1995 Regional Airline Directory

Air Maroochy Airlines

Ceased operations 12/94.

Australian Commuter Airlines

Commenced RPT services out of Canberra on 02/11/94 however by 13/12/94 had ceased operations.

Cape York Air

Cairns based charter operator who commenced RPT services in February ’95 between Cairns and Cooktown.

Geelong Flight Centre

This Geelong/Grovedale based flight training and charter company commenced RPT services in April ’95 between Grovedale and King Island. June ’95 due to poor loadings and once again reverted to charter work.

Uzu Air

Ceased RPT operations in November ’94 and again reverted to charter.

This year we have identified 231 aircraft in Australia’s regional airline fleet, which is a decrease of 16 on last year’s figure. For the first time the turbine fleet at 116 has moved ahead of the piston engined fleet at 115. The turbine fleet now constitutes 51% of the total as against the 43% of last year. Of the 42 active operators in our Directory 20 fly turbine powered aircraft, which is two up on the previous twelve months. In the period under review we have identified 25 new turbine aircraft deliveries which compares with 14 in 93/94 and 20 in 92/93. The 25 aircraft delivered in the period 1994/5 were: Fokker 50 two – Skywest two; Dash 8-300 two – National Jet; Dash 8-100 two – Southern one, Sunstate one; Shorts 360 two – Sunstate two; Saab 340B three – Kendell three; DHC-6-300 one – Flight West one; EMB-120RT two – Flight West two; Jetstream 41 one – Impulse one; Metro 23 six – Airnorth two, Hazelton three, Kendell one; Beech 1900D – Impulse one; EMB-110 three – Executive Air one, Flight West two. The impact of the nine seats and under category in the regional airline scene is slowly weakening with fleet numbers being reduced from 137 in 93/94 to 115 in 94/95. As in previous years the most common types are the Cessna 402 and Piper PA-31 Navajo and Chieftain. In total we have identified 24 Cessna 402s as against 29 in 93/94 and 53 PA-31s as against 66 in 93/94. These two types total 77 units or 67% of the piston engined aircraft in the regional airline fleet.

Australian Aviation Proudly Presents Its Sixteenth Annual Listing Of The Third Level Airlines Of Australia, Compiled By Gordon Reid

Horizon Airways

Ceased RPT services in July ’95 due to financial problems.

King Leopold Air

Broome based charter operator who commenced RPT services in January ’95. King Leopold was sold in March ’95 with RPT flights being discontinued though the company remains active in the charter market.

Majestic Airways

Ceased RPT services in February ’95 due to poor loadings.

National Jet

Major Adelaide based charter company who expanded into RPT operations in May ’95 initially on the Darwin to MacArthur River route.

Peninsula Airlines

Ceased RPT services in February ’95 due to financial problems.

Phillip Island Air Services

Ceased RPT services in August ’95 after selling off its RPT routes from Tyabb and Phillip Island to Burnie.

Promair

Ceased RPT services in November ’94 with the company reverting to charter work.

South-west Airlines

Manjimup based charter operator who commenced RPT services in January ’95 between Bunbury and Perth. South-West ceased RPT services in June ’95 due to poor loadings and once again reverted to charter work.

Aeropelican Air Services

Airline Code: PO/PEL. PO Box 226, Belmont, 2280. (049) 450988. Fax (049) 45 8824. GM: Trevor R England. Route: Newcastle/Belmont to Sydney. Fleet: DHC-6-300 Twin Otter VH-KZN, -KZO, -KZP, -KZQ. Aeropelican currently schedules 80 return flights weekly between its home base at Newcastle/Belmont and Sydney where approximately 47% of the passengers carried by Aeropelican transfer to or from other airlines. Aeropelican services operating into Sydney use the Ansett Australia terminal while its flights are hosted in the Ansett reservations system. For the 12 months ending 30/06 Aeropelican carried 83,000 passengers a figure which equates to a 9.8% fall on the previous months. Aeropelican attributes this to the direct Newcastle to Melbourne service which was operated by rival Impulse Airlines between 10/94 and 07/95.

Air Facilities

Airline Code: FZ. PO Box 675, Albury, NSW 2640. (060) 411210, 1800 81 5626. Fax (060) 21 8508. MD: Les Sears. Routes: Albury to Canberra, Deniliquin and Hay. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-JCH, -MZI, -MZV. Cessna 310R VH-SKT. Arcas Airways t/a Air Facilities commenced regional airline services on the Albury to Canberra route in 11/92. Currently Air Facilities schedules three return flights daily (Mon/Fri) plus one return service (Sun) on the route. Air Facilities’ flights through Canberra are scheduled to provide onward connection to Ansett Australia flights to Sydney. In Albury Air Facilities connects with Hazelton Airlines flights to and from the Gippsland ports of West Sale and Traralgon.

Air Kangaroo Island

Airline Code: UV. 440 King William Street, Adelaide, SA 5000. (08) 410 2466. Fax (08) 373 1930. MD: Les Penley. Route: Adelaide to Kingscote. Fleet: Shorts 330 VH-HUS. The present Air Kangaroo Island was formed in late 09/94 as a joint venture company between Air Charter of Adelaide and Kangaroo Island Sealink after they took over the operations of the then SA Regional Airlines. In 03/95 Air Charter sold its interest in the airline with Kangaroo Island Sealink becoming the sole owner. With Air Charter severing its connections with Air Kangaroo Island, Cessna 402Cs VH-KEZ and VH-RGK returned to operations with that company. Air Kangaroo Island has leased Shorts 330 VH-HUS from Chartair in Alice Springs with the aircraft being delivered to Adelaide on 15/09. The Shorts 330 operated its first revenue flight for Air Kangaroo Island on 09/10 and current schedules show VH-HUS operating 14 return services weekly between Adelaide and Kingscote. Air Kangaroo Island retired PA-31-350 VH-TMN from service in 10/95 with the aircraft being sold to an Indonesian operator. At Adelaide Airport Air Kangaroo Island is handled at the Qantas domestic terminal while its flights are hosted in the Qantas reservations system.

Airlines Of Tasmania

Airline Code: IP/ATM. PO Box 1126, Evandale, 7212. (003) 918422. Fax (003) 91 8688. MD: Dallas Hay. Routes: Airlines of Tasmania operates a network of services which connects the following ports – Burnie, Devonport, Flinders Island, Hobart, King Island, Launceston, Queenstown, Strahan, West Sale and Traralgon. Fleet: Metro III VH-NEM. EMB-110P1 VH-WPI. PA-31-350 VH-NEF, -NEH. PA-31-310 VH-CFE. Airlines of Tasmania schedules and fleet were extensively revamped in 10/94 after the airline entered into a commercial agreement with the NSW regional airline Tamair. In 11/94 Airlines of Tasmania introduced the Metro III VH-NEL ‘City of Launceston, Tasmania’ into service. On a Mon/Wed and Fri the Metro III operates 17 sectors routing from Launceston, Flinders Island, Launceston, Burnie, King Island, Burnie, Launceston, Flinders Island, West Sale, Latrobe Valley, Flinders Island, Launceston, Burnie, King Island, Burnie, Launceston, Flinders Island to Launceston. Metro III VH-NEL returned to Tamworth in late 08/95 for scheduled maintenance and during its absence Airlines of Tasmania in turn operated Metro IIIs VH-NEJ and VH-NEM with the latter remaining in Tasmania. Former Tamair Chieftain VH-NEH was added to the Airlines of Tasmania fleet in 11/94 while Chieftain VH-NPC was re-registered VH-NEF after overhaul and refurbishment by Tamair in Tamworth. Chieftain VH-TAS was withdrawn from service during the year also for refurbishment by Tamair. Airlines of Tasmania’s three DH.114 Herons VH-CLV, -CLX and -CLY remain in storage at Launceston Airport while awaiting disposal. In 10/86 Airlines of Tasmania was awarded a contract to supply aircraft and pilots for the Tasmanian Division of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. PA-31P-350 VH-HFD and VH-XGW are presently used to service this contract.

Air Link

Airline Code: ZL. PO Box 223, Dubbo, 2830. (068) 84 2435. Fax (068) 82 2846. MD: David Miller. Routes: From Dubbo Air Link operates to Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar, Coonamble, Lightning Ridge, Nyngan and Walgett. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-DVR, -DVW, -MWP. Cessna 310R VH-BWQ, -HSL, -JMP. Air Link has been involved in charter operations out of Dubbo since 1971 and commenced regional airline operations in 09/91 over routes vacated by Hazelton Airlines. Air Link flights at Dubbo are tailored to feed in and out of Hazelton Airlines flights and to further accentuate their close relationship Air Link uses the Hazelton flight designator of ZL. Air Link added a third PA-31-350 Chieftain to its fleet in 02/95 with the purchase of VH-MWP from Hazelton Airlines. Air Link terminated services on the Dubbo to Orange and Canberra route from 02/95.

Air Maroochy Airlines

Air Maroochy Airlines ceased operations on December 20 ’94 with its Maroochydore to Brisbane service being transferred to Flight West Airlines.

Airnorth

Airline Code: TL. PO Box 39548, Winnellie, NT 0821. (089) 452999. Fax (089) 453 559. GM: John Hardy & Roger Leach. Routes: Airnorth operate a network of services throughout the Northern Territory to the following ports – Alice Springs, Bathurst Island (Nguiu), Borroloola, Darwin, Elcho Island (Galiwinku), Garden Point (Pularumpi), Groote Eylandt, Hooker Creek, Kalkarang, Katherine, Kings Canyon, Lake Evella (Gapuwiyak), MacArthur River Mine, Maningrida, Milikapiti, Tennant Creek, Victoria River Downs and Yulara. Fleet: Douglas DC-3 VH-MMA. Metro 23 VH-ANW, -ANY. Metro III VH-CUZ. Metro II VH-ANJ. Cessna 441 VH-EVP. Cessna 414A VH-PVH. Cessna 404 VH-ANM, -PNY. Cessna 402C VH-AZO, -CAJ, -PVU, -RMI, -RMQ, -RUY, -TFM, -TZH, -UCL. Cessna 402B VH-ARJ. PA-31-350 VH-TAR, -TXD. Airnorth Regional came into being in 04/93 when the owners of Air North International, the Henry Walker Group, sold the airline to Capiteq, a joint venture company formed by John Hardy of Hardy Aviation in Darwin and Roger Leach of the Skyport Group in Alice Springs. Originally named Airnorth Regional, the new airline encompassed the RPT operations of the former Air North International and the Skyport Group. The name Airnorth was adopted in 08/93 to oversee the operations of Airnorth Regional based in Darwin, Airnorth Katherine and Airnorth Central Australia. The Airnorth fleet consists of aircraft previously operated by Air North International and the Skyport Group. Airnorth took delivery of two Metro 23s in this period with VH-ANY being delivered to Darwin on 09/02 and VH-ANW on 12/09. To allow its new Metro 23s to take up the registrations VH-ANW and VH-ANY, Airnorth re-registered its Metro III VH-ANW as VH-CUZ and its Cessna 404 VH-ANY as VH-PNY. Also added to the Airnorth fleet in this period were Cessna 414A VH-PVH in 12/94 and Cessna 402B VH-ARJ in 11/94. Airnorth terminated its lease on Chieftain VH-LIL in 11/94 and sold Cessna 402C VH-HUR to Air Swift in 08/95. Metro II VH-ANJ was leased to Falcon Aviation in Melbourne from 04/95 until 08/95 while Shorts 330 VH-HUS commenced operating on lease to Air Kangaroo Island in 09/95. Associate company Skyport operates the following aircraft in its charter fleet: Baron B55 VH-FTW, -FWX. Cessna 210L VH-WTX. Cessna 210M VH-ANS, -IDZ, -NOK. Cessna 210N VH-AOT, -HZL, -NQP, -TFE, -TFF, -TFT. Cessna U206G VH-ARS.

Air Swift

Airline Code: KJ/JOA. PO Box 6755, Cairns, Qld 4870. (070) 359288. Fax (070) 35 9254. MD: Sid Faithfull. Route: Cairns to Hope Vale. Fleet: Cessna 402C VH-JOC, Cessna 402B VH-JOG, Cessna 310R VH-JOB, -JOF, -JOI. Air Swift, a division of Sea Swift, commenced regional airline operations in 03/92 on the route from Cairns to Hope Vale. Current schedules show Air Swift operating twice daily (Mon/Wed/Fri) between the two ports. Cessna 402C VH-JOC msn 0087 was damaged in a landing accident earlier this year in Papua New Guinea and was replaced in August by Cessna 402C VH-HUR msn 0486 which Air Swift purchased from Chartair in Alice Springs. Just to confuse matters Air Swift changed the registration of VH-HUR to that of its former Cessna 402C VH-JOC. Cessna 404 VH-JOR and Cessna 421C VH-JOA are retained for charter operations.

Albatross Airlines

Airline Code: UX. 6 Todd Street, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA 5223. (0848) 22296. Fax (0848) 23191. GM: Robert Stevens. Route: Kingscote to Adelaide. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-HRL, -ORG. Albatross Airlines commenced commuter operations in 09/79 between Kingscote and Adelaide and current schedules show Albatross operating three return services daily on the route. Albatross Airlines also operates PA-23-250s VH-BKJ and VH-MCI on passenger and freight charter work. Subsidiary company Kangaroo Island Aircraft Maintenance operates from Hangar One at Kingscote Airport.

Arnhem Air Charter

PO Box 39431, Winnellie, NT 5789. (089) 84 4322. Fax (089) 471198. MD: O Osgood. Routes: From its Darwin base Arnhem Air Charter operates flights to Croker Island, Goulburn Island, Maningrida, Milingimbi and Oenpelli (Gunbalunyah). Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-IXP, -JNX, -LGI. PA-31-310 VH-JWH, -SAO. Partenavia P-68B VH-ECO. Arnhem Air Charter aircraft carry individual names which reflect the ports that they operate to as follows – VH-IXP ‘Milingimbi’, -JNX ‘Maningrida’, -LGI ‘Oenpelli’, -JWH ‘Goulburn Island’ and -SAO ‘Croker Island’.

Augusta Airways

Airline Code: BR. PO Box 1756, Port Augusta, 5700. (086) 423100. Fax (086) 41 0860. MD: Tony Kingham. Routes: Port Augusta/Adelaide, Leigh Creek/Adelaide, Port Augusta/Leigh Creek/Innamincka/Birdsville/Boulia. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-AZJ, -LMB, -NPD. Commander 500S VH-ACZ. Augusta Airways commenced regional airline operations in 08/83 on Channel Country routes from Port Augusta to Birdsville and Mt Isa. Services from Port Augusta to Adelaide commenced in 07/84. Present schedules show Augusta Airways operating 12 return flights weekly (Mon-Fri) on its main route between Port Augusta and Adelaide. Augusta Airways also operates a unique weekly mail service between Port Augusta and Boulia using its Strike Commander.

Aus-air

Airline Code: NO. Northern Avenue, Moorabbin Airport, 3194. (03) 9580 6166. Fax (03) 9580 8955. MD: Bill Dart. Routes: Aus-Air operates services from its Melbourne/Moorabbin base to Burnie, Devonport, Flinders Island, King Island, Launceston, Merimbula and Smithton. Fleet: EMB-110P2 VH-OZF. PA-31-350 VH-OZM, -OZP, -OZT, -OZV. PA-31-310 VH-OZN, -OZO. Aus-Air continues to develop its network from its Moorabbin base, where it can offer its passengers the comfort of a modern terminal building. Merimbula was added to the Aus-Air network in 12/94 with a three times weekly service. Albury was added to the network in 04/95 however flights were discontinued in 10/95. Aus-Air sold its PA-31-350 VH-OZQ to Moores Air Charter in 08/95.

Australian Commuter Airlines

Australian Commuter Airlines did appear in our 1994 Directory although at the time it had not commenced operations in the period under review. Australian Commuter introduced a new concept into the regional airline scene by operating on the AOC and using the flight designator of another airline, which in this case was the Essendon based Peninsula Airlines. Australian Commuter commenced operations on 02/11/94 using Chieftain VH-AUG on the route from Canberra to Griffith and Hay. On 11/11/94 flights Australian Commuter commenced flying between Canberra and Bankstown and Canberra and Wollongong. Due to insufficient demand for its services Australian Commuter Airlines ceased operations on 13/12/94.

Cape York Air

PMB 13, Cairns Mail Centre, Cairns, 4871. (070) 35 9399. Fax (070) 35 9108. GM: Robert Fulton. Route: Cairns to Cooktown. Fleet: PA-31-310 VH-DME, -DZZ, -PNL. Cape York Air is listed for the first time having commenced airline operations on 06/02 on the route from Cairns to Cooktown. Cape York currently operates a twice daily service (Mon-Fri) plus a single return service (Sat & Sun). Cape York is currently advertising for sale PA-23-250s VH-MJG, and -WJU.

Corporate Air Canberra

Airline Code: FX. GPO Box 565, Canberra, 2601. (06) 249 7044. Fax (06) 257 3135. GM: Andrew Major. Route: Canberra to Albury. Fleet: Cessna 441 VH-IJQ, Cessna 404 VH-ARQ. Corporate Air Canberra is a division of Vee H Aviation, a well established Canberra based general aviation company involved in charter, flying training and maintenance. Present schedules show Corporate Air operating three return flights daily (Mon-Fri) plus a Sunday service on the Canberra to Albury route. Corporate Air Canberra leased Cessna Titan VH-TTZ from the Australasian Jet Centre in Melbourne to cover Titan VH-CSV which has been leased to the Army (Michael Johnson). Corporate Air sold Cessna 404 VH-JOH in 02/95 to Skytrans in Queensland with the aircraft being re-registered VH-SKZ. In 05/95 Corporate Air leased Cessna 404 VH-CSV to the Australian Army and in turn leased Cessna 404 VH-TTZ from Australasian Jet Charter in Melbourne. Corporate Air also operates King Air 200 VH-YNE, Baron 58s VH-CSY, -CYT, Beech 76 VH-SRO and PA-44-180 VH-FRI on charter work out of Canberra.

Country Connection Airlines

Airline Code: XL. PO Box 171, Cootamundra, 2590. (069) 42 3500. Fax (069) 42 3213. MD: Terry McKenzie. Routes: Cootamundra to Young, Cowra and Sydney and West Wyalong to Condobolin, Forbes and Sydney. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-XLA, -XLB, -XML. Country Connection Airlines commenced regional airline operations in 09/91 over the former Hazelton Airlines route from Cootamundra to Young, Cowra and Sydney. In 08/93 Country Connection added the West Wyalong to Temora, Forbes and Sydney route to its network. Country Connection discontinued services to Temora in 02/94 and the same month added Condoblin to its network. Country Connection also operates Cessna 310R VH-FYW on charter operations. Maintenance on the Country Connection fleet is carried out by South West Aviation of Cootamundra, an engineering facility which has been owned by the operators of Country Connection Airlines since 1980.

Eastern Australia Airlines

Airline Code: QF/ECO. PO Box 538, Mascot, 2020. (02) 693 1000. Fax (02) 693 2715. GM: Neil Shea. Routes: Eastern Australia Airlines operates a network of services connecting the following ports – Armidale, Brisbane, Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Coolangatta, Cooma, Dubbo, Grafton, Lord Howe Island, Moree, Narrabri, Newcastle/Williamtown, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Tamworth and Taree. Fleet: Dash 8-100 VH-TQF, -TQN, -TQO, -TQP, -TQQ, -TQR. BAe Jetstream 31 VH-TQJ, -TQK, -TQL, -TQM. Eastern Australia Airlines retained its position in this period as the leading regional airline in Australia. Eastern operated Dash 8-103 VH-TNU on lease from Sunstate Airlines between 21/06 and 21/10 to allow the remainder of the Eastern fleet to be repainted in the Qantas regional colour scheme. Eastern has ordered a Dash 8-200 for delivery in 01/96 while options have been taken on a further three. For the 12 months ending 30/06 Eastern Australia carried 483,000 passengers, a 4.7% rise on the previous 12 months.

Eastland Air

Airline Code: DK. PO Box 6021, Toowoomba West, 4350. (076) 34 1366. Fax (076) 34 5215. MD: Ms Cynthia Moore. Routes: Toowoomba/Brisbane. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-MKC, -MKK. Toowoomba based Eastland Air Charter commenced flying as a regional operator in 12/89 under the name Eastland Air. In 08/91 Eastland Air was purchased by another Toowoomba based operator Moores Air Charter with the Eastland Air name being retained by the new owner. Eastland Air presently schedules 13 return flights weekly on the Toowoomba to Brisbane route. At Brisbane Airport Eastland Air flights operate from the Qantas terminal. In 08/95 Eastland Air added a second Chieftain to its fleet with the purchase of VH-OZQ, which was later registered VH-MKK, from Aus-Air at Moorabbin. The same month Eastland Air sold its Chieftain VH-SGQ. Parent company Moores Air Charter operates Baron B55 VH-ARL on general charter work.

Emu Airways

PO Box 34, Crafers, 5152. (08) 234 3711. Fax (08) 234 3747. MD: Lance McKean. Routes: Adelaide/Kingscote and Adelaide/Penneshaw. Fleet: Cessna 402 VH-CEM, VH-AWS. Emu Air Charter t/a Emu Airways commenced regional airline operations in 11/91 from Adelaide to Kingscote with Penneshaw coming on line in 11/92. Present schedules show Emu Airways operating two return services daily between Adelaide and the Kangaroo Island ports.

Executive Air

PO Box 4212, Darwin, 0801. (089) 45 0777. Fax (089) 45 0757. GM: Tim Rundle. Route: Gove to Elcho Island and Darwin. Fleet: EMB-110P1 VH-BWC, -MWV. Executive Air commenced regional airline operations in 02/94 on the route from Gove to Elcho Island and Darwin. Bandeirante VH-BWC which has been leased from Cairns Flightline was delivered in 08/95. Executive Air operates an extensive fleet of aircraft on charter work from its Darwin base. PA-31-350 VH-JVD. Beech Queen Air B80 VH-AMD, -AMQ. Cessna 402A VH-BOZ, -BUS. Cessna 402B VH-CWG. RC-680E VH-CAX. Baron B55 VH-TLP, -TWO, -RLS. Duchess VH-MFS. Cessna 210L VH-BEC, -FYR. Cessna 210M VH-AQH, -MDZ. Cessna U206F VH-EUW. Cessna U206G VH-FRT. Cessna 182H VH-DKE. Cessna 172N VH-UDB.

Eyre Commuter

PO Box 16, Cleve, 5631. (086) 86 2329. Fax (086) 86 2158. GM: Greg Norris. Routes: Cummins and Tumby Bay to Adelaide. Fleet: Cessna 402B VH-FFJ. PA-34-200T VH-KAE, -MRY. Eyre Charter, operating as Eyre Commuter, has been operating regional airline services on the Cummins to Tumby Bay and Adelaide route since 04/80. During the year Eyre Charter was purchased by Greg Norris of North West Aviation at Parafield.

Flight West Airlines

Airline Code: YC/FWA. PO Box 1126, Brisbane, 4009. (07) 3212 1212. Fax (07) 3212 1297. GM: Paula Cox. Routes: Flight West operates a network of services from its Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns bases to the following ports – Bamaga, Barcaldine, Birdsville, Blackall, Bundaberg, Burketown, Charleville, Cloncurry, Coen, Cooktown, Doomadgee Mission, Edward River, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Horn Island, Hughenden, Julia Creek, Karumba, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Longreach, Mackay, Moree, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Quilpie, Richmond, Rockhampton, Roma, Thangool, Thursday Island, Windorah and Winton. Fleet: EMB-120 VH-XFQ, -XFR, -XFV, -XFW, -XFX, -XFZ. DHC-8-300 VH-FNY, -XFC. EMB-110P1 VH-FNR, -XFL, -XFM, -XFN, -XFO, -XFP. King Air 200 VH-SKC, -SKN, -XDB, -XRF, -XRP. Flight West Airlines was awarded a further three year subsidy by the Queensland Government in 05/93 for its operations to Western Queensland. Flight West made numerous fleet changes in the period under review with its fleet scene being clouded by the pool of former Talair Twin Otters and Bandeirantes which are currently parked at Brisbane, Cairns and Mareeba. Flight West leased its two Dash 8s VH-XFT and VH-XFU to Ansett New Zealand as ZK-NEW and ZK-NEU in 03/95 and 06/95 respectively. Flight West added two more EMB-120 Brasilias to its fleet in this period with both aircraft being purchased from Sun Air in South Africa. EMB-120 ZS-MIR arrived in Brisbane on 27/12 and it was followed by ZS-MMB on 16/05. The Brasilias were later registered VH-XFQ and VH-XFR respectively before entering service with Flight West in late 02/95 and late 06/95. Flight West added two Twin Otters to its fleet in this period. VH-FNT which was previously operated by Talair as P2-GVI was registered in 06/95, however this aircraft was later leased to the Royal Australian Air Force. VH-FNY, which was previously operated by Talair as P2-RDM, entered service in 08/95. Twin Otter VH-XFE was leased by Flight West to Solomon Airlines as H4-SID in 11/94. Flight West added Bandeirantes VH-XFP and VH-FNR to its fleet in 04/95 and 06/95 respectively with both aircraft being previously operated by Talair as P2-RDQ and P2-RDO. Flight West has to date leased four Bandeirantes to the Australian Army. VH-XFD and VH-XTL were handed over in 03/95 and were followed later by VH-XFJ and VH-XFK. Flight West sold its King Air 200 VH-XFB to Sweden in 12/94 as SE-LDM. Fokker 50 VH-FNJ was leased from Ansett Australia from 26/06 to 31/08 to operate the daily stopping service from Brisbane to Cairns and return. Though VH-FNJ as the primary aircraft in the lease carried the markings of Flight West in effect a number of Ansett Australia Fokker 50 aircraft were operated during this period. Shorts 360 VH-MJU was leased from Hazelton Airlines from 17/07 through 23/07 to cover a period of EMB-120 training. During the year Flight West added three new ports to its network: Thangool (01/95), Hervey Bay (04/95) and Moree (10/95). For the 12 months ending 30/06 Flight West carried 310,000 passengers, a 19.2% increase on the previous 12 months.

Geelong Flight Centre

Geelong Airport, 540 Surfcoast Highway, Mt Duneed, Vic. (052) 64 1273. Fax (052) 64 1006. Chief Pilot: Jim Mahon. Routes: Geelong to King Island. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-AYP. PA-31-310 VH-KTD, -SGQ. Partenavia P.68B VH-PNV. Geelong Flight Centre appears for the first time having commenced regional airline operations on 12/04 between Geelong/Grovedale and King Island. Geelong Flight Centre operates twice weekly (Fri & Sun) with its flights scheduled to feed in and out of Airlines of Tasmania Burnie service.

Hazelton Airlines

Airline Code: ZL/HZL. PO Box 12, Cudal, 2864. (063) 615 815. Fax (063) 615 894. CEO: Max Hazelton, GM: Rod Nelson. Routes: Hazelton Airlines operates a network of services connecting the following ports – Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Brisbane, Broken Hill, Casino, Cobar, Coolangatta, Cudal, Dubbo, Griffith, Lismore, Merimbula, Moruya, Mudgee, Narrandera, Orange, Parkes, Sydney, Traralgon/Morwell, Wagga and West Sale. Fleet: Saab 340B VH-CMH, -LIH, -OLM, -OLN, -SBA, -TCH. Metro 23 VH-DMI, -DMO, -HCB, -HWR. PA-31-350 VH-MZF, -MZX. Hazelton Airlines added a sixth Saab 340B to its fleet in this period with the aircraft VH-SBA, which had previously been operated on lease by Skywest Airlines, entering service with Hazelton on 23/12. The Saab was primarily added to the Hazelton fleet for a new twice daily service between Geelong/Avalon and Sydney. The Geelong service commenced on 19/02 however it was discontinued on 30/06 after incurring losses to the company of nearly $2 million. During the year Hazelton withdrew its two Shorts 360 from scheduled service. VH-MJH flew its last service for Hazelton on 13/06 when it operated ZL332 from Dubbo to Sydney. VH-MJU, which previously was traded in to Fairchild against an order for three Metro 23s and had been leased back on a monthly basis, flew its last service for Hazelton on 13/07 as ZL413 from Sydney to Bathurst. Hazelton added three Metro 23s to bring its fleet number of this popular type to four. The Metro 23 aircraft concerned VH-DMO, VH-HCB and VH-HWR were delivered to the Hazelton maintenance base at Cudal NSW, on 03/12, 05/12 and 22/01 respectively. Hazelton Airlines significantly reduced the size of its Chieftain fleet in this period from seven to two. Three Chieftains were sold with VH-MWP going to Air Link in 02/95, VH-MZK to Whyalla Airlines in 03/95 and VH-CJQ to Desert Air Safaris, Adelaide in 08/95. Chieftains VH-MYQ and VH-MZM have been retained by Hazelton for charter work however both have been offered for sale. Rod Nelson was appointed GM of Hazelton Airlines effective 05/06. For the 12 months ending June 30 Hazelton Airlines carried 376,000 passengers, a rise of 15.3% on the previous 12 months.

Horizon Airways

Horizon Airways ceased regional airline operations in 07/95 with its Cessna 441 VH-EVP being returned to Chartair in Alice Springs. Horizon commenced regional airline operations in 09/93 on the Perth to Kalgoorlie route.

Impulse Airlines

Airline Code: VQ. Flight Facilities, Eleventh Street, Mascot, 2020. (02) 317 5400. Fax (02) 317 4004. CEO: Gerry McGowan. Routes: Impulse Airlines operates to the following ports: Armidale, Brisbane, Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Coolangatta, Cooma, Glen Innes, Inverell, Kempsey, Lismore, Newcastle/Williamtown, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Tamworth and Taree. Fleet: Beech 1900D VH-IMA, -IPB, -MML. Beech 1900C-1 VH-OST. Beech C99 VH-OXB, -OXC, -OXD, -OXE. Impulse Airlines, part of the Impulse Transportation Group, commenced regional airline operations in 03/94 after taking control in 12/94 of Port Macquarie based regional operator Oxley Airlines. In 07/94 Impulse Airlines placed an order with Jetstream Aircraft for 10 Jetstream 41 regional airliners. The first Jetstream 41, VH-SMH, was delivered to Sydney the following month however less than 12 months later Impulse returned the five Jetstream 41 aircraft in its fleet to the manufacturer. The five aircraft concerned, VH-AFR, VH-IMQ, VH-IMR, VH-IMS and VH-SMH, were delivered to Impulse in 10/94, 09/94, 10/94, 12/94 and 08/94 respectively. Impulse operated its last J41 flight on 11/07 with the five aircraft then being ferried to Adelaide on 12/07 where they were placed in storage. On arrival in Adelaide all five aircraft had both their Impulse titles and Ansett Australia tail markings removed. The first Impulse Airlines Jetstream 41 to depart Adelaide was VH-IMS which flew out on 16/08 bound for South Africa where it has since entered service with SA Airlink as ZS-NUO. Jetstream 41 VH-AFR departed Adelaide for Prestwick, Scotland on 04/10 and was followed by VH-SMH and VH-IMR on 13/10 and 24/10 respectively. The fifth Jetstream 41 VH-IMQ was leased to National Jet Systems in 10/95. At the beginning of the period under review Impulse Airlines had on order two Beech 1900Ds however to date only one of these has been delivered. Beech 1900D N15527 arrived in Brisbane on 08/11/94 and later entered service with Impulse as VH-IPB. The second Beech 1900D, N3217L, was planned for delivery in 04/95 however at presstime the aircraft remained at the Beech plant in Wichita. Beech 1900C-1 VH-OST was planned for sale by Impulse Airlines during this period however to date the aircraft continues in service. Impulse Airlines imported two BAe 748s for service on its night freight contracts. The first BAe 748, G-BCOE, arrived at Bankstown on 08/10/94 and it was followed by G-BCOF on 29/11/94. Later registered VH-IMI and VH-IMK respectively the BAe 748-2Bs entered service with Impulse in 03/95. When Impulse withdrew its Jetstream 41 aircraft the BAe 748-2Bs were also taken out of service and flown to Adelaide for storage. BAe 748 VH-IMK arrived in Adelaide on 12/07 while VH-IMI ferried in the following day. Impulse added Melbourne to its network from 17/10/94 with a twice daily Jetstream 41 service direct from Newcastle/Williamtown. From 06/02 the frequency was increased to four return services daily (Mon-Fri). Impulse terminated service on the Newcastle to Melbourne route from 09/07 due to shortage of equipment. On 14/11/94 Impulse commenced Beech C99 service from Tamworth to Armidale and Newcastle however this was discontinued the following month. On 21/11/94 Impulse commenced operations between Newcastle and Sydney scheduling 31 return services weekly using Jetstream 41 and Beech C99 equipment. From 22/05 Impulse commenced a twice daily (Mon-Fri) direct Jetstream 41 service from Newcastle to Brisbane. From 09/06 Cooma was added to the Impulse network with 11 flights weekly (Fri/Sat/Sun) being operated from Sydney. During the year the Impulse Transportation Group was awarded a contract by Santos to provide air services from Adelaide and Brisbane to their Moomba and Jackson resource fields. Impulse planned to operate a BAe 146-100, Jetstream 31 and King Air 200 on this contract which was to commence on 01/07, however before commencing operations Impulse withdrew from the contract with the previous operator National Jet Systems continuing to provide services.

Kakadu Air

PO Box 95, Jabiru, NT 0886. (089) 792 411. Fax (089) 792 303. Director: Bob McDonald. Fleet: Cessna 402B VH-KQA, -TWX, Partenavia P-68B VH-PFP, Partenavia P-68C VH-UUP. Routes: Darwin to Katherine, Darwin to Jabiru, Jabiru to Katherine. Kakadu Air Services, who has been established in the Northern Territory for a number of years operating scenic and tourist flights, commenced regional airline operations during 1995. Subsidiary company Outback NT Air Safari Tours operates GAF N24A Nomad VH-KNA, Cessna 207 VH-GKZ, -KAX, -LFU, -NIV and Cessna 210N VH-TFL.

Kendell Airlines

Airline Code: KD/KDA. PO Box 78, Wagga, 2650. (069) 22 0100. Fax (069) 22 0116. MD: Don Kendell, GM: Geoff Breust. Routes: Kendell Airlines operate a network of services connecting the following ports – Adelaide, Albury, Broken Hill, Burnie, Ceduna, Coober Pedy, Cooma, Devonport, King Island, Kingscote, Melbourne, Merimbula, Mildura, Mount Gambier, Olympic Dam, Port Lincoln, Portland, Sydney, Wagga, Whyalla, Woomera and Yulara. Fleet: Saab 340B+ VH-EKG, -EKH, -EKN. Saab 340A VH-EKD, -EKT, -KDB, -KDI, -KDK, -KDP. Metro 23 VH-KAN, -KDJ, -KDO, -KDT, -KED, -KEU, -KEX. Kendell Airlines added three Saab 340B+ and one Metro 23 to its fleet in this period as route expansion saw them extend their network to include Sydney. Saab 340B+s VH-EKG and VH-EKH were delivered to Wagga on 25/06 and 05/07 respectively with the entry into service of these aircraft coinciding with Kendell taking over the Albury to Sydney and Wagga to Sydney routes from Ansett Australia. Kendell operated its first service on the Wagga to Sydney route on 02/07 and on the Albury to Sydney route on 30/07. Current schedules show Kendell operating 28 return flights weekly on both routes with its Saab 340B+ aircraft. Saab 340B+ VH-EKN was delivered to Kendell Airlines at its Wagga base on 16/10 and it entered service on 21/10 as AN6307 from Wagga to Sydney. Saab 340A VH-EKT entered service on 02/02 as the first of its type in the fleet to carry the new Ansett Australia colour scheme. Metro 23 VH-KEX, which is the seventh of its type in the Kendell fleet, was delivered to Wagga on 27/02. During this period Kendell retired from service VH-KDQ and VH-KDR, its last two Metro II aircraft. VH-KDQ, which was delivered new to Kendell Airlines from the US on 05/80, operated its last service on 24/08 as KD235 from Melbourne to Wagga. VH-KDR which was delivered on 05/79 operated Kendell Airlines last Metro II service on 26/09 when it flew Melbourne, Merimbula, Cooma, Melbourne as KD241. Later that day VH-KDR was ferried to Wagga where it was officially retired from service after some 23,594 hours. Both VH-KDQ and VH-KDR were sold to International Air Parts at Bankstown. For the 12 months ending 30/06 Kendell Airlines carried 466,434 passengers which equates to a 4.9% increase on the previous 12 months. Though Kendell is currently number two in Australia in terms of passengers carried this position should be reversed next year as a result of Kendell starting services on the Albury to Sydney and Wagga to Sydney routes.

King Island Airlines

Airline Code: KG. PO Box 720, Cheltenham, 3192. (03) 9580 3777. Fax (03) 9580 7361. GM: Wayne Saunders. Route: Moorabbin to King Island. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-JIC, -KGN, -KIJ. King Island Airlines commenced regional airline operations in 06/90 on the route between Melbourne/Moorabbin and King Island. Current schedules show them operating three return flights daily (Mon/Fri) plus a single return service on Sat/Sun. King Island Airlines operated Chieftain VH-LIL on lease for a short period in late ’94.

King Leopold Air

King Leopold Air commenced regional airline services on 16/01 when it started operating a four times weekly service from Broome to the Derby airport using their PA-31-350 VH-KLK. Flights were later scheduled from Broome to Cape Leveque and One Arm Point. In 03/95 King Leopold Air were offered for sale with the company again reverting to charter operations.

Lincoln Airlines

Airline Code: RT. PO Box 387, Port Lincoln, 5606. (086) 82 5688. Fax (086) 82 6052. MD: Malcolm Catt. Route: Port Lincoln to Adelaide. Fleet: EMB-110P1 VH-LNB, -LNC. Lincoln Airlines commenced regional airline operations in 09/87 between Port Lincoln and Adelaide using Piper Chieftains. In 06/92 Lincoln Airlines replaced its Chieftains with Bandeirante VH-WPE, which was later re-registered VH-LNB and named ‘City of Port Lincoln’. In mid 11/93 Lincoln Airlines added a second Bandeirante to its fleet when EMB-110P1 VH-LNC ‘Spirit of Eyre Peninsula’ was delivered to Port Lincoln. Present schedules show Lincoln Airlines operating 28 return services a week between Port Lincoln and Adelaide. At Adelaide Airport Lincoln Airlines flights are handled at the Qantas domestic terminal while its flights are hosted in the Qantas reservations system. Lincoln Airlines retains PA-31-350 VH-IJE for charter work.

Maf (missionary Aviation Fellowship)

PO Box 821, Nhulunbuy 5797. (089) 87 2777. Fax (089) 87 2432. Routes: from its Gove base (Nhulunbuy) MAF operates services to Elcho Island (Galiwinku), Groote Eylandt, Lake Evella (Gapuwiyak), Milingimbi, Numbulwar and Ramingining. Fleet: PBN Islander VH-UBD. Cessna 402C VH-AII, -UBB, -UBF, -UCM. The MAF commuter operation in Arnhem Land is a small part of MAF Australia, an organisation which operates 40 aircraft in three countries.

Majestic Airways

Majestic Airways ceased operations on 18/02 after less than 12 months as a regional carrier. Majestic Airways commenced regional airline services in 05/94 flying Mohawk 298s VH-HEI and VH-HIX between Brisbane and Hervey Bay. Bundaberg was added to the Majestic network in 06/94 however flights to this port were later suspended in 10/94.

National Jet

Airline Code: NC. Level 9/Southgate Centre, 435 King William St, Adelaide, 5000. (08) 304 5600. Fax (08) 304 5650. GM: Warren Seymour. Routes: From Darwin National Jet operates to Broome, Kununurra, MacArthur River, Mount Isa and Townsville. From Perth National Jet operates to Geraldton. Fleet: Dash 8-300 VH-NJT, -NJU. Dash 8-100 VH-LAR, -NJD. National Jet appears in our Directory for the first time having commenced regional airline operations in 05/95. The entry of National Jet into regional airline operations came about as a result of them being awarded a contract, which was effective 01/05, to uplift personnel between Darwin and the MacArthur River mine. National Jet operates eight return Dash 8-300 services weekly from Darwin to MacArthur River while twice weekly their Darwin to MacArthur River service extends to Mount Isa and Townsville. National Jet later commenced Dash 8 operations from Darwin to Kununurra and Broome on 11/09 operating six return services weekly. The Perth to Geraldton route was added on 27/10 with 21 return flights weekly using Dash 8s. National Jet took delivery of Dash 8-300 VH-NJT at Adelaide on 19/04 while Dash 8-300 VH-NJU arrived in Adelaide on 15/06. Dash 8-100 VH-LAR was purchased from Skywest Aviation on 30/06. National Jet also operates its Dash 8 aircraft on resource contracts out of Darwin to Troughton Island and out of Perth to Golden Grove and to the Forrestania Mine.

O’connor Airlines

Airline Code: UQ. PO Box 21, Mount Gambier, 5290. (087) 25 6666. Fax (087) 25 8003. MD: Leigh O’Connor. Routes: From their Mount Gambier base O’Connor Airlines operate to Adelaide and Melbourne. Fleet: Cessna 441 VH-KDN, -OAA. O’Connor Airlines commenced regional airline services in 07/80 using a Cessna 402C on the route from Mt Gambier to Naracoorte, Millicent, Kingston and Adelaide. Present schedules show O’Connor Airlines operating 14 return services weekly on its two routes from Mt Gambier to Adelaide and from Mt Gambier to Melbourne. Equipment used on both these routes are nine seat Cessna 441 Conquests. At Adelaide and Melbourne Airports O’Connor flights are handled at the Qantas domestic terminal while its flights are hosted in the Qantas reservations system.

Ord Air Charter

Airline Code: YO. PO Box 73, Wyndham, WA 6740. (091) 61 1335. Fax (091) 61 1456. MD: Mrs M Reid. Routes: Ord Air Charter operates a network of services to the following ports – Balgo Hills, Billiluna, Derby, Drysdale River, Flora Valley, Fitzroy Crossing, Forrest River, Halls Creek, Inverway, Kalumburu, 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 Air Charter also operates BN-2A VH-IOA on general charter work.

Peninsula Airlines

Peninsula Airlines ceased regional airline services in 02/95 after just over two years operations. Peninsula Airlines commenced regional airline services in 01/93 on the Essendon/Swan Hill route. The route network was later expanded to include Deniliquin, Echuca, Griffith, Hay and Narrandera. Peninsula Airlines added Canberra to its route network in 08/94 with flights from the national capital being operated to Deniliquin, Griffith and Hay. In 11/94 Peninsula Airlines replaced Airlines of Tasmania on the Melbourne/Essendon to Flinders Island route. Peninsula Airlines was also associated with the new start-up regional airline Australian Commuter Airlines who operated between 11/94 and 12/94 under the Peninsula AOC.

Passengers Carried By The Top 10 Regional Airlines For The Twelve Months Ending 30/06/95

EASTERN 483,000 460,798 4.7%

KENDELL 466,434 444,541 4.9%

SUNSTATE 408,000 331,500 23.1%

HAZELTON 376,000 326,134 15.3%

FLIGHT WEST 310,000 260,260 19.2%

IMPULSE N/A 170,620 N/A

SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA 151,453 123,962 22.1%

AEROPELICAN 83,000 92,842 -9.8%

SKYWEST N/A 91,340 N/A

TAMAIR 42,000 36,216 16.6%

Impulse – company policy does not allow Impulse to supply passenger figures as requested. Skywest Jetstream 31 VH-OSW is one of four in service with the Perth based regional (Keith Anderson).

Phillip Island Air Services

Phillip Island Air Services sold the regional airline part of the company in 08/95 thus severing its connection with the regional airline industry. The Phillip Island Air Services name however has been retained for flying training and charter out of the Phillip Island airfield. Phillip Island Air Services commenced regional airline operations in 1982 between Cowes and Burnie/Wynyard while in 02/94 they added Tyabb to their network. Phillip Island Air Services Cessna 402B VH-BPZ was sold to a Moorabbin based company who plans to commence regional airline services in 11/95 under the operating name of Phillip Island Airlines.

Promair

Promair ceased regional airline services in 11/94 with the company reverting to charter operations.

Qwestair

Airline Code: QH. PO Box 31, Cloverdale, 6015. (09) 479 1744. Fax (09) 479 1745. Manager: Roma Gehringer. Routes: Perth to Telfer and Port Hedland to Marble Bar, Woodie Woodie and Telfer. Fleet: Westwind II VH-NGA. Westwind VH-AJJ. Cessna 310R VH-TRN. Qwestair, a subsidiary of Pel-Air Aviation, took over the Perth to Telfer route from Skywest Airlines in 01/89. During the year Qwestair added Westwind VH-AJJ to its fleet. Present schedules show that Qwestair operates 16 return services weekly between Perth and Telfer using the two Westwind aircraft. From 01/92 Qwestair commenced twice weekly (Tue/Thu) operations from Port Hedland to Telfer via Marble Bar and Woodie Woodie using Cessna 310R VH-TRN.

Rottnest Airlines

Airline Code: WI. PO Box 720, Cloverdale, WA 6105. (09) 478 1322. Fax (09) 277 4198. MD: Francis Anthony. Route: Perth to Rottnest Island. Fleet: PBN Islander VH-HPL, -SYU. Rottnest Airlines (previously Rottnest Airbus) commenced regional airline services in 03/85 between Perth and Rottnest Island. Present schedules show Rottnest Airlines operating 35 return flights weekly between Perth and Rottnest Island. At Perth Airport Rottnest Airlines flights depart from the airline’s own terminal in Fauntleroy Avenue.

Sabair Airlines

Airline Code: ZG. PO Box 404, Toowoomba, 4350. (076) 33 1533. Fax (076) 34 1144. Chief Pilot: Gordon Patterson. Routes: Sabair operates from Toowoomba to Brisbane, Cunnamulla, Dalby, Roma, St George and Thargomindah. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-OCF. Cessna 402B VH-PEK. Cessna 402 VH-EVF. Partenavia P.68B VH-IXC. Sabair commenced regional airline operations in 11/82 on the route from Brisbane to Kingaroy, Gayndah and Monto. Since 08/86 Sabair has consolidated its operations on the Toowoomba to Brisbane route and present schedules show the airline operating 15 return services weekly between the two ports. At Brisbane, Sabair flights arrive and depart from the Ansett Australia terminal while its flights are hosted in the Ansett reservations system. In 05/93 the Queensland Government awarded Sabair a three year subsidy to operate to the Western Queensland ports of Cunnamulla, St George and Thargomindah with a twice weekly service commencing on 31/05. Sabair introduced a fortnightly/Tuesday service in 04/94 from Toowoomba to Roma while in 06/94 it commenced operating twice weekly (Tue/Fri) between Toowoomba and Dalby. Sabair added Cessna 402 VH-EVF and Cessna 402B VH-PEK to its fleet in 11/94 and 05/95 respectively.

Skywest Airlines

Airline Code: YT. PO Box 176, Cloverdale, 6105. (09) 478 9999. Fax (09) 478 9928. GM: Bob Mason. Routes: Skywest operates services to the following ports – Albany, Broome, Carnarvon, Cue, Derby, Esperance, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Laverton, Leinster, Meekatharra, Mt Keith, Mt Magnet and Wiluna. Fleet: Fokker 50 VH-FNA, -FNG, -FNH. BAe Jetstream 31 VH-ESW, -HSW, -JSW, -OSW. Skywest Airlines added a further two Fokker 50s to its fleet in this period as it increased its schedules in WA at the expense of Ansett. Fokker 50 VH-FNF arrived in Perth on 24/11/94 after ferrying in from Melbourne via Adelaide and Kalgoorlie. Skywest continued to operate VH-FNF until 02/08 when the Fokker departed Perth for Sydney and its return to service with Ansett Australia. Fokker 50 VH-FNA was delivered to Skywest in Perth on 01/08 as a replacement for VH-FNF. Fokker 50 VH-FNG was delivered to Perth on 26/01 after ferrying in from Melbourne via Adelaide and Kalgoorlie. Saab 340B VH-SBA which had been operating on lease to Skywest since 26/04/94 was withdrawn from service on 14/12. VH-SBA was later ferried to Cudal, NSW where it commenced service on 23/12 with Hazelton Airlines. From 31/01 Skywest took over all operations from Perth to Geraldton, a route which it had previously shared with Ansett Australia. At the same time Skywest replaced Ansett on the Perth to Carnarvon and Perth to Exmouth routes. Skywest added Broome and Derby to its network on 01/08 with Skywest operating a Jetstream 31 feeder service from the Derby town airport to connect with the Ansett jet in Broome.

South-west Airlines

South-West Airlines appears in our directory for the first time having commenced regional airline operations on 16/01 from Bunbury to Perth using PA-31-350 VH-ONC. South-West Airlines however ceased regional airline services on 30/06 as a result of poor loadings. South-West is still active in the Perth area as a charter operator.

Southern Australia Airlines

Airline Code: QF. PO Box 1080, Mildura, 3500. (050) 22 2444. Fax (050) 22 1639. GM: Tony Mathews. Routes: From Melbourne Southern Australia operates flights to Burnie, Canberra, Devonport, Launceston and Mildura. From Mildura flights are operated to Adelaide, Broken Hill, Melbourne and Renmark. Fleet: Dash 8-100 VH-WZI, -WZJ, -WZS. Cessna 404 VH-DLF, -UOP. Southern Australia Airlines, previously Sunstate Airlines (Mildura), came into being in 01/92. Southern Australia took delivery of its third Dash 8-100 VH-WZS at its Mildura base on 12/02. VH-WZS commenced its ferry flight to Australia at the Stevens Aviation facility at Peachtree City near Atlanta, Georgia. The ferry flight from the United States to Australia took 55 hours with the aircraft routing via Newfoundland, North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Middle East, India and Indonesia. At a ceremony held at Wynyard Airport on 28/10 VH-WZS was christened ‘City of Burnie’. Southern Australia leased Dash 8 VH-TNU from Sunstate Airlines from 22/10 through 21/11 to cover planned maintenance on the Southern Dash 8 fleet. Southern Australia Dash 8s VH-WZI and VH-WZJ were both painted in Qantas colours by ASTA at Avalon during 02/95 and 03/95. Southern Australia added Burnie to its network from 26/03 with 15 return services weekly operated to Melbourne. In 03/89 Sunstate (Mildura) was awarded a five year contract to operate the Victorian Air Ambulance service based at Essendon. The contract was renewed in 07/94 for a further five years. To service this contract Southern Australia has Cessna 404 Titans VH-ANP, -BPO, -LAD, -WZK, -WZL and -WZM. For the 12 months ending June 30 Southern Australia carried 151,453 passengers, a 22.1% increase on the previous 12 months.

Sunstate Airlines

Airline Code: QF. PO Box 256, Hamilton Central, Qld 4007. (07) 860 4577. Fax (07) 860 4578. GM: Ashley Kilroy. Routes: Sunstate operates a network of services from Brisbane to the following ports: Bamaga, Blackwater, Brampton Island, Bundaberg, Cairns, Dunk Island, Emerald, Gladstone, Great Keppel Island, Hervey Bay, Lizard Island, Lord Howe Island, Mackay, Maroochydore, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Thursday Island and Townsville. Fleet: Dash 8-100 VH-TND, -TNG, -TNU, -TNX. Shorts 360 VH-BWO, -FCU, -MVW, -MVX, -SUM, -SUR. DHC-6-300 VH-TGC, -TGF, -TGG, -TGH, -TGI. Sunstate Airlines took delivery of three aircraft in the period under review. Dash 8 VH-TNU, which was previously operated by Tyrolean Airways, arrived in Townsville on 15/02 on termination of its delivery flight from Austria. VH-TNU was later leased to Eastern Australia from 21/06 through 21/10 and to Southern Australia from 22/10 to 21/11 to cover planned maintenance on its Dash 8 fleet. Shorts 360s VH-SUM and VH-SUR were purchased from an operator in the UK with the aircraft being delivered to Sunstate’s Townsville base on 19/04 and 09/05 respectively. It is worth noting that the VH-SUR departed Newcastle, England on 09/05 on the long ferry to Townsville where it arrived twelve days later. Shorts 330 VH-KNQ was withdrawn from service in early 07/95 before being ferried to Townsville on 03/07 where the aircraft was parted out. Sunstate terminated services to Biloela/Thangool on 31/12. For the 12 months ending June 30 Sunstate carried 408,000 passengers, a 23.1% increase on the previous 12 months.

Sydney Harbour Seaplanes

PO Box 551, Avalon, NSW 2107. (02) 918 7472. Fax (02) 918 7471. GM: Rob Britten. Route: From Rose Bay to Newcastle. Fleet: DHC-2FP VH-AQA, -AQU. Sydney Harbour Seaplanes commenced operations in 09/93 taking over in the area vacated by Aquatic Air, who had ceased operations in 07/93. Sydney Harbour’s present timetable shows them operating four return flights daily (Mon/Fri) between Rose Bay and Newcastle harbour. Sydney Harbour Seaplanes is presently restoring DHC-2FP Beaver VH-AQV.

Tamair

Airline Code: GG. PO Box 28, Westdale, NSW 2340. (067) 61 5000. Fax (067) 67 7070. MD: Paul Bredereck. Routes: Tamworth to Gunnedah, Tamworth to Sydney. Fleet: Metro III VH-NEK, -NEL. Tamair, a division of long established New England Airways, commenced regional airline operations in 08/92 between Tamworth and Sydney/Bankstown. In 04/93 Tamair started flying between Tamworth to Sydney using Metro IIIs and current schedules show Tamair operating 35 return services weekly between the two ports. Tamair added Gunnedah to its network from 10/11/94 with a twice daily Metro III service to Sydney via Tamworth. In 02/94 Tamair commenced operations between Forster and Sydney and in 05/94 from Tamworth to Forster. Flights to Forster were discontinued in 01/95 as a result of poor loadings. Metro III VH-NEM, which Tamair had leased to Asia Pacific Airlines in Malaysia in 06/94, returned to Tamworth in 07/95. Initially VH-NEM returned to Tamair operations however in 09/95 it entered service with Airlines of Tasmania as a replacement for Metro III VH-NEL which in late 08/95 had returned to the mainland for planned maintenance. In the interim VH-NEL has been painted in a special colour scheme to promote the Tamworth Music Festival. Metro III VH-NEJ was destroyed on 16/09 at Tamworth after the aircraft crashed during a crew training flight. Tamair also operates an extensive fleet of aircraft on charter, freight and bank documentation runs as follows: RC-690 VH-NEY. PA-31-350 VH-TAS. Cessna 411 VH-BBV. Cessna 310R VH-HHG, -LEB, -PPI, -SGL, -TXE. Cessna 310I VH-EOZ. PA-30-160 VH-EDW, -TXC. Beech A36 VH-EUB. For the 12 months ending 30/06 Tamair carried 42,000 passengers, a 16.6% rise on the previous 12 months.

Uzu Air

Uzu Air ceased regional airline operations in 11/94, returning to charter operations. Uzu Air appeared in our Directory for the first time in 1994 having commenced regional airline services in February of that year over routes vacated by Air Cairns. Uzu Air operated a network of services from Horn Island to a number of islands in the Torres Strait.

Western Airlines

Airline Code: MB. Domestic Terminal, Perth Airport, 6105. (09) 277 4022. Fax (09) 478 2537. GM: Bob Biltoft. Routes: Perth to Geraldton, Kalbarri, Useless Loop and Denham (Monkey Mia). Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-TWU. Cessna 310R VH-JVO. Western Airlines commenced operations in 05/89 over routes previously operated by Midstate Airlines. The current timetable shows flights operating from Perth to Denham via Geraldton and Useless Loop on a Mon/Wed and Fri.

Whyalla Airlines

Airline Code: WW. PO Box 209, Whyalla, 5600. (086) 45 8922. Fax (086) 45 1951. MD: Kym Brougham. Routes: Whyalla to Adelaide; Ceduna, Streaky Bay, Wudinna, Cleve to Adelaide. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-BYG, -MZK, -NPB, -XMC. Aerostar 600 VH-UYU. Baron 58 VH-ION. Whyalla Airlines commenced operations in 02/90 from Whyalla to Adelaide. In 07/90 it took over the former Air Central Eyre route from Wudinna and Cleve to Adelaide, while Streaky Bay was added to the network in 08/91 after Kendell Airlines withdrew its service. Whyalla Airlines operates services to Ceduna and Streaky Bay on an on-demand basis. Present schedules show Whyalla Airlines operating 19 return flights weekly between Whyalla and Adelaide. Chieftain VH-MZK which was purchased from Hazelton Airlines was delivered to Whyalla on 09/03 and entered service the following day. Aerostar 600 VH-UYU was added to the Whyalla Airlines fleet in 09/95. Cessna 210I VH-ROH is used for charter work.

Yanda Airlines

Airline Code: ST. Private Mailbag 5, Singleton, 2330. (065) 72 3100. Fax (065) 72 2757. MD: Paul Rees. Routes: Yanda Airlines operates flights to Sydney from Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Maitland, Scone and Singleton. Fleet: PA-31-350 VH-ATP, -RDA, -TXK, -WAD. EMB-820C VH-HVA. Singleton Air Services t/a Yanda Airlines commenced regional airline services in 07/81 from Cessnock to Sydney. Yanda Airlines had its operating license withdrawn by the then CAA on 31/10/94 as a consequence of the Seaview Airlines accident on 02/10/94. Yanda however again resumed regional airline services on 16/01 connecting Sydney with Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Maitland, Scone and Singleton. To date Yanda has not resumed services to its former ports of Cessnock, Quirindi and Wee Waa.