Aircraft Photos: JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

Sat 18 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-MTB Airbus A330-323X (cn 1219) of Malaysia Airlines

On final approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport as flight MH125 from Kuala Lumpur at 14:57, then departing from runway 21 as flight MH124 to Kuala Lumpur at 16:29.

From 15 February 2012, Malaysia Airlines started using their Airbus A330-323X fleet on all Perth / Kuala Lumpur services.

9M-MTB was first flown on 29 March 2011, and was delivered on 4-5 May 2011.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Thu 16 February 2012: JANDAKOT AIRPORT

VH-XHS Sikorsky S-76A II (cn 760228) of Helicopter Resources.

This helicopter was operating under contract to ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions) in the Antarctic, and bears their logo on the baggage door.

The helicopters are used in Antarctica during summer (December to February) and are based at Davis.

They are used for for ice reconnaissance (to assist ship navigation through pack ice), ship to shore carriage of expeditioners and cargo, ship based support of marine science and field based operations in Antarctica as well as Heard and Macquarie Island. These helicopters support biological, glaciological, geological and operational programmes.

VH-XHS was built in 1983, and previously registered N3124L, N117BG, C-GKCH, and finally N476T.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Thu 16 February 2012: JANDAKOT AIRPORT

VH-IDG Aerospatiale AS350BA Squirrel (cn 1762) of Helicopter Resources.

This helicopter was operating under contract to ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions) in the Antarctic, and bears their logo on the engine cowling.

The helicopters are used in Antarctica during summer (December to February) and are based at Davis.

VH-IDG was built in 1984 and was originally delivered on 20 June 1984 to the RAAF with the military serial A22-007. It also served with the Aircraft Research and Development Unit. It was sold in 2002 and registered VH-IDG.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-MTC Airbus A330-323X (cn 1229) of Malaysia Airlines

On final approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport as flight MH125 from Kuala Lumpur at 15:12, then departing from runway 21 as flight MH124 to Kuala Lumpur at 16:37.

From 15 February 2012, Malaysia Airlines started using their new Airbus A330-323X on all Perth / Kuala Lumpur services. Previously, Boeing 777-2H6 ER aircraft were used, with A330s being used on night time MH126/MH127 services.

9M-MTC was first flown on 17 May 2011, and was delivered on 10-11 June 2011.

Photo 1: © Michael Foss

Photos 2 - 4: © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

ZK-JTQ Boeing 737-476 (cn 24442/2372) of Alliance Airlines, leased from Airwork.

Seen taxying out as flight QQ737 to Karratha at 14:43. On the day of this photo, Perth was covered in smoke haze from bush fires in Northcliffe.

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 a small 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.

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.

ZK-JTQ is no stranger to Perth. The aircraft regularly visited when owned by Australian Airlines and Qantas, registered as VH-TJQ "Bellbird" from 1992-2006.

VH-TJQ was transferred to Qantas Jetconnect in New Zealand and registered as ZK-JTQ in 2006. It operated its final revenue flight with Qantas in November 2011, and was stored at Auckland.

ZK-JTQ was registered to Airwork (NZ) on 20 December 2011, and in late January 2012, the aircraft was moved to Airwork's hangar to prepare for its return to service. The aircraft departed 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'. It entered service on the Karratha route the following day.

Photo © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

A6-EWD Boeing 777-21H LR (cn 35577/688) of Emirates

On final approach to runway 21, as flight EK420 from Dubai at 17:30.

Boeing 777-200LRs will be replaced by 777-300ERs on this service from 25 March 2012, and most are already being operated by the -300ER.

Photo © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YIE Boeing 737-8FE (cn 38708/3875) of Virgin Australia, named "Fingal Beach"

On final approach to runway 21, as flight DJ4158 from Denpasar (Bali) at 17:05.

One of the newest aircraft in the Virgin Australia fleet, this aircraft made its first flight on 12 December 2011, and was delivered to Virgin Australia on 21 December 2011.

Photo © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VYD Boeing 737-838 (cn 33992/1706) of Qantas, named "Eudunda"

Climbing from runway 21 after takeoff, as flight QF584 to Adelaide at 16:26.

Photo © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VND Airbus A320-232 (cn 3296) of Tiger Airways Australia

Climbing from runway 21 after takeoff, as flight TT185 to Melbourne at 16:35.

Photo © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VXR Boeing 737-838 (cn 33724/1340) of Qantas, named "Shepparton"

Climbing from runway 21 after takeoff, as flight QF1096 to Newman at 16:34.

Photo © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VGO Airbus A320-232 (cn 4356) of Jetstar

Climbing from runway 21 after takeoff, as flight JQ975 to Adelaide at 15:58.

Photo © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VZX Boeing 737-838 (cn 34188/3910) of Qantas, named "Daylesford"

Climbing from runway 21 after takeoff, as flight QF718 to Canberra at 15:40.

This is Qantas' newest Boeing 737. It made its first flight at Seattle on 17 January 2012, and was delivered to Qantas during 2-4 February 2012. It entered revenue service just 8 days before this photo on 8 February 2012, and made its first visit to Perth on 12 February 2012.

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FKJ Fokker 100 (cn 11372) of Alliance Airlines

Climbing from runway 21 after takeoff, as flight QQ806, (callsign "Unity 806") to Leinster at 15:24.

Photo © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VUZ Boeing 737-8FE (cn 39921/3536) of Virgin Australia, named "Lennox Head"

Seen parked at Bay 19 at Terminal 3, and later climbing from runway 21 after takeoff, as flight DJ564 to Sydney at 15:20.

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 16 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GFN Boeing 737-86N (cn 38033/3607) of Garuda Indonesia (leased from GECAS).

Seen on climbing from runway 21 at 15:13, operating flight GA725 to Denpasar (Bali) and Jakarta .

PK-GFN is painted in a special retro colour scheme that was used by Garuda from 1969 to 1985, as detailed on the forward fuselage by the words "BRAND LOGO 1969 - 1985". The aircraft entered service on 15 April 2011.

Photo © David Eyre

Wed 15 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-MTE Airbus A330-323X (cn 1243) of Malaysia Airlines

FIRST REGULAR AIRBUS A330-323X SERVICE ON FLIGHT MH125/MH124

On final approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport as flight MH125 from Kuala Lumpur at 14:52.

As reported in our news section on 9 August 2011, Malaysia Airlines will now use the Airbus A330-323X on all Perth / Kuala Lumpur services, commencing from today (15 February 2012). Previously, Boeing 777-2H6 ER aircraft were used, with A330s being used on the night time MH126/MH127 services.

Malaysia Airlines' final Boeing 777-2H6ER service was operated yesterday by 9M-MRD.

9M-MTE is quite new, having made its first flight on 20 July 2011 with Airbus test registration F-WWYP. It was delivered on 3-4 August 2011, flying from the Airbus factory in Toulouse to Malaysia Airlines in Kuala Lumpur.

Photos © Michael Foss

Sat 11 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

A41-210 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III (cn F-239/AUS-5) of 36 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, based at RAAF Amberley, Queensland.

On final approach to runway 24 at Perth at 11:34 using callsign "AUSY405", arriving from Amberley.

This aircraft was allocated US Air Force serial 09-0540 under the Foreign Military Sales scheme, but for some reason, the serial 11-0210 was painted on the nose prior to delivery.

The aircraft made its first flight on 9 September 2011, had its acceptance ceremony at Long Beach, California on 14 September 2011, and was delivered to 36 Squadron at Amberley on 19 September 2011. It first visited Perth on 2 October 2011.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Sat 11 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-OGL Boeing 767-338ER (cn 25363/402) of Qantas, which does not carry a name on the nose.

On final approach to runway 24 at Perth as flight QF589 from Brisbane.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Sat 11 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FKK Fokker 100 (cn 11379) of Alliance Airlines

On final approach to runway 24 at Perth as flight QQ871 (callsign "Unity 871") from Telfer at 11:28.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Sat 11 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NXD Boeing 717-23S (cn 55062/5031) of QantasLink

On final approach to runway 24 at Perth as flight QF1935 from Alice Springs at 11:22.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Sat 11 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VGJ Airbus A320-232 (cn 4460) of Jetstar

On final approach to runway 24 at Perth as flight JQ974 from Adelaide at 11:15.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Sat 11 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-ZPF Embraer 190 (ERJ-190-100-IGW) (cn 19000193) of Virgin Australia (still in Virgin Blue colours), named "Maiden Brazil"

On final approach to runway 24 at Perth as flight DJ1724 from Karratha at 11:10.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Sat 11 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VZO Boeing 737-838 (cn 34191/3692) of Qantas, named "Bendigo"

The aircraft wears a "Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia" decal and ribbon aft of the wing.

On final approach to runway 24 at Perth as flight QF1093 from Newman at 11:06.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Sun 5 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VMX Bombardier CL-600-2B19 Challenger 850 (cn 7176) of Maxem Aviation (Fallbrook Pty Ltd)

On final approach to runway 21 at Perth at 14:30, arriving from Melbourne.

The Challenger 850 is based on Bombardier's 50-seat CRJ200LR, which itself was a stretched derivative of the original Canadair CL-600 Challenger.

It is a corporate shuttle aircraft, fitted out with an executive seating configuration of 15-19 passengers, and has a range of 5,200 km at Mach 0.8.

This particular aircraft was first built as a Challenger SE (Special Edition) and test flown in 1997 as C-FMMX. It was re-registered N176SE and delivered to TAG Aviation in 1998, and they reregistered the aircraft as HB-IVU in 1999. It then became LX-GJC with Silver Arrow in 2000.

It was redesignated as a Challenger 850 in 2003, being re-registered P4-CRJ with HCX Aviation. In December 2007, it became VP-BHX with Carre Aviation, then 9H-AFU with Comlux Aviation in 2009.

It was sold to Fallbrook Pty Ltd (operated by Maxem Aviation) and registered VH-VMX on 2 May 2011. It is based locally at Perth Airport.

Photo © Ian Moy

Sat 4 February 2012: Fremantle Heliport (YFTL)

VH-FOI AgustaWestland A119 Koala (cn 14523, ex N823VG, ZK-ITR, ZK-ITP) of Surf Life Saving WA (operated on their behalf by AVWest), named "John Roberts AO"

Surf Life Saving WA previously leased a Bell 206B JetRanger from Heliwest (VH-BIN) from late 2008 to early 2011 at a cost of $1200 per hour, and it accrued 300 flying hours in five months.

The A119 was ordered as a replacement for the JetRanger, and was originally due to be delivered in November 2011, but delivery was delayed whilst it was modified and repainted in Auckland, New Zealand by Heliflite Pacific. It was fitted with floats, a rescue winch, and first-aid equipment.

The A119 was purchased, rather than leased. It does not cost much more to operate than the earlier JetRanger, but provides the SLSWA with more operational flexibility.

It was named "John Roberts AO" at a ceremony at Fremantle Heliport on 21 December 2011 attended by WA Premier Colin Barnett and millionaire Tim Roberts, Principal of AVWest.

The A119 was named after Tim Roberts' late father, John Roberts. John Roberts founded the major construction company Multiplex, and was a strong supporter of Surf Life Saving, and was a patron for the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Sat 4 February 2012: Fremantle Heliport (YFTL)

VH-FLL Aerospatiale AS350B2 Squirrel (cn 3944) owned by R M Company Pty Ltd, Cottesloe, WA

This helicopter is used on beach / shark-spotting patrols around the south west of Western Australia.

Note that it now wears the Surf Life Saving WA logo on the cabin door. In Keith Anderson's earlier photo taken on 19 November 2011 (see on this website), the helicopter did not carry the logo.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Friday 3 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

PH-ABX Fokker 100 (cn 11494) of Skywest Airlines

On final approach to runway 21 at 12:42 on the last leg of its delivery flight from the UK, using callsign "Southern Cross 1215" (as it was flown by a crew from Southern Cross International, a provider of aircraft ferrying services).

On 31 January 2012, PH-ABX took off from Norwich (UK) for its delivery flight to Australia. The route flown was Norwich (UK) - Trabzon (Turkey) - Al Ain (UAE) - Nagpur (India) - Penang (Malaysia) - Jakarta Halim (Indonesia) - Perth, arriving at 12:42 on 3 February 2012.

The aircraft has reportedly been purchased as a spares source and will not enter revenue service with Skywest.

Photo © Les Bushell

Friday 3 February 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-MGC Beech 400A Beechjet (cn RK-97) of Business Aviation Solutions Pty Ltd, Wangi Wangi, NSW.

On finals to runway 21 at Perth Airport at 12:37, arriving from Adelaide.

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: Swan River, Perth

VH-EPH Bell 412EP (cn 36419) of CHC Helicopters

Undertaking a rescue demonstration for the Australia Day air display.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-OJD Boeing 747-438 (cn 24481/764) of Qantas, named "Brisbane"

Taxying along taxiway A3 for takeoff from runway 03 at Perth as flight QF582 to Sydney at 13:57.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FIX Beech Super King Air B300 (350) (cn FL-90) of AeroPearl, operated for Airservices Australia.

"Auscal 02" landing on runway 03 at 14:21 after a flight from Forrest, Western Australia. Forrest is near the state border with South Australia, 1,161 kilometres east of Perth.

This aircraft is specially -equipped to conduct flight inspection services.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VUM Boeing 737-8BK (cn 29675/2414) of Virgin Australia, named "Brindabella Blue", still in the old Pacific Blue / "Airline of Virgin Blue" colours.

Taxying along taxiway A3 for takeoff from runway 03 at Perth as flight DJ564 to Sydney at 15:11.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-MRM Boeing 777-2H6 ER (cn 29066/336) of Malaysia Airlines

About to land on runway 03 at 15:18 as flight MH125 from Kuala Lumpur.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VOV Boeing 737-82R (cn 30658/1325) of Virgin Australia, named "Alluring Alice", still in the old Virgin Blue colours.

Taxying along taxiway A3 for takeoff from runway 03 at Perth as flight DJ1843 to Port Hedland at 15:32.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VXT Boeing 737-838 (cn 33760/1412) of Qantas, named "Townsville"

Taxying along taxiway A3 for takeoff from runway 03 at Perth as flight QF718 to Canberra at 15:40.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-SRM Boeing 777-212ER (cn 32320/438) of Singapore Airlines

Taxying along taxiway A3 for takeoff from runway 03 at Perth as flight SQ226 to Singapore at 16:16.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VUE Boeing 737-8FE (cn 34167/1676) of Virgin Australia, named "Prue Blue", still in the old Virgin Blue colours.

Taxying along taxiway A3 for takeoff from runway 03 at Perth as flight DJ694 to Melbourne at 17:14.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-BUW Piper PA-42 Cheyenne III (cn 42-8001047) of Central Air

Landing on runway 03 at 17:26 after a flight from Mount Magnet, which is 460km NE of Perth.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NJR British Aerospace 146-100 (cn E1152) of Cobham Aviation Services Australia

Landing on runway 03 at 17:43 after a flight from Kalgoorlie.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VOA Beech 1900C (cn UB-62) of Ad Astral Aviation (leased from Awesome Aviation Pty Ltd)

Landing on runway 03 at 17:45 after a flight from Wiluna.

Formerly registered N29995, then N819BE Business Express (operated for Delta Airlines) from 1986-1997.

It was then based in Perth as VH-IYP with Great Western Aviation from 1997-2007, then went to South Africa as ZS-NAV, before returning to Perth as VH-VOA with Ad Astral Aviation in October 2011.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-WAX Fairchild SA227-DC Metro 23 (cn DC-877B) of Skippers Aviation

Landing on runway 03 at 17:47 after a flight from Lawlers Airport, near Lawlers gold mine, located near the town of Leinster.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

A6-ECP Boeing 777-36N ER (cn 37707/768) of Emirates (leased from GECAS)

Landing on runway 03 at 17:48 as flight EK420 from Dubai.

Emirates has been using 777-300ER aircraft regularly on this service recently, in place of the usual 777-200LR. The airline has announced that the -300ER will be used on all EK420/EK421 services from 25 March 2012.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 26 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

ZK-NCI Boeing 767-319ER (cn 26913/558) of Air New Zealand

Holding before lining up for take off from runway 03 as flight NZ176 to Auckland at 17:55.

VH-VZC Boeing 737-838 (cn 34197/2649) of Qantas, named "Innisfail"

Landing on runway 03 as flight QF595 from Adelaide.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 24 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

UR-82009 Antonov An-124-100M-150 (cn 19530501007/ of Antonov Airlines

The An-124-100M-150 version is fitted with Western avionics.

Landing on runway 03 at 11.29 as flight "ADB2982" from Colombo, Sri Lanka, one of a number of An-124s to visit Perth in the last couple of months.

Photos taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area

Photos © Les Bushell

Fri 20 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

PH-ZFV Fokker 100 (cn 11506) of Network Aviation

Arriving at 12:53 from Jakarta-Halim on the last leg of its delivery flight from Europe, using flight number SXI1201 (as it was flown by a crew from Southern Cross International, a provider of aircraft ferrying services).

This is the second of ten Fokker 100 aircraft Network purchased from the Colombian airline Avianca.

It initially flew 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.

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.

Photo © Brenden Scott

Wed 18 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-SRM Boeing 777-212ER (cn 32320/438) of Singapore Airlines

Arriving on runway 03 at 06:01 as flight SQ225 from Singapore.

Photos © Les Bushell

Sun 15 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

B-HLP Airbus A330-343E (cn 418) of Cathay Pacific

On final approach to runway 03 at 06:31 as flight CX137 from Hong Kong.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 15 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VUA Boeing 737-8FE (cn 33997/1559) of Virgin Australia, named "Bondi Babe", still wearing Virgin Blue colours.

The Virgin "flying lady" logo on the nose was changed on this aircraft in July 2007, when it was instead painted with the flag of the South Sydney 'Rabbitohs' National Rubgy League team, and the titles 'Proudly Flying The Flag'.

From October to November 2009, this aircraft wore 'Mile High Karaoke' on a black background on the rear fuselage, and 'Black Eyed Peas' titles. On 9 October 2009, the aircraft was chartered by the 'The Black Eyed Peas' band and 140 invited guests and cruised at 41,000 feet to set a new Guinness Book of Records for the highest karaoke performance. It was then returned to normal Virgin Blue colours, but kept the special Rabbitohs nose markings.

Seen here approaching runway 03 at 06:54 as flight DJ675 from Melbourne.

Photos © Les Bushell

Sun 15 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

B-6500 Airbus A330-343E (cn 954) of China Southern Airlines.

Landing on runway 03 at 07:12 as flight CZ319 from Beijing via Guangzhou.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 15 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

ZS-SXD Airbus A340-313E (cn 643) South African Airways

Landing on runway 03 at 07:27 as flight SA282 from Johannesburg.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 15 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YFF Boeing 737-8FE (cn 40994/3664) of Virgin Australia. The aircraft is named "Wineglass Bay", but does not yet have the name painted on the nose.

Landing on runway 03 at 07:38 as flight DJ549 from Sydney.

Photos © Les Bushell

Sun 15 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-ZPN Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100-IGW) (cn 19000312) of Virgin Australia, named "Kanga Blue", still wearing the defunct Pacific Blue livery.

Landing on runway 03 at 08:00 as flight DJ715 from Adelaide.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 15 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VNF Airbus A320-232 (cn 3332) of Tiger Airways Australia

Landing on runway 03 at 08:08 as flight TT182 from Melbourne.

Photos © Les Bushell

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NJL British Aerospace 146-300 (cn E3123) of Cobham Aviation Services Australia

Arriving from Newman on runway 03 at 13:56.

First flight 21 Jul 1992. Ex G-BVPE, N889DV (not taken up). To VH-NJL 20 October 1994. Operated for Qantas Airlink from 20 Oct 1994, to National Jet Systems from 10 Feb 2006. Repainted in Adelaide and rolled out with 'COBHAM' tiltles 27 Feb 2009.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VUR Boeing 737-8FE (cn 36606/3059) of Virgin Australia, named "Star City", still in Virgin Blue colours.

Landing on runway 03 as flight DJ685 from Melbourne at 14:08.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-QQZ Cessna 550 Citation II (cn 550-0076) of Aspen Medical Pty Ltd, operated by Corporate Aircraft Charter Pty Ltd.

This air ambulance aircraft is seen taxying along taxiway A3 to runway 03 for takeoff at 14:16, on a flight to Barrow Island, off the northwest coast of Western Australia.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Built in 1979. Ex (N2663X not taken up), LN-HOT, VH-LSW, VH-TFY, VH-XDD, P2-MBD, then VH-QQZ.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VXB Boeing 737-838 (cn 30101/1045) of Qantas, named "Yananyi Dreaming" - Special Colours

Landing on runway 03 at 14:29 as flight QF1063 from Kalgoorlie.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

This was Qantas' second 737-800 delivered, and was originally built against an order by American Airlines. However, with a drop in passenger traffic following 9/11, the aircraft orders were transferred to fellow Oneworld Alliance member Qantas. The aircraft was delivered in February 2002.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-ZPD Embraer 190AR (ERJ-190-100IGW) (cn 19000176) of Virgin Australia, named "Tickled Blue" - still in the old Virgin Blue livery.

Landing on runway 03 as flight DJ717 from Adelaide at 14:31.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-SRO Boeing 777-212ER (cn 32321/447) of Singapore Airlines

Landing on runway 03 at 14:56 as flight SQ223 from Singapore.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FNU Fokker 100 (cn 11373) of Skywest

Landing on runway 03 at 15:53 after a resources charter flight from Newman.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-JQG Airbus A320-232 (cn 2169) of Jetstar

Climbing away after takeoff from runway 21 at 16:07 as flight JQ975 to Adelaide.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FKA Fokker 100 (cn 11345) of Alliance Airlines

Taking off from runway 21 at 16:57 as "Unity 794" to Mount Keith, a BHP Billiton nickel mine about 690km NE of Perth.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-ZPN Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100-IGW) (cn 19000312) of Virgin Australia, named "Kanga Blue", still wearing the defunct Pacific Blue livery.

Taking off from runway 21 at 17:21 as flight DJ722 to Adelaide.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

HS-TET Airbus A330-343X (cn 1086) of Thai Airways International, named "Kirimas"

Taking off from runway 21 at 17:37, as flight TG482 to Bangkok.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

This aircraft first flew on 18 January 2010, but was flown to Bordeaux in March 2010 and placed into storage for a year, reportedly due to issues with passenger seats made by Koito.

On 29 March 2011, it was flown to Hamburg to have the cabin fitted out and seats installed, and was finally delivered to Thai on 12 April 2011.

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

A6-EGK Boeing 777-31H ER (cn 41071/981) of Emirates

Taxying to the International Terminal after landing on runway 21 at 17:39 as flight EK420 from Dubai.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

This is very new aircraft - it first flew on 28 November 2011, and was delivered to Emirates on 15 December 2011.

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VXD Boeing 737-838 (cn 29552/1063) of Qantas, named "Tenterfield"

Climbing away from runway 21 at 17:40 as flight QF1064 to Kalgoorlie.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Wed 11 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FNB Fokker 50 (cn 20107) of Skywest Airlines, named "Shire of Esperance"

Climbing after takeoff from runway 21 at 17:57 on flight XR117 to Geraldton.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

This aircraft is nearly 25 years old.

Sun 8 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-SQM Boeing 777-212ER (cn 33372/485) of Singapore Airlines

Arriving on runway 21 at 05:55 as flight SQ225 from Singapore.

Sun 8 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

B-LAJ Airbus A330-343E (cn 1163) of Cathay Pacific

Arriving runway 21 at 06:37 as flight CX137 from Hong Kong.

Sun 8 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

ZS-SXF Airbus A340-313X (cn 651) of South African Airways

This aircraft was delivered to the airline in March 2005 and spent a couple of years on lease to Jet Airways (India) from June 2005 to July 2007 as VT-JWC, before returning to South African Airways.

Arriving on runway 21 at 07:34 as flight SA282 from Johannesburg.

Perth is the only Australian city served by SAA.

Sun 8 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GMS Boeing 737-8U3 (cn 38071/3855) of Garuda Indonesia

This aircraft made its first visit to Perth the previous night (7 January 2012) arriving at 11:41pm as GA728 from Denpasar, and departed back to Denpasar this morning (8 January) at 7.22am as flight GA727.

It is seen here approaching runway 21 on its second visit to Perth when it returned from Denpasar as flight GA726 at 3:51pm.

PK-GMS is Garuda's newest 737, having made its first flight on 15 October 2011, and was delivered to Garuda on 6th December 2011.

Sun 8 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

RA-82077 Antonov An-124-100 (cn 9773054459141/ line number 0709) of Polet Flight, named 'Fedor Muravchenko' (after a Russian aircraft engine designer)

Arriving from Colombo, Sri Lanka and seen on final approach to Perth Airport's runway 21 at 17:34 as "Polet 4754".

The aircraft departed the next day as "Polet 4755" to
U-Tapao, near Pattaya, Thailand.

This aircraft also visited Perth on 25 November 2011 - see Les Bushell's photos below.

We have had four Antonov An-124 visits in the last months or so, all arriving from Colombo:

RA-82077 of Polet Flight visited Perth on 25 November 2011 (see Les Bushell's photos below), and also today.
UR-82007 of Antonov Airlines visited on 4 December 2011 (see photos by Les Bushell and Michael Foss below)
RA-82075 of Polet Flight visited on 18 December 2011 (photos by Les Bushell below).

Sat 7 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-STL Airbus A330-343X (cn 1105) of Singapore Airlines

Taking off from runway 21 at 17:39 back to Singapore as flight SQ230.

Photos taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Sat 7 Jan 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-XXF Airbus A330-343X (cn 1126) of AirAsia X, in special colours and "Now Everyone Can Fly to Malaysia" titles

The aircraft is named "Northern Xposure" and visited Perth a few times since December 2011 in this new special livery.

Taking off from runway 21 at 17:44 back to Kuala Lumpur as flight D7 233.

Photo taken from Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Tue 3 Jan 2012: BUSSELTON AIRPORT

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.

This fire fighting helicopter was shipped by sea to Fremantle and flown to Perth Airport on 21 November 2011, before being deployed to Busselton Airport to provide firefighting coverage in the South West of Western Australia.

Built in 1976. Ex G-BDKI, N9118Y, G-BDKI, N219AC.

Tue 3 Jan 2012: BUSSELTON AIRPORT

VH-PQJ Cessna U206F Stationair (cn U20602245) owned by Marshall Power, Leschenault, WA, but operated by Southern Skydivers

This 1974 Cessna U206F has been converted for skydiving operations with an upward opening roller door on the right hand side of the cabin, and all seats but the pilot's seat have been removed, with a small bench seat next to the pilot.

It still bears traces of its former owner's titles on the rear fuselage - Alligator Airways of Kununurra, based in the far north of Western Australia. They owned it from 1987 to 2010, when it was sold to the current owner.

Ex N1537U.

Tue 3 Jan 2012: BUSSELTON AIRPORT

VH-JHT Cessna 182Q Skylane II (cn 18265575), owned by Marshall Power, Leschenault, WA, but operated by Southern Skydivers

This 1977 Cessna 182Q has been converted for skydiving operations with an upward opening door, and all seats but the pilot's seat have been removed.

Ex N735PJ.

Sun 1 Jan 2012: JANDAKOT AIRPORT

N243AC / 741 Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane (cn 64-022) of Erickson Air-Crane, named "Marty", on lease to FESA (Fire & Emergency Services Authority) for the 2011/12 bushfire season.

This firefighting helicopter arrived in Australia on 7 December 2011 aboard a ship from Greece. After offloading at Melbourne Port, the helicopter flew to Essendon Airport on 8 December 2011. It departed Melbourne Port by sea on 15 December via Adelaide to Fremantle, and was flown to Jandakot on 23 December 2011.

It can release up to 9,500 litres of water or fire retardant in a single drop, compared to 4,000 litres for the leased Sikorsky S-61 helicopters or 1,000 litres for the AS350 Squirrel helicopters.

The helicopter was built in 1967 as a Sikorsky CH-54A Tarhe (civil designation S-64A) for the US Army and allocated military serial 67-18420. It was delivered to the US Army in August 1967, serving with the following units:

273 Aviation Company
273 Assault Support Helicopter Company "Superhooks"
478 Heavy Helicopter Company "Hurricanes"
62 Aviation Company
85 Division Training
NASA, Langley Field (Loaned in 1973)
478 Aviation Company (Heavy Helicopter)
Pennsylvania National Guard - (see a photo of it taken in 1982 HERE).
?? - stored at the Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Centre (AMARC), at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona

On 8 April 1994 it was sold to Lenair Corp, and registered N22696 on 27 June 1994.

On 23 January 1997, it was re-registered as N544CH to Columbia Helicopters International.

On 2 December 2002 it was sold to Erickson Air-Crane Inc. and reregistered as N243AC on 10 January 2003.

Sun 1 Jan 2012: JANDAKOT AIRPORT

VH-XRG Eurocopter (MBB) Bo-105LS-A3 (cn 2037) of Heliwest, operated for FESA.

Operated since 1 Dec 2011 for WA's Fire & Emergency Services Authority (FESA) as an aerial command and control helicopter for firefighting. Fitted with Wescam MX-15i high definition FLIR turret, laser mapper and microwave transmitter.

See Keith Anderson's earlier photos of this helicopter taken on 19 November 2011, prior to the fitting of special equipment for FESA.

The prototype of the German-designed and produced Bo-105 was first flown in 1967. The type was produced from 1970 to 2001, with a total of 1,406 being built, and some were licence-built in Indonesia, Canada, the Philippines, and Spain.

This example is a 1991 Bo-105LS-A3. This model is powered by two Allison 250C28C engines to provide improved performance in "hot and high" conditions, and was exclusively built by Eurocopter Canada.

Ex N30702, JA6678, N727WW, C-FRIQ.

Sun 1 Jan 2012: JANDAKOT AIRPORT

VH-XRI Eurocopter (MBB) Bo-105LS-A3 (cn 2041) of Heliwest

Operated on power pole inspection duties for Western Power.

Built by Eurocopter Canada in 1993.

Ex (N3072N ntu), C-GERG, N39VA, N404AB.

Sun 1 Jan 2012: JANDAKOT AIRPORT

VH-BEB Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (cn 31-41) of Casair

Normally based at Perth Airport.

This may be one of the oldest Piper Navajo aircraft flying, having been in 1967 - the 41st Navajo built.

Ex N9030Y, first registered 8.2.71.

Sun 1 Jan 2012: JANDAKOT AIRPORT

VH-NGX Swearingen SA226TC Metro II (cn TC-287 / 254) of Casair

Normally based at Perth Airport and used on Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) contracts for mining companies. Possibly moved to Jandakot for the Christmas/New Year mining shutdown period.

Built in March 1979.

ex N5657M, VH-BPG, ZK-SWO, N5657M, to VH-WGV Kendell Airlines 17.4.1986, Jetcraft Aviation 3.1994, Airtex 10.1998, Casair 16.3.2007. Reregistered as VH-NGX 16.5.2007

Aircraft Photos: JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

JULY - OCTOBER 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

JANUARY - JUNE 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

FIRST REGULAR AIRBUS A330-323X SERVICE ON FLIGHT MH125/MH124

Aircraft Photos: JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

JULY - OCTOBER 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

JANUARY - JUNE 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

** FIRST REGULAR AIRBUS A330-323X SERVICE ON FLIGHT MH125/MH124 **

FIRST REGULAR AIRBUS A330-323X SERVICE ON FLIGHT MH125/MH124