RAAF Pearce Air Show - 19 & 20 May 2012 : UPDATE

ABOVE: A US Air Force Boeing B-52H bomber will be amongst many interesting aircraft taking part in the Pearce Air Show 2012. Photo © US Navy 030415-F-7194F-015

24 Apr 2012:

The RAAF has provided more details of aircraft expected to participate in the RAAF Base Pearce Air Show on 19 & 20 May 2012.

A highlight for many will be a US Air Force Boeing B-52H bomber conducting flypasts at both days of the Show. The aircraft is doing this as part of a training exercise, flying direct from Guam with air refuelling, doing the flypast and then returning to Guam. (It is not landing).

Details from RAAF website (details subject to change):

The following RAAF military aircraft are expected to participate in the Air Show:

• F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet
• F/A-18F Super Hornet
• C-130 Hercules
• C-17A Globemaster
• CL-604 Challenger
• Boeing 737 BBJ (Boeing Business Jet)
  
• KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport [Airbus A330-200]
• AP-3C Orion
• PC-9/A
• Hawk 127
• The Roulettes (comprised seven PC-9/A aircraft)
• RAAF Balloon
• Sikorsky Seahawk (Royal Australian Navy)

The following international military aircraft are expected to participate in the Air Show:

• B-52H bomber (US Air Force)
• KC-135 Tanker (US Air Force)
• Flying training display (Republic of Singapore Air Force) [this will consist of Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers]
• C-130H Hercules (Republic of Singapore Air Force)

The following civilian and historical aircraft are expected to participate in the Air Show:

• Nanchang CJ-6A
• CAC Winjeel
• Rebel 300
• Beechcraft 18
  
• Laser 230
  
• De Havilland Chipmunk

Link to Pearce Air Show map: CLICK HERE

Link to road access map: CLICK HERE

Ticket prices are as follows:

Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) to visit Fremantle 24 -25 April 2012

ABOVE: The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) transit in formation with Indian navy ships during Exercise Malabar 2012, in the Bay of Bengal on 14 April 2012. Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released - 120414-N-DR144-657

23 April 2012:

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) will arrive off Fremantle tomorrow, spending about five days anchored offshore at Gage Roads anchorage (between Fremantle and Rottnest Island).

Unfortunately, the US Consulate has advised that members of the public will not be allowed aboard to visit the ship.

The ship has previously visited Fremantle in 1990, 1999 and 2003.

USS Carl Vinson gained fame as the first ship to launch air strikes in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (the war in Afghanistan) on 7 October 2001. It also launched missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, and was the ship that received Osama Bin Laden's body for burial at sea in May 2011. The ship recently participated in Exercise Malabar 2012 with the Indian Navy, in the Bay of Bengal.

USS Carl Vinson appeared in the movie "Behind Enemy Lines", starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman. The film "Stealth" starring Jamie Foxx was partly filmed on the ship. USS Carl Vinson was also featured in the 1995 Discovery Channel TV documentary "Carrier: Fortress At Sea".

USS Carl Vinson has Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) aboard, consisting of aircraft and squadrons as follows (source http://www.gonavy.jp) :

Approximately 4,700 US sailors (nearly 4,400 from USS Carl Vinson alone) will visit Perth and Fremantle during the stay. They will attend Anzac Day ceremonies and conduct a number of community service activities during their visit.

The USS Carl Vinson is named after former US congressman and chairman of the House Naval Affairs and Armed Services Committee, Carl Vinson. The ship's motto is the Latin phrase "Vis Per Mare" meaning strength from the sea.

The USS Carl Vinson's Grumman C-2A Greyhound aircraft have been visiting Perth Airport a number of times, to deliver and collect mail, personnel and supplies for the ship.

	LEFT: 162178 / 42 Grumman C-2A Greyhound (cn 58) of US Navy squadron VRC-40 Detachment 5, deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). On final approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport on 21 April 2012. Photo © Keith Anderson
	LEFT: 162147 / 45 Grumman C-2A Greyhound (cn 27) of US Navy squadron VRC-40 Detachment 5, deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). Taking off from runway 21 at Perth Airport on 22 April 2012. Photo © Keith Anderson

AVWest to soon take delivery of Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 (VH-ZZH)

ABOVE: VH-ZZH Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter 400 (cn 851, ex C-FUVA, C-FTRO) of AVWest, fitted with amphibious floats. Seen here at Victoria Airport, British Columbia, Canada on 23 March 2012. Photo © Tim Martin - used with kind permission of the photographer

© David Eyre - UPDATED 11 April 2012:

As reported on AviationWA on 25 November 2011, Perth-based aviation company AVWest is yet to take delivery of its new Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter 400, VH-ZZH (construction number 851, test reg C-FUVA, C-FTRO), but the aircraft has been photographed in Canada recently wearing its Australian registration.

History of this aircraft:

• The aircraft was ordered by AVWest on 15 April 2010, and it was announced that the aircraft would be delivered in amphibious floatplane configuration
• Initially test flown at Victoria Airport, Canada unpainted with wheeled landing gear in early July 2011 as C-FUVA (PHOTO).
• Fitted with amphibious floats and painted in September 2011, still temporarily registered C-FUVA (PHOTO).
• Reregistered C-FTRO to Viking Air on 4 October 2011 (PHOTO)
• C-FTRO appeared in the static display at NBAA Convention, Henderson Airport, Las Vegas during 10-12 October 2011 (PHOTO 1, PHOTO 2)
• C-FTRO flew to Boeing Field, Seattle, USA on 25 October 2011 (PHOTO)
• C-FTRO cancelled from the Canadian aircraft register on 15 November 2011.
• Registered VH-ZZH to AVWest Pty Ltd on the Australian aircraft register on 17 November 2011.
• VH-ZZH photographed at Victoria Airport, British Columbia, Canada on 25 January 2012 (PHOTO)
• VH-ZZH photographed at Victoria Airport, British Columbia, Canada on 23 March 2012 (PHOTO ABOVE)

The DHC-6 Twin Otter was originally designed and built by De Havilland Canada as a larger, twin-engined replacement for the 11-seat De Havilland DHC-3 Otter. The Otter was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial piston engine, and two engines were preferred for increased safety and performance.

Development of the Twin Otter started in 1964, using two Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-20 turboprop engines of 550shp (410kW). The prototype DHC-6 Twin Otter first flew on 20 May 1965, and was immediately popular with bush operators due to its excellent STOL performance, reliability and solid construction. The Twin Otter carries 19 passengers and can land on an airstrip only 366 metres long. The Twin Otter was sold to operators all over the world, operating in all kinds of extreme conditions.

During the 1980s, the Canadian government decided to sell De Havilland Canada, and in 1986, DHC was sold to Boeing. Boeing allegedly used this purchase in an attempt to win an Air Canada airliner order. Boeing guaranteed the Canadian Government that it would not cease production of any DHC products, but within two years had ceased production of the DHC-6 Twin Otter and the DHC-7 Dash 7. Only the DHC-8 Dash 8 continued in production. Production of the De Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter Series 300 ended in 1988, even though the aircraft was still successful, after the 844th aircraft was delivered. When the Air Canada order went to Airbus in 1988, Boeing immediately decided to sell De Havilland Canada, and the company was sold to Bombardier in 1992.

Viking Air, based at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada had been refurbishing Twin Otters for over 36 years. In 2005, Viking Air purchased from Bombardier the production tooling for the DHC-1 Chipmunk, DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo, DHC-6 Twin Otter, and DHC-7 Dash 7. All of these types were no longer in production. On February 24, 2006 Viking purchased the type certificates for all of these types - this gave them the rights to build new aircraft.

Whilst Viking could have designed a new aircraft, it would have cost three times as much as modernising the Twin Otter. After refining the design to use more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 (or -35 engines), and modern avionics, on 2 April 2007, Viking announced that it had obtained 27 orders and options, and was restarting production of the Twin Otter.

Viking converted a DHC-6-300 to be the Twin Otter 400 Technology Demonstrator, and this made its first flight on 1 October 2008 at Victoria International Airport. On 16 February 2010, the first new production Twin Otter Series 400 (cn 845) made its first flight - this was delivered to Zimex Aviation of Switzerland .

The Twin Otter is still popular with its operators - around 600 of the 844 built are still in service, and the second-hand Twin Otters are still worth almost as much as a new production aircraft ($4.5 million). The new Twin Otter 400 is also popular, with orders for 55 aircraft received by September 2011, and a production backlog through to 2016. Viking has built 10 new aircraft, and delivered 7, and is increasing production rate to an initial 18 aircraft per year, and later to 24 per year.

Singapore Airlines to use Boeing 777-300 aircraft on some Perth services from 1 July 2012, plus additional services from 10 Dec 2012 - 31 Jan 2013

10 April 2012

Singapore Airlines has announced that it is increasing capacity on services between Singapore and Perth.

From 1 July 2012, for the daily SQ223 / SQ226 services, Boeing 777-312 aircraft will be used on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with 777-212ER aircraft used on the other days.

• UNTIL 30 JUNE 2012: SQ223 Arr PER 14:40 / SQ226 Dep PER 15:55
  • DAILY: Boeing 777-212ER
• FROM 1 JULY 2012: SQ223 Arr PER 14:40 / SQ226 Dep PER 15:55
  • Tue/Thu/Sat: Boeing 777-312
  • Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sun: Boeing 777-212ER

From 10 December 2012 - 31 January 2013, additional services SQ213 / SQ214 will operate daily with Boeing 777-212ER aircraft.

• 10 Dec 2012 - 31 Jan 2013: SQ213 Arr PER 13:15 / SQ214 Dep PER 17:35
  • DAILY: (Boeing 777-212ER)

Virgin Australia takes $8 million (10%) stake in Skywest

ABOVE: Virgin Australia Embraer 190 and a Skywest Airbus A320-231 Photo © David Eyre

10 April 2012

Virgin Australia is to invest $8 million in WA-based Skywest Airlines, equating to approximately 10% of Skywest.

Skywest already operates a fleet of ATR72 aircraft with Virgin Australia branding on Virgin's regional routes in the eastern states, and these services have grown significantly since their launch in October 2011. The ATR72 fleet will be increased from the current four aircraft to 12 by the end of the 2013 financial year 2013.

Skywest also has code-sharing agreements with Virgin Australia and vice versa. Their route networks are largely complementary, with Virgin Australia operating intra-state and inter-state domestic services and international services, while Skywest operates intra-state and FIFO/resources industry charter services in Western Australia.

KOONDOOLA BUSH FIRE - 28 MARCH 2012

Firefighters battled a number of fires in bush land near residential areas west of the Koondoola Open Space, in the northern suburbs of Perth.

A total of 55 firefighters supported by several helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were brought in to fight the fires, which were brought under control by late afternoon and continued to smoulder throughout the night.

AAWA photographer David Eyre took a number of photos of helicopters at Emu Lake, in neighbouring Ballajura - the helicopters refilled their water tanks here, as it was less than a kilometre from the fire.

To see some photos, click on the photo below:

AirAsia X additional Perth - Kuala Lumpur services from 28 June 2012

ABOVE: 9M-XXH Airbus A330-343X (cn 1165) of AirAsia X, named "Xtraordinary 1000" taxying out for departure from runway 03 at Perth on 16 February 2011. Photo © David Eyre

15 March 2012:

AirAsia X has announced that it is increasing Kuala Lumpur – Perth services, with additional flights on Thursdays and Sundays.

The current service operates daily, and uses Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

The schedule from 28 June 2012 is as follows:

• Daily: D7 236 arrives in Perth at 05:25 / D7 237 departs Perth at 06:50
• Thu/Sun: D7 232 arrives in Perth at 14:05 / D7 233 departs Perth at 15:15

South African Airways disposing of final Airbus A340-200s [UPDATE]

ABOVE: ZS-SLD Airbus A340-212 (cn 019) of South African Airways taxying out for departure from runway 03 at Perth on 17 August 2008. Photo © David Eyre

24 November 2011 (Updated 14 March 2012):

As we reported in November 2011, South African Airways' fleet of Airbus A340-200 aircraft are being disposed of, as the airline takes delivery of new A330-200s.

SAA's A340-200s were the predominant type on Perth services from Johannesburg. A340-300s and A340-600s were also used at times, but are now the main types used by SAA. The Perth-Johannesburg service is SAA's only service to Australia, apart from code sharing on Qantas flights.

The A340-200s were leased from GMT Global Republic Aviation and began being retired from April 2011, with the last one now due to leave the fleet in mid-2012 - this is also the oldest A340-200 still in airline service in the world.

The fleet consists of early-production A340 aircraft which were all formerly operated by Lufthansa. ZS-SLA through ZS-SLE were all delivered to SAA during 2003, and ZS-SLF was delivered in 2004.

Only 28 A340-200 aircraft were produced by Airbus.

Current status is as follows (including links to recent photos where possible - including some of the A340s stored/scrapped at Tarbes-Lourdes):

Grumman G-111 Albatross amphibian to be based in the Kimberley region of WA;
plus “Helicopter Golf” proposal for Perth area

17 February 2012:

An article in The West Australia by Kent Acott on 16 February 2012 reported that WA businessman and former SAS mountaineering instructor Mr Mack McCormack had purchased a Grumman G-111 Albatross amphibian during the previous week.

He intends to operate in the Kimberley region, in the far north of Western Australia.

A total of 418 Grumman Albatross aircraft were built between 1947 and 1961. In the early 1980s, Grumman bought 57 ex-military Albatrosses for conversion to civil G-111 configuration, which is certified to conduct airline and charter operations. Although Grumman thought that there was a market for 200 G-111s, only 13 were converted.

Mr McCormack also proposes to use the Rottnest Island Golf Course as a parachute drop zone and to develop “helicopter golf” where tourists could be transported between Rottnest and other Perth golf courses.

Air Australia ceases operations

ABOVE: VH-YQB Airbus A320-212 (cn 279) of Air Australia. Landing on runway 03 at 11:54 as flight VC502 from Derby (RAAF Curtin) on 29 Dec 2011. Photo © Matt Hayes

17 February 2012 (UPDATED 22 Feb 2012):

Air Australia, previously called Strategic Airlines, went into voluntary administration in the early hours of Friday 17 February 2012 and ceased operations.

The airline had only a few days earlier denied that it was entering into administration and was still taking bookings until 16 February. Thousands of passengers are affected by the shutdown, with many stranded overseas.

Flights were grounded after fuel suppliers refused to extend any more credit and aircraft were refused fuel. The company directors called a meeting at 1.30am and appointed KordaMentha as administrators. KordaMentha handled the administration of Ansett Airlines when it shut down in 2001/2 - this was the largest company administration in Australian history.  

KordaMentha stated on AirAustralia’s website that ``It currently appears that there are no funds available to meet operational expenses so flights will be suspended immediately. For clarity, it also appears highly unlikely there will be any flights in the short to medium term. The Administrators will decide on the strategy for the group during the following days and weeks.''

Most of Air Australia’s 300 staff have been stood down, effective immediately.

The airline's fleet was leased, and all are expected to be returned to the lessors. Air Australia A320 VH-YQB operated their final WA service between Perth and Derby (Curtin) on Wednesday, and the aircraft is currently parked at Perth Airport's Terminal WA apron.  

Qantas and Jetstar have offered to help passengers affected by the shutdown of Air Australia by putting on additional services – something which Air Australia did for Qantas passengers stranded during their October 2011 temporary grounding. Hawaiian Airlines has offered discounted fares to Air Australia passengers on the Honolulu route.

The airline's troubles began much earlier. In 2010, when the airline was named Strategic Airlines, it lost a $30million contract with the Australian Defence Force to transport troops to the Middle East. It then restructured as a full-service carrier operating scheduled flights, but found the competition too great. In early 2011, one of the two key shareholders pulled out. In November 2011, Strategic Airlines restructured again as a lower-cost airline under the new brand name of Air Australia. CASA reportedly expressed concerns in December 2011 as to whether the airline could meet its safety requirements. On 21 December 2011, insolvency insurance coverage for Air Australia was withdrawn. Also in December, Air Australia claimed that it would make a profit in 2011/12, but said it was looking for "cornerstone" investors. It was rumoured that the airline had debts of $30 million, and that creditors had begun closing in. Earlier in the week, reports began circulating that administrators KordaMentha were being consulted.

In WA, Air Australia operated Airbus A320 aircraft between Perth - Derby (Curtin) three times per week, and a Port Hedland – Brisbane service. Strategic Airlines had previously operated services between Perth and Bali, but these ceased in June 2011 due to strong competition from other operators on the route. Air Australia also operated domestic services in the eastern states, and international services from the eastern states to Bali, Honolulu and Phuket.

UPDATE:

• Skywest was awarded the regular public transport (RPT) route Perth-Derby (Curtin) for an initial term of three months from Monday 20 February, operating each weekday for the provision of five return services per week. Flight XR23 departs Perth at 06:00, and arrives at Derby (Curtin) at 08:45. The return flight XR24 departs Derby (Curtin) at 09:30, and arrives in Perth 12:15.
• Qantas will operate the Brisbane - Port Hedland route from mid-March 2012.

Alliance Airlines operating leased Boeing 737-476 ZK-JTQ on Perth – Karratha services

ABOVE: ZK-JTQ Boeing 737-476 (cn 24442/2372) of Alliance Airlines, wet-leased from Airwork for 6 months, seen taxying out as flight QQ737 to Karratha on 16 February 2012. On the day of this photo, Perth was covered in smoke haze from bush fires near Northcliffe. Note the Garuda retro colours Boeing 737 PK-GFN in the background at the international terminal. Photo © David Eyre

17 February 2012

Alliance Airlines has placed into service a leased Boeing 737-476, registration ZK-JTQ (cn 24442/2372).

The aircraft is on a six-month wet-lease from New Zealand company Airwork, whilst Alliance conducts heavy maintenance on its Fokker 100 aircraft. It bears an inscription just behind the forward cabin door "Operated by Airwork Flight Operations Ltd".

The Boeing 737 is being operated on a twice daily service between Perth and Karratha, which commenced on 14 February 2012. The schedule is as follows:

• QQ731 dep PER 05:30 / QQ732 arr PER 10:30
• QQ737 dep PER 14:45 / QQ738 arr PER 19:30

It is reported that after this lease, the aircraft will undergo conversion to freighter configuration to operate for Toll Priority. Airwork also operates the Toll Priority Boeing 737-300SF freighters which operate from Perth.

History of ZK-JTQ:

The aircraft was originally ordered new by Australian Airlines (formerly Trans Australian Airlines – TAA) and made its first flight at Seattle as VH-TJQ on 21 September 1992. The aircraft was delivered to Australia Airlines in Melbourne on 8-10 October 1992. The aircraft was named "Bellbird", and entered service the same month. Australian Airlines merged with Qantas in October 1993, and the aircraft was later repainted in Qantas colours. It operated its final service with Qantas on 2 May 2006.

VH-TJQ was transferred to Qantas Jetconnect in New Zealand and registered as ZK-JTQ on 21 June 2006. It was delivered on 22 June 2006 to Jetconnect in Christchurch, and operated its first service the following day. It operated its final New Zealand domestic service on 9 June 2009, and then operated its final revenue flight with Qantas on 15 November 2011, and was placed in storage at Auckland in basic Qantas livery, still registered as ZK-JTQ.

ZK-JTQ was registered to Airwork (NZ) on 20 December 2011, and in late January 2012, the aircraft was moved out of storage to Airwork's hangar to prepare for its return to service. On 6 February 2012, it was rolled out in Alliance Airlines basic colours, minus the tail insignia, which was added later. ZK-JTQ then departed from Auckland on 10 February 2012 to Alliance Airlines base in Brisbane, using the callsign "Airwork 1". The aircraft then departed Brisbane on 13 February 2012 to Perth, via Adelaide and Kalgoorlie, arriving in Perth the same day – again using the callsign 'Airwork 1'.

ABOVE: ZK-JTQ when it was operated by Qantas Jetconnect in New Zealand. This photo was taken on 29 October 2010 at Sydney. Photo © Les Bushell BELOW: VH-TJQ when it was operated by Qantas. This photo was taken on 15 October 2005 at Perth. Photo © Les Bushell

Qantas to reduce Boeing 747 services to Perth; retiring two more Boeing 747s

ABOVE: VH-OJE Boeing 747-438 (cn 24482/765) of Qantas, named "City of Adelaide" arriving on Perth's runway 03 on 16 December 2011 as flight QF581 from Sydney. Boeing 747s will be replaced on some QF581/QF582 services by Airbus A330s from 6 May 2012. Photo © David Eyre

16 February 2012

Qantas has announced a number of cost cutting changes, due to a significant decrease in profit in the first half of the 2011/2012 financial year.

This includes aircraft retirements and changes to their types used on interstate routes to Perth, and Qantas does not rule out further changes to the their fleet plan.

The following changes of interest to Western Australia are listed: •

• Aircraft changes on the following domestic routes to Perth:
  • Sydney-Perth (Boeing 747 replaced with Airbus A330 on certain services from 6 May 2012)
  • Melbourne-Perth (additional A330 services added from 6 May). •
• Early retirement of two further Boeing 747 aircraft (in addition to the four early B747 retirements announced in August 2011).
• Deferral of Boeing 787-800 deliveries because of manufacturer delays
• Job reductions are expected as a result of aircraft retirements and operational changes.

The current Boeing 747 service is as follows:

• QF581 from Sydney - arrives at Perth 11:50am
• QF582 to Sydney - departs Perth at 1:35pm

Malaysia Airlines switch from Boeing 777-200ER to Airbus A330-323X aircraft on all Perth services

	LEFT: 9M-MTE Airbus A330-323X (cn 1243) of Malaysia Airlines, operating the MH125/MH124 afternoon service between Kuala Lumpur and Perth, seen here approaching runway 21 at Perth. Photo © Michael Foss
	LEFT: 9M-MRP Boeing 777-2H6 ER (cn 28421/496) of Malaysia Airlines, approaching Perth's runway 03 in 2010. Photo © David Eyre

15 February 2012:

As previously reported on AviationWA in August 2011, Malaysia Airlines has today (15 February 2012) switched to using the Airbus A330-323X aircraft on all Kuala Lumpur / Perth services.

Previously, the airline used the Boeing 777-2H6 ER aircraft on the route, with Airbus A330s being used on the night MH127/MH126 service.

Malaysia Airlines' final Boeing 777-2H6ER service was operated yesterday (14 February 2012) by 9M-MRD on the MH125/MH124 afternoon service.

Services operate as follows, all now being operated by Airbus A330-323X aircraft (times shown are the arrival and departure times for Perth):

• Perth / Kuala Lumpur - DAILY : MH125 arr 15:00 / MH124 dep 16:30
• Perth / Kuala Lumpur - FRI/SUN/MON : MH127 arr 01:30 / MH126 dep 02:30

A Tribute to Fire Fighters

Summer in Western Australia often results in high temperatures, sometimes combined with strong winds, and after many days of little or no rain, the vegetation can become dry and fire-prone.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia leases fire fighting helicopters each summer - usually from November to April. This year (2011/12), they have leased:

• one Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane helicopter from the USA (9,500 litres capacity)
• two Sikorsky S-61N helicopters from Canada (4,000 litres capacity)
• four Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel helicopters from Helicopters Australia (1,000 litres capacity)
• one Eurocopter (MBB) Bo-105LS-A3 of Heliwest (aerial command and control helicopter)
• an unknown number of Air Tractor AT-602 and AT-802 fixed-wing aircraft (2,385 or 3,100 litres capacity, respectively)

The Department of Environment and Conservation conducts controlled burns, to reduce the amount of "fuel" (dry vegetation) so that bush fires are not as destructive or extensive.

** AAWA wishes to thank fire fighters in the air and on the ground, for all that they do to safeguard lives and property.**

Margaret River Region Bush Fires:

ABOVE: C-FIBN / 681 Sikorsky S-61N (cn 61811) of VIH Helicopters Ltd (British Columbia, Canada), which was leased by the WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority for the 2011/12 bush fire season. It is seen here fighting fires as homes burn at Gnarabup on 24 November 2011. Photo used with kind permission of Sean Blocksidge
ABOVE: VH-... / 6 Air Tractor AT-602, which was leased by the WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority for the 2011/12 bush fire season. It is seen here on 24 November 2011, fighting a fire near the historic Wallcliffe House - a mansion built in 1865, which unfortunately burned down. The red colour indicates that the aircraft is releasing fire retardant chemicals, rather than water. Photo used with kind permission of Sean Blocksidge
ABOVE: C-GHTN / 682 Sikorsky S-61N Mark II (cn 61755) of Helicopter Transport Services, on lease to FESA (Fire & Emergency Services Authority) for the 2011/12 bushfire season. It is seen here on 24 January 2012, fighting fires near Gracetown (which can be seen to the right of photo). Photo used with kind permission of Sean Blocksidge
ABOVE: VH-... / 1 Air Tractor AT-802, which was leased by the WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority for the 2011/12 bush fire season. It is seen here on 24 January 2012, releasing water onto the fire near Gracetown. Photo used with kind permission of Sean Blocksidge

On 21 November 2011, a prescribed burn by the Department of Environment and Conservation was started, but got out of control due to stronger than expected winds and high temperatures. The fire burned for several days and 39 homes were destroyed, including nine tourist chalets and the historic Wallcliffe House, which was built in 1865. Sixteen houses and one shop were also damaged. The coastal towns of Prevelly, Gnarabup and Redgate were affected. Fire fighters were extremely busy as other fires were also burning near Denmark, WA.

Two months later on 24 January 2012, a smaller fire started near Gracetown. It burned about 50 hectares of bushland, and was fortunately brought under control by the following day, thanks to the efforts of the fire fighters on .

NOTE: Donations to the victims of the 2011 Margaret River fires can be made to the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund until 29 February 2012: http://www.appealswa.org.au/

Perth Airport Bushfire:

ABOVE : VH-WCX / 671 Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel (cn 3491) of Helicopters Australia, leased to FESA for the 2011/12 fire season. Seen here on 4 January 2012, fighting the fire near Perth Airport. Photo © Matt Hayes
ABOVE : VH-WCX / 671 Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel (cn 3491) of Helicopters Australia, leased to FESA for the 2011/12 fire season. Seen here on 4 January 2012, fighting the fire near Perth Airport. Photo © Matt Hayes
ABOVE : VH-WCQ / 670 Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel (cn 3195) of Helicopters Australia, leased to FESA for the 2011/12 fire season. Seen here on 4 January 2012, fighting the fire near Perth Airport. Photo © Matt Hayes
ABOVE : VH-WCQ / 670 Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel (cn 3195) of Helicopters Australia, leased to FESA for the 2011/12 fire season. Seen here on 4 January 2012, fighting the fire near Perth Airport. Photo © Matt Hayes

Perth Airport suffered a bush fire on 4 January 2012. The fire was reported at 12.23pm, but the cause is still unknown. Approximately 65 hectares of bushland were burned.

It initially started on the south-west part of Perth Airport, along both sides of Dunreath Road near Tonkin Highway and Leach Highway, before moving in a southwest direction towards eastern parts of the residential suburb of Cloverdale.

Tonkin Highway was closed in both directions between Great Eastern Highway and Leach Highway, Leach Highway was closed in both directions between Abernethy Road and Tonkin Highway, and Dunreath Drive was closed between Horrie Miller Drive and Brearley Avenue. Residents in some parts of Cloverdale and Kewdale were evacuated until the fire was brought under control.

The Perth Airport Viewing Area was undamaged, but was not re-opened until midday on 6 January 2012.

Other bushfires started by lightning were burning in various locations around Perth on the same day.

Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA), Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF), Bush Fire Service,  Main Roads WA, WA Police and the Australian Federal Police provided assistance during the fire. One firefighter suffered minor burns and was taken to hospital.

Besides the Helitaks involved were:

• C-FIBN/681 Sikorsky S-61
• VH-WCQ/670
• VH-WCX/671

NOTE: AAWA wishes to point out that the photographers who took these photos did so from a safe distance, complying with the instructions of fire fighters.

Skywest announce imminent delivery of 5th & 6th ATR72 (to be operated for Virgin Australia); and 10th Fokker 100s

29 January 2012 (updated 3 February 2012):

Skywest Airlines has issued a media release on 26 January 2012, announcing the imminent delivery of two more ATR72-500 aircraft (their fifth and sixth). Like the previous ATRs, these will be operated under the 10-year contract between Skywest and Virgin Australia. They will be painted in Virgin Australia colours.

The fifth ATR72-500 has already been handed over to the airline, and the sixth is to be delivered within 14 days.

The ATR72-500s are:

• VH-FVU (cn 978): This aircraft was first flown at Toulouse as F-WWEW on 6 December 2011, and handed over at Toulouse to Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) as OY-CJU on 23 December 2011. The aircraft was flown from Toulouse (France) to Lelystad (Netherlands) on 27 January 2012 painted all-white (see photo HERE), to be repainted in Virgin Australia colours. It will be delivered to Brisbane by mid-February 2012.
• VH-FVX (cn 986): This aircraft was first flown at Toulouse as F-WWEG on 21 December 2011, and handed over at Toulouse to Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) as OY-CJV, being registered as such on 6 January 2012 (see photo HERE).

Skywest also announced that one additional Fokker F100 aircraft will enter service, however a second F100 was acquired for use as a spares source:

• PH-LMY (cn 11305) - formerly PH-LMY, PT-MRH with TAM (Brazil), XA-MRH with Click Mexicana, N305MX:
  This is currently with Fokker Services at Woensdrecht in the Netherlands, and will enter service with Skywest. To be registered VH-FZO.

• PH-ABX (cn 11494) - formerly PH-EZO, F-GPXD with Brit Air (operated for Air France) -
  This aircraft arrived in Perth at 12:42 on Friday 3 February on delivery to Skywest using callsign “Southern Cross 1215”.
  It commenced its delivery flight on Tuesday 31 January from Norwich, UK. The route flown was Norwich (UK) -  Trabzon (Turkey) - Al Ain (UAE) – Nagpur (India) - Penang (Malaysia) – Jakarta-Halim (Indonesia) - Perth.
  NOTE: This aircraft is reportedly to be used broken up for spare parts, and will not enter revenue service with Skywest.

ABOVE: PH-ABX Fokker 100 (cn 11494) of Skywest, on final approach to Perth Airport's runway 21 at 12:42. This aircraft will be broken up for spares, and will not enter service with Skywest. Photo © Les Bushell

Perth Airport's First and Second Control Towers

ABOVE: The first control tower at Perth Airport was built using steel girders during 1946, when the airport was still called Guildford Aerodrome. This tower was located approximately where the Qantas Domestic Terminal is now located. This is a view of the south-east side. This first tower was dismantled in 1962 when the second tower was built. NOTE: The square black box hanging from the tower gantry was an indicator to pilots that the Tower was manned - and therefore they would need to talk to the Tower for a clearance. Photo supplied by David Harvey   BELOW: The second control tower was built in 1962 and is visible in the background of this 1963 photo of the Perth International and Domestic Terminal, one year after it was constructed. A South African Airways Douglas DC-7B aircraft is parked on the tarmac. The terminal was later significantly rebuilt to become Terminal 3 (used by Skywest, Virgin Australia, Alliance and Tiger Airways Australia). The 1962 control tower was demolished at the end of March 2011. Photo supplied by David Harvey
For more photos of the 1962 Control Tower, including the interior, click HERE

Qatar Airways start Perth services on 3 July 2012, 3 times/week; daily from 27 Oct 2012

UPDATE: Using Boeing 777-200LR

16 November 2011 (UPDATED 26 January 2012):

From 3 July 2012, Qatar Airways will commence services between Doha (Qatar) and Perth, using Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, initially three times per week.

From 27 October 2012, it will change to a DAILY service.

It was initially reported that Airbus A330-200 aircraft were to be used for the initial 3 times per week service, switching to the Boeing 777-200LR from 27 October 2012 when it went daily. However, the airline has now decided to use the 777-200LR from 3 July 2012.

Flight schedule times have also changed, and is now as follows

Boeing 777-200LR: From 3 July 2012: TUE/THU/SAT. From 27 October 2012: DAILY.

• QR900 from Doha arrives in Perth at 17:10 / QR901 departs Perth to Doha at 23:00

Emirates to use Boeing 777-300ERs on all EK420/EK421 services from 25 March 2012; Boeing 777-200LR to continue to operate EK424/EK425 services

	LEFT: A6-ECO Boeing 777-36N ER (cn 37706/765) of Emirates, landing on runway 21 at Perth Airport on 10 Sep 2011. The 777-300ER will be used for all EK420/421 services from March 2012. Photo © Les Bushell
	LEFT: A6-EWI Boeing 777-21H LR of Emirates, taxying out at Perth Airport for departure as flight EK425 to Dubai at 05:47 on 9 March 2011. The 777-200LR will continue to operate these morning services. Photo © David Eyre

26 January 2012:

Emirates is increasing capacity on services between Dubai and Perth by using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on all evening EK420/EK421 services from 25 March 2012. Currently, the -300ER only operates the service when capacity demands, with the smaller 777-200LR normally scheduled for the route.

Emirates will continue to use the 777-200LR for the EK424/EK425 service.

Emirates ordered 50 additional Boeing 777-300ERs plus 20 options at the Dubai Air Show, with delivery commencing in 2015. This makes it the largest Boeing commercial order ever, in terms of dollar value. Emirates is already awaiting delivery on another 41 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from an earlier order, so its confirmed 777-300ER orders now total 91. Emirates already has the largest fleet of 777s in the world.

Emirates is also in talks with Boeing about improved versions of the 777, referred to as the 777-8X and 777-9X. Emirates wants the aircraft from 2017 to begin replacing 777-300ERs, and expects lower fuel burn and the ability to carry 360 passengers and cargo direct from Dubai to Los Angeles.

The schedule from 25 March 2012 is as follows (services are DAILY):

• Boeing 777-300ER: EK420 arrives in Perth at 17:25 / EK421 departs Perth at 22:30
  

• Boeing 777-200LR: EK424 arrives in Perth at 00:55 / EK425 departs Perth at 06:00

Network Aviation takes delivery of second of ten ex-Avianca Fokker 100s, PH-ZFV
(VH-NHQ)

ABOVE: PH-ZFV Fokker 100 (cn 11506) landing on runway 03 at Perth Airport at 12:53, after the final leg of its delivery flight. This aircraft is the second of ten former Avianca Fokker 100s recently acquired by Network Aviation, and will be their fourth Fokker 100 to enter service. It will be registered VH-NHQ. Photo © Brenden Scott

20 January 2012:

Network Aviation took delivery of the second of ten Fokker 100 aircraft which were recently purchased from the Colombian airline Avianca.

The aircraft had initially flown Bogota (Colombia) - Nassau (Bahamas) - Halifax (Canada) - Keflavik (Iceland) - Woensdrecht (Netherlands) during 15 - 17 October 2011, still wearing its Colombian registration HK-4431.

At Woensdrecht, it underwent a refit with Fokker Services, to upgrade the cabin and navigation systems (including ADS-B), and to make it compliant with air service bulletins and airworthiness directives. It was given the Dutch registration PH-ZFV.

On 17 January 2012, PH-ZFV took off from Woensdrecht for its delivery flight to Australia, flying Woensdrecht (Netherlands) - Samsun (Turkey) - Al Ain (UAE) - Nagpur (India) - Penang (Malaysia) - Jakarta Halim (Indonesia) - Perth, arriving at 12:53 on 20 January 2012.

On the delivery flight, it used flight number SXI1201 as it was flown by a crew from Southern Cross International, a provider of aircraft ferrying services.

The aircraft will undergo some more work before it is added to the Australian register as VH-NHQ, making it the fourth Fokker 100 in the Network Aviation fleet.

Details of the other Network Fokker 100s yet to be delivered are in the earlier article on this page (scroll down).

Virgin Australia: NEW A330s due for delivery from April 2012;
to start Perth - Melbourne A330 services from 14 May 2012

ABOVE: VH-XFA "Cottesloe Beach" at Perth in June 2011. This is one of two leased A330-200s formerly operated by Emirates. Two brand new A330s are to be delivered to Virgin Australia during 2012. Photo © David Eyre

16 January 2012:

During April 2012, Virgin Australia's third Airbus A330-243 VH-XFC (cn 1293) will be delivered - the first of four brand new A330s in their fleet.

The new Virgin Australia A330-243 aircraft are:

• VH-XFC (cn 1293) - To be delivered April 2012
• VH-XFD (cn 1306) - To be delivered May 2012
• VH-XFE (cn 1319) - To be delivered October 2012
• VH-... (cn not yet known) - To be delivered December 2012.

The current leased ex-Emirates A330-243 aircraft are:

• VH-XFA "Cottesloe Beach" (cn 365) - ex A6-EAB
• VH-XFB "Cable Beach" (cn 372) - ex A6-EAC.

With the delivery of the first of these new A330s, from 14 May 2012, Virgin Australia is to commence twice daily Airbus A330 services between Melbourne and Perth. Airfares are $195 one-way.

Currently, the airline's Melbourne-Perth services are operated by Boeing 737-800s, and the Airbus A330s are used exclusively between Sydney and Perth.

The schedule for the new Melbourne A330 service from 14 May 2012 is as follows:

• DAILY: DJ685 arr 15:15 / DJ694 dep 17:30
• DAILY: DJ691 arr 19:45 / DJ680 dep 08:30

© David Eyre

GARUDA INDONESIA TO RESTART DIRECT PERTH / JAKARTA SERVICES

	LEFT: PK-GGE Boeing 737-5U3 of Garuda Indonesia, seen arriving from Jakarta as flight GA730, on a rather wet Winter afternoon at Perth in 2008. Photo © David Eyre

16 January 2012:

Garuda Indonesia has recently stated its intention to restart direct Perth - Jakarta services, but no schedule has yet been announced.

Currently the Perth - Jakarta flight (GA724 / GA725) flies via Denpasar (Bali).

Garuda has operated the direct services in the past.

On 28 July 1992, the first service was operated using Airbus A300 aircraft, but later ended.

The service restarted on 10 December 2006, as flight GA730/GA731 three times per week, with the first service using Boeing 737-8CX PK-GEE. Later, the service was operated by Boeing 737-5U3 aircraft (see photo above). Direct services ceased from 1 June 2009, being replaced by the GA724/GA725 service, which flew via Denpasar.

RAAF PEARCE AIR SHOW - 19 & 20 May 2012

8 January 2012:

AAWA confirmed with RAAF officials in October 2011 that there will be an air show at RAAF Base Pearce on 19 and 20 May 2012.

It is not known at this stage what aircraft will participate.

The last air show at Pearce was held in November 2005. Participants included:

• US Air Force: B-1B Lancer
• Republic of Singapore Air Force: F-16C, F-16D, KC-135R, S-211
• RNZAF: P-3K Orion
• RAAF: F-111C, F/A-18A Hornets, AP-3C Orions, C-130J-30 Hercules, Hawks, PC-9/A
• RAN: S-70B-2 Seahawk
• Civilian aircraft including Westwind of Pel-Air and Learjet 35A of Raytheon, Customs Dash 8, warbirds, etc

PHOTOS FROM 2005 RAAF PEARCE AIR SHOW:

	LEFT: 86-0113 / EL Rockwell B-1B Lancer (cn 73) of USAF 37th Bomb Squadron "Tigers", 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, North Dakota, USA The aircraft carried nose art with the name "Jagged Edge" and had flown missions during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photos © David Eyre
	LEFT: 613 Lockheed Martin F-16C-52J Fighting Falcon (cn DA-6) of Republic of Singapore Air Force, 143 "Phoenix" Squadron, Tengah, Singapore Behind it is 632, an F-16D-52J of the same squadron. Photo © David Eyre
	LEFT: 750 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker (cn 18626) of Republic of Singapore Air Force, 112 Squadron, Changi, Singapore This aircraft refuelled the visiting RSAF F-16s for the trip to and from Pearce. Photo © David Eyre
	LEFT: NZ4202 Lockheed P-3K Orion (cn 185-5192) of 5 Squadron, RNZAF, Whenuapai, New Zealand. Photo © David Eyre
	LEFT: A8-140 General Dynamics F-111C (cn D1-16) of 1 Squadron, RAAF, based at Amberley, Queensland. Photo © David Eyre
	LEFT: A21-9 Boeing (McDonnell-Douglas) F/A-18A Hornet (cn 316/AF-9) of 77 Squadron, RAAF, on loan to 3 Squadron, based at Williamtown, NSW. Photo © David Eyre
	LEFT: A27-07 BAE Systems Hawk 127 (cn DT-07) of 79 Squadron, RAAF, based at Pearce, WA. Photo © David Eyre
	LEFT: A mass formation of 26 Pilatus PC-9/A aircraft of 2FTS, RAAF, based at Pearce, WA, in the "Thunderbird" formation which is flown when each Pilot Course graduates. Photo © David Eyre
	LEFT: N24-012 / (8)81 Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk (cn 70-597) of 816 Squadron, Royal Australian Navy, based at Nowra, NSW. It carried the name "Syndrome" on the nose. Photo © David Eyre

AAWA Membership - now also available for regional/interstate applicants

Now that the Aviation Association of WA Inc has elected its Committee, two different types of membership have been developed to enable people from regional areas and interstate to join, contribute their photos and expertise, and participate in Association activities.

By joining, you will be helping to support the Association's projects, including this website.

For details - see the AAWA News section of this website.

NEWS ARCHIVE - Older news articles

2012 News Articles

2011 News Articles

WEBSITE FEEDBACK:
We would appreciate any constructive feedback or corrections – please email: directors@aawa.org.au .

ABOUT US:

The Aviation Association of WA Inc (AAWA) is a non-profit, incorporated group whose stated mission is: "To encourage and support interest in aviation". AAWA was founded by Neville Murphy and David Eyre to meet the perceived need for a formally-structured group of aviation enthusiasts, historians, spotters and photographers. The Association conducts aviation-related projects to benefit aviation enthusiasts and the general community, with assistance from a professional support group including experts in IT, aviation history, and project management.

If you are interested in becoming a member and perhaps also assisting in the various projects that the Association undertakes, please contact us via email to directors@aawa.org.au. We encourage people in regional areas and interstate to join.

David Eyre
President