1 April 2025

12 October 2013: New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield (YWGN)

A New Runway Opening Fly-In was held at Wagin Airfield (YWGN) on 12 October 2013, to celebrate the official opening of their newly-sealed runway 06/24.

The runway works were funded by the Shire of Wagin and through a significant contribution of nearly $300,000 from the Royalties for Regions Regional Airport Development Scheme (RADS) in 2011.

The official opening was held at noon by Hon James Chown MLC, the State Government Member for the Agricultural Region and Parliamentary Secretary for Transport.

A number of aircraft from around Western Australia attended, including aircraft from Albany, Bunbury, Serpentine, Jandakot and Geraldton.

AAWA member and pilot Scott Palmer flew the University Flying Club’s Czech Sport Aircraft Piper Sport VH-EZT from Jandakot to Wagin and return, and took these photographs.

VH-XRV Vans RV-6 (MSN Q76) owned by Gregory McFarlane of Albany, WA, and VH-ROV Vans RV-6A (MSN W197) owned by Anthony Miller, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-XRV Vans RV-6 (MSN Q76) owned by Gregory McFarlane of Albany, WA, and VH-ROV Vans RV-6A (MSN W197) owned by Anthony Miller, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-XRV was built in 1997, first registered 25 September 1997, first flown 4 Feb 1999.
VH-ROV was built in 1993, registered 20 May 1993.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-XRV Vans RV-6 (MSN Q76) owned by Gregory McFarlane of Albany, WA, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-XRV Vans RV-6 (MSN Q76) owned by Gregory McFarlane of Albany, WA, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 1997, first registered 25 September 1997, first flown 4 Feb 1999.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-ROV Vans RV-6A (MSN W197) owned by Anthony Miller at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-ROV Vans RV-6A (MSN W197) owned by Anthony Miller at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 1993, registered 20 May 1993.
Photo © Scott Palmer
19-2374 DynAero MCR Pick Up (MSN 124) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
19-2374 DynAero MCR Pick Up (MSN 124) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
The MCR Pick-Up is a French aircraft designed by Michel Colomban (designer of the small two-seat Cri-Cri) with enough space to accommodate a bed, high-speed performance and rough field capability, whilst being light enough to comply with ultralight regulations. It is basically a lighter, two-seat version of the four-seat MCR 4S.
Photo © Scott Palmer
24-7288 Jabiru J230-D (MSN J705) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013
24-7288 Jabiru J230-D (MSN J705) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Registered 9.10.2009.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-YSW Vans RV-10 (MSN 40731) owned by Anthony White, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-YSW Vans RV-10 (MSN 40731) owned by Anthony White, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2012.
Photo © Scott Palmer
24-8088 FlightDesign CTSW Light Sport (MSN 06-09-04) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
24-8088 FlightDesign CTSW Light Sport (MSN 06-09-04) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
These aircraft are designed and built in Germany. CTSW stands for Composite Technology Short Wing.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-THK Glasair II-S-FT (MSN N207), flown by Ralph Lerch at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-THK Glasair II-S-FT (MSN N207), flown by Ralph Lerch at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 1993.
Photo © Scott Palmer
24-8003 FlightDesign CTSW Light Sport (MSN 07-01-03) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
24-8003 FlightDesign CTSW Light Sport (MSN 07-01-03) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
These aircraft are designed and built in Germany. CTSW stands for Composite Technology Short Wing.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-RGC Cessna 180 Skywagon (MSN 32450) of Stanley Haoust, named "Lady Casey", at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-RGC Cessna 180 Skywagon (MSN 32450) of Stanley Haoust of South Bunbury, WA, named “Lady Casey”, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built 1956 First regd 6.6.1956, ex N6553A.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-VFE Vans RV-9A (MSN 91162) owned by Ralph Burnett of Albany, WA, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-VFE Vans RV-9A (MSN 91162) owned by Ralph Burnett of Albany, WA, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2006, registered 7.4.2008.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-VFE Vans RV-9A (MSN 91162) owned by Ralph Burnett of Albany, WA, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-VFE Vans RV-9A (MSN 91162) owned by Ralph Burnett of Albany, WA, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2006, registered 7.4.2008.
Photo © Scott Palmer

 

VH-SRP Sequoia Falco F8L (MSN 1373) of Robert Phillis at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-SRP Sequoia Falco F8L (MSN 1373) of Robert Phillis at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2006 by Rob Phillis. Took 8 years to build. Registered 4.7.2006 as VH-FFB to Robert R Phillis. Reregistered 5.9.2008 as VH-SRP.
Based at Jandakot.
Photo © Scott Palmer
First flight 25.9.2010 at Jandakot by Rob Phillis.
VH-NDS Cirrus SR22-GTS (MSN 1969) owned by Wiseyield Investments Pty Ltd at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-NDS Cirrus SR22-GTS (MSN 1969) owned by Wiseyield Investments Pty Ltd at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built 2006. Ex N369BG. First registered in Australia as VH-NDS on 16.2.2011. Based at Jandakot.
This aircraft was formerly flown by Neil, Derryck and Stewart Graham (hence registration NDS), who formed Eagle Aircraft, builders of the Eagle XTS aircraft.
Photo © Scott Palmer
19-7212 Fly Synthesis Storch HS (MSN 358) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
19-7212 Fly Synthesis Storch HS (MSN 358) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
First registered 16.3.2009. Based at Serpentine.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-WMV Vans RV-6 (MSN 22155) owned by Ross Boaden of Ocean Beach, WA & VH-MMZ Vans RV-6 (MSN 22957) owned by Milan Zaklan at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-WMV Vans RV-6 (MSN 22155) owned by Ross Boaden of Ocean Beach, WA & VH-MMZ Vans RV-6 (MSN 22957) owned by Milan Zaklan at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-WMV was built in 2000 and VH-MMZ was built in 1996.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-KJP Vans RV-6 (MSN W-244X) owned by Peter Kelliher of Geraldton, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-KJP Vans RV-6 (MSN W-244X) owned by Peter Kelliher of Geraldton, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2005, first registered 5 December 2005.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-AOF/(A19-0)70 NZAI CT-4A Airtrainer (MSN 070) owned by Stephen Chapman of Lake Grace, WA at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-AOF/(A19-0)70 NZAI CT-4A Airtrainer (MSN 070) owned by Stephen Chapman of Lake Grace, WA at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built for Royal Australian Air Force and ferried from New Zealand as ZK-EUS. Delivered to RAAF 10 February 1982.
Retired from service and sold 9 Sept 1993. Registered VH-AOF to IHB Pty Ltd of Jandakot, WA.
Registered to Stephen Chapman of Lake Grace W.A on 30 July 2012.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-ANH/A19-041 NZAI CT-4A Airtrainer (MSN 041) owned by David Gard and VH-AAY Team Rocket F1 Rocket (MSN 130) of Roger Avery at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013 .
VH-ANH/A19-041 NZAI CT-4A Airtrainer (MSN 041) owned by David Gard and VH-AAY Team Rocket F1 Rocket (MSN 130) of Roger Avery at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013 .
VH-ANH: Built in 1975. Ferried from New Zealand as ZK-EAD, and delivered to the RAAF on 31 July 1975, allocated RAAF serial A19-041.
Sold by RAAF 31 May 1993. Registered VH-ANH 31 May 1993 to David T Gard.
Behind is: VH-AAY Team Rocket F1 Rocket (MSN 130) of Roger Avery, from Busselton, WA.
Built 2006, ex ZU-FIR. First registered in Australia 16.6.2008.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-AAY Team Rocket F1 Rocket (MSN 130) of Roger Avery at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013 .
VH-AAY Team Rocket F1 Rocket (MSN 130) of Roger Avery at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013 .
Built in 2006, ex ZU-FIR. First registered in Australia 16.6.2008.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-LWD Vans RV-7A (MSN 72457) owned by Lloyd Denney at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-LWD Vans RV-7A (MSN 72457) owned by Lloyd Denney at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built 2006. First regd 3.7.2006.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-PDM Vans RV-7A (MSN 71865) owned by Peter Mulhern, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-PDM Vans RV-7A (MSN 71865) owned by Peter Mulhern, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built 2005. Regd 31.1.2008. First flight 15.10.2010.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-OCH Vans RV-7 (MSN 73779) owned by Carl O Hanson, of Geraldton, named "Oscar" at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-OCH Vans RV-7 (MSN 73779) owned by Carl O Hanson, of Geraldton, named “Oscar” at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2010, first registered 16.12.2010.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-KJP Vans RV-6 (MSN W-244X) owned by Peter Kelliher of Geraldton, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-KJP Vans RV-6 (MSN W-244X) owned by Peter Kelliher of Geraldton, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2005, first registered 5 December 2005.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-KJP Vans RV-6 (MSN W-244X) owned by Peter Kelliher of Geraldton, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-KJP Vans RV-6 (MSN W-244X) owned by Peter Kelliher of Geraldton, at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2005, first registered 5 December 2005.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-MXE Vans RV-7A (cn 72100) of Malcolm Vivian, named “Lady V” at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-MXE Vans RV-7A (cn 72100) of Malcolm Vivian, named “Lady V” at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2011.
Photo © Scott Palmer
24-7722 Aeroprakt Foxbat A22LS (MSN A22LS-034) owned by Busselton Aero Club at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
24-7722 Aeroprakt A22LS Foxbat (MSN A22LS-034) owned by Busselton Aero Club at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
The Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat is a Ukrainian two-seat ultralight aircraft that was designed by Yuri Yakovlev and is manufactured by Aeroprakt, either factory-assembled or as a kit.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-JSP Vans RV-9A (MSN 91336) owned by Marko Martinovich at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-JSP Vans RV-9A (MSN 91336) owned by Marko Martinovich at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built 2006, first registered 19.6.2006.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-ORE Vans RV-6 (MSN 24961) owned by Paul Blackney at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-ORE Vans RV-6 (MSN 24961) owned by Paul Blackney at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2006, first registered 4.4.2006.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-ORE Vans RV-6 (MSN 24961) owned by Paul Blackney at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-ORE Vans RV-6 (MSN 24961) owned by Paul Blackney at New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2006, first registered 4.4.2006.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-NIG/N9129/29 De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth (MSN 82248) of Nigel T Emmans at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-NIG/N9129/29 De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth (MSN 82248) of Nigel T Emmans at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Based at Serpentine. Painted in RAF camouflage.
Built in 1939. One of 100 Tiger Moths imported to Australia (in addition to production at Bankstown, NSW).
Served with RAAF, but retained RAF serial N9129. Served with 9EFTS at Cunderdin WA 10/04/1943 to 19/06/1943.
Registered VH-BJV 24/11/1947 to George W K Baston, Quobba Station, Carnarvon, WA.
Registered 1.11.1953 to Reginald J James, Cardabia Station, Carnarvon, WA.
Registered 3.9.1956 to Berrinvale Grazing Co, Glentramie, New Norcia, WA.
Registered 6.5.1957 to Doggett Aviation & Engineering Co, Maylands Aerodrome, WA.
Re-registered 15.6.1959 as VH-DAL to Doggett Aviation & Engineering Co, Maylands Aerodrome, WA.
Crashed and cancelled from register 28.6.1965.
Registered VH-NIG from 12.4.1994 to Nigel T Emmans.
The Stearman in the background is VH-URC.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-CKF / A17-421 De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth (MSN DHA596/T200) of the Royal Aero Club of WA, named "Shirley Adkins" at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-CKF / A17-421 De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth (MSN DHA596/T200) of the Royal Aero Club of WA, named “Shirley Adkins” at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 1941. Ordered for Rhodesia as DX535 but taken on RAAF charge on 4 October 1941 as A17-421.
Acquired by Dept of Civil Aviation (DCA) from RAAF stock and converted for civil use with a raked-forward undercarriage which permitted the use of a tailwheel and wheel brakes. It was registered to DCA as VH-AZL on 26 June 1947. At the time of its initial conversion, or shortly afterwards, it was fitted with a canopy of a style developed by De Havilland Canada.
Following a change of policy, it was re-registered in DCA’s block as VH-CAG on 4 May 1949. It was allocated to DCA’s Western Australia Region, based at Maylands.
By 6 April 1957, the canopy had been removed, and the aircraft was used by DCA to test prospective aerial agriculture pilots.
Sold to the Gliding Association of Western Australia on 5 April 1960 for £450. Reregistered 7.7.1960 as VH-TUG Gliding Association of Western Australia Inc, Doubleview, WA, later to Gliding Club of Western Australia Inc. , Bedford Park, WA.
Reregistered 23.10.1965 as VH-CKF. Went through a number of owners before being sold in 1986 to Reg Adkins (ex MMA DC-3, F27 & F28 pilot).
Registered 23.11.1995 to Royal Aero Club of Western Australia Inc, and painted in RAAF markings as A17-421, named “Shirley Adkins” (after Reg Adkins’ wife).
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-YGJ Yakovlev Yak-52 “Yakka” (tailwheel conversion) (MSN 802) owned by Gordon Johanson and VH-URC Boeing A75N1 Stearman (PT-17 Kaydet) (MSN 75-1834) owned by Heckenbury Pty Ltd at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-YGJ Yakovlev Yak-52 “Yakka” (tailwheel conversion) (MSN 802) owned by Gordon Johanson and VH-URC Boeing A75N1 Stearman (PT-17 Kaydet) (MSN 75-1834) owned by Heckenbury Pty Ltd at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-YGJ is a tailwheel conversion of a Yak-52, and formerly operated by DOSAAF, a Soviet paramilitary organisation which trained pilots.
VH-URC wears a WW2-style US Army Air Corps blue/yellow colour scheme. Built in 1941. Ex 41-8275, N58403.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-URC Boeing A75N1 Stearman (PT-17 Kaydet) (MSN 75-1834) owned by Heckenbury Pty Ltd at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-URC Boeing A75N1 Stearman (PT-17 Kaydet) (MSN 75-1834) owned by Heckenbury Pty Ltd at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
The aircraft wears a WW2-style US Army Air Corps blue/yellow colour scheme.
Built in 1941. Ex 41-8275, N58403.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-YGJ Yakovlev Yak-52 “Yakka” (tailwheel conversion) (MSN 802) owned by Gordon Johanson at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-YGJ Yakovlev Yak-52 “Yakka” (tailwheel conversion) (MSN 802) owned by Gordon Johanson at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
This is a tailwheel conversion of a Yak-52, and formerly operated by DOSAAF, a Soviet paramilitary organisation which trained pilots.
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-XHE Pietenpol Aircamper (MSN 170) owned and flown by Graham Hewitt at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-XHE Pietenpol Aircamper (MSN 170) owned and flown by Graham Hewitt at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Graham Hewitt constructed this aircraft himself and first flew it in 2012.
It took Graham 1.5 hours to fly from Serpentine to Wagin, and it was rather cold in the open cockpit!
Photo © Scott Palmer
VH-EZT Czech Sport Aircraft PiperSport (MSN P1001085) of University Flying Club (Inc) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield - Sat 12 October 2013.
VH-EZT Czech Sport Aircraft PiperSport (MSN P1001085) of University Flying Club (Inc) at New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield – Sat 12 October 2013.
Built in 2011, first registered 29.4.2011.
Photo © Scott Palmer
View from VH-EZT Czech Sport Aircraft PiperSport (MSN P1001085) of University Flying Club (Inc) en route from the New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield to Jandakot Airport - Sat 12 October 2013.
View from VH-EZT Czech Sport Aircraft PiperSport (MSN P1001085) of University Flying Club (Inc) en route from the New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield to Jandakot Airport – Sat 12 October 2013.
Photo © Scott Palmer
View from VH-EZT Czech Sport Aircraft PiperSport (MSN P1001085) of University Flying Club (Inc) en route from the New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield to Jandakot Airport - Sat 12 October 2013.
View from VH-EZT Czech Sport Aircraft PiperSport (MSN P1001085) of University Flying Club (Inc) en route from the New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield to Jandakot Airport – Sat 12 October 2013.
Photo © Scott Palmer
View from VH-EZT Czech Sport Aircraft PiperSport (MSN P1001085) of University Flying Club (Inc) en route from the New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield to Jandakot Airport - Sat 12 October 2013.
View of Rockingham and Garden Island from VH-EZT Czech Sport Aircraft PiperSport (MSN P1001085) of University Flying Club (Inc) en route from the New Runway Opening Fly In, Wagin Airfield to Jandakot Airport – Sat 12 October 2013.
Photo © Scott Palmer

1 thought on “12 October 2013: New Runway Opening Fly-In, Wagin Airfield (YWGN)”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may have missed

Cathay Pacific switches Perth – Hong Kong services to Boeing 777-300ER from Airbus A350 B-KQU Boeing 777-367ER of Cathay Pacific Airways at Perth Airport, Western Australia - 31 October 2023. **Change of type - Boeing 777-300ER replacing Airbus A350-900/1000 on Hong Kong - Perth services** Flight CX171 from Hong Kong on approach to runway 21 at 10:37pm. The Boeing 777-300ER replaces the Airbus A350 previously used on this service. Photo © Nick Stubbs-Ross

Cathay Pacific switches Perth – Hong Kong services to Boeing 777-300ER from Airbus A350

31 October 2023
Air New Zealand resumes Boeing 787 Auckland – Perth services, replacing leased Wamos Air A330 ZK-NZE Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner of Air New Zealand in special all black livery, at Perth Airport - 29 October 2023. Air New Zealand resumed operating Auckland services using its own aircraft from today. ZK-NZE is seen departing as NZ176 to Auckland on 29 October. To enable Air New Zealand to build capacity while bringing other stored aircraft back online after the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline had wet-leased (aircraft plus crew) Airbus A330-243 aircraft from Spanish airline Wamos Air from 15 November 2022 to 28 October 2023. Wamos Air A330-200 EC-NCK was flown to New Zealand on 10 November 2022 and entered service on the Perth route from 15 November 2022, operating daily as NZ173 from Auckland and departing as NZ174. It operated its final Perth-Auckland service on 27 April 2023 and was replaced by EC-NBN until 28 October 2023. Photo © John Slabbert

Air New Zealand resumes Boeing 787 Auckland – Perth services, replacing leased Wamos Air A330

29 October 2023
ANA resumes Tokyo – Perth services JA893A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner of ANA, at Perth Airport, Western Australia - 29 October 2023. **Resumption of passenger services to Perth by ANA today** Flight NH881 at bay 153, Terminal 1, after arriving from Tokyo-Narita at 7:49pm. It departed as NH882 at 10:31pm. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, ANA suspended Perth services, with their final passenger service on 30 March 2020 (they operated some freight services in January 2021). They have now resumed daily services. Photo © John Slabbert

ANA resumes Tokyo – Perth services

29 October 2023
Firefighting aircraft in Western Australia: October 2023 – April 2024 N1073W/HELITAK 671 Bell 214B-1 BigLifter of McDermott Aviation, at Warradale Park, Landsdale, Western Australia - 29 January 2022. Drawing water from the lake, while fighting a bushfire to the west of Tonkin Highway in Bullsbrook. Operated on firefighting duties in the summer fire season, for the Western Australian Government under the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. Fitted with a 2,700-Litre Isolair 'Tsunami' belly tank. Photo © David Eyre.

Firefighting aircraft in Western Australia: October 2023 – April 2024

15 October 2023