19 March 2024

Airline Lists – Australia L-Z

AUSTRALIA-BASED AIRLINES & AVIATION ORGANISATIONS OPERATING IN WA

L to Z

To notify updates/errors, please email aviationwa(at)gmail.com

© 2020 David Eyre

Quick links: L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

M

MAC_Logo_NoBackground_Colour.png

Manjimup Aero Club

Manjimup Aero Club is based at Manjimup and provides aircraft hire services. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-KGCCessna 172N Skyhawk II17271247 

Maroomba logo
Maroomba Airlines

Maroomba Airlines (parent company is Nantay Pty Ltd) was formed in 1985 and was formerly known as Maroomba Air Service and Maroomba Aviation. The airline is based at its own terminal at Perth Airport. Maroomba provides aircraft charter services, Fly In/Fly Out (FIFO) services to the resources industry, FBO (Fixed Base Operator) services, and aircraft management. It operates a Hawker 850XP and Beech B200 King Air for the WA Government. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-MQZ Beech B200 King AirBB-1961Op for WA Govt
VH-ZXMBeech B200 King AirBB-1470
VH-NYA Beech 1900DUE-4
VH-MQYRaytheon Hawker 850XP 258807Op for WA Govt
VH-AEPDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-102 Dash 8 197
VH-QQDDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-102 Dash 8 245
VH-QQKDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-102 Dash 8326
VH-QQLDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-102 Dash 8388

Maxem Aviation logo
Maxem Aviation

Maxem Aviation is located in their own private facility at the Maxem Jet Centre, 151 Fauntleroy Avenue, Perth Airport. Provides executive aircraft charter, management services and FBO / Ground Handling services for both domestic / international clients. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-EJYCessna 550 Citation II550-0141
VH-XBPCessna 550 Citation Bravo550-0810
VH-MXDCessna 560 Citation Encore +560-0807

Medical Air

Medical Air was established as a subsidiary of Formula Aviation (see separate entry) in 2013, based at Jandakot Airport. It provides aeromedical air ambulance services on behalf of insurance companies, which began with the purchase of their first Learjet, VH-LJG. Updated 10 Jan 2020.

VH-IJGGates Learjet 35A35A-608Medical Air /
Aus West Airlines
VH-KJGGates Learjet 35A35A-667Medical Air /
Aus West Airlines
VH-LJGGates Learjet 35A 35A-121Medical Air /
Aus West Airlines
VH-TSGGates Learjet 35A 35A-657Medical Air /
Aus West Airlines
VH-UJGGates Learjet 35A 35A-622Medical Air /
Aus West Airlines

Midwest Aerial Ag

Midwest Aerial Ag Pty Ltd is based at Carnamah and provides aerial agriculture services such as crop spraying. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-PYY Robinson R-44 Raven II11022Leased to Fortescue Helicopters
VH-TTUCessna A188B AgWagon 18801177 
VH-WBT Cessna T188C AgHuskyT18803722T 

Minovation

Minovation is a flying school based at Jandakot Airport, providing aircraft hire and flight training from ab initio through to Private Pilot’s License (PPL), or Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) level. Minovation also manages the operation of Curtin Flying Club’s aircraft (see separate entry). Minovation was formed in 1997 by Min Stokes, the Chief Flying Instructor, and her husband Karl Valentin. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-DXWDean-Wilson DW200 Whitney BoomerangB0004 
VH-KMBDean-Wilson DW200 Whitney BoomerangB0003 
VH-BYEPiper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II28-7790582 
VH-KKQPiper PA-28-236 Dakota28-7911210 
VH-PMWPiper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior28-7515074 
VH-PZKPiper PA-28-161 Warrior II28-7816203 
VH-PXHPiper PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow28R-30272 

Morawa Gliding Club

Morawa Gliding Club are based at Morawa, and are the only gliding club in the northern wheatbelt. It offers joyflights, glider flight training and glider hire. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-GZXLET L-13 Blanik (glider)174910 
VH-WQIGrob G-102 Astir CS (glider)1411 
VH-VRGHoffman H-36 Dimona (motor glider)36132 

N

Narrogin Gliding Club

Narrogin Gliding Club Inc was founded in 1964 and is based at Narrogin Airfield, providing joyflights, glider flight training, and glider hire. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-IKQGrob G-102 Astir CS77 (glider)1690Single seat
VH-NGQSchempp-Hirth Discus CS (glider)333 CS 
VH-WKRPZL KR-03A Puchatek (glider)03-20
VH-XQI PZL-Bielsko SZD-50-3 Puchacz (glider)B-2109Two-seat
VH-XQZPZL-Bielsko SZD-50-3 Puchacz (glider)B-2206Two-seat
VH-NGNAMS-Flight DG-500 Elan Orion (glider)5E259X88Two-seat
VH-SCXPiper PA-25-235 Pawnee D 25-7405561Glider tug
VH-TUGPiper PA-25-235 Pawnee A625-2583Glider tug

NEWS HELICOPTERS – see United Aero Helicopters

NAC Logo

Northam Aero Club

Northam Aero Club was founded in 1968 and is based at Northam Aerodrome. The Club owns a Cessna 172 aircraft, which is used for flight training and for private hire to members. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-PGLCessna 172P Skyhawk II17274809 

Northwest_regional_airlines logo
Northwest Regional Airlines

Northwest Regional Airlines is a sister company to Broome Aviation, but all aircraft are registered under the name of Broome Aviation. Aircraft based at Halls Creek and Wyndham are reported to be assigned to Northwest Regional Airlines. See entry for Broome Aviation.

Norwest Air Work (trading as Shark Bay Aviation – see separate entry)

O

Ozwest Aviation logo
Ozwest Aviation

Ozwest Aviation was formed in late 2009 by Martin Brooker and Dr Peter Mulrooney, and is based at Jandakot Airport. It provides scenic flights. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-MLX WACO Classic YMF-5C F5C072

P

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Paul Lyons Aviation

Paul Lyons Aviation was formed in September 1986 and is based at Jandakot Airport. The company is owned and operated by Paul and Jan Lyons, and provides air charter, FIFO, freight charter, and scenic flights. Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-INPBeech E55 BaronTE-898 
VH-MQM Beech 58 BaronTH-576 
VH-SLWBeech 58 BaronTH-466 
VH-HMGCessna 402C402C1002
VH-VJLCessna 441 Conquest 441-0106
VH-VPLCessna 441 Conquest441-0272

http://www.pearcefc.com/images/stories/Logo%20small.jpg
Pearce Flying Club

Pearce Flying Club was founded in 1980 as a civilian flying training and flying club organisation, based at RAAF Base Gingin and Jandakot. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-CAOPiper PA-28-161 Warrior II28-8116089Based at Jandakot
VH-FESPiper PA-28-161 Warrior II28-8216015Based at Gingin

Pearl Aviation Australia
Pearl Aviation logo

Pearl Aviation is owned by Paspaley Pearling, and provides a wide range of services, including aircraft charter, executive jet charter, FIFO (Fly In/Fly Out) contract charters for the resources industry and government, medevac/air ambulance services, and special mission work. Pearl Aviation is based at Darwin, but has other bases at Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Broome, Essendon, Cairns, Gove, Katherine, Mungalalu Truscott, Perth Airport.

Pearling company Paspaley Pearling had been operating its own aircraft to their pearl farms since 1986. In 1996 Paspaley purchased the WA-based Skywest Aviation, which can trace its history back to 1964, and renamed it Pearl Aviation Australia. Skywest also owned East-West Airlines including air ambulance flights for the Ambulance Service of New South Wales, and this operation also became part of Pearl Aviation until 2003, when the RFDS won the contract. In 2004, Pearl won a contract to operate air ambulances for the Northern Territory Aerial Medical Service, but this contract ended 30 June 2010. Pearl also operates FBOs (Fixed Base Operator) services at Pearl Flight Centre in Darwin, Darwin Jet Centre, and Perth Flight Centre.

Pearl Aviation formed AeroPearl (see separate entry) in partnership with Aerodata GmBH, (manufacturers of the flight inspection equipment) to operate two King Airs under contract to Airservices Australia on flight inspection operations.

It formerly operated AeroRescue to undertakes SAR (search and rescue) and maritime surveillance under contract to AMSA and Border Protection, using a fleet of five Dornier 328s. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-FIX / AUSCAL 2 Beech King Air B300 (350)FL-90Flight inspection – operated by AeroPearl for Airservices Australia.
VH-FIY / AUSCAL 3 Beech King Air 350iFL-760Flight inspection – operated by AeroPearl for Airservices Australia.
VH-FIZ / AUSCAL 4Beech King Air 350iFL-779Flight inspection – operated by AeroPearl for Airservices Australia.
VH-PPE Grumman G-73AT Turbo Mallard J-22Converted G-73 Mallard.
Operated for Paspaley Pearling
VH-PPIGrumman G-73AT Turbo MallardJ-23Converted G-73 Mallard.
Operated for Paspaley Pearling
VH-PPTGrumman G-73AT Turbo MallardJ-26Converted G-73 Mallard.
Operated for Paspaley Pearling

Pearl Coast Helicopters
Pearl_Coast_Helicopters_logo

Pearl Coast Helicopters Pty Ltd (previously Pearl Coast Mustering) is based in Broome and specialises in aerial cattle mustering. Updated as at 27 August 2014.

VH-HBNRobinson R22 Beta II4794 
VH-HCPRobinson R22 Beta II3439 
VH-HMRRobinson R22 Beta II 4782
VH-HMWRobinson R22 Beta II 4642
VH-HRSRobinson R22 Beta II4760 
VH-HYZRobinson R22 Beta II3749 
VH-HZPRobinson R22 Mariner1362M 
VH-RHQRobinson R22 Beta II 4000
VH-HOURobinson R44 Raven I2381
VH-HULRobinson R44 Raven I1644

Penjet

Penjet was formed in 2019, with bases at Perth, Jandakot and Melbourne. It offers mining FIFO (Fly In, Fly Out) charter, general aircraft charter and air freight services. Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-PJYCessna 550 Citation II550-0141
VH-PJLBeech 1900CUB-61
VH-PJQBeech 1900C-1UC-19
VH-YBHBeech 1900DUE-108
VH-ZOABeech 1900DUE-85
PHI International Logo

PHI International

PHI International was established in 2017 when PHI Inc acquired HNZ New Zealand Limited (HNZ). In Western Australia, the company has bases at Broome and Karratha.

Petroleum Helicopters International Inc. (PHI Inc), is an American commercial helicopter operator, founded in 1949, based in Lafayette, Louisiana. It provides services for the oil and gas industry, aeromedical services, pilot training and aircraft maintenance.

Helicopters (NZ) (HNZ) was established in New Zealand in 1955, where it was also focused on aerial spraying. Over the years, the company expanded through acquisitions and reorganisations. HNZ Australia (previously Helicopters Australia) was formed in the early 1980s as Westcoast Helicopters at Perth Airport. Other subsidiary helicopter companies were based in Laos and Cambodia. Only aircraft based in WA are listed below. Updated 10 Jan 2020.

VH-NZQ AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New 22301Based at Karratha.
VH-NZU AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New 22281Based at Karratha.
VH-NZW AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New 22302Based at Karratha.
VH-IPESikorsky S-92A Helibus920038Based at Broome
VH-IPKSikorsky S-92A Helibus 920104Based at Broome
VH-IPQSikorsky S-92A Helibus 920037Based at Broome
VH-IPXSikorsky S-92A Helibus 920116Based at Broome
VH-IPZSikorsky S-92A Helibus 920073Based at Broome
VH-ISPSikorsky S-92A Helibus 920161Based at Broome
VH-ISVSikorsky S-92A Helibus 920028Based at Broome
VH-PPHSikorsky S-92A Helibus 920016Based at Broome

Pilbara Helicopters (see separate entry under Williambury Helicopters)

Pilbara Helicopters is a subsidiary of parent company Williambury Helicopters. Williambury Helicopters was started in 1997 by Donald Percy and originally based at Williambury Station, approximately 250 kilometres northeast of Carnarvon. The company is now based at Yalleen Station, near Pannawonica in the Pilbara region. Services include: Aerial Photography, Aerial Spotting, Aerial Surveying, Emergency Services, Exploration Support, Mining Support, Sling Loads. Updated 12 Jan 2020.

VH-AIWRobinson R22 Beta2425 
VH-HFDRobinson R22 Beta II3254 
VH-HRARobinson R22 Beta0815 
VH-HSIRobinson R22 Beta2496 
VH-IBHRobinson R22 Beta1698
VH-INZRobinson R22 Beta II4506 
VH-LMPRobinson R22 Beta II3286 
VH-OCLRobinson R44 Raven I2027 
VH-HUMCessna 210N Centurion II21064006

Polar Aviation

Polar Aviation logo

Polar Aviation is based in Port Hedland, and was formed there by Clark Butson in 1981. It has a second base at Newman. The company provides air services in the Pilbara Region, including Air Charter, Air Freight services, Scenic tours and Flight Training. Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-EEACessna 172R Skyhawk17281195 
VH-BIVCessna 210N Centurion21063398 
VH-ILDBeech Baron E55TE-788 
VH-BLWBeech Baron 58TH-940 
VH-NSMBeech Baron 58TH-1798 
VH-YSSBeech Baron 58TH-1732 
VH-CFLCessna 208B Grand Caravan208B0434 
VH-NWTCessna 208B Grand Caravan208B0733 

Q

Qantas

Qantas Centenary logo

Qantas (Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services, now Qantas Airways Ltd) was established on 16 November 1920 at Winton, Queensland with a single Avro 504K. The company moved headquarters to Longreach in 1921, Brisbane in 1920 and Sydney in 1957. Qantas commenced international flights in May 1935 from Darwin to Singapore. In June 1959, their first jet was delivered – a Boeing 707-138.

QantasLink is the regional brand used by Airlink, Eastern Australia Airlines Sunstate Airlines and Network Aviation. In WA, Cobham operates QantasLink Boeing 717s and on 13 December 2010, Qantas acquired Network Aviation, which also operates under the QantasLink brand. See QantasLink entry below.

Updated 5 Jan 2021. Airbus A380 fleets excluded, as these rarely visit Perth and they are in storage.

VH-VXA Boeing 737-838 29551/1042‘Broome’
VH-VXBBoeing 737-83830101/1045‘Yananyi’ (formerly wore ‘Yananyi Dreaming’ livery) Aboriginal art aft of cockpit window depicting Ayers Rock/Uluru and a goanna lizard
VH-VXCBoeing 737-83830897/1049‘Gippsland’
VH-VXDBoeing 737-83829552/1063‘Tenterfield’
VH-VXEBoeing 737-83830899/1071‘Coffs Harbour’
VH-VXFBoeing 737-83829553/1096‘Sunshine Coast’
VH-VXGBoeing 737-83830901/1102‘Port Douglas’
VH-VXHBoeing 737-83833478/1137‘Warrnambool’
VH-VXIBoeing 737-83833479/1141‘Oodnadatta’
VH-VXJBoeing 737-83833480/1157‘Coober Pedy’
VH-VXKBoeing 737-83833481/1160‘Katherine’
VH-VXLBoeing 737-83833482/1172‘Charleville’
VH-VXMBoeing 737-83833483/1177‘Mount Hotham’
VH-VXNBoeing 737-83833484/1180‘Fremantle’
VH-VXOBoeing 737-83833485/1183‘Kakadu’
VH-VXPBoeing 737-83833722/1324‘Logan’
VH-VXQBoeing 737-83833723/1335‘Retro Roo II’ 1959-61 retro livery.
VH-VXRBoeing 737-83833724/1340‘Shepparton’
VH-VXSBoeing 737-83833725/1352‘St. Helens’
VH-VXTBoeing 737-83833760/1412‘Townsville’
VH-VXUBoeing 737-83833761/1420‘Wollongong’
VH-VYABoeing 737-83833762/1532‘Narooma’
VH-VYBBoeing 737-83833763/1534‘Cape Otway’ First visit 2 Aug 2004.
VH-VYCBoeing 737-83833991/1612‘Arnhem Land’ First visit 9 Dec 2004.
VH-VYDBoeing 737-83833992/1706‘Eudunda’
VH-VYEBoeing 737-83833993/1712‘Alice Springs’. First visit 7 June 2005.
VH-VYFBoeing 737-83833994/1727‘Evandale’. First visit 24-25 June 2005.
VH-VYGBoeing 737-83833995/1736‘Australind’. First visit 17 July 2005.
VH-VYHBoeing 737-83834180/1815‘Queanbeyan’
VH-VYIBoeing 737-83834181/1840‘Bathurst Island’
VH-VYJBoeing 737-83834182/1842‘Cann River’
VH-VYKBoeing 737-83834183/1846‘Moree’
VH-VYLBoeing 737-83834184/1854‘Wangaratta’
VH-VZABoeing 737-83834195/2502‘Port Augusta’
VH-VZBBoeing 737-83834196/2623‘Lake Macquarie’
VH-VZCBoeing 737-83834197/2649‘Innisfail’
VH-VZDBoeing 737-83834198/2659‘Port Geelong’
VH-VZEBoeing 737-83834199/2661‘Bunbury’
VH-VZFBoeing 737-83834200/2989‘Ballarat’
VH-VZGBoeing 737-83834201/3006‘Yarralumla’ – First visit 25 Feb 2018.
VH-VZHBoeing 737-83834202/3048‘Woden’ – First visit 28 March 2018.
VH-VZIBoeing 737-83834203/3515‘Ballina’
VH-VZJBoeing 737-83834185/3542‘Bowral’
VH-VZKBoeing 737-838 34204/3552‘Proserpine’
VH-VZLBoeing 737-83834194/3621‘Newcastle’
VH-VZMBoeing 737-83834192/3644‘Bathurst’
VH-VZOBoeing 737-83834191/3692‘Bendigo’ First visit 17 July 2011
VH-VZPBoeing 737-83839362/3714‘Whyalla’. First visit 9 August 2011
VH-VZQBoeing 737-838 39357/3881‘Belconnen’
VH-VZRBoeing 737-83839357/3754‘Coral Bay’
VH-VZSBoeing 737-83839358/3769‘Tamworth’. First visit 26 September 2011
VH-VZTBoeing 737-83834186/3798‘Kalgoorlie’. First visit 29 October 2011
VH-VZUBoeing 737-83834187/3826‘Lorne’
VH-VZVBoeing 737-83834189/3856‘Palm Cove’. First visit 20 December 2011
VH-VZWBoeing 737-83839359/3881‘Beaconsfield’
VH-VZXBoeing 737-83834188/3910‘Daylesford’
VH-VZYBoeing 737-83839363/3944‘Temora’ First visit 8 March 2012
VH-VZZBoeing 737-83839445/4010‘Walpole’.
VH-XZABoeing 737-83839367/4150‘Leeton’
VH-XZBBoeing 737-83839360/4192‘Mudgee’
VH-XZCBoeing 737-83839361/4199‘Walwa’
VH-XZDBoeing 737-83839368/4400‘Moranbah’
VH-XZEBoeing 737-83839369/4421‘Pine Creek’
VH-XZFBoeing 737-83839370/4450‘Cygnet’
VH-XZGBoeing 737-83839371/4477‘Bungendore’
VH-XZHBoeing 737-83839372/4521‘McLaren Vale’
VH-XZIBoeing 737-83839364/4630‘Kalbarri’
VH-XZJBoeing 737-83839365/4669Mendoowoorrji’ Aboriginal art livery
VH-XZKBoeing 737-83839366/4705‘Cook’
VH-XZLBoeing 737-83844573/5009‘Flinders’
VH-XZMBoeing 737-83844574/5018‘Coonewarra’
VH-XZNBoeing 737-83844575/5060‘Wagga Wagga’
VH-XZOBoeing 737-83844576/5108‘Leichhardt’
VH-XZPBoeing 737-83844577/5164‘James Strong’ bow tie under name, 1970s orange strip Retro Roo livery
VH-EBAAirbus A330-202508‘Cradle Mountain’
VH-EBBAirbus A330-202522‘Albany’
VH-EBCAirbus A330-202506‘Surfers Paradise’
VH-EBDAirbus A330-202513‘Traralgon’
VH-EBEAirbus A330-202842‘Kangaroo Valley’
VH-EBFAirbus A330-202853‘King Valley’
VH-EBGAirbus A330-203887‘Barossa Valley’
VH-EBJAirbus A330-202940‘Margaret River’
VH-EBKAirbus A330-202945‘Savannah Way’
VH-EBLAirbus A330-203976‘Whitsundays’
VH-EBMAirbus A330-2021061‘Tamar Valley’
VH-EBNAirbus A330-2021094‘Clare Valley’
VH-EBOAirbus A330-2021169‘Kimberley’
VH-EBPAirbus A330-2021174‘Ningaloo Valley’ First visit & first revenue service 19 December 2010
VH-EBQAirbus A330-2021198‘Wolgan Valley’
VH-EBRAirbus A330-2021251‘Lockyer Valley’
VH-EBSAirbus A330-2021258‘Swan Valley’
VH-EBVAirbus A330-2021365‘Kangaroo Island’
Oneworld titles.
VH-QPAAirbus A330-303553‘Kununurra’
VH-QPBAirbus A330-303558‘Freycinet Peninsula’
VH-QPCAirbus A330-303564‘Broken Hill’
VH-QPDAirbus A330-303574‘Port Macquarie’
VH-QPEAirbus A330-303593‘Port Lincoln’
VH-QPFAirbus A330-303595‘Esperance’
VH-QPGAirbus A330-303603‘Mt Gambier’
VH-QPHAirbus A330-303695‘Noosa’
VH-QPIAirbus A330-303705‘Cairns’
VH-QPJAirbus A330-303 712‘Port Stephens’
VH-ZNABoeing 787-9 Dreamliner 39038/615‘Great Southern Land’. First visit 1 Nov 2017.
VH-ZNBBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner39039/641‘Waltzing Matilda’. First visit 11 Feb 2018.
VH-ZNCBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner39040/655‘Quokka’. First visit 29 Jan 2018.
VH-ZNDBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner63390/669‘Emily Kame Kngwarreye’. ‘Yam Dreaming’ Aboriginal art livery. First visit 6 March 2018, operated first Perth – London service 24-25 March 2018 and London-Perth direct service 25-26 March 2018.
VH-ZNEBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner63391/724‘Skippy’
VH-ZNFBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner36239/742‘Boomerang’
VH-ZNGBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner36240/774‘Jillaroo’
VH-ZNHBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner36241/778‘Great Barrier Reef’
VH-ZNIBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner 66073/921‘Kookaburra’
VH-ZNJBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner 66074/929‘Longreach’
Qantas 100 Years livery
VH-ZNKBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner 66075/941‘Gangurru’
VH-ZNLBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner66076/1019Stored at Victorville, California
VH-ZNMBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner66077/1035Stored at Victorville, California
VH-ZNNBoeing 787-9 Dreamliner66078/1051Stored at Victorville, California

 Qantas Freight

Express Freighters Australia is a Qantas subsidiary which operates Boeing 737-300SF, 737-400SF and 767-300SF freighters for Qantas Freight.

VH-XMB Boeing 737-376(SF) 23478/1251 Freighter – operated for StarTrack
VH-XML Boeing 737-376(SF) 23486/1286 Freighter – operated for StarTrack
VH-XMOBoeing 737-376(SF) 23488/1352 Freighter – operated for StarTrack
VH-XMRBoeing 737-376(SF) 23490/1390 Freighter – operated for StarTrack
VH-XNHBoeing 737-476(SF) 24796/1887 Freighter – operated for StarTrack
VH-ULDAirbus A321-231(P2F)835Freighter – operated for Australia Post
1st A321 passenger to freighter conversion
VH-ULWAirbus A321-231(P2F)1195Freighter – operated for Australia Post (ex VH-VWZ)
VH-ULYAirbus A321-231(P2F)Freighter – operated for Australia Post (ex VH-VWT or VWY)

QantasLink

QantasLink logo.svg

National Jet Systems started operations on 1 July 1990 with a fleet of British Aerospace 146 aircraft. It later operated some routes on behalf of Australian Airlines from Perth, mainly to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock with Australian Airlines colours and Airlink titles. In 1993, Australian Airlines was taken over by Qantas and National Jet continued the Airlink operations, with the aircraft being repainted in Qantas colours with Airlink titles.

In 2002, QantasLink was created as the regional brand of Qantas, including the Qantas regional subsidiaries Airlink, Sunstate, Eastern Australia Airlines, and Southern Australia Airlines. The 146s were later painted in QantasLink titles.

QantasLink also operated a number of Boeing 717 aircraft in the eastern states, inherited from the Qantas purchase of Impulse Airlines in 2001. In May 2004, Qantas started a new low-cost airline, Jetstar Airways, to take over the Impulse Airlines 717s and routes. Jetstar later standardised its fleet on the Airbus A320, and the 717s were placed in storage. In 2005-6, National Jet won a Qantas contract to operate Boeing 717s for QantasLink, replacing the BAe 146s. In early 2009, National Jet was rebranded as Cobham Aviation Services Australia. The 717s are maintained at Cobham’s maintenance facilities in Adelaide and Perth, and operate in Western Australia, Northern Territory and north Queensland.

QantasLink opened a Perth base with Bombardier Dash 8-Q400s in late 2011, using an initial two Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, with the aircraft coming from Sunstate Airlines and pilots coming from Eastern Australia Airlines in Sydney. The aircraft were operated using the Sunstate Airlines AOC (Air Operators Certificate), with operations starting in August/September 2011. Maintenance is carried out in Perth by Network Aviation, which is now a Qantas subsidiary. This operation ended in March 2015.

On 20 May 2020, Cobham Australia and Qantas Group announced that Qantas will bring its Boeing 717 operation ‘in house’ within the Qantas Group, after reaching an agreement with Cobham Aviation Services for Qantas to acquire National Jet Systems. On 27 August 2020, Qantas Group announced that it would close the Boeing 717 bases in Perth and Cairns, to relocate them to Melbourne.

Updated 5 Jan 2021. (Only includes Western Australia based aircraft)

VH-NHAFokker 100 11490 ‘Port Hedland’
VH-NHCFokker 10011481‘Pilbara’
VH-NHFFokker 10011458‘Lindsey Evans’
VH-NHGFokker 10011514 
VH-NHIFokker 10011479 
VH-NHJFokker 10011464 
VH-NHKFokker 10011465 
VH-NHMFokker 10011449 
VH-NHNFokker 10011469 
VH-NHOFokker 10011312 
VH-NHPFokker 10011399‘Paraburdoo’
VH-NHQFokker 10011506‘Karratha’
VH-NHVFokker 10011482 
VH-NHYFokker 10011467‘Swan Valley’
VH-NHZFokker 10011515 
VH-NPUFokker 10011502 
VH-NQEFokker 10011457 
VH-NXD Boeing 717-23S55062/5031 ‘Berowra Valley National Park’
VH-NXGBoeing 717-2K955057/5020 
VH-NXHBoeing 717-2K955055/5014 
VH-NXLBoeing 717-23155093/5083‘Daintree National Park’
VH-JQGAirbus A320-2322169‘Grevillea’
VH-JQLAirbus A320-232 2185‘Golden Wattle’
VH-JQXAirbus A320-2322197‘Wreath Flower’
VH-UVKAirbus A320-2322316
VH-UVOAirbus A320-2322453‘Mottlecah’
VH-UVPAirbus A320-2322604‘Silver Hakea’
VH-VQSAirbus A320-2322515‘Kangaroo Paw’
VH-VQUAirbus A320-2322455‘River Red Gum’

R

Rainbow Coast Flying School

Rainbow Coast Flying School was formed in 2006 and is based at Albany Airport, providing Recreational Aviation (RAAus) flight training. It is affiliated with Great Southern Aviation (see separate entry), which conducts CASA general aviation flight training. Updated 12 Jan 2020.

24-8554Brumby R610 Evolution036  

Repacholi Aviation

Repacholi Aviation conducts aerial agriculture operations (crop spraying/crop dusting) and has its main base at Jandakot Airport, with other bases at Esperance, Narembeen, Bunbury, and Morawa. Updated 12 Jan 2020.

VH-EVOCessna A188B18801207 
VH-KQZCessna A1881880242 
VH-HCRGrumman G-164B AgCat5B 
VH-RRIAir Tractor AT-301301-0386 
VH-DKWAyres S2R Thrush2073R 
VH-RGKAyres S2R Thrush2485R 
VH-RQIRockwell S2R Thrush2059R 

Revesco Aviation

Revesco Aviation was formed in 2006 and is based at Perth Airport, using the facilities of Hawker Pacific around Australia, Execujet in Sydney, Interair in Melbourne and Pearl Aviation in Darwin. The company offers corporate jet air charter, air ambulance and aerial photography. Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-PNMEmbraer 500 Phenom 10050000206
VH-MQZBeech B200 King Air BB-1961Operated for Western Australian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet
VH-ZLTCessna 550 Citation Bravo550-0878
VH-PSUCessna 560 Citation Ultra560-0515
VH-NJCEmbraer 505 Phenom 30050500080
VH-MQYRaytheon Hawker 850XP258807Operated for Western Australian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet
VH-MXK Canadair CL-600-2A12 (CL-601) Challenger 601-1A 3003
VH-INTGulfstream G-IV-SP1340

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Rotorvation Helicopter Services

Rotorvation Helicopter Services (Heysen Gums Pty Ltd) provides helicopter flight training, helicopter charter and commercial operations, helicopter and scenic tours. The company is based at Jandakot, with a helipad at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Updated 12 Jan 2020.

VH-IDW Robinson R44 Raven II12335
VH-OTARobinson R66 Turbine0312Leased from Connery Investments Pty Ltd
VH-ZJP Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel 3297Leased from Peter Morrison / Helicopters (WA) Pty Ltd

Rottnest Air-Taxi

Rottnest Aircraft Charter and Joy Flights.

Rottnest Air-Taxi was formed by Frank Stynman in the mid-1990s. It provides an air-taxi service between Jandakot and Rottnest Island (about 15 minutes flying time), coastal/Perth city/Swan River scenic flights from Jandakot and scenic/joy flights from Rottnest. Updated 12 Jan 2020.

VH-MVDCessna 172N Skyhawk II17273660 
VH-WWLCessna 172M Skyhawk II17267132 
VH-ALLPiper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six32-3 
VH-JFCPiper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six D32-7100025

Royal Aero Club of WA
Royal Aero Club of Western Australia

The Royal Aero Club of Western Australia is based at Jandakot and also owns Murray Field (near Mandurah). It conducts joy flights, scenic flights, flight training, aircraft charter, and aero club activities such as flying competitions and fly-ins.

History (© Mervyn W. Prime):

The Royal Aero Club of Western Australia is the oldest flying training club in WA. It was incorporated in August 1929 as the Aero Club of Australia (W.A. Branch) Inc. and first flew its aircraft from Maylands Aerodrome in April 1930. On that date, the Club officially took over training from Perth Flying School with two de Havilland DH.60 Moth aircraft donated by the Federal Government. In 1934, the name was changed to Aero Club of Western Australia and in 1936, the Royal prefix was added, changing the name to the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia Inc. Prior to World War Two, the Club held several air carnivals where RAAF aircraft participated, and the events drew thousands of visitors to Maylands.

By September 1939, the Club had flown over 14,500 hours and the fleet had grown to six aircraft. During that time, many hundreds of pilots had been trained to both private and commercial standard. The Club ceased operations during World War Two when its aircraft were impressed into service with the RAAF, but following the end of the war in 1945 the Club was re-established at Maylands and in the next few years it became the dominant flying training and charter operator in WA.

In post-war years, the Club progressively improved its fleet of aircraft, stepping from de Havilland Tiger Moths to de Havilland Chipmunks and then to Cessna aircraft; the first of which was delivered in 1958. The Club moved its operation from Maylands to Guildford Aerodrome (Perth Airport) in 1959, and then to Jandakot Airport in 1965.

Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-RWVAirplane Factory Sling 2229
VH-BFT Cessna A152 AerobatA1520898 
VH-BFVCessna A152 AerobatA1520853 
VH-FWMCessna A152 AerobatA1520772 
VH-IBPCessna A152 AerobatA1520795 
VH-JBXCessna A152 AerobatA1520785‘Ian Metcher’
VH-RCFCessna A152 AerobatA1520962 
VH-RWFCessna A152 AerobatA1520811 
VH-RWJCessna A152 AerobatA1520845 
VH-RWQCessna A152 AerobatA1520896 
VH-RWYCessna A152 AerobatA1520889 
VH-TNOCessna A152 AerobatA1520864 
VH-UWCCessna A152 AerobatA1520849 
VH-TQOAmerican Champion 8KCAB Decathlon928-2003
VH-CKF / A17-421De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth DHA596RAAF markings – yellow
VH-FAS / A17-37De Havilland DH.82A Tiger MothDHA34RAAF markings – yellow. Leased from Griffin Aviation Pty Ltd.
VH-BOFCessna 172P Skyhawk II17275469 
VH-CARCessna 172R Skyhawk17280131 
VH-EENCessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S9411
VH-EEPCessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S9321
VH-EWCCessna 172S Skyhawk SP 172S9125
VH-RWTCessna 172R Skyhawk17280374 
VH-ZDRCessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S9542
VH-FCICessna 172RG Cutlass RG172RG0940 
VH-AKFMooney M20J (201)24-0798 
VH-JXCMooney M20J (205)24-3097 
VH-MWEMooney M20J (MSE)24-3188
VH-SPNMooney M20J (201)24-0878 
VH-MNXCessna R182 Skylane RG IIR18200059
VH-IXEPartenavia P.68B Victor178 
VH-PNTPartenavia P.68B Victor164 

Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) – Western Operations
RFDS logo

The RFDS was created by Reverend John Flynn, a Presbyterian Church minister who started the Australian Inland Mission (AIM) in 1912. During World War One, Clifford Peel wrote to Flynn and planted the idea of using aircraft to help transport Doctors to people in remote areas. Flynn struggled to get funding for the concept but finally on 15 May 1928, opened the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service at Cloncurry, Queensland. It soon expanded across the country.

The Victorian Section of the Australian Aerial Medical Services was formed in 1934, and this provided aero medical and other services to the Kimberley region of Western Australia, with the first base at Wyndham opening in 1935.

In 1935, a provisional Western Australian Section purchased a de Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth Aircraft in 1935, and this section was officially registered on 14 June 1936. On 10 October 1936, the Section’s first base at Port Hedland opened, with the first medical flight also occurring on that date.

In the early 1930s (1931 or 1932), the Goldfields Flying Doctor Service provided a air medical service for people in the Goldfields region, before most other parts of Australia. An Eastern Goldfields Section of Australian Aerial Medical Services was formed in 1937, based at Kalgoorlie.

In 1942, Australian Aerial Medical Services was renamed the Flying Doctor Service, and in 1951 became the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Until the 1960s, the RFDS rarely owned its aircraft, relying on contractors to provide aircraft, pilots and servicing. They then began to purchase their own aircraft and employ our own pilots and engineers.

On 14 October 2009, the RFDS officially began operating its first jet aircraft in Australia – the Hawker 800XP “Rio Tinto LifeFlight Jet”, registered VH-RIO. It will be used to transport urgent care patients from around WA and the Indian Ocean Territories, cutting flight times significantly.It carries three stretcher patients and three clinical staff, and is fitted with a Lifeport PLUS specialist aeromedical interior. On 3 December 2018, the RFDS took delivery of their first PC-24 jet, VH-VWO.

RFDS – Western Operations now operates from five bases in Western Australia – Jandakot, Kalgoorlie, Meekatharra, Port Hedland and Derby. Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-IWOPilatus PC-12/47E1802
VH-LWOPilatus PC-12/47E1935
VH-OWAPilatus PC-12/47E 1115 
VH-OWBPilatus PC-12/47E1104 
VH-OWDPilatus PC-12/47E1140 
VH-OWGPilatus PC-12/47E1155 
VH-OWIPilatus PC-12/47E1232 
VH-OWJPilatus PC-12/47E1411 
VH-OWPPilatus PC-12/47E1032 
VH-OWQPilatus PC-12/47E1052 
VH-OWRPilatus PC-12/47E1082 
VH-OWSPilatus PC-12/47E1428 
VH-OWUPilatus PC-12/47E1433
VH-OWVPilatus PC-12/47E1530
VH-OWX Pilatus PC-12/47E1439
VH-OWYPilatus PC-12/47E1663 
VH-OWZPilatus PC-12/47E1725 
VH-KWOPilatus PC-24106
VH-VWOPilatus PC-24105

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Shark Bay Aviation

Shark Bay Aviation

Norwest Air Work, trading as Shark Bay Aviation, is based at Exmouth and Shark Bay, providing scenic flights, aircraft charter, freight charter, filming/photography, survey and airwork in the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Murchison and Kimberley regions. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-TDZ Cessna 150M 15075794  
VH-NRC Cessna 172P Skyhawk II 17275006  
VH-PQN Cessna 172M Skyhawk 17267555  
VH-PRY Cessna 172P Skyhawk II 17274315  
VH-WSC Cessna 172N Skyhawk II 17269485  
VH-UPC Beech S35 Bonanza D-7772  
VH-PGG Beech A36 Bonanza E-317  
VH-JUP Cessna 337F Super Skymaster 33701326  
VH-MJE Cessna 337H Super Skymaster 33701832  

Shine Aviation
Shine Aviation logo

Shine Aviation is based at Geraldton, and has another base at Carnarvon. The company offers FIFO (Fly In/Fly Out) contracts for resources companies, aircraft charter, flying training, aerial work, aircraft hire, and scenic flights. Updated 13 Jan 2020.

VH-UWX Cessna 150M 15079306 
VH-JRCCessna 172P Skyhawk II17275675
VH-LBKCessna 172M Skyhawk II17265429 
VH-LCSCessna 172R Skyhawk17280079 
VH-MVQCessna 172RG Cutlass RG172RG0739 
VH-CKXBeech Bonanza A36E-540 
VH-HOMBeech Bonanza A36E-1414 
VH-TBUGippsland GA-8 AirvanGA8-02-011 
VH-PNSPartenavia P.68B71 
VH-HHXBeech Baron 58TH-270 
VH-SXSBeech Baron 58TH-181 
VH-XSYBeech Baron 58TH-425 
VH-ADEPiper PA-31-325 Navajo C/R31-7712006 
VH-AFYPiper PA-31-325 Navajo C/R31-8012084 
VH-ITFPiper PA-31-310 Navajo C31-7812014 
VH-MYGPiper PA-31 Turbo Navajo B 31-7300976
VH-OMNPiper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain31-8252056 
VH-PGOPiper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain31-7852109 
VH-SZDCessna 404 Titan404-0050 
VH-VHTCessna 404 Titan404-0226 
VH-EKGBeech 1900DUE-135

Shoal Air
Shoal_Air_logo

Shoal Air was founded by Steve Irvine in 2004 with a fleet of two aircraft and two staff, conducting air charter operations from Kununurra, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The fleet grew, and the company opened a second base at Wyndham in 2007. Their services now include passenger charter, scenic tours, air freight and remote area logistics, aerial surveys, aerial photography, and search and rescue. Updated 13 Jan 2020.

VH-KUNAuster 6A Tugmaster3725 
VH-DSOMooney M20K (231)25-0363 
VH-KADCessna U206G StationairU20603545
VH-EDECessna 210L Centurion21060517 
VH-OTBCessna 210L Centurion21060067 
VH-RLPCessna 210-5 (205)2050213 
VH-SMPCessna 210L Centurion21061544 
VH-WNICessna 210M Centurion21062462 
VH-UBECessna 207A Skywagon 20700475
VH-WOUCessna 207 Skywagon20700099 
VH-WOXCessna 207 Skywagon20700130 
VH-WOYCessna 207A Skywagon20700707 
VH-LVAGippsland GA-8 AirvanGA8-05-079 
VH-BJNPiper PA23-250 Aztec D27-4460 
VH-JVOCessna 310R310R0539 
VH-SUECessna 310P310P0132 
VH-TWYCessna 310R310R0090 
VH-KFWPiper PA-31-310 Navajo31-366 
VH-KFFPiper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain31-7952125 

 

Singapore Flying College
Singapore Flying College logo

Singapore Flying College was established in 1988. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. The college is headquartered in Singapore (with five Singapore-registered Cessna 172s) but has bases at Jandakot in WA and Maroochydore (Sunshine Coast Airport), Queensland.

The Jandakot base originally operated Beech Bonanza F33As and Beech Baron 58s. It now operates the Cessna 172R Skyhawk and the Baron 58 for ab-initio training, leading to a multi-engine Commercial Pilot’s License (with Instrument Rating).

The college opened a base in Maroochydore, Queensland in 2002, which conducted advanced jet training using Learjet 45s (later replaced by Cessna Mustangs), and this underwent a $40 million upgrade in 2010. However, the College announced on 23 July 2013 that the Maroochydore base is to close during 2014, with the jets to be sold, as that training will in future be conducted on simulators. Jandakot operations are unaffected.

Singapore Flying College also leases Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP and Piper PA-44-180 Seminole aircraft from Airflite Pty Ltd. Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-YGACessna 172R Skyhawk17281575 
VH-YGFCessna 172R Skyhawk17281576 
VH-YGICessna 172R Skyhawk17281577 
VH-YGNCessna 172R Skyhawk17281578 
VH-YGPCessna 172R Skyhawk17281579 
VH-YGQCessna 172R Skyhawk17281580 
VH-YGUCessna 172R Skyhawk17281581 
VH-YGWCessna 172R Skyhawk17281582 
VH-YGZCessna 172R Skyhawk17281583 
VH-YOACessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S12459
VH-YOFCessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S12460
VH-YOICessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S12461
VH-YOJCessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S12462
VH-YOPCessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S12463
VH-YOQCessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S12464
VH-YOXCessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S12465
VH-YUBCessna 172R Skyhawk17281140 
VH-YUHCessna 172R Skyhawk17281148 
VH-YUICessna 172R Skyhawk17281223 
VH-YUJCessna 172R Skyhawk17281226 
VH-YUNCessna 172R Skyhawk17281227 
VH-YUOCessna 172R Skyhawk17281234 
VH-YUSCessna 172R Skyhawk17281235 

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Skippers Aviation

Skippers Aviation is based at Perth Airport with their own terminal and maintenance facilities on Bungana Avenue. The company provides aircraft charter, and scheduled RPT (Regular Passenger Transport) services and FIFO (Fly In/Fly Out) services.

Skippers Aviation started operations in 1990 with three Cessna 441 Conquests and a Cessna 402C, operating from Perth Flight Centre. In 1995, they began acquiring new Fairchild Metro 23s, eventually acquiring six. In 1997/98, Skippers built their own terminal and maintenance facility, and set up a second base in Broome. In July 1998, they added a pair of De Havilland Dash-8-100s, and two more were added in 1999-2000. In 1999, their AOC (Air Operators Certificate) was upgraded to allow scheduled RPT (Regular Passenger Transport) services. In October 1999, they purchased their first Embraer Brasilia, with more Brasilias delivered in 2001-2006. In 2006-8, DeHavilland Dash 8-300 aircraft were added. In 2013, they added their first jets, two Fokker 100s. Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-FMQ Cessna 441 Conquest II441-0109 
VH-LBYCessna 441 Conquest II441-0023 
VH-LBZCessna 441 Conquest II441-0038 
VH-SJQCessna 441 Conquest II441-0173 
VH-WAIFairchild SA227-DC Metro 23DC-874B 
VH-WAJFairchild SA227-DC Metro 23DC-876B 
VH-WAXFairchild SA227-DC Metro 23DC-877B 
VH-WBAFairchild SA227-DC Metro 23DC-883B 
VH-WBQFairchild SA227-DC Metro 23DC-884B 
VH-XUAEmbraer 120ER Brasilia 120045 
VH-XUBEmbraer 120ER Brasilia120181 
VH-XUCEmbraer 120ER Brasilia120208 
VH-XUDEmbraer 120ER Brasilia120140 
VH-XUEEmbraer 120ER Brasilia120115 
VH-XUFEmbraer 120ER Brasilia120207 
VH-XFPDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-106 Dash 8 346 
VH-XFQDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-106 Dash 8306 
VH-XFTDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-102 Dash 8052 
VH-XFUDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-102 Dash 8151 
VH-XFVDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-314 Dash 8350 
VH-XFWDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-314 Dash 8356 
VH-XFXDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-314 Dash 8313 
VH-XFZDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-314 Dash 8365 
VH-XKIDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-315Q Dash 8587
VH-XKJDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-315Q Dash 8588
VH-XKMFokker 10011410
VH-XKNFokker 10011420
Image result for skydive australia

Skydive Australia

Skydive Australia was founded in 1998 as Skydive the Beach Sydney in Wollongong NSW, using a single six-seater Cessna 206. It now has 17 drop zones across Australia, with two in Western Australia – Perth (Rockingham) and York. Updated 13 Jan 2020.

VH-FMXCessna 208B Grand Caravan Blackhawk XP42A208B0849
VH-PTXCessna 208 Caravan Blackhawk XP42A20800247

Skydive Express logo
Skydive Express

Skydive Express is a skydiving company based at a private airfield in York, WA. They opened their skydiving centre in June 1999. Updated 13 Jan 2020.

VH-XSS Cessna 182E Skylane 18253795
Image result for skydive geronimo logo

Skydive Geronimo
SkyDive Geronimo Logo

Skydive Geronimo (AGSR Pty Ltd) is based at Rottnest Island Airport and Busselton Regional Airport, conducting skydiving operations over Rottnest Island, Busselton and Margaret River. The company offers tandem skydiving, with a beach landing, as well as Accelerated Free Fall training. Updated 13 Jan 2020.

VH-JHL Cessna 182Q Skylane II 18265575
VH-FGNGippsland GA8-TC 320 AirvanGA8-03-025Prototype turbocharged Airvan – converted from standard Airvan

Skydive Jurien Bay

Skydive Jurien Bay ((Pete’s Parachuting (NW) Pty Ltd) was formed in 2009 by Pete Lonnon, based at Jurien Bay, north of Perth. Updated 13 Jan 2020.

VH-DOKCessna R172K Hawk XPR1722749 
VH-POKCessna TU206G Super SkywagonU20603537 
VH-LNICessna 208 Caravan20800298

Description: Specialists in Charter Flights, Private and Executive Jets
Skytraders

Skytraders was founded in 1979 and is headquartered at Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport, with an office in Hobart to manage their Antarctic services, and an administrative office in New South Wales.

The company conducts Antarctic flights, charter and freight flights. In 2002, Skytraders was awarded a long term contract by the Australian Antarctic Division for the provision of Antarctic air services. From November to March each year, this aircraft operates on behalf of the Australian Government’s Australian Antarctic Division on a weekly service from the Division’s base in Hobart, Tasmania to an ice runway at Wilkins, Antarctica (hence the “Snowbird” radio callsign).

Their A319 CJ and CASA 212 aircraft are available for private charter or use by other government agencies for periods throughout the summer season and uninterrupted use during the Australian winter. The two CASA 212-400s are not listed here as they rarely visit Western Australia. Updated 13 Jan 2020.

VH-VCJAirbus A319-1321880Callsign ‘SNOWBIRD 2’
VH-VHDAirbus A319-115CJ1999Callsign ‘SNOWBIRD 1’
VH-VHPAirbus A319-1323757Callsign ‘SNOWBIRD 5’

Smoothy Helicopter Services

Smoothy Helicopter Services was formed by Brent Smoothy, and is based at Newman Airport, Newman, WA. Updated 13 Jan 2020.

VH-LUMRobinson R-22 Beta0932 
VH-ZSRRobinson R-22 Beta1756 
VH-HJARobinson R-44 I1770 
VH-HJXRobinson R-44 Raven1172 
VH-HYPRobinson R-44 Raven I1412 

South East Air Ag
South_East_Air_Ag_logo

South East Air Ag (SEAA Pty Ltd) are based in Esperance, Western Australia.

Services offered include aerial spraying/spreading, meterate applications, fire-bombing, and aerial photography/imaging. Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-DRB Piper PA-24-260 Comanche 24-4984 
VH-UBVAir Tractor AT-502B502B-2942 
VH-NIY / BOMBER 602Air Tractor AT-602602-1139Leased to Dunn Aviation for firefighting during bushfire season
VH-NIZ / BOMBER 605Air Tractor AT-602602-1134Leased to Dunn Aviation for firefighting during bushfire season
VH-XWH / BOMBER 603Air Tractor AT-802802-0137Leased to Dunn Aviation for firefighting during bushfire season

South-West Microlight School

South-West Microlight School was established in 1995 and is located at Bunbury Airport. The school is a registered microlight flight training facility and is the Western Australian distributor for the Airborne range of microlight (trike) aircraft.

(Fleet list not available)

Bunbury Flying School logo
Southern Aviation
(Bunbury Flying School)

Southern Aviation is based at Bunbury Airport also operates as Bunbury Flying School, although all aircraft are registered under the name of Southern Aviation. Bunbury Flying School is the largest flight training facility in regional Western Australia, providing flight training, scenic, aerobatic and adventure flights. Southern Aviation offers charter flights. Updated 14 Jan 2020.

24-4052Evektor EV-97 SportStar 20040204Cross-hired as required
VH-MRU Cessna 150G Commuter15065485 
VH-CRPCessna 15215283363 
VH-ECACessna 15215281409 
VH-JUECessna 15215285624
VH-DXLAmerican Champion 8GCBC Scout 516-2009
VH-FJUFuji FA-200-160 Aero Subaru 36 
VH-LJSPiper PA-28-180 Cherokee C28-4185 
VH-DZECessna 172S Skyhawk SP172S10032 
VH-SYPCessna 172R Skyhawk17280357 
VH-AIXCessna 172RG Cutlass 172RG0981
VH-ONNPZL-104 Wilga 35 74205
VH-ORDCessna R182 Skylane RG II R18201863
VH-NNUNanchang CJ-6A5132010 
VH-DSCPiper PA-30 Twin Comanche30-552 

Sport Aircraft Builders Club (SABC)

The Sport Aircraft Builders Club (SABC) was formed in 1973 and is based at Serpentine Airstrip, which was constructed and is maintained by club members who also build and fly their own aircraft. VH-DJR is the club’s aircraft, available for hire by members of SABC. Updated 14 Jan 2020

VH-DJRPiper PA-28-161 Warrior II28-7716199 
Star Logo Smaller.png

Star Aviation

Founded in 1985 as Star Charter, Star Aviation is based at Perth Airport. It provides private charter and Fly In/Fly Out (FIFO) contract charters to the mining industry. Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-LOIBeech 58 BaronTH-743 
VH-DTFPiper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain31-7852159
VH-DYDPiper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain31-7652119
VH-LKFBeech 200 King AirBB-660
VH-LKHBeech 200 King AirBB-612
VH-NQTBeech 200 King AirBB-305
VH-NTEBeech 200 King AirBB-529
VH-YVGBeech 200 King Air BB-165

Superlight Aircraft Club of WA Inc 

The Super Light Aircraft Club of WA Inc (SLACWA) has been operating from the Bindoon Hill airfield (YBHL – 80km north of Perth) since the early 1980s. The club is the sole owner and operator of the airfield and works to promote sport aviation to the community and provide access to enjoyable, affordable, safe, and easy flying. The club hosts a wide variety of aircraft including fixed wing, gyrocopter, and microlight aircraft.

No fleet list available.

Surveillance Australia 

Surveillance Australia Pty Ltd is headquartered in Adelaide, with bases in Cairns, Darwin and Broome. A subsidiary of Cobham Aviation. The company operates the Australian Border Force Coastwatch contract, flying maritime surveillance patrols within the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (AEEZ), searching for illegal fishing vessels, people smugglers, drug smugglers, immigration and quarantine breaches, and SAR (Search and Rescue) operations.

They operate a fleet of six DHC-8-202 Dash 8s and four larger DHC-8-315 Dash 8s highly-modified for maritime patrol and surveillance. The aircraft are fitted with Raytheon SeaVue surface search radars, in addition to an Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Moving target indication (MTI) capability, advanced electro-optical sensors and communications suites. They can operate day and night and can search an area of 110,000 km² per flight. Each year they fly 2,500 missions and 15,000 hours.

The company also operates and maintains the modified Dash 8-200 LADS (Laser Airborne Depth Sounding) owned by Fugro LADS – this does not visit WA, so is not listed here. They also operate the four Challenger 604 search and rescue jets for Cobham SAR Services.

National Jet formed Surveillance Australia in 1994 after winning the Border Protection Command Coastwatch contract. They initially used a mix of Rockwell 500S Shrike commanders, Britten-Norman Islanders, Reims/Cessna F406 Vigilants, and DHC Dash 8-200MPA.

In 2005, the $1 billion Coastwatch contract was renewed through to the year 2020, and the fleet was changed to 10 Dash 8s for the Coastwatch contract, which is now under Australian Border Force. Updated 14 Jan 2020.

VH-ZZA De Havilland Canada DHC-8-202MPA Dash 8 419Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-ZZBDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-202MPA Dash 8424Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-ZZCDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-202MPA Dash 8433Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-ZZIBombardier DHC-8-202MPA Dash 8550Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-ZZJBombardier DHC-8-202MPA Dash 8551Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-ZZPDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-202MPA Dash 8411Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-ZZEBombardier DHC-8-315MPA Dash 8640Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-ZZFBombardier DHC-8-315MPA Dash 8643Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-ZZGBombardier DHC-8-315MPA Dash 8644Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-ZZNDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-315MPA Dash 8399Operated for Australian Border Force. Modified for maritime patrol.
VH-XNC Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 6045619Operated for Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Modified for search and rescue.
VH-XNDBombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 5634Operated for Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Modified for search and rescue.
VH-XNEBombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 5647Operated for Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Modified for search and rescue.
VH-XNFBombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 5656Operated for Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Modified for search and rescue.
Swan River Seaplanes logo

Swan River Seaplanes / Rottnest Air Express

Swan River Seaplanes logo

Swan River Seaplanes is a luxury tourism company, operating from the Swan River in Perth to the Margaret River wine region in the southwest of Western Australia.

Officially launched on 23 January 2017, the first revenue service operated on 27 January 2017, using a Cessna 208 Caravan amphibious seaplane (VH-MOX) leased from Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures.

Flights depart on Thursdays to Sundays from pontoon on Queen Street Jetty on the South Perth Foreshore at 9am, taking off from the Swan River and enjoying views of the city and coastline, before landing at Margaret River Airstrip (on land) one hour later at 10am – the same journey by car takes three hours. The trips include a tour of the Margaret River wineries before the aircraft departs Margaret River at 3pm, landing on the Swan River and docking at Queen Street Jetty at 4pm. Updated 10 Jan 2020.

VH-MOX Cessna 208 Caravan (seaplane) 20800227 Leased from Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures

T

Taurus Aviation

Taurus Aviation (Cropcair WA Pty Ltd) was formed in 2000 and is based at Northam Airfield, providing aerial agriculture services such as crop spraying. Updated 14 Jan 2020.

VH-FSGMaule M-5-235C Lunar Rocket7186C
VH-KDNAir Tractor AT-402402-0745
VH-AGQ Ayres S2R-T34 Turbo Thrush T34-237
VH-NRJAir Tractor AT-502B502B-3092

Toll Aviation

Toll Aviation is a cargo airline operating between most of the capital cities within Australia.

In Western Australia, Toll uses Boeing 737-300SF and -400SF freighters registered in New Zealand and leased from Airwork (New Zealand). The aircraft usually operate from the Domestic Cargo Terminal, alongside the Qantas Freight Boeing 737-300SFs and -400SFs. Toll also leases light aircraft and two ATR42 freighters, but these do not visit WA. Updated 14 Jan 2020 (aircraft which visit WA only).

ZK-TLE Boeing 737-3S1(SF) 24834/1896Freighter – Leased from Airwork (New Zealand). First visit 1 July 2011
ZK-JTQBoeing 737-476(SF)24442/2371Freighter – Leased from Airwork (New Zealand). First visit 13 Feb 2012.
ZK-TLFBoeing 737-4Q8(SF)24709/2115Freighter – Leased from Airwork (New Zealand). First visit 20 June 2012.
ZK-TLJBoeing 737-476(SF)24432/1879Freighter – Leased from Airwork (New Zealand). First visit 20 Oct 2015.
ZK-TLKBoeing 737-476(SF)24434/1912Freighter – Leased from Airwork (New Zealand). First visit 29 Apr 2016 (as ZK-TLK)
ZK-TLLBoeing 737-484(SF)25362/2142Freighter – Leased from Airwork (New Zealand). First visit 21 Sep 2016.

Topfun Aviation 

Topfun Aviation operates from Muchea Greenside (YGSD), Moora (YMRO) and Bindoon Hill (YBHL), providing RAAus flight training on ultralight aircraft. Updated 14 Jan 2020.

24-7496Jabiru J170-C 291 
24-7564 Jabiru J170-C 298 
?Jabiru J170  
24-6268Taylorcraft DCO-65 (L-2M Grasshopper)L6268

Truenorth Helicopters 
Truenorth Helicopters logo

Truenorth Helicopters was established in 2000. It initially operated a Bell 407 on helicopter adventure flights for guests on its adventure cruise ship in the Kimberley region, with the helicopter conducting fire fighting operations in the summer months in NSW. In 2005, the company introduced the first Eurocopter EC145 in Australia. The main hanger facility is located in Rosewood near Tumbarumba NSW, but the company operates in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of WA, and elsewhere in the Eastern States. Services provided include helicopter charters, adventure tourism, aerial crane, mining support, aerial filming, and emergency support. Updated 14 Jan 2020.

VH-DKGBell 40753712 
VH-TNGEurocopter EC145 (MBB BK117C-2)9061 

U

United Aero Helicopters

United Aero helicopters

United Aero Helicopters is based at Camden, NSW, but operates nationally, offering a wide variety of helicopter services.  This includes airborne geophysical surveys, aerial mineral exploration, fire-fighting operations, aerial construction / air crane, flood relief and rescue, power lines stringing / inspection and maintenance, locust eradication, aerial photography and filming, charter flights, maintenance and spare parts, and flight training. In Western Australia, they operate the a Squirrel helicopter for aerial filming, mainly for Channels 7 and 9. Updated 11 Jan 2020.

VH-BTV Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel 9038Used for aerial news filming by Channel 7 and Channel 9.

University Flying Club logo
University Flying Club

The University Flying Club is one of WA’s oldest flying clubs, based at Jandakot Airport. It is a not-for-profit flying club which owns an aircraft and provides its members with affordable private aircraft hire for flight training and recreational use. Members don’t need to be a university student. UFC previously owned VH-IGG, a Grumman AA-5B Tiger. This aircaft has was sold in the Eastern States, and a new Piper Sport VH-EZT was delivered in April 2011. In December 2019, UFC acquired a Vans RV-9A to replace the Piper Sport. The aircraft is based with Air Australia International at Jandakot. UFC is also affiliated with Curtin Flying Club, providing access to Curtin’s aircraft. Updated 14 Jan 2020.

VH-LATVans RV-9A90484

V

Virgin Australia Airlines (formerly Virgin Blue Airlines)

On 4 May 2011, the former Virgin Blue Group revealed its new brand, Virgin Australia. Virgin Australia confirmed that the entire fleet will be repainted in the new livery over about four years.

Virgin Australia is Australia’s second-largest airline, with a fleet of 75 aircraft serving 28 cities in Australia. The airline is based at Brisbane, with secondary hubs at Sydney and Melbourne, and “focus cities” at Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast Airport, Hobart, Perth Airport and Townsville.

In WA, Virgin Australia operates Broome to Adelaide, and the following destinations from Perth, using Boeing 737-700s and -800s and Embraer 190s:

  • Adelaide
  • Broome
  • Darwin
  • Karratha
  • Melbourne
  • Newman
  • Port Hedland
  • Sydney

In May 2011, Virgin Australia is to start using Airbus A330-200 aircraft to serve Perth from Sydney.

Virgin Blue was founded by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, with Brett Godfrey as CEO. Virgin Group later sold 50% of Virgin Blue to Patrick Corporation, and then sold more shares publicly. A hostile takeover by Patrick Corporation in early 2005 gave them 62% of Virgin Blue, with Virgin Group retaining 25%. In May 2006, Toll Holdings acquired Patrick, in the process becoming majority shareholder in Virgin Blue, but in July 2008 Toll sold its holding and now owns only 1.7%.

Virgin Blue started operations on 31 August 2000 with two Boeing 737-400s leased from Virgin Express (Belgium), but later replaced these with a fleet consisting only of Boeing 737-700s and -800s. Virgin Blue was lucky in its timing, as the collapse of Ansett Australia in September 2001 enabled the airline to grow rapidly (as did Qantas), and gave them access to ex-Ansett terminals. Virgin Blue started services into Perth using Boeing 737-700 aircraft on 9 September 2001, just five days before the Ansett collapse. The first service was from Melbourne via Adelaide, using 737-800 VH-VOF. Virgin Blue initially used the International Terminal for their domestic flights, then moved to the former Ansett terminal on the domestic side of the airport on 8 Dec 2002. From September 2007, the airline started taking delivery of Embraer 170s and 190s to open new routes.

Virgin Blue could not use the Virgin brand on its international operations, due to an agreement between Virgin Blue stakeholder Richard Branson when Singapore Airlines bought 49% of Virgin Atlantic in 2000. Virgin Blue Group’s international carriers were named V Australia and Pacific Blue. Due to aircraft being rotated onto domestic flights, this meant that aircraft in Pacific Blue titles often operated on Virgin Blue domestic services, but aircraft painted with Virgin Blue titles were not allowed to fly international services.

In September 2003, Virgin Blue created Pacific Blue as a subsidiary to fly internationally with 737s between New Zealand and Australia, New Zealand domestic flights, and flights from Australia and New Zealand to the Pacific Islands, Bali and Phuket. In September 2010, Pacific Blue ended New Zealand domestic flights to focus on other parts of their network. On 6 December 2011, Pacific Blue was merged under the Virgin Australia brand.

In early 2006, Virgin Blue’s parent company announced the creation of a long-haul international carrier operating from Australia to Los Angeles or San Francisco. V Australia commenced passenger services on 27 February 2009, and now operates flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Los Angeles. Flights from Australia to South Africa, Thailand and Fiji will soon end and the carrier will add flights between Australia and Abu Dhabi. On 6 December 2011, V Australia was merged under the Virgin Australia brand.

With the formation of Virgin Australia in May 2011, the airline has now confirmed that an agreement was recently made with Singapore Airlines allowing use of the Virgin brand on international services. It will now operate its domestic services as Virgin Australia, and the international carriers V Australia and Pacific Blue will also use the Virgin Australia name by the end of 2011.

Polynesian Blue was formed as a joint venture with the Samoan government operating one Boeing 737-800 aircraft. It was rebranded as Virgin Samoa on 6 December 2011.

On 10 January 2011, Virgin Blue Group (now Virgin Australia) and Skywest Airlines signed a 10-year alliance with Skywest operating up to 18 new Virgin Australia branded ATR72-500 & -600 aircraft to a number of existing and new destinations around Australia. Virgin Australia later took over Skywest and renamed it as Virgin Australia Regional Airlines – see separate entry below.

On 17 October 2014, Virgin Australia purchased the remaining 40% of Tigerair Australia owned by Singapore Airlines, making Virgin Australia the sole owner of Tigerair Australia. As of October 2015, Virgin Australia took full ownership of Tigerair Australia. Tigerair was closed during 2020.

Updated 5 Jan 2021.

VH-VBY Boeing 737-7FE 34323/1751‘Kingston Beach’.
VH-VBZBoeing 737-7FE34322/1777‘Cronulla Beach’
VH-VOKBoeing 737-8FE33758/1359‘Johanna Beach’
VH-VOLBoeing 737-8FE33759/1364‘Newport Beach’
VH-VONBoeing 737-8FE33795/1375‘Greenmount Point’
VH-VOOBoeing 737-8FE33796/1377‘Peaceful Bay’
VH-VOQBoeing 737-8FE33798/1391‘Margaret River’
Stored at Alice Springs since 18 Oct 2020
VH-VUEBoeing 737-8FE34167/1676‘Curl Curl Beach’
Stored at Melbourne since 7 Sep 2020
VH-VUGBoeing 737-8FE34438/1948‘Jasmine Tasman’
To Singapore 2 Jan 2021
VH-VUHBoeing 737-8FE34440/2003‘Lady Rebecca’
VH-VUKBoeing 737-8FE36602/2353‘Seaford Beach’
VH-VULBoeing 737-8FE36603/2356‘Ocean Grove’
VH-VUOBoeing 737-8FE36601/2525‘Eighty Mile Beach’
VH-VUPBoeing 737-8FE36604/2650‘Lighthouse Beach’
VH-VUQBoeing 737-8FE36605/2710‘Merewether Beach’
VH-VUSBoeing 737-8FE36607/3082‘Seaspray Beach’
VH-VUTBoeing 737-8FE36608/3132‘Alma Bay’
VH-VUWBoeing 737-8KG39449/3398‘Pebbly Beach’
Stored at Adelaide since 4 Apr 2020
VH-VUYBoeing 737-8KG39450/3494‘Snapper Rocks’
VH-VUZBoeing 737-8FE39921/3536‘Lennox Head’
VH-YFCBoeing 737-81D39413/3592‘Bondi Beach’
VH-YFEBoeing 737-81D39414/3623‘Sunshine Beach’
VH-YFFBoeing 737-8FE40994/3664(‘Wineglass Bay’ – not wearing name as at Feb 2015). First visit 24 Jun 2011
VH-YFGBoeing 737-8FE40999/3941‘Hanson Bay’
VH-YFHBoeing 737-8FE40996/3801‘Mindil Beach’. First visit and first revenue service 21 Oct 2011
VH-YFIBoeing 737-8FE41000/3963‘Porpoise Bay’. First visit 3 Apr 2012
VH-YFJBoeing 737-8FE41001/4089‘Surfers Paradise Beach’
VH-YFKBoeing 737-8FE41004/3861‘Long Beach’. First visit 25 Dec 2011.
VH-YFLBoeing 737-8FE41002/4047‘Sandy Bay’
VH-YFNBoeing 737-8FE41009/4456‘Ballina Beach’
VH-YFPBoeing 737-8FE41011/4476‘Nobby’s Beach’
VH-YFQBoeing 737-8FE41010/4494‘Whiting Beach’
VH-YFRBoeing 737-8FE41012/4543‘Salamander Beach’
100th Boeing 737′ titles near cabin door
VH-YFSBoeing 737-8FE41027/5525‘Sellicks Beach’. First visit 13 Sep 2015
VH-YFTBoeing 737-8FE41028/5557‘Admirals Arch’. First visit 18 Sep 2015
VH-YFUBoeing 737-8FE41029/5600‘Emu Bay’. First visit 1 Nov 2015
VH-YFVBoeing 737-8FE41030/5641‘Princess Charlotte Bay’. First visit 4 Dec 2015
VH-YFWBoeing 737-8FE41037/5978‘Turquoise Bay’
VH-YFXBoeing 737-8FE41013/6330‘Mackenzies Bay’
VH-YFYBoeing 737-8FE41016/6494‘Mungalla’
VH-YFZBoeing 737-8FE41005/6551‘Lake St Clair’
VH-YIABoeing 737-8FE37824/3718‘Henley Beach’. First visit 22 Aug 2011
VH-YIBBoeing 737-8FE37825/3758‘Trinity Beach’. First visit 18 Sep 2011
VH-YIDBoeing 737-8FE38709/3851‘Rainbow Beach’. First visit 15 Dec 2011
VH-YIEBoeing 737-8FE38708/3875‘Fingal Beach’. First visit 10-11 Jan 2012
VH-YIFBoeing 737-8FE38710/3904‘Sorrento Beach’. First visit 8 Feb 2012
VH-YIGBoeing 737-8FE 38711/3921‘Kings Beach’. First visit 20 Feb 2012
VH-YIHBoeing 737-8FE38712/4070‘Hastings Point’
VH-YIJBoeing 737-8FE (scimitar winglets) 39924/4109‘Pennington Bay’
VH-YILBoeing 737-8FE38713/4123‘Seventy Five Mile Beach’
VH-YIMBoeing 737-8FE38716/4119‘Bridgewater Bay’
VH-YIOBoeing 737-8FE38714/4132‘Lameroo Beach’
VH-YIQBoeing 737-8FE38715/4156‘Hyams Beach’
VH-YIRBoeing 737-8FE (scimitar winglets) 39925/4172‘Cactus Beach’
VH-YISBoeing 737-8FE (scimitar winglets) 39926/4201‘Casuarina Beach’
VH-YITBoeing 737-8FE38717/4194‘Lammermoor Beach’. First visit 26 Oct 2012
VH-YIUBoeing 737-8FE (scimitar winglets) 40699/4560‘Middleton Beach’. First visit 4 Sep 2013
VH-YIVBoeing 737-8FE (scimitar winglets) 40698/4571‘Cylinder Beach’
VH-YIWBoeing 737-8FE40700/5085‘Mona Vale Beach’
VH-YIYBoeing 737-8FE40701/5280‘Stanwell Park’. First visit 2 May 2015
VH-YIZBoeing 737-8FE40702/5061‘Black Rock’
VH-YVCBoeing 737-8FE40997/3832‘Jetty Beach’. First visit 19 Nov 2011
VH-YVDBoeing 737-8FE40998/3848‘Salmon Beach’. First visit 28 Dec 2011
VH-YWABoeing 737-80041042/6572‘Cable Beach’
VH-YWDBoeing 737-80041020/6664‘Tinamirakuna’
VH-YWEBoeing 737-80041015/6775‘Dreamtime Beach’
VH-XFCAirbus A330-2431293‘Mooloolaba Beach’
VH-XFDAirbus A330-2431306‘Bells Beach’
VH-XFEAirbus A330-2431319‘Manly Beach’.
Stored at Perth since 9 March 2020.
VH-XFGAirbus A330-2431407‘Terrigal Beach’
VH-XFHAirbus A330-2431452‘Duranbah Beach’
VH-XFJAirbus A330-2431561‘Gnaraloo Bay’

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (formerly Skywest Airlines)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (formerly Skywest Airlines) is based at Perth Airport and provides scheduled RPT (Regular Passenger Transport) air services, FIFO (Fly In/Fly Out) contract services to resources companies, and air charter/contract charter.

Skywest can trace its history back through a series of mergers to 1963, when Carnarvon Air Taxis was formed at Carnarvon, flying charter flights with small aircraft. In 1979 it was renamed Skywest Aviation and relocated to Jandakot Airport. Skywest Airlines was formed at Perth Airport in 1980, and purchased Stillwell Airlines. The Skywest Airlines/Skywest Aviation fleet included GAF N-24 Nomads, Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirantes, Beechcraft King Air 200s, Swearingen SA-226 Metro IIs, a Gulfstream I turboprop, and smaller GA aircraft. In 1982, Skywest Airlines merged with TransWest airlines.

On 16 December 1983, Ric Stowe’s Skywest Airlines Pty Ltd took over East-West Developments Pty Ltd, and its controlling interest in East-West Airlines. In February 1984, Skywest took delivery of the first of four new 19-seat British Aerospace Jetstream 31 turboprops. On 24 May 1985, Skywest proposed a merger with East-West, but this did not proceed and they maintained separate identities, although some routes were rationalised. East-West also began operating some WA flights for Skywest, using Fokker F.28-3000s and -4000s to Karratha and Port Hedland.

After losing the lucrative Government Coastwatch contract in 1987, Skywest was acquired by the Perron group on 17 July 1987. On 31 July 1987 it was sold to Bodas Group (TNT/News Ltd – the owners of Ansett), and it began operating as part of the Ansett group. The East-West aircraft were moved to Queensland and later integrated into Ansett. Skywest was operating most of its services with the Jetstream 31s. On 5 October 1994, Skywest introduced its first (of several) Fokker 50s into service, the aircraft being transferred from Ansett. The Jetstreams were gradually withdrawn and sold. In 1996, Skywest Aviation was sold to Paspaley Pearls, becoming Pearl Aviation Australia (see separate entry).

On 14 September 2001, operations by Ansett Australia and its subsidiaries – including Skywest – were suspended by Ansett’s administrators. With WA Government support, on 23 September 2001, Skywest Airlines resumed reduced operations on intrastate routes with Fokker 50s. On 21 February 2002, Skywest Airlines was sold by the Ansett administrators to Airline Investments Ltd. In November 2002, their first Fokker 100 (VH-FNY) was delivered, and more were subsequently added, joining a growing fleet of Fokker 50s. In 2004, a hostile takeover by Singapore-based investment company CaptiveVision Capital Ltd succeeded. Skywest is now a 100%-owned subsidiary of Singapore incorporated Advent Air Ltd.

Since early 2007, Skywest has increased its share of the resources industry FIFO (Fly In/Fly Out) business, acquiring more Fokker 50s and 100s in the process. Skywest’s first Airbus A320 (VH-FNP) was delivered to Perth on 23 October 2010 and will operate FIFO services between Perth and Cloudbreak for Fortescue Metals Group.

On 10 January 2011, Virgin Blue Group (now Virgin Australia Group since 4 May 2011) and Skywest Airlines signed a 10-year alliance with Skywest operating new Virgin Australia branded ATR72s to a number of existing and new destinations around Australia. The first six ATRs replaced Virgin Australia’s Embraer E170 fleet for eastern states operations, with additional aircraft operating to new regional destinations. Virgin Australia wet-leased the aircraft from Skywest, who leased them from Avation PLC.

On 10 April 2012, Virgin Australia acquired a 10% stake in Skywest Airlines, worth around $8 million. On 30 October 2012, Virgin Australia announced that it had made a $98.7 million takeover offer for Skywest Airlines, subject to approval from regulators and shareholders. After the regulatory approvals were received, Fokker 100 VH-FSQ became the first Skywest-branded aircraft to be repainted in Virgin Australia Regional colours, arriving in Perth on 10 April 2013, after repainting in Townsville, Queensland. On 11 April 2013, the takeover became effective.

On 7 May 2013, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti flew into Perth to officially launch the rebranded airline as Virgin Australia Regional Airlines. The first two Skywest aircraft to be repainted in Virgin Australia’s livery were also officially unveiled – Fokker 100 VH-FSQ “Bill’s Bay” and Fokker 50 VH-FNA “Rockingham Beach”, together with A320 VH-YUD, which was delivered in Virgin Australia colours the same day. The Fokker 100s will be repainted.

The Fokker 50 fleet was retired from October 2015, with the final four being retired on 27 February 2016.

Updated 3 Apr 2019 (only WA aircraft – ATR72s are based in Eastern States).

VH-FNCFokker 10011334 
VH-FNJFokker 10011489‘Talbot Bay’
VH-FNNFokker 10011326‘Cape Naturaliste’
VH-FNRFokker 10011488‘Lake Argyle’
VH-FNTFokker 10011461 
VH-FNUFokker 10011373‘Roebuck Bay’
VH-FNYFokker 10011484‘Geographe Bay’
VH-FSQFokker 10011450‘Bill’s Bay’
VH-FSWFokker 10011391‘Bremer Bay’
VH-FWHFokker 10011316‘Swan River’
VH-FWIFokker 10011318 
VH-FZHFokker 10011303 
VH-FZIFokker 10011333 
VH-FZOFokker 10011305‘Barrens Beach’
VH-FNPAirbus A320-231429‘Honeymoon Cove’
VH-VNBAirbus A320-2322906‘Twilight Beach’
VH-VNFAirbus A320-2323332‘Ningaloo Reef’
VH-VNJAirbus A320-2322982‘Cossies Beach’
VH-VNPAirbus A320-2322952‘Little Parakeet Bay’
VH-YUDAirbus A320-2321922‘Port Beach’

 

W

WA Police logo
WA Police Air Wing

The WA Police Air Wing has two units, based at Jandakot and Karratha. Their aircraft and helicopter are used for surveillance, patrols, SAR, and transport.

Below is a list of aircraft previously operated by the WA Police:

  • VH-IQP Cessna 182P Skylane II (cn 18264987): 8 December 1976 – 17 June 1986.
  • VH-PGN P.68 Observer (cn 249-05-OB): 12 August 1982 – 30 June 1989, named “William G Pense”.
  • VH-HCP Cessna 310R (cn 310R0849): “Polair 64” – 1 July 1989 – CRASHED 26 January 2001 at Newman, killing all aboard.
  • VH-NJL Aerospatiale AS355F-1 Twin Squirrel (cn 5039): “Polair 1” – 2 May 1990 – CRASHED 8 May 1992 at Kelmscott – descended too rapidly, crashed and burnt on a sports oval during a demonstration for school children and cancelled from register on 24 September 1992.
  • VH-DEP Piper PA-31-310 Navajo C (cn 31-7812125): “Polair 63” – 25 February 1992 – 30 August 2006 – traded in to Pilatus
  • VH-OTP Beech 58 Baron (cn TH-274): 2 August 1993 – reregistered 18 November 1993 as VH-FLZ, sold 11 January 2000
  • VH-DEQ Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (cn 31-8012091): 4 December 2002 – 22 December 2005 – traded in to Pilatus
  • VH-WPF/VH-EPP Cessna 182R Skylane (cn 18268545). Sold to Airflite Pty Ltd – 15 Nov 2012.

Updated 14 Jan 2020 (callsigns may be incorrect).

VH-WPF/
POLAIR 64
Gippsland GA-8 Airvan GA8-12-176
VH-WAH / POLAIR 61 MBB-Kawasaki BK117B-21051‘Malcolm D Stornoway II’
Converted from BK117B-1.
Based at Jandakot. Used for police patrol, high-speed pursuits, surveillance, search and rescue and officer deployment.
Fitted with a Star Safire III FLIR unit with downlink capabilities, Avalex digital recorder, Avalex moving map system, 4 monitors, Wulfsberg tactical radio, Nitesun search light and double lift 600lb rescue winch.
VH-WPX / POLAIR 62Eurocopter AS365N3+ Dauphin 26936Delivered to Jandakot on 23 September 2011. Entered service 31 July 2012.
VH-WPE / POLAIR 65Pilatus PC-12/45704Based at Jandakot. Used mainly for staff deployment across southern half of WA.
VH-WPYPilatus PC-12/45720Based at Karratha. Used for transport and crew deployment roles in the northern half of WA.
Fitted with a in-flight opening door for air-dropping, to assist with search and rescue and natural disaster relief operations.

WA Skydiving Academy logo
WA Skydiving Academy

West Australian Skydiving Academy was formed in 1987 and is based at Jandakot and Pinjarra, offering skydiving lessons, and skydiving flights for experienced skydivers. The company has a dropzone at Tompkins Park, next to the Swan River at Alfred Cove, and another at Pinjarra. Updated 14 Jan 2020.

VH-EJWCessna 182H Skylane 18256301 

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter logo
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter is owned by Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA), and sponsored by Westpac Banking Corporation and the Multiplex Group. It is based at the Fremantle Heliport, at Rous Head.

A Bell 206 JetRanger (VH-FHA) was operated in a similar role by the Surf Life Saving Association in the early 1980s. Later, the State Government subsidised shark spotting patrols flown by Cessna 172s of Edith Cowan University.

From late 2008 to early 2011, Surf Life Saving WA leased another Bell 206B JetRanger from Heliwest (VH-BIN) at a cost of $1200 per hour, and it accrued 300 flying hours in five months, and did 77 days of flying over the 2010/11 summer season. The JetRanger was based at Jandakot, but each morning would relocate to City Beach for its beach patrols.

Later in 2011, it was announced that a used AgustaWestland A119 Koala helicopter was to be purchased (rather than leased). The A119 had previously operated in a rescue role in New Zealand, and was modified and repainted in Auckland, New Zealand by Heliflite Pacific before delivery.

With delivery of the A119 delayed and following three fatalities in Western Australian waters from shark attacks, the WA Government provided Surf Life Saving WA with $1 million in funding. This enabled them to lease an Aerospatiale AS.350B2 Squirrel (VH-FLL) in the interim period whilst waiting for the A119 to be delivered. The Squirrel performed better than the JetRanger with a full payload in high temperatures and is more reliable, but costs more at $1500 per hour. The Squirrel was also selected as it was available immediately. The leased Squirrel was used solely for shark and beach patrols, and was not fitted with a winch for rescue work.

Surf Life Saving WA took delivery of a $2 million Agusta Westland A119 Koala rescue and beach patrol helicopter (VH-FOI) in December 2011. The A119 helicopter is fitted with floats, a rescue winch, first-aid equipment, sirens to alert swimmers, a GPS to pinpoint sightings, and radios to communicate with life savers on the beach. It conducts beach patrols, shark spotting and surveillance, and SAR (Search And Rescue) missions. It normally operates with a pilot, an aircrew member and one or two rescue swimmers. It flies beach patrols no more than 5 km from the coastline, operating as far south as Mandurah and north as far as Yanchep, and Rottnest Island. The A119 will fly for 189 days in 2011-12, and will be airborne for about four hours a day. The A119 was later sold (2016?).

Updated 14 Jan 2020.

VH-ELR Eurocopter AS350BA Squirrel 2151Leased from SLS Queensland.

Westside Rural

Westside Rural is based at Hyden, WA and provides aerial agriculture services including crop dusting and crop spraying. Updated 14 Jan 2020.

VH-FJIFuji FA-200-180 Aero SubaruFA-200-203 
VH-JAYRockwell S2R Thrush Commander2264R 

White Gum Aviation

White Gum Aviation (previously Sky Sports Flying School) is located at White Gum Farm, off Cameron Road, just east of York, WA. The school provides flight training on microlights and ultralights. Updated 13 Jan 2020.

24-8379Aeroprakt A22LS Foxbat A22LS-185

Williambury Helicopters (see Pilbara Helicopters)
Williambury Helicopters logo

Windward Balloon Adventures

Image result for windward balloon logo

Windward Balloon Adventures was established in 1982 and is based at Northam Airport, offering balloon charter and sightseeing flights. Flights are conducted from April until late November, as the hot and windy weather in WA’s summer is unsafe for ballooning. During the season, flights are scheduled every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at dawn with no minimum number of passengers required. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays flights will be scheduled only if four passengers are confirmed. No flights are conducted on Thursdays due to CASA’s duty time limitations for pilots. Updated 4 January 2014.

VH-VDUKavanagh D-77 balloonKB248 
VH-ZAQKavanagh B-77 balloonB77-404 
VH-LNGCameron O-120 balloon1973 
VH-UAFKavanagh E-140 balloonE140-457 
VH-WNDKavanagh E-180 balloonKB262 
VH-OTZKavanagh E-210 balloonE210-407 
VH-LPGKavanagh E-300 balloonE300-361 
VH-UNKKavanagh E-300 balloonKB231 
VH-LNBKavanagh B-400 balloonB400-440 
VH-VLBKavanagh B-400 balloonB400-315 
VH-ZWAKavanagh B-425 balloonB425-547

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© 2020 David Eyre

21 thoughts on “Airline Lists – Australia L-Z

  1. Vh-VNF (ex tiger A320 ) is in Singapore getting heavy maintenance and a repaint to be delivered to VARA soon.

  2. Hi David,

    A320 VH VNB returned to Perth from Singapore on the 23rd of March sporting a Virgin Australia livery.

    Regards Simon.

  3. Hi David,

    More news about further aircraft movements from Tiger to Virgin Australia Regional Airlines today.

    A320 VH-VNP today operated from Singapore to Perth in Virgin Australia colours and will be transferred to the VARA AOC in a week or so.

    Cheers

  4. Hi David,

    Just an update to Virgin Australia Regional Airlines fleet, they now have VH-VNJ A320 from Tiger on their aoc and painted up in Virgin colours as well.

    Cheers

  5. Hello David,

    Please guide me to find job in light aircraft maintenance technician or non licensed aircraft engineer. I’m based in London but want to start new life and be based in Perth WA either in Jandakot, Fermantle or the surrounding area. Please either email the aircraft maintenance organisation name or email so that I may be able to contact them?
    Thanking you in advance for your help,
    Sincerely,
    Gerald.

    1. It is my understanding that all aircraft maintenance engineers have to be licensed here.
      If search on Google for “aircraft maintenance Jandakot”, you will see a number of the operators listed.

  6. dear
    david
    regarding your website ,,you just info for air operator at australia.
    can you add the list of maintenace repair oraganization all australia
    thanks
    edi

    1. Hi Edi,
      It takes a great deal of time and effort to compile and maintain the air operator list, and that is what our website users are mainly interested in. We also only cover operators who fly to/from Western Australia, not all air operators across Australia.
      We will therefore not be adding an MRO list – sorry.
      Regards,
      David

  7. thanks a lot for your Analysis of airline and aircraft. it was very helpfull for me
    regards aidana kassenova (student of academy of civil aviation)

      1. Hi David,

        Another A320 on the way to VARA with Tigers vh-vnf arriving in Singapore on oct 8 for heavy maintenance and a Virgin paint job. I will update when it’s in Perth and on line.

        Regards Simon

  8. Regarding Southern Aviation and the SportStar 24-4052. I have been told that they “cross hire” this aircraft.

  9. Southern Aviation have sold both 24-5323 CZAW Sport Cruiser and 24-4831 Jabiru J230.
    They have purchased an Evektor SportStar 24-4052.
    I am a “Member” of The Bunbury Flying School (Southern Aviation).

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