Wed 29 Jun 2011:

HS-TEP Airbus A330-343X (cn 1035) of Thai Airways International, named "Sri Anocha".

This aircraft was delivered in 2009 and has visited Perth many times. It is seen here on finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 15:34 as flight TG481 from Bangkok.

Thai operates daily A330-300 services from Bangkok, with three per week operating via Phuket.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 29 Jun 2011:

A41-206 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III (cn F166 / AUS1, US serial 06-0206) of 36 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, based at Amberley, QLD.

On finals to Perth Airport runway 03 at 15:40, using callsign "AUSY 509".

This was the RAAF's first C-17 to be delivered, arriving at Canberra on 4 December 2006.

Photos © Les Bushell

Wed 29 Jun 2011:

A97-011 Lockheed C-130H Hercules (cn 382-4791) of 37 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, based at Richmond, NSW.

On finals to Perth Airport runway 03 at 15:43, using callsign "TROJAN 097".

This C-130H was formerly operated by 36 Squadron, until they transitioned to the Boeing C-17 and moved to Amberley. 36 Squadron transferred all of its C-130H Hercules to 37 Squadron at Richmond.

37 Squadron also operates the C-130J and stretched C-130J-30.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 29 Jun 2011:

VH-OCS Cessna 441 Conquest (cn 4410030) of Caper Pty Ltd.

Ex N36957, (XA-LEO), D-IAAN, N4813H, N441MM.

This aircraft was built in 1978, joined the Australian register in 1990, and since then has spent most of its time in South Australia. It joined Caper Pty Ltd in 2010.

Caper Pty Ltd is based at Melbourne-Essendon and operates aircraft charter and training services.

Seen here on finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 16:06.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 29 Jun 2011:

VH-BZG Boeing 737-8FE (cn 37822/3355) of Virgin Australia, named "Brett's Jet"

Brett Godfrey was the CEO of Virgin Blue, which he co-founded with Sir Richard Branson in 2000. At an official function on 5 May 2010 - the day before his last day as CEO - it was announced that the next Virgin Blue 737 delivered was to be specially registered as VH-BZG in honour of Brett and Zhara Godfrey, and named "Brett's Jet".

VH-BZG was delivered on 30 July 2010, and has been to Perth a number of times. It is seen here on finals to runway 03 at Perth at 16:11 as flight DJ559 from Sydney.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

ZS-SLA Airbus A340-212 (cn 008) of South African Airways.

Flight SA280 from Johannesburg, on finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 13:00.

This is one of the oldest A340s - the 8th one built.

It was Lufthansa's first A340, delivered in January 1993 as D-AIBA. It was traded back to Airbus in January 2003 and leased to South African from April 2003.

The daily Perth/Johannesburg flight is the only Australian service operated by SAA. A mix of A340-200s, -300s and -600s are used.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

VH-OJH Boeing 747-438 (cn 24806/807) of Qantas, named "City of Darwin".

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight QF63 from Sydney at 13:13.

This service normally flies direct Sydney to Johannesburg, but the aircraft visited Perth for a fuel stop. It had to take a longer route to Johannesburg to avoid the ash cloud created by Chile's Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

VH-ACE Hawker 900XP (cn HA-0049) of Remorex Pty Ltd.

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 13:30.

Remorex is an entity under Australian Capital Equities (hence the registration VH-ACE), which is run by Perth-based millionaire Kerry Stokes .

VH-ACE was delivered new in 2008.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

VH-DNK Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 (cn 9311) of Tatary Pty Ltd, believed to be operated by AVWest.

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 13:42.

This aircraft was built in 2008 and was formerly registered in the Isle of Man as M-SALE, operated by Execujet Middle East.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

VH-INU Boeing 737-3YO (cn 23684/1353) of Our Airline, named "Naoero", which also bears small "AIR KIRIBATI" titles.

Our Airline was formerly Air Nauru and is the national airline of the central Pacific island nation of Nauru, owned by the Government of Nauru.

VH-INU has been to Perth a number of times, operating charter flights.

The aircraft left Perth the previous Saturday morning on a charter flight to Singapore with a team of basketballers. It is seen here returning to Perth from Singapore, on finals to runway 03 at 13:48 using callsign AIR NAURU 901.

Photos © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

PK-GMH Boeing 737-8U3 (cn 30142/3213) of Garuda Indonesia.

Flight GA724 from Jakarta via Denpasar (Bali) at 14:09, on finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport.

Garuda operates 737-800s three times daily to Perth from Denpasar.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

VH-LBD Cessna 441 Conquest (cn 441-0296) of Caper Pty Ltd, operated for Outback Airlines.

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport.

Caper Pty Ltd is based at Melbourne-Essendon and operates aircraft charter and training services.

This aircraft was formerly operated by Perth-based Skippers Aviation.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

VH-VZM Boeing 737-838 (cn 34192/3644) of Qantas, named "Bathurst".

This aircraft is one of the newest aircraft in the Qantas at the time of this photo, having been delivered on 16 May 2011, and performed its first revenue service on 21 May.

It first visited Perth on 24 May 2011.

Seen here on finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 15:19 as flight QF913 from Karratha.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

VH-VUG Boeing 737-8FE (cn 34438/1948) of Pacific Blue, named "Jasmine Tasman".

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 15:56 as flight DJ559 from Sydney.

Pacific Blue is part of the Virgin Australia group of companies, and Pacific Blue aircraft often operate Virgin Australia domestic flights.

Prior to the Virgin Blue Airlines group being rebranded as Virgin Australia in May 2011, the airline repainted the titles on the forward fuselage to denote that Pacific Blue is an airline of Virgin Blue (now Virgin Australia).

Pacific Blue will use the Virgin Australia name by the end of 2011. All aircraft in the Virgin Australia group will wear Virgin Australia colours within the next four years, being either repainted or replaced by newer aircraft.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 27 Jun 2011:

VH-KTB Beech Duchess 76 (cn ME-409) of R.P.M. Management Pty Ltd, operated by Ad Astral Aviation

On finals to Perth Airport, its home base.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 26 June 2011:

PK-AXO Airbus A320-216 (cn 4486) of Indonesia AirAsia

Flight QZ8622 from Denpasar (Bali) on finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 12:30.

Indonesia AirAsia operates A320s four times daily between Perth and Denpasar.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 26 June 2011:

VH-VGU Airbus A320-232 (cn 4245) of Jetstar

Flight JQ974 from Adelaide on finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 12:33.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 26 June 2011:

VH-OJT Boeing 747-438 (cn 25565/1233) of Qantas, named "Fraser Island"

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight QF63 from Sydney at 13:05.

This service normally flies direct Sydney to Johannesburg, but the aircraft visited Perth for a fuel stop. It had to take a longer route to Johannesburg to avoid the ash cloud created by Chile's Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 26 June 2011:

VH-OJS Boeing 747-438 (cn 25564/1230) of Qantas, named "Hamilton Island".

Wears a special colourscheme to promote the Qantas Socceroos soccer team.

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight QF581 from Sydney at 13:11.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 26 June 2011:

VH-NJY BAE Systems Avro RJ100 (cn E3331) of Cobham Aviation Services Australia.

Executing a go around near runway 03 at Perth Airport during crew training circuits at 14:17.

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 24 June 2011:

VH-YFF Boeing 737-8FE (cn 40994/3664) of Virgin Australia, named "Wineglass Bay".

** FIRST VISIT BY VH-YFF TO PERTH **

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight DJ679 from Melbourne at 12:09.

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 24 June 2011:

A36-002 Boeing 737-7DT (BBJ) (cn 30790/613) of 34 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (leased from GECAS), based at Fairbairn (Canberra), ACT.

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport at 12:19.

One of two BBJs (Boeing Business Jets) operated by 34 Squadron for VIP duties, together with three Challenger 604 aircraft.

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 24 June 2011:

VH-OJU Boeing 747-438 (cn 25566/1239) of Qantas, named "Lord Howe Island".

In special colours to advertise the "Oneworld" airline alliance, of which Qantas is a member.

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight QF63 from Sydney at 13:03.

The aircraft visited Perth for a fuel stop - it had to take a longer route to Johannesburg to avoid the ash cloud created by Chile's Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano.

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 24 June 2011:

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

On finals to runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight QF581 from Sydney at 13:24.

Boeing 747s have been operating the QF581/QF582 service between Perth and Sydney since 30 May 2011.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 12 June 2011:

VH-VGP Airbus A320-232 (cn 4343) of Jetstar in "Powderfinger Sunsets" special markings.

Seen arriving on runway 03 as flight JQ974 from Adelaide at 13:51 (over 70 minutes late - possibly due to volcanic ash causing flight schedule issues).

The aircraft was painted in these special colours at Newcastle on 30 August 2010, for the farewell tour by Australian rock band Powderfinger.

The aircraft has visited Perth a number of times since being painted with Powderfinger markings.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Sat 11 June 2011:

VH-MXK Canadair CL-600-2A12 Challenger CL601-1A (cn 3003) of Maxem Aviation

On finals to Perth Airport, its base.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sat 11 June 2011:

VH-OEI Boeing 747-438ER (cn 32913/1330) of Qantas, named "Ceduna"

Landed at Perth Airport on runway 03 at 13:25 as flight QF63 from Sydney.

Normally, QF63 is a direct Sydney-Johannesburg flight, but due to a volcanic ash cloud advisory covering much of the Southern Ocean, the flight had to make a technical stop in Perth. The volcanic ash was from Cordón Caulle Volcano in the Andes mountain range in Chile.

The aircraft parked at Bay 55 at the International Terminal before departing to continue its journey to Johannesburg at 14:52.

Airborne photos © Les Bushell

Taxying photos: © Michael Davis

Sat 11 June 2011:

VH-EJY Cessna 550 Citation II (cn 550-0141) of Corporate Aircraft Charter, Adelaide.

Seen on finals to Perth Airport.

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 9 June 2011:

VH-JDN Beech Baron 58 (cn TH-1020) of Singapore Flying College.

Based at nearby Jandakot, it is seen conducting missed approach training at Perth Airport.

Singapore Flying College 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 operates Cessna 172R Skyhawk and the Baron 58 aircraft for ab-initio training, leading to a multi-engine Commercial Pilot's License (with Instrument Rating).

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 9 June 2011:

VH-LBZ Cessna 441 Conquest (cn 4410038) of Skipper Aviation

Seen on finals to its base at Perth Airport.

Photo: © Les Bushell

Thu 9 June 2011:

VH-XDB Beech 200 King Air (cn BB-533) operated by Aus West Airlines (2010) Pty Ltd for Star Aviation. Owned by Formula Aircraft Pty Ltd

This aircraft is based at Perth Airport, and was formerly operated by Network Aviation.

On finals to Perth Airport.

Photo: © Les Bushell

Thu 9 June 2011:

VH-DTF Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (cn 31-7852159) of Air Phoenix International, operated by Star Aviation.

Photo: © Les Bushell

Thu 9 June 2011:

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

This Navajo is an early production example, having been built in 1967.

Casair (Complete Aviation Services) was formed in 1992 and is based at Perth Airport. It conducts FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) operations for resources companies, freight and charter flights. Scheduled FIFO flights include Fortnum Gold Mine (near Meekatharra) and Balfour Downs Mine (East Pilbara, between Newman and Woodie Woodie).

Photo: © Les Bushell

Wed 8 June 2011:

VH-XFX De Havilland Canada DHC-8-314 Dash 8 (cn 313) of Skippers Aviation.

This aircraft wears the newer-style Skippers Aviation titles, which feature title "Skippers" on the rear fuselage.

Photo: © Les Bushell

Wed 8 June 2011:

VH-XFU DeHavilland Canada DHC-8-102 Dash 8 (cn 151) of Skippers Aviation.

This aircraft wears the old-style Skippers Aviation titles. The airline now uses the title "Skippers" on the rear fuselage.

Photo: © Les Bushell

Mon 6 June 2011:

C-GKUX De Havilland Canada DHC-8-315Q Dash 8 (cn 587) of Skippers Aviation.

Seen arriving on runway 21 at Perth at 15:45 in full Skippers Aviation livery on its delivery flight from Toronto (Canada) via Grand Rapids (Michigan, USA), Concord (California), Honolulu (Hawaii), Majuro (Marshall Islands) and Cairns.

The aircraft was originally delivered to Air Nostrum (Iberia Regional) in Spain as EC-IIA on 30 September 2002, named "Palmera".

During 7-11 April 2011, it was ferried across the Atlantic on return to Bombardier and allocated with this Canadian registration.

It was later added to the Australian register as VH-XKI.

Photo: © Les Bushell

Sat 4 June 2011:

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

Seen at the International Terminal at Perth Airport at 16:02, operating flight GA726 from Denpasar (Bali), parking at Bay 53. The third photo shows the aircraft departing at 17:09 as flight GA729 back to Denpasar.

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

This was its second visit to Perth - it first visited on 22 May 2011.

Photos © Michael Davis

Fri 3 June 2011 (& airborne photos taken 6 June):

VH-ZPR Embraer 190AR (ERJ-190-100IGW) (cn 1900424) of Virgin Australia.

The aircraft was delivered on 28 March 2011 in an all-white colourscheme, as at that date Virgin Blue had not yet launched their re-branding as Virgin Australia.

VH-ZPR first visited Perth on 31 May 2011.

Airborne photos © Keith Anderson : taken on 6 June 2011 on finals to runway 21 at 10:20 as DJ1838 from Port Hedland.

Tarmac photo © David Eyre : taken 3 June 2011 at Terminal 3 at 11:18 as DJ1485 to Broome.

Sat 28 May 2011:

TF-ALF Boeing 747-428M(BCF) (cn 25302/884) of National Airlines (leased from Air Atlanta Icelandic).

Seen arriving at 11:20am on runway 06 at Perth Airport from Avalon with a heavy load of equipment, enroute to Diego Garcia, using callsign "Aussie 86". 

The aircraft had an interesting visit.

When the 747 was inbound and contacted Melbourne Centre frequency, it was given runway 06 for arrival.

The 747 crew said that because of their weight they required runway 21/03.  Melbourne Centre said that runway 21/03 was closed as it was under maintenance and could not be opened, so runway 06/24 was the duty runway.  The 747 crew replied that the aircraft was too heavy to land on runway 06, but the controllers said they had to use runway 06. 

The 747 crew then said that they would have to burn (or dump?) fuel to get the aircraft's weight down to land on the shorter runway, and they were at Max Landing Weight. They requested permission to hold at FL190 over the BEVLY waypoint (50nm from Perth Airport) for up to 30 minutes. It took nearly an hour to bring the aircraft weight to acceptable limits.  The aircraft finally landed at 11:20. 

The saga continued. They wanted to get away urgently, and around 14:00 the authorities instructed the workers on 21/03 to cease work and finish for the day.  Safety vehicles then checked runway 21/03 and runway 21 became the duty runway. 

The 747 freighter pushed back around 14:00 for departure and took off from runway 21 at 14:04, headed for Diego Garcia.

National Airlines is based at Willow Run Airport, Michigan, USA (near Detroit).

Photos: © Les Bushell

Taxying photo (with Virgin A330 VH-XFA behind):
© Michael Davis

Sat 28 May 2011:

VH-XFA Airbus A330-243 (cn 365) of Virgin Australia Airlines, named "Cottesloe Beach".

On finals to runway 06 at Perth Airport as flight DJ553 from Sydney at 10:47am.

The aircraft first visited Perth on 9 April 2011 painted in an all-white scheme (see Steve Jaksic's earlier photos below), and then visited a number of times on route proving and CASA regulatory flights.

Virgin's A330 scheduled services commenced on 26 May 2011 with sistership VH-XFB.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sat 28 May 2011:

N889CP Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express (cn 9104) of Kirra Aircraft Leasing Trust No. 1.

This aircraft is operated by Consolidated Press Holdings, and based in Sydney.

On finals to Perth Airport at 11:41.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sat 21 May 2011:

VH-YFC Boeing 737-81D of Virgin Australia (leased from AWAS), named "Bondi Beach".

** First visit by a Boeing 737 in the new Virgin Australia colours. **

The aircraft arrived as flight DJ679 from Melbourne at 10:40, and is seen here departing runway 24 as flight DJ686 to Melbourne at around 13:00.

This was the first 737 in the Virgin fleet to be painted in the new colours and attended the official launch of Virgin Australia on 4 May 2011 in Sydney.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Sat 21 May 2011:

UR-82029 Antonov An-124-100M (cn 19530502630/02-10) of Antonov Design Bureau

Seen arriving at Perth Airport on runway 24 at 12:18pm as flight ADB2642 from Karratha.

The aircraft arrived in Perth from Colombo (Sri Lanka) at 3.55am on Friday 20 May 2011 and departed to Karratha the same day, before returning to Perth today.

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 19 May 2011:

** FIRST VISIT TO PERTH BY AN AIRCRAFT IN VIRGIN AUSTRALIA COLOURS **

VH-XFB Airbus A330-243 (cn 372) of Virgin Australia, named "Cable Beach"

Visiting Perth Airport for the first time on a route proving flight to as part of CASA regulatory requirements prior to the the commencement of scheduled Virgin Australia A330 services between Sydney and Perth (due to start on 26 May 2011).

Runway 03/21 was closed due to runway surface grooving works.

Landed on Runway 06 at 12:10pm as flight DJ9061 from Melbourne.

Departed from Runway 06 at 1:46pm as flight DJ9062, back to Melbourne.

All photos © Les Bushell

Thu 19 May 2011:

VH-ITA Beech King Air B200 (cn BB-1244) of Awesome Aviation, operated by Nantay Pty Ltd / Maroomba Airlines.

On finals to its home base at Perth Airport at 13:39.

Photo © Les Bushell

Thu 12 May 2011:

VH-FKW Fokker 50 (cn 20306) of Alliance Airlines

Arriving in Perth at 14:12, landing on runway 06. This aircraft is here for special tourist flights.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sat 7 May 2011:

VH-ANV Embraer 170LR (ERJ 170-100LR) (cn 17000280) of Airnorth.

Although not its first visit, these photos are included here as Air North operated only one return service a week from/to Darwin via Kununurra, on Saturdays. This is to change to Saturdays and Sundays from 15 May 2011.

Seen here arriving at Perth around 12:05 WST as flight TL340 and departing around 13:00 as flight TL341.

Photos © Les Bushell

Sat 7 May 2011:

VH-ZPQ Embraer 190AR (ERJ-190-100IGW) (cn 1900412) of Virgin Australia in special AFL colours.

Seen arriving at Perth as flight DJ1724 from Karratha at 10:57.

Virgin Australia (formerly Virgin Blue) become the official airline of the Australian Football League after winning the $8 million-a-year contract, beating the incumbent, Qantas.

Whilst Virgin Blue was waiting to release the new name and colour scheme as part of the airline's rebranding, most recent aircraft were delivered in an all-white scheme. Three of these white aircraft then received special AFL markings. VH-ZPQ is the only E190 to wear AFL markings.

First visit to Perth was on 17 April 2011.

Photos © Les Bushell

Fri 6 May 2011:

VH-XBP Cessna 550 Citation Bravo (cn 550-0810) of FMR Investments Pty Ltd, operated by Maxem Aviation.

On finals to its home base at Perth at 13:47.

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 6 May 2011:

VH-JDY Mooney M20J (201) (cn 24-1681) of the Royal Aero Club of WA Inc.

Based at nearby Jandakot, this Mooney is conducting a missed approach to Perth Airport during pilot training.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 4 May 2011:

VH-TFX Embraer 120ER Brasilia (cn 120079,
ex PT-SKW, N277UE, VH-XFH, DQ-MUM, VH-RPA) of Network Aviation

The latest EMB-120 aircraft for Network Aviation. This is the first with the fuselage painted all white, compared to the others in the fleet which have a bare silver metal fuselage.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 4 May 2011:

VH-MXJ Cessna 560 Citation Ultra (cn 560-0320) of Maxem Aviation.

This is based at Perth, and is seen on finals to Perth Airport at 11:12.

Maxem Aviation provides executive aircraft charter and management services.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sat 16 Apr 2011:

VH-XFA Airbus A330-243 (cn 365) of Virgin Blue Airlines.

The aircraft first visited Perth on 9 April 2011, and has since visited a number of times on what seems to be crew training or route proving flights.

This was its second visit - it arrived at 8.20pm on Friday 15 April, went to bay 17 at Terminal 3 Domestic, and then was towed around 11pm to Bay 60 at the International Terminal, as seen here. It was then towed back to the domestic side on 16 April before departing back to the eastern states.

The aircraft is an ex Emirates aircraft, formerly A6-EAB. It was painted all white, as Virgin Blue had yet to reveal its new corporate brand and name. The aircraft was later painted in the full Virgin Australia colours and named "Cottesloe Beach".

Virgin's A330 scheduled services commenced on 26 May 2011 with sistership VH-XFB.

Photos © Steve Jaksic

Wed 6 Apr 2011:

B-2472 Boeing 747-4J6 (cn 30158/1243) of Air China, parked at Bay 50 at Perth Airport.

This arrived the previous night using the callsign "Air China 003". It arrived from Yangon in Myanmar, and was to depart for Canberra at 0900 on 7th April.

The aircraft brought China's fourth highest ranking leader, Jia Qinglin - Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). This was to start an official visit to Australia, intended to increase cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations. 70% of all of Australia's exports to China came from WA, while more than 80% of Chinese investment in Australia was in WA.

The aircraft is nicknamed by enthusiasts as "China Air Force One", since it is used as a VIP and Presidential aircraft by the Chinese Government. On the rear fuselage it is marked as a "Boeing 747-400P".

Photo © David Eyre

Wed 6 Apr 2011:

9V-SFM Boeing 747-412F (cn 32898/1333) of Singapore Airlines Cargo.

Seen here taxying in to park at Bay 56 - arrived as flight SQ7343 from Cape Town (South Africa), via a tech stop at Mauritius. It had Cirque du Soleil circus equipment aboard.

Photo © David Eyre

Tue 29 Mar 2011:

PK-GFM Boeing 737-8U3 (cn 39920/3518) of Garuda Indonesia

Painted in special retro colours, as worn by the airline in 1961-1969, with the titles "BRAND LOGO 1961-1969" on the forward fuselage.

Seen here on finals to runway 21 as flight GA726 from Denpasar (Bali) at 15:48.

It made its first visit to Perth on 13 March 2011.

Photos © David Eyre

Tue 22 Mar 2011:

ZS-SSX Beech 1900D (cn UE-143, ex N143YV) which is to be delivered to Air South, based at Adelaide.

The aircraft arrived in Perth on 22/3/11 from Denpasar (Bali) and Broome.

It will be registered VH-YOA before delivery to Air South.

Photo © David Eyre

Sun 6 Mar 2011:

G-STRX Boeing 757-2Q8 (cn 25621/457, ex C-FXOO N25621 N551NA N459AX) of Astraeus Airlines, painted in special colours for the 2011 World Tour of heavy metal rock band Iron Maiden.

The aircraft arrived from Adelaide at 13.13 landing on runway 21.   The aircraft was using flight number AEU666 and callsign FLYSTAR666.

Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson is an Astraeus Captain who flies the 757 and is Astraeus's Marketing Director.

Photos © Les Bushell

Sun 6 Mar 2011:

VH-CWO Beech King Air 200C (cn BL-72) of Formula Aircraft Pty Ltd

Formula Aircraft provides aircraft hire and leasing services, and this aircraft is likely to be operated on resource charter flights from Perth.

It is a long-time Perth resident, being an ex Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft, formerly based at Jandakot. The RFDS King Airs were traded in against new Pilatus PC-12s, and VH-CWO spent some time in open storage at Jandakot until sold to Formula Aircraft in October 2010.

Seen on finals to Perth at 12:50.

Photos © Les Bushell

Fri 4 March 2011:

VH-MQZ Beech B200 King Air (cn BB-1961) of Nantay Pty Ltd.

This aircraft is operated by Maroomba Airlines for the Western Australian Government, hence the WA State Flag on the tail. Maroomba also operate VH-MQY Hawker 850XP for the State Government.

On finals to runway 21 at Perth at 17:39.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 2 March 2011:

B-HXI Airbus A340-313X (cn 220) of Cathay Pacific Airways

Taking off from runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight CX136 to Hong Kong at 8.07am.

This aircraft first visited Perth on 9 May 2009.

Photo © David Eyre

23 Feb 2011:
VH-VUZ Boeing 737-8FE (cn 39921/3536) of Virgin Blue, wearing special "Gold Coast Suns" AFL colours.

Taxying out to runway 03 at Perth for departure as flight DJ694 to Melbourne at 5.08pm.

The aircraft had previously visited Perth in an all-white colourscheme on 13 Feb 2011. Its first visit wearing special colours was 21 Feb 2011.

Photo © David Eyre

Sun 20 Feb 2011:
RA-82044 Antonov An-124-100 (cn 9773054155109) of Volga-Dnepr, arriving in Perth around midday.

The aircraft wears special "20 years" titles, to mark 20 years of Volga-Dnepr Airlines. The titles are on the starboard forward fuselage, left side of tail, and underside of the nose.

The aircraft was enroute to Karratha/Port Hedland with two helicopters on board. The aircraft was cleared for a 03 arrival, but on changing to Perth Approach, runways changed and it was cleared for a runway 21 arrival.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 13 Feb 2011:
ZS-SXH Airbus A340-313X (cn 197, ex F-WWJL, EC-GQK, F-WJKP) of South African Airways, on finals to runway 03 at Perth in the early morning as flight SA280 from Johannesburg.

This is one of two South African Airways A340-313Xs in an all white livery – the other being ZS-SXG. Both were obtained from Iberia (Spain).

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 4 Feb 2011:

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

Pearl Aviation Australia formed AeroPearl 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.

This aircraft visits Perth and other airports around Australia regularly, to conduct airways and navigational aid calibration duties.

Information on the aircraft is available HERE.

Seen here on finals to Perth Airport at 16:24.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 30 Jan 2011:
VH-VUM Boeing 737-8BK (cn 29675/2414) of Pacific Blue, on finals to runway 21 at Perth.

Note the new "Airline of Virgin Blue" titles on the forward fuselage. Previously, this aircraft had "flypacificblue.com" in large letters along the whole fuselage.

The Virgin Blue group of airlines is soon to release its new livery, so this seems to be an interim scheme.

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 25 Jan 2011:

NZ7572 Boeing 757-2K2 (cn 26634/545) of 40 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force, based at RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai, New Zealand.

On finals to runway 24 at Perth Airport at 13:34, using callsign "KIWI 525", arriving from its home base at Whenuapai, New Zealand.

It departed the following morning at 08:52.

It was originally delivered to Transavia Airlines of the Netherlands in 1993 as PH-TKB, and was one of two acquired by the RNZAF in June 2003 to replace a pair of Boeing 727-100s.

These 757s were modified to add a cargo door, cargo handling equipment and quick change configuration, amongst other changes. NZ7572 was re-delivered to the RNZAF in February 2009 after conversion.

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 10 Jan 2011:

N100A Bombardier BD700-1A10 Global Express XRS (cn 9205) of Exxon Mobil Corp, Dallas, Texas, USA

On finals to runway 21 at Perth Airport at 17:02.

Photo © Les Bushell