Regional Airline Directory

The two major operators in our listing, Eastern Australia and Kendell, have both recorded good growth during this period. Eastern Australia have replaced Kendell on top of the table, however Kendell will benefit from the recent decision by Eastwest Airlines to terminate services on the Melbourne to Devonport route.

During the year Australian Airlines acquired 100% of Eastern Australia Airlines, which now means Australian has four major regional airlines that it owns feeding into its network. These airlines; Australian Regional, Eastern Australia, Sunstate and Sunstate (Mildura) have a combined fleet of 25 aircraft. With these aircraft painted in Australian colours and many of the flights carrying the Australian TN flight code the Americanisation of these operators is almost complete. Last year the four airlines concerned carried nearly 700,000 passengers.

In our Directory this year we have identified 40 active operators, two down on last year. Six new airlines appear for the first time while eight have been deleted from our previous listing.

During the period 01/11/90 thru 31/10/91 the following changes have taken place:

EXECAIR – terminated operations 08/91 after only six months as a regional airline. MACKNIGHT AIRLINES – terminated operations 07/91 after 21 years as a regional airline. Routes and some aircraft sold to Western NSW Airlines.

NORFOLK AIRLINES – terminated operations 03/91 due to financial problems.

QUEENSLAND AND PACIFIC AIRLINES – terminated operations 03/91 due to financial problems.

SE AIR PACIFIC – terminated regional airline operations 02/91 due to renovation of hub airfield on Lindeman Island. Still active as a tourist/charter operator.

SKY-LINK AIRLINES – terminated operations 04/91 due to financial problems.

SYDNEY AIRLINES – terminated operations 04/91 due to financial problems.

TORRES AIR – terminated operations 07/91 due to financial problems. Routes taken over by Flight West Airlines.

The following appear in our Directory for the first time:

AIR LINK – commenced operations 09/91 over routes vacated by Hazelton Airlines.

CRANE AIR – commenced operations 10/91 over routes vacated by Hazelton Airlines.

EXECAIR – commenced operations 02/91 after involvement in charter flying LINK AIRWAYS – commenced operations 07/91 over new hub busting routes.

SKYPORT – commenced operations 04/91 over routes vacated by Ansett NT.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC REGIONAL AIRLINES-commenced operations 04/91 over routes vacated by Queensland Pacific Airlines.

This year we have listed 204 aircraft in our Regional Airline fleet, which is a drop of 32 on last years figure. In the main this is explained by the fact that Air North have reduced their APT fleet from 15 to 3 while the loss of the Norfolk Group accounted for a further 15 aircraft. The Norfolk Group collapse again accounts for the fact that the turbine fleet has dropped from 92 to 82.

Even with a reduction in numbers the turbine fleet as a proportion of the total fleet has risen from 39% to 40%. 21 of the 40 active operators listed now fly turbine powered !:lircraft. Perhaps a sign of the times but there were only three turbine powered aircraft imported by the regional operators as against 18 in the previous period. The three aircraft concerned were DHC-8-100’s for Australian Regional and Flight West and an EMB-120 for Flight West.

The nine seats and under category is still the main force in the Regional Airline fleet with 115 aircraft or 56% of the total, though this number continues to decline. As in previous years the most common types remain as the Cessna 402 and Piper PA31. In our Directory this year we have 20 Cessna 402’s and 61 Piper PA31’s. The PA31 is a very much sought after aircraft by our regional air lines and the 61 recorded represents 50% of the piston engined fleet. Compared with the previous period the PA31 fleet numbers have risen by 5 while as a fleet percentage it has jumped a massive 11%

Aeropelican Air Services

PO Box 226, Belmont, 2280. (049) 45 0988. Fax (049) 45 8824. GM Trevor England. Airline Code: PO. Route: Newcastle/Belmont to Sydney. Fleet: DHC-6-300 VH-KZN, -KZO, -KZP, -KZQ.

Aeropelican schedule 81 return flights weekly between their home base at Newcastle/Belmont and Sydney. For the 12 months ending 30/06/91 Aeropelican carried 84,000 passengers, which was a slight increase on the previous 12 months. Approximately 30% of the passengers carried by Aeropelican transfer to or from other airlines in Sydney.

Air Kangaroo Island

Aviation Centre, James Schofield Dr, Adelaide Airport, 5024. (08) 234 4177. Fax (08) 234 4139. MD John Raye. Airline Code: UV. Routes:

Adelaide to four centres on Kangaroo Island: American River, Kingscote, Parndana and Penneshaw. Fleet: DHC-6-200 VH-AT K; Cessna 402B VH-ATI, -ATY.

Air Kangaroo Island appeared in our Directory for the first time in 1990 though in fact they can trace there involvement in commuter operations back to 07/74, when they commenced flying as Emu Airways. T he Adelaide to Kangaroo Island route provides competition for both Albatross and Kendell Airlines, however Air Kangaroo Island are the only operator to offer services to four destinations on the island. Air Kangaroo Island also operate charter flights using their unique Beech Tri-Gear 18 VH-AT X.

Air Link Po

Box 223, Dubbo, 2830. (068) 82 4435. Fax (068) 82 2846 Airline Code: ZL. Fleet: Cessna 310R VH-HSL, -JMP. Routes: Dubbo/Bourke/ Brewarrina/Nyngan; Dubbo/Coonamble/Walgett/Lightning Ridge.

Air Link, who appear in our Directory for the first time, have been involved in charter operations out of Dubbo since 1971. Regional airline services commenced on 08/09 over routes vacated by Hazelton Airlines. Air Link schedules at Dubbo are tailored to feed in and out of Hazelton Airlines and to further accentuate this Air Link fly under Hazelton’s flight designator of ZL. Air Link also operate P-68B VH-PFU for charter work.

Air North International

PO Box 39548, Winnellie, 0821. (089) 817188. Fax (089) 411373. Airline Code: HS. Routes: Air North operate a network of services from their Darwin and Katherine bases to the following ports: Bathurst Island (Nguiu), Borroloola, Elcho Island (Galiwinku), Garden Point (Pularumpi), Gove (Nhulunbuy), Groote Eylandt, Hooker Creek (Lajamanu), Kalkgurung (Dagaragu), Lake Evelia (Gapuwiyak), Numbulwar, Ramingining, Roper River (Ngukurr), and Snake Bay (Milikapiti). Fleet: Cessna 404 VH-ANM, -ANY; Cessna 402C VH-AZO.

During the year Air North added Victoria River Downs to their network while services were terminated to Jabiru and Oenpelli (Gunbalunyah). As far as the RPT fleet was concerned there were several of changes in this period. Five Cessna 402C’s were sold in 07/91 to the US as follows: VH-ANO to N371R; VH-T FD to N374R; VH-UCE to N372R; VH-UCL to N373R and VH-UPB to N375R. T he Darwin based Air charter fleet now consists of Douglas DC-3 VH-MMA, Cessna 441 VH-AZB, -AZY, Cessna 404 VH-ANV, -AZU, Cessna 402C VH-RUY, Cessna 310R VH-NT M, Cessna 210M VH-ANS and Cessna 210N VH-HZL. At their Katherine charter base Air North have Cessna 402B VH-ARJ, Cessna 310R VH-T FP and Cessna 210M VH-PBV.

Airlines of Tasmania

PO Box 1126, Evandale, 7212. (003) 91 8422. Fax (003) 91 8688. MD Dallas Hay. Airline Code: IP. Routes: Airlines of Tasmania connect the following ports: Burnie/Wynyard, Devonport, Flinders Island, Hobart, King Island, Launceston, Melbourne/Essendon, Queenstown, Smithton, and Strahan. Fleet: Shorts 360 VH-TAO; EMB-110P1 VH-WPI; DH114 Heron VH-CLV, -CLX, -KAM; PA31-350 VH-NPC, -PFS, -TAS; PA31-310 VH-CFE.

Airlines of Tasmania presently schedule 12 return flights weekly on the Launceston to Melbourne/Essendon route using either their Shorts 360 or EMB-110P1 as passenger demand dictates. Airlines of Tasmania continue to operate the DH-114 Heron with their three aircraft being the last of type left in airline service in Australia. In October 1986 Airlines of Tasmania were awarded a contract to supply aircraft and pilots for the Tasmanian Division of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. PA31P-350 VH-XGW and PA31-350 VH-TAR are presently used to service this contract.

Provisional traffic figures for the 12 months ending 30/06/91 show that Airlines of Tasmania carried 54,253 passengers.

Albatross Airlines

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

(0848) 23191. Route: Kingscote to Adelaide. Fleet: PA31-350 VH-HRL,-ORG.

Albatross commenced commuter operations in 09/79 on the Kingscote to Adelaide route. During the period under review there were a number of fleet changes. PA31-350 VH-ORG entered service in 11/90 as an additional fleet unit. PA31-350 VH-RUH was later withdrawn from service at Parafield. In turn it was replaced by leased PA31-350’s, VH-DMV in late 03/91 and VH-DVG in late 04/91. PA31-350 VH-HRL became a permanent addition to the Albatross fleet later in the year. PA23-250’s VH-BKJ and VH-MCI continue in service with Albatross being used for passenger and freight charter.

Aquatic Air

Barrenjoey Boathouse, Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, 2108. (02) 974 5966. Fax (02) 974 5534. MD Vic Walton. Airline Code: VZ Routes: Rose Bay to Palm Beach; Rose Bay to Newcastle/Port Hunter. Fleet: GAF N22B Amphibian VH-BRQ; DHC-2 Beaver Floatplane VH-AQA, -AQU, -AQV. During the year Aquatic returned their G AF N22B Amphibian VH-BRQ to service. From early 11/91 Aquatic began operating a service from Newcastle/Port Hunter to Port Stephens.

Arnhem Air Charter

PO Box 39431, Winnellie, 5789. (089) 84 4322. Fax (089) 47 1198. Routes: From their Darwin base, Arnhem Air Charter operate flights to Croker Island, Goulburn Island, Maningrida, Milingimbi and Oenpelli (Gunbalunyah). Fleet: PA31-350 VH-IXP, -JNX, -LGI: PA31-310 VH-JWH, -SAO; P-68B VH-ECO.

Arnhem added Oenpelli to their route structure from 01/91. PA31-350 VH-LGI was delivered to Arnhem in 07/91 and in line with company policy was given the name ‘Oenpelli’.

Augusta Airways

PO Box 1756, Port Augusta, 5700. (086) 423 100. Fax (08) 234 4864. MD Tony Kingham. Airline Code: BH. Routes: Port Augusta/Adelaide, Leigh Creek/Adelaide, Port Augusta/Leigh Creek/lnnamincka/Birdsville/Boulia/Mt Isa. Fleet: Cessna 4218 VH-A AI; PA31-350 VH-AZJ, -NPD; Cessna 402A VH-AWS; Commander 500S VH-ACZ.

Augusta’s main route is from Port Augusta to Adelaide, however they also operate a weekly service, using their Commander 500S VH-ACZ, from Port Augusta to Mt Isa and return.

Aus-Air

Northern Avenue, Moorabbin Airport, 3194. (03) 580 6166. Fax (03) 580 8955. MD Bill Dart. Airline Code: NO. Routes: Aus-Air operate services from their Melbourne/Moorabbin base to Burnie/Wynyard, Devonport, Flinders Island, King Island, Launceston and Smithton. Fleet: EMB-110P2 VH-OZF; PA31-350 VH-BKE, -MST, -OZM, -OZP, -OZV; PA31-310 VH-OZN, -OZO.

Aus-Air continue to develop their network from their Moorabbin base, where they can offer their passengers the comfort of a modern terminal building. Deregulation has resulted in Aus-Air reducing the frequency of their Bass Strait services and currently they operate 12 return flights weekly from Moorabbin to Burnie/Wynyard, Devonport and Launceston. EMB-110P1 VH-OZG was sold in 07/91 to Flight West Airlines. During the year PA31-310’s VH-MBY and -RTO were reregistered VH-OZN and -OZO respectively.

Provisional traffic figures for Aus-Air show them carrying 35,000 passengers for the year ending 30/06/91.

Australian Regional Airlines

PO Box 241, Garbutt, 4814. (077) 25 2255. Fax (077) 25 1825. GM Peter Ryan. Airline Code: T N. Routes: Australian operate to the following ports: Bamaga, Brampton Island, Cairns, Dunk Island, Great Keppel Island, Lizard Island, Mackay, Rockhampton, Shute Harbour, Thursday Island, Townsville. Fleet: DHC-8-100 VH-FNQ; DHC-6-300 VH-TGC, -TGF, -TGG, -TGH, -TGI.

Australian Regional Airlines (Qld) P/L. , (ARAQ) commenced operations in 05/88 over the DHC-6 routes previously operated by Air Queensland. In 05/90 AR AQ added the former Australian Airlines F27 routes from Cairns to Weipa, Bamaga and Thursday Island to their network. A restructuring of Nth Queensland Air Services saw AR AQ operate their last service to Weipa on 16/02 with Ansett taking over the following day. Australian took delivery of DHC-8-100 VH-FNQ msn 258 at Townsville on 27/03 and it entered service on 07/04. F27-600 VH-TQS was withdrawn from service at Cairns on 25/01 and with the entry into service of the DHC-8 AR AQ’s remaining F27-600 VH-TQT was withdrawn on 05/04. Unless another operator commences operations with the F-27 ARAQ flight T N1507 from Thursday Island to Cairns on 05/04 was the last scheduled passenger operation by this type in Australia. Both VH-TQS and VH-T QT are presently parked at Brisbane awaiting a buyer. In 05/91 ARAQ were awarded a contract to operate closed charters between Cairns, Mareeba and Kidston using DHC-6 equipment. DHC-6-300 VH-TNS of Sunstate operated over ARAQ routes in 08/91 to cover planned DHC-6 maintenance.

Australian Regional carried 126,228 pax for year ending 30/06/91.

Crane Air

PO Box 149, Mascot, 2020. (02) 317-5642. Fax (02) 669 3285 Fleet:

PA31-350 VH-LCE, -XML, RC-500S VH-IBY. Routes: Sydney to Cowra, Young and Cootamundra.

Crane are a new operator in our Directory this year though they have appeared with us in the past. Crane recommenced regional airline services in 10/91 over the former Hazelton Airlines routes from Sydney to Cowra, Young and Cootamundra. Crane also hold a license to operate from Forbes to Sydney, however to date this has not been utilised. Crane were first involved in regional airline operations in 10/87 when they took over Waratah Air Services and their route from Tumut to Sydney. Crane continued operations until 07/90 when they themselves were taken over by now defunct Sydney Airlines.

Eastern Australia Airlines

PO Box 538, Mascot, 2020. (02) 693 1000. Fax (02) 693 2715. GM Peter Ryan. Airline Code: UN/T N. Routes: Eastern operate a network of services connecting the following ports: Armidale, Brisbane, Canberra, Coolangatta, Cooma, Devonport, Glen Innes, Grafton, lnverell, Kempsey, Launceston, Lord Howe Island, Melbourne, Moree, Narrabri, Newcastle/Williamtown, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Tamworth and Taree. Fleet: DHC-8-100 VH-TQO, -T QP, -TQQ, -T QR; BAe Jetstream 31 VH-T QJ, -TQK, -T QL, -TQM; EMB-110P2 VH-WDF.

Eastern, who were previously owned 42% by Australian Airlines were bought outright by the major operator in 06/91 after Eastern’s founding chairman and MD John Roworth sold his 58% share in the company. Eastern added three new ports to their network in this period, Lord Howe Island, Moree and Narrabri, and all as a result of the demise of Norfolk Airlines on 01/03. On 21/04 Eastern terminated operations on the Sydney to Bathurst routein favour of Hazelton. Eastern also terminated operations on 28/04 on their daily return service from Newcastle to Brisbane. UN432/431 made enroute stops at Foster, Taree, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Coolangatta. As a result this removed Coffs Harbour and Lismore from the Eastern network. Two EMB-110P1’s were retired from the fleet in this period: VH-HVS was transfered to Sunstate in 07/91 while VH-WDI was sold to Vanair in 10/91. VH-WDI which was the last aircraft in the Eastern fleet to carry the old red/green colours was initially withdrawn from service in 04/91, however in 06/91 it commenced flying again with Eastern in an all white scheme. Former Eastern Jetstream VH-LJR, which had been in stored at Tamworth since 06/90, departed there on ferry to the UK on 03/07.

Eastern carried 342,087 passengers for year ending 30/06/91.

Eastland Air

PO Box 6021, Toowoomba West, 4350. (076) 34 6755. Fax (076) 34 5215. Airline Code: ES. Route: Toowoomba to Brisbane. Fleet: Beech King Air 90 VH-DYN: PA31-310 VH-SGQ.

Toowoomba based Eastland Air Charter commenced flying as a regional operator in 12/89 under the name Eastland Air. On 16/08 Eastland Air were purchased by another Toowoomba based operator Moores Air Charter,however the Eastland Air name has been retained by its new owner. In 11/90 Eastland Air added PA31-310 VH-BZW to their fleet. With the takeover by Moores VH-BZW returned to Toowoomba Air Charter operations along with Cessna 310R VH-BWQ. Moores normally operate PA31 VH-SGQ on Eastland Air flights with King Air 90 VH-DYN used as loadings demand. Other aircraft in Moores fleet are King Air 200 VH-MKR, Baron B55. . VH-ARL and Cessna 310R VH-FVT.

Execair

PO Box 720, Cloverdale, WA 6105.

Execair, who are the charter arm of Havsin P/L owners of regional operator Rottnest Airbus, commenced a three times weekly return service, Fri/Sat/Sun, from Perth to Kalgoorlie in 02/91. Equipment used was PA31-350 VH-WJK. T he service was discontinued in 08/91.

Eyre Commuter

PO Box 16, Cummins, 5631. (086) 86 2329. Fax (086) 86 2158. Routes:

Cummins/Tumby Bay/Adelaide. Fleet: Cessna 4028 VH-FFJ; PA34-200T VH-K AE, -MRY. Eyre Commuter commenced ops between Cummins, Tumby Bay and Adelaide under the name of Eyre Charter in 04/80.

Flight WEST Airlines

PO Box 1169, Eagle Farm, 4009. (07) 860 4380. Fax (07) 860 4018. GM Ms Paula Cox. Airline Code: YC. Routes: Flight West operate a network of services from their Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns bases to the following ports: Aurukun, Badu, Bamaga, Barcaldine, Birdsville, Blackall, Boigu, Bundaberg, Burketown, Canberra, Charleville, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Coconut, Coen, Cooktown, Coolangatta, Darnley, Doomadgee Mission, Edward River, Emerald, Gladstone, Groote Eylandt, Horn Island, Hughenden, Julia Creek, Karumba, Kowanyama, Kubin, Lockhart River, Longreach, Mabuiag, Mackay, Mornington Island, Mt Isa, Murray, Normanton, Quilpie, Richmond, Rockhampton, Roma, Saibai, St George, Sue, Thursday Island, Weipa, Windorah, Winton, Yam and Yorke. Fleet: DHC-8-100 VH-NID, -XFT, -XFU; EMB-120 VH-XFV, -XFW; DHC-6-300 VH-XFC, -XFE; EMB-110P1 VH-OZG, -XFD, -XFK, -XTL; King Air 200 VH-SKC, -SKN, -XDB, -XFB, -XRF, -XRP; BN-2A VH-XFF, -XFI; Baron 58 VH-EGE.

Flight West continued in this period with their route and fleet expansion. As a result of Torres Air ceasing operations in 04/91 Flight West took over the bulk of their routes. For services to the islands in the Torres Strait, Flight West have four aircraft based on Horn Island:

DHC-6-300 VH-XFE, BN-2A VH-XFF, -XFI and Baron 58 VH-EGE. T he delivery and entry into service in late June of their second DHC-8 resulted in Flight West commencing services to Bundaberg, Canberra, Coolangatta and Emerald using Brazilia equipment. Fleet changes in this period were numerous. DHC-8-100 P2-GVB of parent company Talair was delivered to Brisbane in 05/91 and entered service the following month as VH-XFU: DHC-8-100 VH-NID, which was previously operated by Norfolk Airlines, was delivered to Brisbane in 10/91. EMB-120 VH-XFV was delivered to Flight West at Brisbane on 15/11/90: DHC-6-300 VH-XFE was leased to Talair as P2-RDZ from 12/90 till 03/91: EMB-110P1 VH-OZG was purchased from Aus-Air in 07/91: EMB-110P1 VH-FCK, which was in storage at Cairns since the demiseof Norfolk Airlines, was purchased by Flight West in 08/91. T he following month it entered service as VH-XFK: EMB-110P1 VH-XFH was transfered to Talair operations in 10/91: EMB-110P1 P2-RDO of Talair flew with Flight West from 03/91 till 07/91. T he aircraft carried Talair colours with Flight West titles: Ex Talair BN-2A P2-ISU was delivered to Flight West in 05/91 as VH-XFI. Flight West also operate the Flying Surgeon service using Baron 58 VH-PRH based in Longreach while Baron 58 VH-HFI operates out of Roma. Another Baron 58 VH-XGF is based in Roma with the Flying Obstetrician. Flight West carried 127,828 pax for year ending 30/06/91.

Goldfields Air Services

PO Box 435, Kalgoorlie, 6430. (090) 93 2116. Fax (090) 93 1979. MD David Horseley. Airline Code: LK. Routes: Goldfields operate services from their Kalgoorlie base to the following ports: Esperance, Laverton, Leinster, Leonora and Norseman. Fleet: Cessna 402C VH-L AE; C402B VH-MFF; C310R VH-LCO.

Goldfields commenced regional airline operations in 05/82 from their Kalgoorlie base. Cessna 310Q VH-FYZ is also operated by Goldfields however it is used only for charter flying.

Hazelton Airlines

PO Box 12, Cuda!, 2864. (063) 64 2104. Fax (063) 64 2294. GM Bevan Coote. Airline Code: ZL. Routes: Hazelton Airlines operate a network of services connecting the following ports: Albury, Bathurst, Brisbane, Broken Hill, Cobar, Coolangatta, Cootamundra, Cudal, Dubbo, Griffith, Leeton, Merimbula, Moruya, Mudgee, Narrandera, Orange, Parkes and Sydney. Fleet: Saab 3408 VH-OLM, -OLN; Shorts 360 VH-MJH, -MJU; EMB-110P1 VH-WPE; PA31-350 VH-CJQ, -DVR, -MWP, -MYQ, -MZF, -MZI, -MZK, -MZM, -MZV, -MZX.

Due to a combination of economic factors Hazelton terminated services to 14 ports in 09/91. T hese were Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Cootamundra, Cowra, Forbes, Gunnedah, Lightning Ridge, Nyngan, Quirindi, Temora, Walgett and Young. On 22/04 Hazelton added the Sydney to Bathurst route to their network. In 04/90 Hazelton took delivery of leased Saab 340A VH-OLG. T he lease on this aircraft was terminated in 04/91 and the aircraft returned to the US. Beech 1900 VH-JHP was leased to Sky-Link Airlines in 11/90, however on 22/04 the Beech 1900 was repossessed and returned to Cuda!. VH-JHP entered service again with Hazelton the following month only to be sold to Central Mountain Air of Smithers, British Columbia in 08/91. PA31-350’s VH-DMV, -DVG and -T WB were sold in 01/91 to Camden Aviation. Present plans indicate that Hazelton will retire another 5 PA31-350’s by late 91.

Hazelton carried 209,827 pax for year ending 30/06/91.

Kendell Airlines

PO Box 78, Wagga, 2650. (069) 21 5011. Fax (069) 21 7071. MD Don Kendell: GM Geoff Bruest. Airline Code: KO. Routes: Kendell Airlines operate a network of services from their two major hubs at Adelaide and Melbourne. From Adelaide to Broken Hill, Ceduna, Goober Pedy, Kingscote, Mount Gambier, Olympic Dam, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Woomera and Y ulara. From Melbourne to Albury, Burnie/Wynyard, Cooma, Devonport, King Island, Merimbula, Mildura, Mount Gambier, Portland and Wagga. Fleet: Saab 340A VH-EKD, -EKT, -KOi, -KOK, -KDP; Metro II VH-BIF, -BIS, -KOO, -KOR, -WGV, -WGX, -WGY; Merlin 1V VH-SWP.

Kendell Airlines terminated services to Streaky Bay in 08/91. With the withdrawal by Eastwest Airlines from the Melbourne to Devonport route Kendell have increased the frequency of their service from one to four return Saab 340’s daily.

Kendell Airlines carried 320,000 pax for year ending 30/06/91.

King Island Airlines

PO Box 720, Cheltenham, 3192. (03) 580 3777. Fax (03) 580 7361. GM Wayne Saunders. Airline Code: KG. Route: Melbourne/ Moorabbin to King Is. Fleet: PA31-350 VH-KGN, -KIJ, -PWA, -WGF.

King Island Airlines commenced operations in 06/90 between Melbourne/Moorabbin and King Island. During the peak summer period up to 10 return flights a day are operated on the route. PA31-350 VH-WGF was added to the fleet in 01/91 while PA31-350 VH-MCX joined King Island Airlines in 05/91. Before entry into service VH-MCX was registered VH-KIJ and painted in King Island Airlines very attractive red/gold colour scheme. Both VH-WGF and VH-MCX had previously operated with Flinders Islands Airlines and had been static at Moorabbin since that airline ceased operations in 05/90. PA31-350 VH-WGI was withdrawn from the King Island fleet by 03/91.

Lincoln Airlines

PO Box 387, Port Lincoln, 5606. (086) 82 5688. Fax (086) 82 6052. Airline Code: RT. Route: Port Lincoln to Adelaide. Fleet: PA31-350 VH-IJE, -LNA; Cessna 4028 VH-MAX.

Lincoln commenced regional airline operations in 09/87 between Port Lincoln and Adelaide. Present schedules show Lincoln operating 28 return services a week on the route.

Link Airways

PO Box 382, 8th Wagga, 2650. (069) 22 7900. Fax (069) 21 7500. Airline code: JK. Fleet: RC-690A VH-NYA; Cessna 310R VH-LGC. Routes: Wagga/Brisbane/Wagga, Wagga/Coolangatta/Wagga.

Link Airways appear in our Directory for the first time having commenced regional airline operations on 01/07. Link, who have been engaged in charter operations out of Wagga since 1984, have identified a need for a direct service from Wagga to Brisbane and Coolangatta. Present schedules show four return flights weekly on the Brisbane/Wagga route using an eight seat Turbo Commander, while Wagga/Coolangatta is served by a weekly, Saturday, service using a five seat Cessna 310R.

Macknight Airlines

PO Box 356, Deniliquin, 2710.

Macknight Airlines ceased operation in 07/91 after its routes were sold to Western NSW Airlines. Macknight commenced regional operations in 07/70 from their Deniliquin base. T hroughout their 20 years in the industry Macknight have always acted as a feeder. At the time of the takeover Macknight were operating from Deniliquin and Hay to Griffith where they connected with the Hazelton Airlines service to and from Sydney. MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship)

PO Box 821, Nhulunbuy. 5797. (089) 87 2777. Fax (089) 87 2432. Routes: from their base at Gove (Nhulunbuy) MAF operate services to Elcho Island (Galiwinku), Groote Eylandt, Lake Evelia (Gapuwiyak), Milingimbi, Numbulwar and Ramingining. Fleet: BN-2A VH-UBD, Cessna 402C VH-AII, -UBS, -UBF.

The MAF commuter operation in Arnhem Land is a small par t of MAF Australia, an organisation which operates some 40 aircraft in three countries. During the year MAF added Groote Eylandt and Numbulwar to the route network. BN-2A VH-UBD was added to the commuter fleet during the year replacing in service P-68B VH-IYE. Though VH-IYE is now based at Ballarat with the training fleet it is still occasionally used as a back up whenever any commuter aircraft require extended maintenance.

Norfolk Airlines

GPO Box 905, Brisbane, 4001.

Norfolk Airlines, who were part of the Norfolk Group, ceased operations on 01/03 due to financial problems. At the time of their demise Norfolk had an extensive route network in Far North Queensland as well as routes centred on Brisbane and Sydney. The collapse of Norfolk left an extensive fleet of aircraft on the ground and many of them have still to find new owners. DHC-8-100 VH-NID was operated by Norfolk from Sydney to Lord Howe Island and from Sydney to Narrabri and Moree. These routes were taken over immediately by Eastern Australia however VH-NID ,emained grounded in Sydney. In 10/91 VH-NID was delivered to Flight West Airlines on a 12 month lease. Cessna 441 VH-TFW has remained on theground in•Brisbane still carrying Norfolk colours. Norfolk operated EMB-110P1’s VH-FCG, -FCK and -KIO and all have remained parked at Cairns since 03/91. Only recently has VH-FCK been delivered to Flight West Airlines. At the time of their collapse the Norfolk Group operated six King Air 200’s VH-IBD, -/BF, -NIA, -NIB, -NIC and -NIH. It has been very difficult to keep track on what is happening to these aircraft. Within a few days of Norfolk closing down VH-NIC and VH-NIH were flying out of Cairns for a company named Western Pacific Aviation. VH-IBF which carries the marks of Lord Howe Airlines remained on the ground at Brisbane for a few months, however it was noted flying out of Cairns in 09/91.

O’Connor Airlines

PO Box 21, Mount Gambier, 5290. (087) 25 6666. Fax (087) 25 8003. MD Leigh O’Connor. Airline Code: OL. Routes: Mount Gambier to Adelaide and Mount Gambier to Melbourne. Fleet: Cessna 441 VH-KDN, -OAA.

O’Connor Airlines commenced regional airline services in 07/80 using a Cessna 402C on the Mt Gambier to Adelaide run with intermediate stops made at Naracoorte, Millicent and Kingston. Present schedules show O’Connor operating 14 return services weekly from Mt Gambier to both Adelaide and Melbourne using their 9 seat Cessna 441’s. At both Adelaide and Melbourne O’Connor are handled by Australian Airlines.

ORD Air Charter

PO Box 73, Wyndham, 6740. (091) 61 1335. Airline Code: YO. Routes: Ord Air Char ter operate a network of services to the following ports: Baigo Hills, Billuna, Derby, Drysdale River, Flora Valley, Fitzroy Crossing, Forrest River, Halls Creek, lnverway, King Edward River, Kununurra, Lake Gregory, Margaret River, Nicholson, Theda Station and Wyndham. Fleet: Cessna 402C VH-OAD, Baron 58 VH-AYV, -BBP, -MNH; Cessna U206F VH-IRY; Cessna U206G VH-BBU, -SHZ, -STX Ord terminated services to the following stations in this period: Birrindudu, Carson River, Gordon Downs, Limbunya, Mitchell Plateau, Nelson Springs, Ord River and Waterloo. Added were Forrest River, Halls Creek, lnverway and T heda Station. Ord also operate BN-2A VH-IOA on general charter work.

Oxley Airlines

PO Box 741, Port Macquarie, 2444. (065) 83 1955. Fax (065) 83 1097. MD Brian Peel. Airline Code: VQ. Routes: Oxley Airlines operate services to the following ports from their Port Macquarie base: Armidale, Ballina, Brisbane, Coffs Harbour, Coolangatta, Gunnedah, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, Newcastle, Norfolk Island, Sydney, Tamworth and Taree. Fleet: King Air 200 VH-LHK, PA31-350 VH-JLC, -LHD, -LHG, -LHH, -LHL, -LIL, -RU/, -STO, -WGG, -WZW.

Oxley added the Gunnedah/Sydney route in 09/91. PA31-350’s VH-JLC, -LHL, -LIL and -WZW were added to the fleet during the year. King Air 200 VH-MKR of Moores Air Charter, Toowoomba was leased by Oxley on occasion during the year.

Phillip Island Air Services

Thompson Ave, Cowes, 3922. (059) 56 7316. Fax (059) 56 7172. Route: Pl to Burnie/Wynyard. Fleet: Cessna 402B VH-BPZ.

Phillip Island Air Services fly twice weekly, Friday and Sunday, between Cowes and Burnie/Wynyard. During summer a Wednesday and Saturday flight is added to the timetable.

PROMAIR

PO Box 3, Welshpool, 3966. (056) 88 1487. Fax (056) 88 1520. MD Brian Tucker. Airline Code: FB. Routes: From their base at Welshpool, Promair operate to Flinders Island and Launceston. Fleet: PA31-350 VH-RKD; PA31-310 VH-BRL, -EYF, -RRM.

Promair terminated services during the year to Melbourne/Moorabbin and the Latrobe Valley. Current schedules show that Promair operate 12 return services weekly on the route Welshpool to Flinders Island and Launceston.

Queensland Pacific Airlines

PO Box 5, Brisbane Airport, 4007.

Queensland Pacific Airlines, who were par t of the Norfolk Group of companies, ceased operations on 01/03 as a result of financial prob /ems in the parent company. Queensland Pacific commenced regional airline operations in 12/88 and when they ceased operations they were flying Mohawk 298’s VH-HEI, -HIX, -HKS and -HKT on routes out of Brisbane to Bundaberg, Coolangatta, Emerald, Gladstone, Newcastle and Rockhampton. On 03/02 a Queensland Pacific Mohawk 298 commenced flying on lease to Ansett Express on the Sydney to Dubbo route using a WX flight number. With the collapse of Queensland Pacific on 01/03 Mohawk 298 VH-HKS was ferried Sydney, Dubbo, Brisbane, while an assessment was made on the future of the company. As it turned out the name of Queensland Pacific has disappeared from our skies, however within five weeks a similar operation took to the air under the name of Southern Pacific Regional Airlines.

Qwestair

PO Box 31, Cloverdale, 6015. (09) 479 1644. Fax (09) 479 1745 Airline Code: QH. Route: Perth/Telfer. Fleet: Westwind II VH-NGA.

Qwestair, who are a subsidiary of Pel-Air Aviation took over the Perth to Telfer route from Skywest Airlines in 01/89. Present schedules show that Qwestair operate 10 return services weekly on the route using their 10 seat Westwind II.

Rottnest Airbus

PO Box 720, Cloverdale, 6105. (09) 478 1322. Fax (09) 277 4198. MD Francis Anthony. Airline Code: WI. Route: Perth to Rottnest Island. Fleet: PBN Islander VH-HPL, -SYU.

Rottnest Airbus commenced regional airline services in 03/85 between Perth and Rottnest Island. At Perth Airport they depart from the airlines’ own terminal in Fauntleroy Avenue.

Sabair Airlines

PO Box 404, Toowoomba, 4350. (076) 33 1533. Fax (076) 34 1144. Airline Code: ZG. Route: Toowoomba to Brisbane. Fleet: Cessna 402B VH-ELZ.

Sabair commenced regional operations in 11/82 when they commenced flying from Brisbane to Kingaroy, Gayndah and Monto. Since 08/86 Sabair have consolidated their operations to the Toowoomba/ Brisbane route. Present schedules show Sabair operating 15 return services weekly between the two ports.

Seair Pacific

PO Box 166, Airlie Beach, 4802.

Seair Pacific’s regional airline operations were based on a network of services out of Lindeman Island with flights operated to Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, Mackay and Proserpine. When Lindeman Island closed in 02/90 for renovations Seair effectively ceased scheduled operations. During the year Seair were taken over by the Hamilton Island based operator Helijet and in 07/91 Seair Pacific changed their name to Reef Air Whitsunday. Present plans will see Lindeman Island opening as a Club Med resort in 09/92. Whether the former Seair resume regional airline operations to Lindeman Island under the name of Reef Air Whitsunday has still not been decided. Meanwhile the company is still extensively involved in tourist charter flights from their Shute Harbour base. Reef Air Whitsunday presently operate PBN Islander VH-ISD; P-68B VH-PNP; DHC-2 Floatplane VH-HQE, -JDX, -SSG; Lake Buccaneer VH-AWZ, -EJY.

Sky-Link Airlines

PO Box 239, Brooklyn Park, 5032.

Sky-Link Airlines ceased operations on 22/04 when their only aircraft was repossessed. Sky-Link commenced operations as a regional airline in 06/89 with a network of flights from Adelaide to Kingscote, Port Lincoln and Whyalla. Cessna 402A VH-DZY and Cessna 401 VH-KRY were used by Sky-Link to operate their flights. With the introduction of a new timetable effective 15/11/90 Sky-Link put into service Beech 1900G VH-JHP, which they had leased from Hazelton Airlines. The new schedules showed the Beech 1900 operating 17 return services weekly to Port Lincoln, 12 to Kingscote and five to Whyalla. Cessna 402A VH-DZY and Cessna 401 VH-KRY were returned to their owners on introduction of the Beech 1900.

Skyp Ort

PO Box 8170, Alice Springs, 5750. (089) 52 3059 Fax (089) 52 2245. MD Roger Leach. Airline Code: TL. Routes: Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs. Fleet: Cessna 441 VH-LEM; Cessna 402G VH-HUR, -RMI, -TFM, -TZH.

T he Skyport Group appear for the first time in our Directory though they have been involved in NT tourist/charter operations since 1975. With Ansett NT withdrawing from the NT ‘Milk Run’ between Alice Springs and Darwin, Skypor t were successful in bidding for the route license. Skyport commenced regional airline services on 17/04 using their own Cessna 441 VH-LEM and leased Cessna 441 VH-XMJ. chedules effective 01/10 show that Skyport are now operating without the use of leased aircraft. T he Cessna 441 operates five return flights weekly (Mon-Fri) on the route Darwin/Katherine/Tennent Creek/Alice Springs and return, while the Cessna 402C’s operate Darwin/Katherine/Darwin and Alice Springs/Tennent Creek/Alice Springs. The Skyport Group’s Shorts 330 VH-HUS terminated its lease to Sunstate on 11/04 and returned to Alice Springs. VH-HUS is presently based in Darwin on a recently awarded Santos contract. Skyport operate the following aircraft on tourist/charter flights: Baron B55 VH-APL, -FT W, -FWX: Cessna U206G VH-ARS, -/VP; Bell 206L VH-LKU and Bell 206 VH-BKG. On the station mail run they operate: C210M VH-IDZ, C210N VH-AOT, -LCG, -NOP.

Skywest Airlines

PO Box 176, Cloverdale, 6105. (09) 478 9999. Fax (09) 478 9928. GM Bob Mason. Airline Code: YT. Routes: Skywest operate flights from Perth to the following ports; Albany, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Laverton, Leinster, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet and Wiluna. Skywest also operate flights from Port Hadland to Marble Bar and Telfer. Fleet: BAe Jetstream 31 VH-ESQ, -HSW, -JSW, -OSW; Cessna 402C VH-OAS, -UGI.

Skywest terminated services to Cue during the year as a result of runway renovations. Services from Port Hedland were curtailed during the year with Karratha, Nullagine and Onslow being dropped from the Skywest network. Flights from Port Hedland to Marble Bar and Telfer are operated by Cessna 402C’s leased from Skywest Aviation.

Skywest carried 77,274 passengers for year ending 30/06/91.

Southern Pacific Regional Airlines

PO Box 169, Albion, 4010. (07) 252 8199. Fax (07) 252 2958. GM George Brown. Airline Code: HR. Route: Brisbane to Bundaberg and Gladstone. Fleet: Mohawk 298 VH-HIX, -HKS, -HKT.

Southern Pacific Regional Airlines appear in our Directory for the first time having commenced operations on 09/04 from Brisbane to Bundaberg and Gladstone. In effect Southern Pacific were born out of Queensland Pacific, who ceased flying on 01/03. Southern Pacific inherited the aircraft, routes and staff of Queensland Pacific Airlines. Initially Southern Pacific commenced operations with Mo VH-HKS and VH-HKT, while a third Mohawk 298 VH-HIX was put into service in late 10/91. One Southern Pacific Mohawk remains on lease to Ansett Express for their Sydney to Dubbo route. For the first seven months of their operation VH-HKS and VH-HKT alternated between flying with Southern Pacific out of Brisbane or Ansett Express out of Sydney. Southern Pacific’s fourth Mohawk 298 VH-HEI remains in long term maintenance in Bundaberg.

Sunstate Airlines

PO Box 256, Hamilton Central, 4007. (07) 860 4577. Fax (07) 860 4578. GM Greg Bee. Airline Code: OF/TN. Routes: Sunstate operate a network of services from Brisbane to the following ports: Biloela/Thangool, Blackwater, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Maroochydore, Maryborough, Rockhampton and Townsville. Fleet: Shorts 360 VH-BWO, -FCU, -MVW; Shorts 330 VH-KNQ, -LSI; EMB-110P1 VH-BWC, -HVS.

Sunstate celebrate 10 years of regional airline operations on 7 December. Now 100% owned by Australian Airlines this association is reflected in that all aircraft in the fleet now carry the colours of the parent company. On 03/08 all Sunstate flights except those to Biloela, Blackwater, Emerald, Hervey Bay and Maryborough changed from the Sunstate flight designator of OF to Australian’s TN. Coolangatta was added to the network on 03/08 with a daily feeder service from and to Brisbane, however this was terminated on 14/10. Noosa was dropped from the Sunstate network on 03/08 as a result of Australian Airlines increasing their jet frequency into nearby Maroochydore. T here were a number of fleet changes in this period: Shorts 330 VH-HUS, which was leased from Skyport in 06/90 was returned to that company on 11/04: DHC-6-300 VH-TNM was withdrawn from service in 06/91 and sold to Islands Helicopters P/L. in Rabaul as P2-I A A: With the termination of services to Noosa Sunstate Airlines remaining DHC-6-300 VH-T NS has been retired from service at Maryborough while awaiting a buyer: Cessna 404 VH-DLF was withdrawn from the Sunstate fleet in 07/91 and transfered to Sunstate/Mildura: In 07/91 Sunstate took delivery of EMB-110P1 VH-HVS, which had previously been with Eastern Australia Airlines. Sunstate have announced an order for two DHC-8-100 aircraft and when delivered they will replace in service two Shorts 330’s and a Shorts 360.

Sunstate carried 175,195 pax for year ending 30/06/91.

Sunstate Airlines (Mildura)

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

Sunstate Airlines (Mildura) presently operate 18 return services weekly on the Mildura to Melbourne route with their Shorts 360 VH-MVX. During 07/91 while VH-MVX was being painted in Australian Airlines colours Sunstate leased Shorts 360 VH-TAO from Airlines of Tasmania. Cessna 404 VH-DLF was transfered from Sunstate (Queensland) to Sunstate (Mildura) in 07/91. In March 1989 Sunstate (Mildura) were awarded a five year contract to operate the Victorian Air Ambulance service based at Melbourne/Essendon. To service this contract Sunstate have the following Cessna 404’s based at Essendon: VH-ANP, -BPO, -L AD, -WZK, -WZL and -WZM.

Sunstate (Mildura) carried 33,399 pax for year ending 30/06/91.

Sydney Airlines

66/77 Cook Road, Centennial Park, 2021.

Sydney Airlines ceased operations on 09/04. Sydney Airlines came into being in 07/90 after a change of name from Crane Airlines.

Torres Air

PO Box 325, Thursday Island, 4875.

Torres Air commenced regional operations in 07/90 over routes in North Queensland and the Torres Strait previously operated by Falcon Airlines. On 12/04 Torres Air ceased operations with most of their routes being taken over by Flight West.

Western Airlines

Domestic Terminal, Perth Airport, 6105. (09) 277 4022. Fax (09) 478 2537. Airline Code: MB. Routes: Perth to Southern Cross; Perth to Geraldton. Kalbarri, Useless Loop and Denham (Monkey Mia). Fleet: PA31-350 VH-T WU; Cessna 340 VH-FAC; Cessna 310R VH-JVO.

Western Airlines commenced operations in 05/89 over routes previously operated by Midstate Airlines.

Western Nsw Airlines

Hangar 219, Airport, Wagga, 2650. (069) 22 7777. Fax (069) 22 7700. MD Max Cochrane. Airline Code: FO. Routes: from Wagga, Western

NSW Airlines operate a network of services connecting: Albury, Can berra, Cootamundra, Deniliquin, Hay, Temora and West Wyalong. Fleet: PA31-310 VH-WAL; PA60-600A VH-MVY, -WMY: PA30 VH-EDG, -HHE, -WVL.

For Wagga based Western NSW Airlines this was a year of expansion. In 07/91 Western NSW took over the routes and some of the aircraft of Macknight Airlines. T he routing of the Macknight flights was from Deniliquin to Hay and Griffith, where there was a connection with Hazelton to Sydney. Western NSW changed the routing to Deniliquin, Hay to Wagga to connect with Ansett Express. In 09/91 Western NSW took over two routes vacated by Hazelton, Wagga to Cootamundra and Wagga to Temora and West Wyalong. Services to Tumut were terminated in 04/91 and though the port does not now appear on the Western NSW timetable a stop will still be made on request. Former Macknight Airlines PA60-600A VH-MVY and PA30 VH-EDG, -HHE were added to the Western NSW fleet in 07/91. Western NSW also operate the following aircraft to service the uplift of bank documentation and newspaper contracts: MU-2G VH-WMW, -WY Y ; Cessna 310R VH-FOA, -FSR, -JOS, -SFQ; Cessna 210H VH-DSV; Cessna 210M VH-NXC, -WNI. On 07/11/90 MU-2G VH-WMU was destroyed in a crash at Bathurst Airport while operating one of these flights. It was replacedin service by MU-2G VH-WY Y,which was delivered on 17/05.

Whyalla Airlines

PO Box 209, Whyalla, 5600. (086) 45 8922. Fax (086) 45 1951. Airline Code: WA. Routes: Whyalla/Adelaide; Streaky Bay/Wudinna/Cleve/ Adelaide. Fleet: PA31-350 VH-NPB, -XMC; Baron 58 VH-ION.

Whyalla Airlines commenced operations in 02/90 from Whyalla to Adelaide. In 07/90 they took over the former Air Central Eyre route from Wudinna to Cleve and Adelaide. Streaky Bay was added to the network in 08/91 after the withdrawal of services by Kendell. Present schedules show Whyalla operating 14 return flights weekly between Whyalla/Adelaide.

Yanda Airlines

Private Mailbag 5, Singleton, 2330. (065) 72 3100. Fax (065) 72 2757. MD Paul Rees. Airline Code: ST. Routes: Yanda Airlines operate flights to Sydney from Cessnock, Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Maitland, Quirindi, Singleton and Scone. Fleet: PA31-350 VH-AT P, -RDA, -WAD; EMB-820C VH-HVA.

Singleton Air Services t/a Yanda Airlines continue to serve Sydney from the Hunter Valley with five return services daily being operated. Yanda recently added the former Hazelton ports of Coonabarabran, Gunnedah and Quirindi to their route network. PA31-350 VH-RDA, which was previously operated by Sydney Airlines, was added to the Yanda fleet during the year.