1989 Regional Airline Directory

Looking at the overall scene from Ansett Airlines view, we see that they dominate the oncarriage market in both Western and South Australia. In the West they have Ansett WA and Skywest, while Kendell Airlines are the major commuter operator in South Australia. In Victoria, Kendell is once again the dominant operator. At Sydney, Ansett are fed by Aeropelican, Air NSW and to a lesser extent by East-West, while at Brisbane Airport East-West, Queensland Pacific and Flight West feed into Ansett.

In our Directory this year we have identified 45 active operators, which is one down on last year. This is as a result of seven new operators appearing for the first time and the loss of eight from our previous listing. For information we have also included two operators who are planning to start operations before publication of this article – Chartair and Par Avion, however they are not included in our statistics. During the period 01/09/88 to 31/08/89 the following changes have taken place:

CHALLENGE AIR SERVICES – terminated operations June 1989 after flying for nine months.

LLOYD AIR (Queensland) – terminated operations December 1988 after takeover by Queensland Pacific Airlines.

MIDSTATE AIRLINES – terminated operations February 1989 due to financial problems. Restarted same month under new ownership but name later changed to Western Airlines. NORTH WEST AIRLINES terminated operations May 1989. SINGLETON AIR SERVICES- name changed to Yanda Airlines in September 1988.

STATE AIR – terminated operations May 1989. Routes taken over by Sky-Link Airlines.

SUNGOLD AIRLINES – terminated operations February 1989 after takeover by Queensland Pacific.

TILLAIR – terminated operations October 1988 after amalgamation with Air North.

On the positive side the following appear in our Directory for the first time:

CHALLENGE AIR SERVICES – commenced operations October 1988 over routes previously tried by a number of

operators.

COUNTRYAIR – commenced operations August 1989. Well established charter company moving into RPT services but in competition with another established operator.

QUEENSLAND PACIFIC AIRLINES – commenced operations December 1988. Purchased aircraft and routes of Lloyd (Queensland).

QWESTAIR – commenced operations January 1989.

SKY-LINK AIRLINES – commenced operations June 1989 over routes previously operated by State Air.

WESTERN AIRLINES – commenced operations May 1989 after takeover of routes and aircraft of Midstate Airlines.

YANDA AIRLINES – commenced operations September 1988 after name changed from Singleton Air Services.

As of September 1st we had 45 Regional Airlines operating with the State break up as follows – Queensland/11, NSW/10, South Australia/9, Western Australia/6, Victoria/5, Northern Territory/3 and Tasmania/1.

This year we have identified 236 aircraft, which is 9 down on last year. Turbine powered aircraft now total 72 or 30% of the fleet. Four established operators moved into turbine powered equipment for the first time this year, Air Transit/Twin Otter, Airlines of Tasmania/Bandeirante, Aus-Air/Bandeirante and Oxley/King Air 200. A total of 20 operators now have turbine powered aircraft in their fleet. On top of that another three airlines, Air North, Countryair and Western NSW have turbine powered aircraft in their charter fleet. The 9 seats and under category is still the major force in the Regional Airlines fleet with 145 aircraft or 61% of the total. The most common types are the Cessna 401/2 and PA-31. This year we have listed 22 Cessna 401/2s and 58 PA-31s. The Piper aircraft in itself represents 35% of the piston engined commuter fleet with 16 airlines out of the 45 listed operating this very popular aircraft.

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, -KZO, -KZP, -KZQ.

Aeropelican at present schedule 81 return flights weekly between their home base at Newcastle/Belmont and Sydney. Provisional traffic figures

for the twelve months ending July 31st 1989 show that Aeropelican carried 92,000 passengers, 6,000 less than they carried in 1984, a significant indication of the effect that a greatly improved road system between Sydney and southern Newcastle can have on short haul intercity operators.

Air Central Eyre

286 Fullarton Road, Fullarton, SA 5063. (08) 79 9920. Fax (08) 271 8169.

Routes – Flights are operated from Wudinna, Cleve and Kimba to

Adelaide. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-NPB. Air Central Eyre added Kimba to

their network in March with a once weekly return service to/from Adelaide.

Air North International

PO Box 39548, Winnellie, NT 5789. (089) 81 7188. Telex AA85641. Fax (089) 41 1373. Airline Code – HS. Routes- From their Darwin base Air North International operate flights to the following 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 and Ramingining. Kakadu Services – to Cooinda/ Kakadu, Jabiru and Oenpelli. Peppimenarti Services- to Peppimenarti. From their Katherine base flights are operated to – Borroloola, Gove, Groote Eylandt, Hooker Creek, Numbulwar, Roper River, Victoria River Downs and Wave Hill Station. Fleet – Douglas DC-3 VH-MMA; Cessna 404 VH-ANM, -ANV, -AZU; Cessna 402C VH-ANO, -AZO, -TFD, -UCE,-UCL, -UPB; Cessna 310A VH-ANW, -SGL, -TFP.

In October 19’88 the parent company of Air North, the Henry Walker Group, brought together the operations of Air North, Rossair and Tillair. This resulted in the disappearance of the Tillair name with their routes and fleet being integrated into that of Air North. To better reflect their sphere of operations Air North recently changed their name to Air North International.

The following fleet changes took place in this period. Douglas DC-3 VH-CAN was sold to Flight Australia and it departed Darwin in February for Bankstown. EMB-110P2 VH-MWX was leased from Countryair in late May for a three month evaluation. After operating on a number of Air North routes VH-MWX was returned to Countryair in early September. Cessna 404 VH-ANP was sold to Sunstate in February for use on their Victorian Air Ambulance contract, while Cessna 404 VH-ANY was leased to Countryair in August. With the integration of the Tillair fleet, Air North took over four of their Cessna 402Cs VH-TFD, -UCE, -UCL and -UPB. Also added to the fleet was Tillair Cessna 310R VH-TFP.

Air North also added to their charter fleet during the year. Cessna 441 VH-HWD was joined by two others of its type. VH-AZB which arrived in the country in February as N983GA and VH-AZY which arrived in March as N600SF. Cessna 421C VH-ANH was recently joined by another of the same type VH-WGS. Air North have also taken over the Cessna 21Os VH-ANS, -BEK, -LTB, -TFE, -TFF, -TFI and -TFN that were operated by Tillair on station mail and charter flights.

Air Transit

Commuter Building, Adelaide Airport, SA 5024. (08) 352 3177. Fax (08) 43 6139. Airline Code – UV. Routes- Flights are operated from Adelaide to ·tour centres on Kangaroo Island – American River, Kingscote, Parndana and Penneshaw. Fleet – Twin Otter 200 VH-ATK; Cessna 4028 VH-ATI, -ATV.

Air Transit took delivery of Twin Otter 200 N655MA msn (manufacturer’s serial number) 226 of Trans World Express at Adelaide in late December. As VH-ATK the Twin Otter entered service in February and presently operates 14 return services weekly on the Adelaide to Kingscote route. The Cessna 402Bs are used to serve the other destinations on Kangaroo Island. In late July, Air Transit took delivery of Beech Tri Gear 18 VH-PDI. The Beech, which can carry nine passengers, is used for general charter work and to operate scenic flights around Kangaroo Island. Cessna 402B VH-UBI was withdrawn from service at Parafield in March and is being broken up as a source of spares.

Airlines of Tasmania

PO Box 1126, Evandale, Tasmania 7212. (003) 91 8422. Fax (003) 91 8688. Airline Code – IP. Routes – Airlines of Tasmania operate a network of services which connect the following ports – Devonport, Flinders Island, Hobart, King Island, Launceston, Melbourne/Essendon, Queenstown, Smithton, Strahan and Wynyard. Fleet – EMB-110P1 VH-WPI; DH114 Heron VH-CLV, -CLX, -CLZ, -KAM; PA31-350 VH-PFS, -TAS.

Airlines of Tasmania have leased EMB-110P1 VH-WPI from Hazelton Airlines and it entered service in late July on the Launceston, Wynyard to King Island route. In October 1986, Airlines of Tasmania were awarded the contract to provide aircraft and pilots for the Tasmanian Air Ambulance service. PA31-350 VH-NPC and PA31P-350 VH-XGW are presently used to service this contract.

Albatross Airlines

6 Todd Street, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA 5223. (0848) 22296.

Route- Kingscote to Adelaide. Fleet- PA23-250 VH-BKJ, -MCI.

Aquatic Air

Barrenjoey Boathouse, Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, NSW 2108. (02) 919 5966. Fax (02) 919 5534. Airline Code – VZ. Routes- Gosford/ Rose Bay, Gosford/Palm Beach/Rose Bay, Rose Bay/Newcastle/Port Hunter. Fleet – GAF N22B Amphibian VH-BRQ; DHC-2 Beaver Floatplane VH-AQA, -AQV.

Arnhem Air Charter

PO Box 39431, Winnellie, NT 5789. (089) 84 4322. Fax (089) 47 1198. Routes- From their Darwin base Arnhem Air Charter serve the following ports – Croker Island, Goulburn Island, Maningrida and Milingimbi. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-IXP; PA31-310 VH-JWH, -SAO; P-688 VH-ECO.

Augusta Airways

PO Box 1756, Port Augusta, SA 5700. (086) 42 3100. Telex AA80962. Fax (086) 234 1864. Airline Code- BH. Routes- Port Augusta/Adelaide, Leigh Creek/Adelaide, Port Augusta/Leigh Creek/lnnamincka/Birdsville/ Soulia/Mt Isa. Fleet Cessna 421B VH-AAI; PA31-350 VH-NPD; Cessna 402A VH-AWS; Commander SOOS VH-ACZ.

Augusta Airways maintain their unique ‘Mail Run’ weekly service between Port Augusta and Mt Isa. Operated by their Commander SOOS VH-ACZ the flight departs each Saturday morning and arrives in Mt Isa that evening. After an overnight stop the Commander returns south to Port Augusta the following day.

AUS-AIR

Northern Avenue, Moorabbin Airport, Vic 3194. (03) 580 6166. Telex AA37553. Fax (03) 580 8955. Airline Code – NO. Routes- From their base at Moorabbin Aus-Air operate services to Devonport, King Island, Launceston, Smithton and Wynyard. Fleet – EMB-110P1 VH-CRG; PA31-350 VH-MBP, -MBT, -OZM, -TYV; PA31-310 VH-MBY, -RTO.

EMB-110P1 VH-CRG entered service with Aus-Air in early July on the Moorabbin/Wynyard/Devonport route. VH-CRG was purchased by AusAir in late 1988 however it was left to terminate its lease to Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter in Darwin before delivery to Aus-Air. To coincide with the entry into service of the Bandeirante, Aus-Air officially opened their own terminal facilities at Moorabbin Airport.

PA31-350 VH-TXD was withdrawn from service in April after sliding into a ditch at Moorabbin. PA31-350 VH-BKE was leased from Flinders Island Airlines as an interim replacement. PA31-350 VH-OZM was added to the Aus-Air fleet in June. Aus-Air added Launceston to their network in June with the introduction of a twice weekly service (Fri/Sun) from Moorabbin.

Australian Regional Airlines

PO Box 241, Garbutt, Qld 4814. (077) 25 2255. Fax (077) 25 1825. Airline Code- TN. Routes – Cairns/Lizard Island, Cairns/Dunk Island, Townsville/Dunk Island, Townsville/Cairns, Townsville/Proserpine/Mackay/ Rockhampton, Mackay/Brampton Island, Rockhampton/Great Keppel Island. Fleet – Twin Otter 300 VH-TGC, -TGF, -TGG, -TGH, -TGI.

Australian Regional Airlines (Queensland) P/L, commenced operations in May 1988 over the Twin Otter routes previously flown by Air Queensland.

Twin Otter 300 VH-AQB was written off in an accident on Dunk Island on November 18th. A replacement Twin Otter 300 was purchased in Canada and as C-FCUS msn 288 it was delivered to Townsville in early April. The same month the Twin Otter registered VH-TGC entered service with Australian Regional. On July 10th Australian Regional took over the Rockhampton to Great Keppel Island route from Sunstate.

Challenge Air Services

PO Box 224, Coolangatta, Qld 4225. (075) 92 0177. Fax (075) 38 0080. Airline Code – CH. Challenge Air Services are an addition to this year’s directory. In October 1988 they commenced services from their Coolangatta base to Brisbane, Kingaroy and Gayndah. The following April, services were expanded to the Northern NSW towns of Armidale, Gotts Harbour, Glen Innes and Inverell. Challengeceased operations in June. Aircraft used by Challenge Air Services to operate their flights were-PA31-350 VH-NEH, PA31-310 VH-DWX, -HHL, Baron 58 VH-AKG and -HHX.

Chartair

PO Box 8170, Alice Springs, NT 0871. (089) 52 3977. Telex AA81359. Fax (089) 52 2245. Routes- Alice Springs, Kings Creek, YuIara. FleetShort 330 VH-HUS; Cessna 402C VH-HUR, -RMI, -TFM, -TZH. Chartair were planning to commence flying on the Alice Springs, Kings Creek, Yulara route from October.

Countrvair

PO Box 1531, Rockhampton, Qld 4700. (079) 27 2733. Fax (079) 22 5684. Airline Code- CE. Routes- Country air operate services from Rockhampton and Brisbane to Dysart, Middlemount and Moranbah. Fleet – Cessna 404 VH-ANY, -TLE; PA31-350 VH-XMC; Baron 58 VH-HHX,-JJN.

Countryair a long established charter operator in Rockhampton appear on our listing for the first time. On August 11th they commenced services between Rockhampton and the Central Queensland coal mining towns of Dysart, Middlemount and Moranbah. A return service is flown each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday the flight continues from the coalfields direct to Brisbane. This aircraft returns from Brisbane on the Monday to the coalfields and then through to Rockhampton.

Countryair added Cessna 404 VH-ANY to their fleet in August. PBN Islander VH-SLM is used on general charter work. EMB-110P2 VH-MWX, which is also used on charter was leased to Air North between May 31st and September 2nd.

Crane Airlines

PO Box 149, Mascot, NSW 2020. (02) 667 4974. Fax (02) 693 1974. Airline Code- FD. Route- Tumut to Sydney. Fleet-PA31-350 VH-LCE; Commander SOOS VH-IBY.

Crane Airlines took over the operations of Waratah Air Services in October 1987. The same month they commenced flying on the Sydney to Nowra route however this has since been terminated. At present Crane Airlines operate a twice weekly service, Friday and Sunday, on the Tumut to Sydney route.

Eastern Australia Airlines

PO Box 538, Mascot, NSW 2020. (02) 693 1000. Telex AA22139. Fax (02) 693 2715. Airline Code – UN. Routes- Eastern Australia Airlines operate a network of services connecting the following ports- Armidale, Bathurst, Brisbane, Canberra, Gotts Harbour, Coolangatta, Glen Innes, Grafton, Inverell, Kempsey, Lismore, Newcastle/Williamtown, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Tamworth and Taree. Fleet- DHC-8-100 VH-TQO, -TQP; BAe Jetstream 31 VH-LJR, -TQJ, -TQK, -TQL; EMB-110P1 VH-HVS, -WDI; EMB-110P2 VH-WDF; Cessna 404 VH-DLF, -TMX.

Eastern Australia Airlines replaced East-West Airlines from Sydney to Port Macquarie on February 27th and from Sydney to Armidale on April 5th. Equipment used was the DHC-8-100 the first of which, VH-TQO was delivered on January 14th and the second, VH-TQP on February 27th. Eastern Australia have ordered two more DHC-8-100s for delivery in mid 1990. Eastern Australia have also placed an order for a fourth BAe Jetstream 31. Until it is delivered in January 1990 they have leased a Jetstream 31 from the Dutch operator Netherlands. This aircraft, VH-LJR msn 649 was delivered to Sydney in early September. During the year there have been a number of changes in the Cessna 404 fleet. VH-DLF and VH-TMX, which have both been repainted in Australian colours have been retained in service. VH-SON was recently sold to Challenge Airlines, Coolangatta. VH-TMP is operating on lease to Sunbird Airlines in Cairns while VH-UOP is leased to Sunstate Airlines in Mildura.

In February, Eastern ceased operations on the Maitland to Sydney route in favour of Yanda Airlines. Provisional traffic figures for the twelve months ending June 30th 1989 show that Eastern Australia Airlines carried 177,000 passengers against 118,000 the previous year.

Eyre Commuter

PO Box 16, Cummins, SA 5631. (086) 86 2329. Routes – Cummins/ Tumby Bay/Adelaide, Adelaide/Port Lincoln/Cummins. Fleet – Cessna 4028 VH-FFJ; PA34-200T VH-KAE, -MRY. Eyre Commuter added PA34-200T VH-MRY to their fleet in August.

Falcon Airlines

PO Box 41, Stratford, Qld 4870. (070) 53 7111. Fax (070) 53 7724. Airline Code – AB. Routes- Falcon connects Cairns with the following Cape York and Torres Strait ports – Badu Island, Bamaga, Boigu Island, Coconut Island, Coen, Darnley Island, Horn Island, Lockhart River, Mabuiag, Kubin Village, Murray, Saibai, Warrabar, Yam and Yorke Islands. Fleet- PBN Islander VH-EER, -FCP, -TRW; Beech Queen Air B80 VH-FDM; Cessna 402B VH-DTV.

Falcon Airlines, who were previously involved in charter operations. commenced flying as a commuter airline in November 1987. During the year Falcon added two more PBN Islanders VH-EER and VH-TRW to their commuter fleet. Falcon also operate the following aircraft on charter flying-Commander 500S VH-EXO, -PCO, Queen Air 80 VH-TGA, P-68B VH-DNK, Cessna 31OR VH-URS, Cessna U206F VH-SLQ and Cessna U206G VH-SQR.

Flight West Airlines

PO Box 241, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006. (07) 252 1152. Fax (07) 854 1971. Airline Code – YC. Routes – Flight West operate a network of services from their Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns bases to the following ports-Aurukun, Barcaldine, Birdsville, Blackall, Burketown, Charleville, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Coen, Cooktown, Doomadgee Mission, Edward River, Groote Eylandt, Hughenden, Julia Creek, Karumba, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Longreach, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Quilpie, Richmond, Roma, St George, Windorah and Winton. Fleet- EMB-11OP1 VH-XTL; King Air 200 VH-SKC, -SKN, -XDB, -XFB, -XRF, -XRP.

Flight West added another King Air 200 to their fleet in June, when N2657 msn BB-531 was delivered to Brisbane. As VH-XFB the King Air entered service in August. Flight West have added a Twin Otter to their fleet and this will be used for contractual work out of Cairns. Twin Otter 300 N205CA msn was delivered to Brisbane in late July and when it enters service with Flight West it will be registered VH-XFC. In the interim ·Flight West have leased Twin Otter 100 VH-TZL from Sunstate and it was delivered to Cairns in late September.

Flight West have also taken over the Flying Surgeon service previously operated by Air Queensland. In support of this, Baron 58 VH-PRH is based in Longreach and Baron 58 VH-HFI in Roma. Another Baron 58 VH-XGF is based in Roma but with the Flying Obstetrician. A recent addition to the charter fleet is Baron 58 VH-EGE. It has joined Baron E55 VH-XSM in Cairns while Baron D55 VH-ENC works out of Brisbane.

Flinders Island Airlines

Hangar 8, Third Street, Moorabbin Airport, Mentone, Vic 3194. (03) 580 3777. Telex AA151850. Fax (03) 580 7361. Airline Code – CK. Routes Flinders Island Airlines operate a network of services from Moorabbin and Tullamarine to the following ports-Albury, Balranald, Corowa, Echuca, Flinders Island, Hamilton, Hopetoun, Horsham, King Island, Mildura, Quyen, Robinvale, Sale, Stawell, Swan Hill, Wangaratta, Warracknabeal and Warnambool. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-BKE, -KGN, -MCX, -PWA, -RNG, -TMN, -WGF, -WGI; PA31-310 VH-AWW, -KJS, -SOW.

Flinders Island Airlines added Adelaide to their network in November 1988 with a twice weekly extension of their service to Horsham. This flight was discontinued the following February. In June Flinders Island received approval to move their operations from Essendon to Tullamarine. There they are handled by Australian Airlines.

Goldfields Air Services

PO Box 435, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430. (090) 93 2116. Telex AA91370. Fax (090) 93 1979. Routes- Goldfields operate services from their Kalgoorlie base to the following ports-Esperance, Laverton, Leinster, Leonora and Norseman. Fleet – Cessna 402C VH-LAE; Cessna 4028 VH-MFF; Cessna 310Q VH-FYZ; Cessna 310R VH-LCO.

Goldfields Air Services commenced a five times weekly service (MonFri) in August on the Kalgoorlie/Leinster route. Cessna 310R N1386G msn 1216 ferried into Adelaide in October 1988 and was later delivered to Goldfields as VH-LCO. During the year Cessna 31OR VH-UQR was sold.

Hazelton Airlines

PO Box 12, Cuda!, NSW 2864. (063) 64 2104. Fax (063) 64 2294. Airline Code – ZL. Routes – Hazelton Airlines operate a network of services which connect the following ports-Bourke, Brewarrina, Brisbane, Cobar, Canberra, Coolangatta, Condoblin, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Cootamundra, Cowra, Cuda!, Dubbo, Forbes, Gunnedah, Lightning Ridge, Moruya, Mudgee, Nyngan, Orange, Parkes, Quirindi, Sydney, Temora, Walgett, West Wyalong and Young. Fleet – Shorts 360-300 VH-MJH, -MJU; EMB-110P1 VH-WPE; PA31-350 VH-CJQ, -OMV, -DVG, -DVR,

-MWP, -MYQ, -MZF, -MZI, -MZK, -MZM -MZV, -MZX, -TWB.

Hazelton Airlines took delivery of their first Shorts 360-300 in early December when VH-MJU arrived at Cudal. A second Shorts 360-300 VH-MJH msn SH-3758 flew into Cuda! on September 10th and was planned to enter service in October. EMB-11OP1 VH-WPI was withdrawn from service in early July prior to commencing a lease to Airlines of Tasmania.

Kendell Airlines

PO Box 78, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650. (069) 21 2131. Telex AA69066. Fax (069) 21 7071. Airline Code-KD. Routes-Kendell Airlines operate a network of services from their two major hubs Adelaide and Melbourne. From Adelaide to Broken Hill, Ceduna, Goober Pedy, Mount Gambier, Olympic Dam, Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay, Whyalla, Woomera and Yulara. From Melbourne to Albury, Cooma, King Island, Merimbula, Mildura, Mount Gambier, Portland and Wagga. Fleet-Saab 340 VH-EKD, -KOi, -KOK, -KDP; Metro II VH-BIF, -BIS, -KDQ, -KOR, -WGV, -WGX, -WGY; Merlin IV VH-SWP.

Kendell Airlines continue to maintain their position as the leading commuter airline in Australia. For the twelve months ending June 30th 1989 they carried 243,000 passengers, a fraction less than they did the previous year. Saab 340 VH-KDI was delivered in November 1988 and entered service that month while Saab 340 VH-EKD entered service in late August.

Lincoln Airlines

PO Box 387, Port Lincoln, SA 5606. (086) 82 5688. Fax (086) 82 6235 Route – Port Lincoln to Adelaide. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-IJE, -LNA.

Lincoln Airlines commenced flying in September 1987 between Port Lincoln and Adelaide. Using a PA31-350 they initially scheduled 12 return flights weekly between the two ports, however this has now risen to 23.

In September 1988 Lincoln Airlines took delivery of PA31-350 VH-LNA and it replaced the leased PA31-350 VH-RUH in service. In April a second PA31-350 VH-IJE was purchased and it in turn replaced Lincoln Airlines other leased PA31-350 VH-TOT.

LLOYD AIR (Queensland)

PO Box 5, Brisbane Airport, Qld 4007.

Lloyd commenced commuter operations in SE Queensland in June 1987 being the designated Ansett carrier in the area. To operate their services on the Queensland coast Lloyd purchased four Mohawk 298 aircraft in the United States. In December 1988 Lloyd Air (Queensland) was sold to the Norfolk Islands Group with the routes and aircraft transferred under the name Queensland Pacific Airlines.

LLOYD AVIATION (South Australia)

Adelaide Airport, SA 5024. (08) 352 6400. Telex AA88427. Fax (08) 234 0007. Airline Code – UD. Routes- Lloyd Aviation operate services from Adelaide to Kingscote, Olympic Dam and Whyalla. Fleet – EMB-11OP1 VH-WBI; Cessna 402C VH-UCI.

The Lloyd Aviation Group, which is owned by Bodas P/L, encompasses a number of companies including Lloyd Aviation, who operate commuter services in South Australia, and Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter. The Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter fleet consists of the following aircraft – F28-4000 VH-LAR; Casa 212 VH-ICJ; EMB-110P1 VH-LSE, -PGS, P2-NAL; EMB-110P2 VH-MWV; King Air 200C VH-AKV, -KZL, -NSR; Learjet 35A VH-HOF, -LGH, -SLJ; Learjet 36 VH-8I8; Cessna 550 VH-LJK, -WGJ; Cessna 402C VH-OAS; Cessna U206G VH-AHX.

Fleet changes in this period were as follows: EMB-110P1 VH-CRG lease terminated July and aircraft returned to Aus-Air; EMB-11OP1 N124MS msn 298 arrived Darwin late August from US and since registered VH-LSE; King Air 200 VH-MXK sold to Skywest Aviation in April; King Air 200C VH-AKV, -KZL, -NSR from the NSCA in January; Learjet 258 VH-LJB was sold in the US in May; Learjet 35A VH-LGH was purchased from Australian Jet Charter in February; Cessna 550 VH-LJK was imported from the US in February.

Macknight Airlines

PO Box 365, Deniliquin, NSW 2710. (058) 81 2504. Fax (058) 81 3115. Airline Code- MT. Routes-Deniliquin/Hay/Wagga, Deniliquin/Wagga, Deniliquin/Tocumwal/Wagga. Fleet – Commander 500S VH-MAV; PA60-600A VH-MVY; PA30 VH-HHE. From its inception in July 1970 Macknight Airlines has acted as a feeder carrier. Flights are scheduled in and out of Wagga to connect with Air NSW’s Sydney service.

MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship)

PO Box 821, Nhulunbuy, NT 5797. (089) 87 2777. Telex AA 84111. Fax (089) 87 2432. Routes-Fromtheirbase at Gove MAF operate services to Elcho Island, Lake Evelia, Milingimbi and Ramingining. Fleet- Cessna 402C VH-All, -UBB, -UBF; P-688 VH-IYE.

The MAF commuter operation in Arnhem Land is a small part of MAF Australia, an organisation which operates some 40 aircraft in 3 countries. In November MAF added a third Cessna 402C to their commuter fleet when VH-UBB was delivered to Gove. Arriving at their Ballarat maintenance base in late July was BN-2A Islander JA-5193. After overhaul this aircraft will be registered VH-UBD before delivery to Gove based commuter operations.

Midstate Airlines

Fauntleroy Ave, Perth Airport, WA 6105. (09) 277 4022.

Midstate Airlines commenced commuter operations in July 1986 on the Perth/Sunbury route. In October 1987 they took over from defunct Laurie Potter Airlines on the stopping services between Perth/Denham and Perth/Kalgoorlie. Due to trading problems Midstate Airlines ceased operations on February 22nd. Two days later Midstate started flying again under new ownership however this lasted till April 30th when the Midstate name was used for the last time. The following day the airline took on the name of Western Airlines.

When Midstate ceased flying on February 22nd they had five aircraft in their fleet-PA31-350 VH-EDV, -PRJ and -TWU, Cessna 340 VH-FAC and Cessna 310R VH-JVO. Two of the PA31-350s VH-EDV and -PRJ were repossessed while the other three aircraft continued in service with

the new Midstate/Western Airlines.

Norfolk Airlines

GPO Box 905, Brisbane, Qld 4001. (07) 229 0488. Telex AA41421. Fax (07) 860 4084. Airline Code – UG. Routes – Norfolk Airlines operate a network of services connecting Brisbane, Coolangatta, Newcastle and Sydney with Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands. Fleet – King Air 200 VH-AAZ, -IBD, -IBF.

Norfolk Airlines is the flagship of the Norfolk Airlines Group of companies, which have continued to expand over the last twelve months. Other commuter operators coming under the Norfolk Island banner are Queensland Pacific and Sunbird. Other companies controlled by the group are Flightways in Perth, Norfolk Pacific Aviation in Cairns and Norfolk Jet Aviation in Sydney.

Norfolk Airlines took delivery of Dash 8-100 VH-NID msn 170 in fate September with the aircraft planned to enter service out of Sydney the following month. Details on QueenslandPacificandSunbirdcan be found under the appropriate headings.

Flightways in Perth operate Westwind VH-JPW, Cessna 441s VH-CCY and -FWA and King Air 200 VH-NIA. Norfolk Pacific Aviation in Cairns operate King Air 200 VH-NIB, -NIC and -NIH, Cessna 441 VH-NIE and -NIF, Twin Otter 300 VH-NIO, EMB-110P1 VH-KIQ. Finally Norfolk Jet Aviation have Learjet 35As VH-WFE and -WFJ.

North West Airlines

PO Box 450, Whyalla, SA 5600. (086) 45 8747. Airline Code- NW.

North West Airlines appeared in our Directory for the first time last year.

Using PA31-350 VH-TXK they commenced operations in June 1988 with a twelve times weekly return service between Whyalla and Adelaide. Due to poor loadings North West operated their last service on May 26th.

O’Connor Airlines

PO Box 21, Mount Gambier, SA 5290. (087) 25 6666. Fax (087) 25 8003. Airline Code-OL. Routes-Mt Gambier/Adelaide and Mt Gambier/Melbourne. Fleet- Cessna 441 VH-KDN, -OAA.

In October O’Connor Airlines commenced operations on the Mt Gambier/Melbourne route. Cessna 441 VH-KDN was added to the fleet to service the new route. At Adelaide and Melbourne O’Connor are handled by Australian Airlines.

ORD Air Charter

PO Box 73, Wyndham, WA 6740. (091) 61 1335. Airline Code – YO. Routes-Ord Air Charter operate a network of services to the following ports-Baigo Hills, Bililuna, Birrindudu, Carson River, Derby, Doongan, Drysdale River, Eilenbrae, Flora Valley, Fitzroy Crossing, Gordon Downs, Halls Creek, lnverway, Kalumburu Mission, Karunjie, Kirkimbie, Kununurra, Lake Gregory, Limbunya, Margaret River, Mitchell Plateau, Nelson Springs, Nicholson, Ord River, Waterloo and Wyndham. FleetCessna 402C VH-OAD; Baron 58 VH-AYV, -BBP, -MNH.

During the year Ord Air Charter added Cessna 402C VH-OAD to their fleet while Baron 58 VH-EZB was sold. Ord Air also operate PBN Islander VH-IOA on charter work while Cessna U206F VH-IRY, Cessna U206G VH-BBU, -SHZ and -STX are used on Station mail service. Ord Air are also involved in the operation of Cockatoo Island Airways. Using PBN Islander VH-BSN operations commenced earlier this year flying passengers between Derby and the Cockatoo Island resort. VH-BSN was written off in a crash near Derby in late May and has since been replaced by Islander VH-ISL.

Oxley Airlines

PO Box 741, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444. (065) 83 1955. Telex AA63138. Fax (065) 83 1097. Airline Code- VQ. Routes- Oxley Airlines operate services to the following ports from their Port Macquarie base- Ballina, Brisbane, Coffs Harbour, Coolangatta, Lismore, Lord Howe Island and Taree. Fleet – King Air 200 VH-LHK; PA31-350 VH-LHD, -LHG, -LHH, -RUI, -STO, -WGG.

Oxley Airlines added Melbourne to their network in March with a five times weekly return direct flight from Port Macquarie. To operate this service Oxley imported King Air 200 N363DA msn BB-344 in February. The following month the King Air registered VH-LHK entered service fitted out in a two pilot, 11 passenger configuration. Due to poor loadings the service was terminated in August.

Oxley continued their high turnover of PA31-350 aircraft. N59830 msn 7652082 was imported in September 1988 and was registered VH-LHF before being sold to a Melbourne based company. N27681 msn 7852104 arrived at Port Macquarie in December and entered service the following February as VH-LHG. N27689 msn 7952011 was imported in January and entered service the following month as VH-LHH. PA31-350 VH-WGH is presently stored at Port Macquarie.

Par Avion

PO Box 100, Lindisfarne, Tas 7015. (002) 48 5390. Fax (002) 48 5117. Route-Launceston to Lady Barron Island. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-WGT; PA31-310 VH-CFE, -KAO. Par Avion were planning to start a service from Launceston to Lady Barron Island in the Flinders Group in late September.

Phillip Island Air Services

170 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Vic 3922. (059) 56 7316. Route- Phillip

Island to Wynyard. Fleet – Cessna 402 VH-BDZ. Phillip Island Air

Services operate a twice weekly service (Fri/Sun) from Cowes on Phillip

Island to Wynyard in NW Tasmania.

Piccolo Aviation

PO Box 360, Gladstone, Qld 4680. (079) 78 1888. Fax (079) 78 1133. Airline Code -NP. Routes -Piccolo operates from Rockhampton to the Central Queensland coalfield ports of Clermont, Dysart, Emerald, Middlemount and Moranbah. Fleet Baron 58 VH-FDC; Baron 55 VH-MNJ; P-68B VH-FSH, -IVG, -PNQ, -PNU. Partenavia P-68B VH-IYC, which was previously operated by Sungold Airlines, was added to the Piccolo fleet in May.

Promair

PO Box 3, Welshpool, Vic 3966. (056) 88 1487. Telex AA154564. Fax (056) 88 1520. Airline Code -FB. Routes -Welshpool/Latrobe Valley/ Launceston, Welshpool/Flinders Island, Welshpool/Moorabbin/Flinders Island. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-RKD; PA31-310 VH-BRL, -EYF, -ARM. In July Promair added PA31-350 VH-RKD to their fleet.

Queensland Pacific Airlines

PO Box 5, Brisbane Airport, Qld 4007. (07) 854 2366. Fax (07) 860 4565. Airline Code -QJ. Routes – Queensland Pacific operate a network of services from Brisbane to the following ports -Blackwater, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Thangool/Biloela and Townsville. Fleet – Mohawk 298 VH-HEI, -HIX, -HKS, -HKT; PA31-350 VH-HSI, -OCF.

Queensland Pacific Airlines appear in our Directory for the first time. They commenced operations on December 4th as a result of the Norfolk Airlines Group taking over the aircraft and routes of Lloyd Air (Queensland). At the time of the takeover Lloyd operated 4 Mohawk 298 aircraft from Brisbane to Bundaberg and Gladstone. Since then Queensland Pacific have extended their coastal service to Townsville with en route stops at Rockhampton and Mackay. Queensland Pacific further expanded their operations on January 31st by taking over another commuter operator, Sungold Airlines. This added the routes from Brisbane to Blackwater, Emerald and Thangool plus two PA31-350s to their fleet.

QWESTAIR

PO Box 31, Cloverdale, WA 6105. (09) 479 1744. Fax (09) 479 1745. Route – Perth/Telfer. Fleet -IAI Westwind II VH-NGA.

Qwestair, who are a subsidiary of Sydney based Pel-Air Aviation took over the Perth/Telfer route from Skywest in January. Initial equipment used was King Air 200 VH-NSE which was leased from Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter. In early March Qwestair put their own Westwind VH-NGA into service. The Westwind, which carries 1 0 passengers, operates 8 return services weekly between Perth and Telfer.

Rottnest Airbus

Fauntleroy Avenue, Perth Airport, WA 6105. (09) 478 1322. Telex AA2772444. Fax (09) 277 4198. Airline Code -WI. Route -Perth/Rottnest Island. Fleet -PBN Islander VH-HPL, -SYU.

Rottnest Airbus operate two PBN Islanders on their high frequency service between Perth and Rottnest Island. Islander VH-IGT was withdrawn from service in December and sold in New Guinea.

Sabair

PO Box 404, Toowoomba, Old 4350. (077) 33 1533. Airline Code -ZG. Route -Toowoomba/Brisbane. Fleet – Cessna T303 VH-LMS. Sabair presently operate 18 return services weekly on the Toowoomba/Brisbane route using their five seat Cessna T303.

Seair Pacific

PO Box 166, Airlie Beach, Qld 4802. (079) 469 133.Telex AA46489. Fax (079) 469 355. Airline Code -AW. Routes -Seair Pacific operate to the following ports -Airlie Beach, Cairns, Hayman Island, Hinchinbrook Island, Lindeman Island, Mackay, Orpheus Island, Proserpine and Townsville. Fleet -Grumman Mallard VH-LAW, -OAW; PBN Islander VH-ISD; P-688 VH-PNP; DHC-2 Floatplane VH-HAQ, -HOE, -ION, -JDX, -SSG; Cessna TU206G Floatplane VH-FSU; Cessna U206G Floatplane VH-LMI, -SFU.

Seair Pacific took delivery of Grumman Mallard C-GHDD at Archerfield on May 1st. The Mallard had made the transpacific crossing by way of Honolulu, Tarawa and Honiara. Registered VH-OAW the Mallard entered service with Seair later in the month. PBN Islander VH-ISL was withdrawn from service in June for sale to Cockatoo Island Airways. Beaver floatplane VH-OCW was badly damaged in an accident at Orpheus Island in early July. Seair also operate a number of Lake Buccaneers – VH-AWY, -AWZ, -EJY and -SYA which are used on tourist charters between Airlie Beach and the outer Barrier Reef.

Singleton Air Services

Private Mailbag 5, Singleton, NSW 2330.

Singleton Air Services changed their name to Yanda Airlines in September 1988 with their routes and aircraft being transferred to the new operator.

Sky-Link Airlines

Adelaide Airport, SA 5024. (08) 352 2877. Fax (08) 234 2289. Airline Code – ZY. Routes – Sky-Link operate services from Adelaide to Kingscote, Port Lincoln and Whyalla. Fleet – Cessna 402A VH-DZY; Cessna 402 VH-BUS; Cessna 401 VH-KRY.

Sky-Link Airlines appear in our Directory for the first time. They commenced operations on June 1st being resurrected from another South Australian commuter operator, State Air, who ceased flying the previous day. Sky-Link have signed an agreement with Australian Airlines which means that their flights are handled at the Australian terminal in Adelaide and that their schedules appear in Australian’s reservations system. Since commencing operations Sky-Link have used a variety of aircraft including former State Air Cessna 4028 VH-TIV and PA31-350s VH-OAO and -RUH. At time of writing Sky-Link were using the aircraft as shown above.

Skywest Airlines

GPO Box R1248, Perth, WA 6001. (09) 426 4555. Telex AA95915.Fax (09) 479 2525. Airline Code – YT. Routes – From their Perth base Skywest operate flights to the following ports -Albany, Cue, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Leinster, Leonora, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet, Wiluna. From their Port Hedland base Skywest operate flights to – Karratha, Marble Bar, Nullagine, Onslow, Port Hedland, Telfer. Fleet – Bae Jetstream 31 VH-ESW, -HSW, -JSW, -OSW; Cessna 310A VH-DAW, -TAN, -TWN, -TWO.

Skywest Airlines operate 4 Jetstream 31s out of Perth Airport and 4 Cessna 310Rs, which are leased from Skywest Aviation, out of their Port Hedland base.Services from Perth to Telfer were terminated in January in favour of Qwestair.

State Air

State Air came into being in April 1986 as an offshoot of the then well established commuter operator Commodore Airlines. Over the following months the routes and aircraft of Commodore were absorbed by State Air. Due to financial problems State Air ceased operations in December 1987 however the following September they once again took to the air. On May 31st State Air once again ceased operations only to emerge the following day as Sky-Link. During the year State Air added PA31-350s VH-OAO and -RUH to its fleet

Sunbird Airlines

PO Box 1492, Cairns, Old 4870. (070) 53 4544. Telex AA48429. Fax (070) 53 7769. Airline <;;ode – SF. Routes – Sunbird Airlines operates services to the following North Queensland, Gulf Country and Torres Strait Island ports – Aurukun, Bamaga, Burketown, Cairns, Cooktown, Croydon, Doomadgee, Edward River, Karumba, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mornington Island, Mt Isa, Normanton, Weipa-Islands of Badu, Boiga, Coconut, Darnley, Dauan, Horn, Kubin, Mabuiag, Murray, Saibai, Stephen, St Pauls, Sue, Yam and Yorke. Fleet- EMB-110P1 VH-FCG, -FCK; Cessna 441 VH-KDJ; Cessna 421 VH-SBJ; Cessna 404 VH-SBG, -SBV, -TMP, -TMU; Cessna 310R VH-BIR, -HEC, -FOA, -TDS, -TFJ; PBN Islander VH-MET, -OCH, -SBD; Bell 2068 VH-FJB, -FJE.

Sunbird Airlines became part of the Norfolk Island Airlines group in April 1988 and this can be reflected in the number of changes that have taken place in the Sunbird fleet as it is modernised and rationalised.

In March Sunbird took delivery of EMB-110P1s VH-FCG and -FCK that were previously operated by Sunstate Airlines. A third EMB-110P1 VH-KIQ of Country Courier is occasionally utilised on Sunbird flights. PBN Islander VH-OCH ex Sungold was delivered in February while two Cessna 310Rs VH-BIR and -TFJ were also added to the fleet. In July Cessna 404 VH-TMP of Eastern Australia was delivered to Cairns. This aircraft has been leased to Sunbird to cover maintenance requirements on the other Cessna 404s. in the fleet. Former Sungold Cessna 441 VH-TFW entered service in late July, however it only stayed a few days before heading off to Melbourne to take up another contract.

Cessna 421B VH-CSF was ferried to Archerfield in February for storage and sale and it has been joined by Cessna 4218 VH-TWH, Cessna 4028 VH-TWF, PA31-350 VH-RDL and P-688 VH-IYB. Cessna 421B VH-MQZ was transferred to Queensland Pacific Airlines in, February while PA31-310 VH-PNL was sold to Cape York Air Services.

During the year Sunbird terminated services to the following ports in favour of Cape York Air Services-Delta Downs, Dorunda, Georgetown, Miranda Downs, Robin Hood and Spring Creek. Sunbird recently added Weipa to their network.

Sungold Airlines

PO Box 119, Palmwoods, Qld 4555.

Sungold Airlines ceased flying on January 31st after takeover by Queensland Pacific Airlines. Sungold commenced commuter services from their Maroochydore base in December 1986 and initially concentrated in connecting Brisbane with the resorts of Caloundra, Hervey Bay, Maroochydore and Orchid Beach. At a later date flights were extended north on the Queensland coast. In March 1988 Sungold took over from Lloyd on flights from Brisbane to the Central Queensland coalfield towns of Blackwater, Emerald and Thangool.

Sunstate Airlines

PO Box 256, Hamilton, Central Old 4007. (07) 860 4577. Fax (07) 268 1207. Airline Code-OF. Routes-Sunstate operate a network of services from Brisbane to the following ports – Blackwater, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Maroochydore, Maryborough, Noosa, Rockhampton, Thangool/Bileola, Toowoomba and Townsville. Fleet – Shorts 360 VH-BWO, -FCU, -MVW; Shorts 330 VH-KNO, -KNQ; EMB-110P1 VH-BWC; Twin Otter 300 VH-TNM, -TNS.

During the year Australian Airlines purchased a one third share in Sunstate thus closer cementing relations between the two airlines. Cairns was added to the network with the extension of the ‘Coastal Connection’ north from Townsville, while Coolangatta and Great Keppel Island were dropped from the network.

Shorts 330 VH-KNO of Pel-Air was delivered in March on a short-term lease, however it still remains in service with Sunstate. EMB-110P1 VH-FCE was sold to Shuttle Airlines,· Melbourne in December, while EMB-110P1s VH-FCG and -FCK went to Sunbird Airlines in March. EMB-110P1 VH-BWC was transferred from Mildura to Brisbane based operations in November. Twin Otter 100 VH-TZL was withdrawn from service in August and leased to Flight West Airlines. Sunstate have also withdrawn their two GAF N-24As from service – VH-FCX was flown to Moorabbin in April, where it is presently being advertised for sale, while VH-BRP is stored in Maryborough, Finally Cessna 404 VH-BPO was withdrawn from service in January and flown to Essendon, where it now operates on the Air Ambulance contract.

Subsidiary company Whitaker Air Services, who use the SE designator, operate closed charter flights connecting Bundaberg and Maryborough with Lady Elliot and Fraser Islands. Twin Otter 100 VH-TZL was delivered in August and it joins GAF N-228 VH-WRT and PBN Islander VH-FCO. Islander VH-FCJ was withdrawn from service in August and flown to Moorabbin for sale.

SUNSTATE AIRLINES (Mildura)

PO Box 1080, Mildura, Vic 3500. (050) 22 2444. Fax (050) 22 1639. Airline Code – OF. Routes Mildura/Melbourne, Mildura/Broken Hill, Mildura/Renmark/Adelaide. Fleet – Shorts 360 VH-MVX; Cessna 404 VH-UOP.

Sunstate Airlines (Mildura) P/L, commenced operations in November 1986 over the routes previously operated by Murray Valley Airlines. In November 1988 EMB-110P1 VH-BWC was transferred from Mildura to Brisbane based operations, while in February Cessna 404 VH-LAD was taken out of service to join the Victorian Air Ambulance fleet at Essendon. To cover the loss of VH-LAD, Sunstate have been leasing a Cessna 404 from Eastern Australia Airlines. At time of writing VH-UOP was the resident Eastern Cessna 404 in Mildura.

During the year Sunstate were awarded a five year contract, which would commence on March 1st, to operate the Victorian Air Ambulance service out of Essendon. As a result Sunstate brought together a fleet of six Cessna 404 aircraft. First to arrive at Essendon in January was VH-BPO from Sunstc\_te (Queensland). It was Loined the following month by VH-LAD from Sunstate (Mildura) and VH-ANP which was purchased from Air North. The same month two Cessna 404s arrived in Tamworth from theUnited States-N6807L msn 0834 wasregisteredVH-WZL while N68075 msn 0837 became VH-WZM. Finally in late April VH-WZK msn 0801 arrived on delivery from West Germany.

Tillair

PO Box 1596, Katherine, NT 5780.

Tillair ceased commuter operations in October 1988, when they and Darwin based Air North came under the same ownership, The fleets and route structure of the two companies were amalgamated with Air North being the surviving name. Tillair fleet dispositionwas as follows-Cessna 441s: VH-KDN to O’Connor Airlines in Mt Gambier, VH-TFB to a SE Queensland owner and VH-TFG to Corpair in Perth. Cessna 402Cs: VH-ROS to an Adelaide based charter company, while VH-TFD, -UCE, -UCL and -UPB joined the Air North fleet. Cessna 310Rs: VH-TFJ to Sunbird Airlines in Cairns and VH-TFP to Air North in Darwin.

Western Airlines

Domestic Terminal, Perth Airport, WA 6105. (09) 277 4022. Fax (09) 478 2537. Airline Code – MB. Routes – Perth/Southern Qross, Perth to Geraldton, Kalbarri, Useless Loop and Denham (Monkey Mia). Fleet – PA31-350 VH-TWU; Cessna 340 VH-FAC; Cessna 310A VH-JVO.

Western Airlines appear in our Directory for the first time. Western were born out of the troubled Midstate Airlines who ceased operations on February 22nd. Two days later the airline started flying again under new ownership but still retaining the Midstate name. On May 1st Midstate Airlines became known as Western Airlines,

From February 24th the new Midstate operated only on the coastal route Perth/Denham however the Perth/Southern Cross service resumed on May 15th. Western have taken over the operations of three of the aircraft previously operated by Midstate -PA31-350 VH-TWU, Cessna 340 VH-FAC and Cessna 310R VH-JVO.

Western Nsw Airlines

Hangar 219, Forest Hill Airport, Wagga, NSW 2650, (069) 22 7777. Fax (069) 22 7700. Airline Code – FO. Routes – Wagga/Tumut/Canberra, Canberra/Albury, Canberra/Wagga. Fleet – PA31-310 VH-WAL; PA60-600A VH-WMY.

Western NSW Airlines continue with their commuter operations however this period has seen them further expand the freight side of their business. MU-2G N318MA msn 512 was delivered to their Wagga base in late August 1988. Later registered VH-WMU the MU-2G entered service with Western NSW based in Sydney on night freighter operations. It was joined by a second MU-2G N168BB msn 544, which was delivered in March, and later registered VH-WMW. Western NSW are also involved in the delivery of bank documentation and for this they operate Cessna 310Rs VH-FSR, which was acquired in May, and VH-JOS,

Yanda Airlines

Private Mailbag 5, Singleton, NSW 2330. (065) 72 3100. Fax (065) 72 2757. Airline Code – ST. Routes – Yanda Airlines operate flights to Sydney from Cessnock, Maitland, Singleton and Scone. Fleet – PA31-350 VH-ATP, -WAD; EMB-820C VH-HVA.

Yanda Airlines appear in our Directory for the first time though they are in fact the former Singleton Air Services who were renamed in September 1988. In February Yanda took over the Maitland/Sydney route from Eastern Australia Airlines. PA31-350 VH-ATP was added to their fleet during the year