleet.

As a result of the Goverment decision to abolish the two airline system in late 1990, and a lack of capital resources, Australian Airlines announced that they would defer delivery of their A320 order. They had planned to take delivery of 9 IAE V2500 powered A320s between April 1989 and June 1990. The delivery positions previously held by Australian being taken over by Northwest Airlines of Minneapolis. In the interim, an order was placed for a further 4 737-376 aircraft with first delivery due in December 1988.

Delivery of the initial order for 12 737-376 aircraft continued in this period with the final 4 arriving in Melbourne on the following dates – VH-TAX “Success” April 12th, VH-TAW “Progress’ on April 13th, VH-TAY “Valiant’ and VH-TAZ “Vic- tory’ on June 26th, 1987.

After overhaul and a repaint in Australian Cargo titles, leased Boeing 727- 77C C2-RN7 was ferried from Christchurch to Melbourne on March 26th 1987. It was later registered VH-TBS before entering service on April Ist on the run from Melboume to Perth.

During the year Australian Airlines sold two major units from their fleet. Al A300B4-203 VH-TAB was withdrawn from service on March 15th 1987 and after pre-delivery maintenance departed Melbourne on the 28th on delivery to TOA Domestic Airlines of Japan. Before departure the TAA titles were removed and the A300 was registered JA-8263. Boeing 727-276 VH-TBL was withdrawn from service at Melbourne on April 11th 1987 for sale to Aeron Aviation and they in turn leased the aircraft to Icelandair. VH-TBL departed Melbourne on April 16th with its final destination being Lasham, England. There the aircraft was painted in Icelandair colours and registered TF-FLK. Australian Airlines withdrew their BAe Jetstream 31 aircraft VH-TQJ, VH-TOK and VH-TQL from service at Brisbane on May 31st, 1987. The Jetstream had a very short service life of only 8 months with Australian Airlines. The routes flown by these aircraft which were from Brisbane to Western Queensland and between Townsville and Mount Isa were taken over by Flight West Airlines using King Air 200 equipment. Since being taken out of service the 3 Jetstreams have remained in storage at Brisbane Airport though they are now destined for service with Eastern.

The period covered by this report has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of ports served by Australian Airlines. The retirement of the Jetstream fleet saw flights terminated to the following ports – Barcaldine, Blackall, Birdsville, Cloncurry, Charleville, Charters Towers, Hughenden, Julia Creek, Longreach, Richmond, Roma, Quilpie, Winton and Windorah. Another port to be dropped from the network was Port Hedland which was served once weekly by a 737-376 operating Perth/Port Hedland/Darwin and return. The last service through Port Hedland was operated on July 9th.

During the year five more aircraft were painted in the new Australian Airlines corporate livery. These were 727-276s VH-TBH, VH-TBN, VH-TBQ and VH-TBR. With VH-TBP painted in the previous period, this still leaves VH-TBG, VH-TBI, VH-TBJ, VH-TBM and VH-TBO in the old TAA colours. The first A300 to appear in the new livery was VH-TAC which entered service on March 6th.

DC-3 VH-AES which has been on display outside the Australian Airlines terminal at Tullamarine Airport since 1979 was removed from its position in late April. The DC-3 is being returned to airworthy condition and it is planned that it will appear at the Bicentennial Air Show at Richmond.

Cook Islands International

Airline Code: KC Head Office: Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Executives Chairman: Hon Toeolesulusulu Siueva Fleet Boeing 727-277 VH-RMN (leased from Ansett) Fleet & Operational Changes (01/03/87-29/02/88) Cook Islands International with the assistance of the Pacific Airlines Division of Ansett commenced operations on August 16th 1986. The initial equipment supplied by Ansett was 767-277 VH-RMD which carried Cook Islands International titles. Each weekend the 767 would operate a Sydney/Rarotonga/ Auckland/Rarotonga/Sydney schedule and then return to Ansett service during the week. In May 1987 the 767 was replaced by 727-277 VH-RMN. This aircraft was to be used exclusively on services jointly operated by Cook Islands International and Polynesian Airlines. To reflect this VH-RMN was painted in a dual colour scheme- Cook Islands International on the starboard and Polynesian Airlines on the port.

Present schedules effective October 26th show that VH-RMN is operating a weekly return service on the routes Sydney/Apia/Rarotonga and Rarotonga to Auckland.

East-West Airlines

Airline Code: EW

Head Office: 323 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Executives

General Manager: N. Berkett, Divisional Manager Sales & Service: Vacant, Divisional Manager Operations: I. Clark, Divisional Manager Engineering: J. Murphy, Divisional Manager Planning: W. Pacelli, Divisional Manager Administration & Systems: P. Petroulas, Divisional Manager Human Resources: D. Braithwaite, International Marketing Development Manager: P. Glaser.

Mr. Neil Berkett, previously General Manager Finance & Administration was appointed General Manager in October. Mr. Berkett replaced Mr. Jon Hartley who resigned to join the Chase Corporation.

Fleet List as at 29/02/88

Fokker F28-4000 VH-EWA, VH-EWB, VH-EWC, VH-EWD. Fokker F28-3000 VH-EWF, VH-EWG. Fokker F27-500 VH-EWP, VH-EWU, VH-EWV, VH-EWW, VH-EWX, VH-EWY, VH-EWZ.

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

The full effect of the TNT/News Ltd takeover of East-West Airlines in July, 1987 has yet to be felt. In the coming months the whole route structure of East-West will change as it relinquishes routes in both NSW and Western Australia and is given a new role within the Ansett system. Already East-West have withdrawn from the Perth to Ayers Rock and Perth to Cairns routes. Services to Wynyard were terminated from January 14th.

On April 12th 1987 East-West took delivery of two F28-3000s at Tamworth. Previously operated by Cimber Air, Denmark the aircraft were delivered as OY-BRM and OY-BRN. After overhaul and repainting in East-West colours OY-BRM now registered VH-EWF entered service on June 13th. The second F28 OY-BRN became VH-EWG before entering service ex Tamworth on June 29th.

On February 20th East-West opened a museum at Tamworth Airport. The main exhibit is a beautiful restoration of Avro Anson VH-ASM, which was the aircraft that operated their first service on June 23rd 1947

Friendly Islands Airways

Airline Code: HR

Head Office : Langa Fonua Centre, Nuku’alofa, Tonga

Executives

General Manager: P. Karalus.

Fleet List

Casa 212 ZK-THV. BN-2A Islander ZK-NNE. Aircraft on order

DHC6-300 2 ordered for delivery 02/88. McDonnell Douglas MD-87 1 ordered for delivery 07/88.

Friendly Islands Airways are a new addition to our Directory this year. In January they signed a five year lease agreement with the GPA Group of Shannon, Ireland for two DHC6-300 and one MD-87. The Twin Otters which were to be delivered in February will operate domestic flights in the Tongan islands. The MD-87 which will be operated in an 8/107 configuration is expected to commence services in early August to Sydney, Auckland, Nadi, Apia and Pago Pago.

Ipec Aviation

Airline Code: IN

Head Office : Hangar 86, Bristol Street, Essendon Airport, Victoria 3041.

Executives

General Manager: R. D. Creak, Commercial Manager: SJ. Wareham, Engineering Manager: D. Cameron, Manager Flying Standards: W. Gronbeck.

Fleet

MD DC-9-33CF VH-IPF. BAe650 Argosy 222 VH-IPA, VH-IPB. BAe 650 Argosy 101 VH-IPD.

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

lpec continue to work their aircraft hard on their night freighter services. The DC-9 presently 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. A service is operated weekly (Saturday) for TNT from Brisbane to Cairns via Mackay and Townsville.

Argosy VH-IPD was withdrawn from service between July and December so that work could be carried out on a major spar modification. The completion of this work has resulted in the life of VH-IPD being extended for a further 7,000 landings. DC-9 VH-IPF made its first visit to New Zealand in November when it operated a freight charter from Sydney to Auckland.

Mount Cook Airline

Airline Code: NM Head Office: 47 Riccarton Road, Christchurch, New Zealand Executives Chairman & Chief Executive: N. MT. Geary, General Manager Airline: M. L. Corner, Product Manager: D. A. Maclachlan, Senior Executive Finance: E. R. Macleod, Marketing Manager: P. J. Clark, Public Affairs Manager: E. G. Beckett, Passenger Services Manager: M. C. Park, Engineering Manager: E. G. Parry, Flight Operations Manager: Capt. J. G. Jones, Company Secretary M. J. Aim.

Fleet List as at 29/02/88 BAe748 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-CKT, ZK-CVF, ZK-CVG, ZK-CYA, ZK-ELQ, ZK-MCQ, ZK-MCR, ZK-MCU, ZK-MCV, ZK-MDA, ZK-MOB.

The Mount Cook Airline fleet is dispersed around the country as follows – Christchurch is the home base for the BAe748 fleet, while PA31-350 ZK-MCM operates out of Rotorua. The Cessna 185 and Turbo Porter ski planes are based at Mount Cook, while Queenstown houses DHC6-300 ZK-MCO, Cessna U206 ZK-CHQ, Cessna 185 ZK-MDA and the BN-2A Islanders. Mount Cook also operate FU24-400 ZK-EUA, ZK-EUC, ZK-EUD and ZK-EMX from Queensland on agricultural duties. Also at Queenstown are DH-82A ZK-BRC and Auster Aiglet ZK-BOX.

Fleet & Operational Changes (01/03/87-29/02/88) Two Cessna A185F aircraft were purchased in the United States as part of the Mount Cook Airline fleet replacement programme. Noted at Christchurch in late October were ZK-MDA ex N61802 and ZK-MDB ex N4728Q. ZK-MDA was delivered to Queenstown to replace Cessna 185 ZK-CHL while ZK-MDB was delivered to the Mount Cook airfield to replace Cessna 185 ski plane ZK-CKP. To provide additional capacity during peak periods Mount Cook once again made use of the Ministry of Transport F27-200 ZK-DCB.

New ports added to the network during the year were Nelson, Taupo and Wellington. In September, services commenced connecting Nelson with Christchurch and Queenstown. Nelson services were further increased on March 28th with a four times daily BAe748 flight to Wellington. Taupo was added to the network in October with flights to Wellington and Rotorua.

Polynesian Airlines

Airline Code: PH Head Office: NFP Building, Beach Road, Apia, Western Samoa Executives Chairman: A. Grey, General Manager: J. Moynihan, Manager Finance: B. Potter, Manager Engineering: W. Brown, Manager Flight Operations: Capt J. K. McNeely.

Fleet Boeing 727-277 VH-RMN (leased from Ansett). BN-2A Islander 5W-FAF. Fleet & Operational Changes (01/03/87-29/02/88) In February 1987, Polynesian Airlines and Ansett reached agreement on a new 10 year contract between the two airlines. This will allow the Pacific Airlines Division of Ansett to provide aircraft and management expertise towards the day day running of Polynesian Airlines.

to For Polynesian the highlight of the year has been the introduction into service of a Boeing 727-277. This aircraft, VH-RMN, operates on both Polynesian and Cook Islands routes and has been painted in a split colour scheme, Polynesian on the port side and Cook Islands on the starboard. VH-RMN entered service on May 3rd and as well as a new type came a new set of schedules. Each Sunday at 1830 the Boeing departs Sydney on flight PH856/KC202 destined for Apia in Western Samoa then to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Over the following six days it flies some 47 hours through the islands of the South Pacific.

With the entry into service of the Boeing 727-277 Polynesian Boeing 737-209 5W-PAL was withdrawn from service at Sydney on May 2nd, 1987. On the 4th it was flown to Christchurch, where it was fitted with the ferry tanks used on the delivery flight of Ansett New Zealand’s first Boeing 737-130 N703AW. On the 7th 5W-PAL departed Christchurch for the United States where it is now operating on lease with America West Airlines as N149AW.

Qantas

Airline Code: OF Head Office: Qantas International Centre, International Sql George St, Sydney, NSW 2000.

Executives Chairman: J. B. Leslie, Vice-Chairman: J. N. Davenport, Chief Executive: J. L. Menadue, Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Operating Office: J. F. Ward, Deputy Chief Executive – Commercial: P. T. Stainlay, General Manager Finance: LA. Olsen, Marketing: J. G. C. Hercus, Operations: A. I. Terrell, Director of Personnel: J. L. Bradfield, Cabin Service: S. F. M. Brown, Flight Operations: JK. Davenport, Public Affairs: J. M. Eames, Marketing Planning TP. Gay, Treasury & Associated Companies: M. J. Haworth, Cargo: R. Parkes, Information Systems: I. R. Riddell, Corporate Planning: R. W. Robertson, Engineering & Maintenance: W. M. Ryan, Policy Development: K. V. Welsh, Sales & Field Services: B. W. Wild, Corporate Secretary: LJ. Fisk.

Fleet list as at 29/02/8 Boeing 747-2388 VH-EBA, VH-EBB, VH-EBH, VH-EBI, VH-EBJ, VH-EBK2, VH-EBL, VH-EBM, VH-EBN, VH-EBO, VH-EBP, VH-EBQ, VH-EBR, VH-EBS. Boeing 747-238B-SCD VH-ECB, VH-ECC. Boeing 747SP-38 VH-EAA, VH-EAB. Boeing 747-338 VH-EBT, VH-EBU, VH-EBV, VH-EBW, VH-EBX, VH-EBY. Boeing 767-238ER VH-EAJ, VH-EAK, VH-EAL, VH-EAM, VH-EAN, VH-EAO, VH-EAQ. Note 1: VH-EBB operates on dry lease to Air Pacific and is painted in their colours, however it is still used on some Qantas services.

2: VH-EBK is painted in Air Pacific colours however it is fully utilised on Qantas services.

Aircraft on order Boeing 747-438 VH-OJA, VH-OJB, VH-OJC, VH-OJD for delivery 04/89, 05/89, 06/89 and 09/89. Boeing 767-338ER VH-OGA, VH-OGB, VH-OGĆ, VH-OGD-for delivery 08/88, 12/88, 01/89 and 07/89. Boeing 747-123 VH-EEI – for delivery 04/88 on lease from Citicorp. The following engines types have been selected to power the Qantas Boeing fleet – Pratt & Whitney JT90-7F VH-EBA, VH-EBB, VH-EBH, VH-EBI. Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7FW VH-EBJ thru VH-EBP. Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4E VH-EAJ thru VH-EAO, VH-EAQ. Rolls Royce RB211-524D4 VH-EBQ, VH-EBR, VH-ECB, VH-ECC, VH-EAA, VH-EAB, VH-EBT thru VH-EBY. Rolls Royce RB211-524D40 VH-OJA thru VH-OJD. General Electric CF6-80C2 VH-OGA thru VH-OGD. Fleet & Operational Changes This was an extremely busy period for Qantas as they moved a number of aircraft in and out of their fleet, announced a record operating profit and for the first time selected a General Electric engine to power a Qantas aircraft.

On May 3rd Qantas took delivery of the last of six Boeing 747-338 aircraft on order, when VH-EBY ‘City of Darwin’ flew into Sydney. Also delivered was the 7th and final Boeing 767-238ER on order. VH-EAQ ‘City of Launceston’ arrived in Sydney on August 30th from Seattle via Honolulu.

In August Qantas announced the engines selected for their new fleets of Boeing 747-438 and Boeing 767-338ER aircraft. The Rolls Royce RB211-524G will power the four Boeing 747-438s on order. A surprise selection was the General Electric CF6-80C2B6 as the engine for the four Boeing 767-338ERs, as this is the first time Qantas have ordered a General Electric engine to power an aircraft in their fleet.

In October 1985 Boeing 747-2388 VH-EBB departed Sydney on delivery to Air Lanka. On July 17th 1987, the Boeing, now registered 4R-ULG, touched down at Sydney on return delivery to the Qantas fleet. After refurbishment, it re-appeared as VH-EBB but carrying the colours of Air Pacific. VH-EBB re-entered service on October 2nd and has replaced VH-EBK as the Boeing leased to Air Pacific. Meanwhile VH-EBK continues to fly on Qantas routes still carrying Air Pacific colours. It is expected to return to Qantas livery next June and be named ‘City of Sale’. Qantas’ two leased Boeings, VH-EBA and VH-EBB, are expected to continue in service until delivery of the Boeing 747-438’s in 1989.

During the year two Boeing 747s were retired from Qantas service for sale to overseas operators. First to go was the Pratt powered Boeing 747 Combi VH-ECA, which was sold to Air Canada. After a lengthy overhaul and repainting in Air Canada colours it finally left Sydney on January 11th, 1988. The Boeing was delivered as VH-ECA however on arrival in Canada the registration was changed to C-GAGC. In November, 1987 VH-EBG was withdrawn from service for sale to the Israeli national airline El AL. VH-EBG is planned to depart Sydney in May after refurbishment and repainting in El Al colours.

To overcome a serious capacity shortage mainly as a result of the start of the Bicentennial year, Qantas wet leased aircraft from three overseas airlines. Aer Lingus supplied a Boeing 747 from November 30th till late February and this was mainly used on flights between London and Melbourne. Most commonly used aircraft was 747-130 El-BED, however 747-148 El-ASJ was also noted on a couple of occasions. New York based Tower Air also supplied a Boeing 747 and it operated between Los Angeles and Melbourne on the QF18 and QF17. Tower Air made their first appearance in Melbourne on December 14th and their last flight also left from Melbourne on February 20th. Except for the one occasion Tower Air used Boeing 747-131 N93117 which still wore the colours of Trans World Airlines. On the forward fuselage was written ‘On Lease to Qantas’. The one time that Tower Air used another aircraft was on January 25th when veteran Boeing 747-130 N603FF arrived in Melbourne from Los Angeles. Finally Martinair, Hol- land supplied DC-10-30CF PH-MBT. The DC-10’s first operation for Qantas was QF824 out of Amsterdam for Sydney on December 21st. The DC-10 was then mainly used for flights from Perth, Adelaide and Townsville to Singapore and Hong Kong.

Safe Air

Airline Code: 7A Head Office: PO Box 244, Blenheim, New Zealand.

Executives Chairman: A. J. Healy, General Manager: W. R. Tannock, Administration Manager: M. R. Fairbrother, Engineering Manager: J. S. Wilks, Financial Manager: S. J. Wilks, Flight Operations Manager: Capt LB. Pirie, Marketing Manager: DJ. Gollop, Chief Inspector: M. V. H. Blee.

Fleet as at 29/02/8

BAe650 Argosy 222 ZK-SAE, ZK-SAF

Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

For Safe Air the main work for their two Argosy aircraft is the uplift of freight between Blenheim, Wellington and Christchurch. However they also fly a very unique passenger service between New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. These islands, which have a population of 750 lie 800kms east of Christchurch and 768kms south east of Wellington. For the three hour flight a special capsule is inserted in the Argosy which allows 30 passengers to be carried in 737 type seats. Two return flights are operated weekly from either Christchurch or Wellington. During the summer an Air New Zealand F27 may be used to supplement the Argosy.

Transcorp Airways

Airline Code: TC

Head Office : Office Nol, Business Centre, 1/F Regal Meridien Airport Hotel, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Executives

General Manager Australia/Pacific: J. Cornish Fleet

Boeing 707-330C VR-HTC “Hong Kong, Kowloon Trader”. Fleet & Operational Changes (Ol/03/87-29/02/88)

Transcorp Airways was formed in 1985 to take advantage of the relaxation of international air freight controls adopted by the Federal Government. Initially the main aim of Transcorp was to provide a service between Perth and Brunei. To operate this Boeing 707-330C D-ABUA was purchased from German Cargo.

Services commenced in November 1985 using a leased 707 as Transcorp’s own aircraft, which was now registered in Hong Kong as VR-HTC, was not yet certified. In December 1985 Ansett Transport Industries purchased a 51% holding in Transcorp.

In March 1987 Transcorp were still operating leased aircraft with Zarkani Air Services Boeing 707-366C SU-DAD and Anglo Air Cargo Boeing 707-338C G-BDEA being noted. In May Transcorp were finally awarded their Air Operators Certificate by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and this allowed VR-HTC to be used on their flights between SE Asia and Sydney.