Aircraft Photos: NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

JULY - OCTOBER 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

JANUARY - JUNE 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

Also see Jetspotter.com discussion forum

Sat 31 Dec 2011: MARGARET RIVER

VH-FLR Robinson R44 Raven II (cn 11023) of Heliflights

Heliflights has a small helipad located at 8655 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, right next to the highway. The company conducts scenic and charter flights around the Margaret River and Bunbury regions.

Built in 2005, but first registered 30.1.2006 by Helibits Pty Ltd / Heliwest at Jandakot. Registered to Veronica P Bijl, on 16.2.2009, then operated by Heysen Gums Pty Ltd on 26.11.2009. It was previously used by Rotorvation Helicopter Services.

Photos © David Eyre

Sat 31 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

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

The first two photos show the aircraft landing on runway 21 at 15:20 as flight D7 232 from Kuala Lumpur.

The last two photos show the aircraft taking off from runway 21 at 17:29 back to Kuala Lumpur as flight D7 233.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-ZPJ Embraer 190AR (ERJ 190-100IGW) (cn 19000209) of Virgin Australia, named "Bambino Blue" - still wearing the old Virgin Blue colours.

Taxying along taxiway A3, towards taxiway M for departure from runway 03 as flight DJ1725 to Karratha at 11:21.

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

Landing on runway 03 at 11:21 as flight QF475 from Melbourne.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-SJQ Cessna 441 Conquest (cn 441-0173) of Skippers Aviation

Landing on runway 03 at 11:31 from Plutonic Mine, which is located 800 kilometres NNE of Perth.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Landing on runway 03 at 11:33 as flight QF581 from Sydney.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FND Fokker 50 (cn 20129) of Skywest, named "Shire of Shark Bay"

Landing on runway 03 at 11:49 from Windarling Iron ore Mine airstrip, 217km NW of Kalgoorlie.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Taxying to runway 03 at 11:53 as flight DJ560 to Sydney.

Note the crew giving a friendly wave to the spectators at the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

In the last photo, VH-YQB Airbus A320-212 (cn 279) of Air Australia is landing on runway 03 in the background as flight VC502 from Derby (RAAF Curtin).

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YQB Airbus A320-212 (cn 279) of Air Australia

Landing on runway 03 at 11:54 as flight VC502 from Derby (RAAF Curtin).

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FNY Fokker 100 (cn 11484) of Skywest

Taxying along taxiway A3 to runway 03 at 12:06, for departure to the Argyle Diamond Mine in the Kimberley region of northern WA.

In the second photo, VH-FNY is holding on taxiway M, as VH-FNJ (cn 11489) is landing on runway 03 after a flight from Argyle Diamond Mine.

Photos taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-LQD Bombardier DHC-8-402NG Dash 8Q-400 (cn 4371) of QantasLink, named "City of Greater Geraldton"

Landing on runway 03 at 12:28 as "QantasLink 599D", arriving from Fortescue Dave Forrest Airport, near the Cloudbreak Iron Ore Mine, which is operated by Fortescue Metals Group.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-AXM Airbus A320-216 (cn 4462) of Indonesia AirAsia

Landing on runway 03 at 12:33 as flight QZ8412 from Denpasar (Bali), one of four daily services operated by the airline between Perth and Denpasar.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VZU Boeing 737-838 (cn 34187/3826) of Qantas, named "Lorne"

Landing on runway 03 at 12:42 as flight QF1071 from Broome.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-ZXB Boeing 767-336ER (cn 24338/293) of Qantas

Taxying along taxiway A3 to runway 03 at 12:42 as flight QF598 to Brisbane.

One of the former British Airways Rolls-Royce RB211-powered 767s.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-QQC De Havilland Canada DHC-8-102 Dash 8 (cn 008) of Maroomba Airlines (leased from Skytrans)

Landing on runway 03 at 12:48 on a FIFO flight from the airstrip at Lake Johnston nickel mine, 516 km east of Perth.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VUG Boeing 737-8FE (cn 34438/1948) of Virgin Australia, named "Jasmine Tasman"

Recently repainted in Virgin Australia colours - it previously wore Pacific Blue titles and "Airline of Virgin Blue" titles.

Taking off from runway 21 at 13:24 as flight DJ2903 to Christmas Island, 2,600 kilometres northwest of Perth.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Thu 29 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FNP Airbus A320-231 (cn 429) of Skywest Airlines

This aircraft is on contract to FMG (Fortescue Metals Group), and flies between Perth and Cloudbreak iron ore mine (Fortescue Dave Forrest Airport), 1123 kilometres NNE of Perth.

It is believed to be the largest aircraft to be used on Fly In, Fly Out resource charter flights.

Taking off from runway 21 at Perth at 13:30 to Cloudbreak.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Matt Hayes

Wed 28 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Landing on runway 03 at 07:48 as flight TT182 from Melbourne.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Les Bushell

Wed 28 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Taxying out along taxiway A3 at 07:51 for takeoff from runway 03 as flight XR113 to Geraldton.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 28 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

B-HXG Airbus A340-313X (cn 208) of Cathay Pacific

Oneworld special colours

Taxying out for departure from runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight CX136 to Hong Kong at 08:10.

Photos taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Les Bushell

Wed 28 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YVD Boeing 737-8FE (cn 40998/3848) of Virgin Australia, named "Salmon Beach"

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH

Departing from runway 03 as flight DJ564 to Sydney at 15:08.

Photos taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Made its first flight on 9 November 2011 with Boeing test registration N1786B. Delivered to Virgin Australia on 24 November 2011.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 28 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YIB Boeing 737-8FE (cn 37825/3758) of Virgin Australia, which is named "Trinity Beach" but does not yet have the named painted on.

Departing from runway 03 as flight DJ1843 to Port Hedland at 15:20.

Photos taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 28 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GFQ Boeing 737-86N (cn 39416/3766 ) of Garuda Indonesia

Landing on runway 03 at 16:00 as flight GA726 from Denpasar (Bali).

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 28 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YID Boeing 737-8FE (cn 37825/3758) of Virgin Australia, named "Rainbow Beach".

Landing on runway 03 as flight DJ4158 from Denpasar (Bali) at 17:03.

Photo taken from the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 27 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

A6-EBY Boeing 777-36N ER (cn 33864/622) of Emirates

Landing on runway 03 as flight EK420 from Dubai at 17:16.

Photographed from the new Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Keith Anderson

Tue 27 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

HS-TEO Airbus A330-343E (cn 1003) of Thai Airways International, named "Chutamat"

Seen landing on runway 03 at 15:32 as flight TG481 from Bangkok. Later photos showing the same aircraft taxying along taxiway A3 for takeoff from runway 03 at 17:00 as flight TG482 back to Bangkok.

Note the First Officer waving and smiling to the spectators at the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Tue 27 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-ZXA Boeing 767-336ER (cn 24337/288) of Qantas

Taxying along taxiway A3 for takeoff from runway 03 as flight QF594 to Brisbane at 17:00.

Note the First Officer giving a friendly wave to the spectators gathered at the Perth Airport Viewing Area.

This is one of seven Boeing 767-336ER aircraft leased from British Airways. These have Rolls-Royce RB211-524H engines, whereas the 767-338ER versions ordered new by Qantas have General Electric CF6-80C2B6 engines.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Tue 27 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-EBP Airbus A330-202 (cn 1174) of Qantas, named "Ningaloo Valley".

Landing on runway 03 at 15:30 as flight QF777 from Melbourne.

Photographed from the new Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photo © Keith Anderson

Mon 26 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

On final approach to runway 21 at Perth at 17:27 as flight DJ4158 from Denpasar (Bali).

This aircraft was photographed by Keith Anderson on 28 October 2011 painted all white, prior to being painted in full Virgin Australia colours - CLICK HERE.

Prior to that, it was photographed in "Gold Coast Suns" AFL colours - see David Eyre's photo taken on 23 February 2011 - CLICK HERE

Photo © Les Bushell

Mon 26 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

C-FIBN / 681 Sikorsky S-61N (cn 61811) of VIH Helicopters Ltd, British Columbia, Canada.

Arriving at Perth Airport at 13:39 after fighting a bush fire.

This firefighting helicopter arrived at Perth Airport on Tuesday 1 November 2011, and has been leased by the WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority for the 2011/12 bush fire season.

It has been fitted with an underbelly Isolair firefighting system and hover pump - the hose for the pump can be seen lying under the nose of the helicopter. This was fitted at Perth Airport on 4 November.

Built in 1976. Originally delivered 22 June 1978 to Bow Valley Helicopters in Alberta, Canada as C-GBVR. It later became PT-HPV, and C-FIBN.

It was joined by a second S-61, C-GHTN, which became "Helitac 682".

Photo © Les Bushell

Sat 24 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NHG Fokker 100 (cn 11514) of Network Aviation

FIRST VISIT - DELIVERY FLIGHT

On final approach to runway 21 at 13:13 using flight number SXI1162, as it was flown by a crew from Southern Cross International, a provider of aircraft ferrying services.

The aircraft departed from Woensdrecht Airport in the Netherlands, at 10:00 local time on Fri 23 Dec 2011 with the delivery route flown being: Woensdrecht - Trabazon (Turkey) - Al Ain (UAE) - Nagpur (India) - Penang (Malaysia) - Jakarta Halim (Indonesia) - Perth.

VH-NHG is first of ten ex-Avianca Fokker 100 aircraft to be purchased since Qantas acquired Network Aviation. Avianca has replaced the F100s with Airbus A318s. The next four F100s have already been ferried from Bogota (Colombia) - Nassau (Bahamas) - Halifax (Canada) - Keflavik (Iceland) - Woensdrecht. Two of these are due to arrive in Perth from mid-January 2012.

Network already has two ex-US Airways Fokker 100s in service (VH-NHO & VH-NHP), and a third (VH-NHF) was used as a source of spare parts and broken up earlier this month.

VH-NHG was first flown on 25 Apr 1994 with Fokker test registration PH-EZZ. It was delivered on 5 May 1994 to American Airlines as N1472B. After 10 years of service it was stored at Mojave, California in 2004. On 3 June 2006, it was sold to Avianca in Colombia as HK-4438 but stored again in 2011. Temporarily registered PH-ZFU. Registered as VH-NHG for Network Aviation on 1 Nov 2011.

Photos © Les Bushell

Sat 24 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-ATM Bombardier Challenger 605 (cn 5844) of Hornbill Skyways, operated for Pehin Sri Hani Abdul Taib Mahmud - the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Malaysia.

On final approach to Perth Airport's runway 21 at 15:27, arriving from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak.

The aircraft has the State Crest of Sarawak just aft of the first cabin window.

This aircraft was allocated Bombardier test registration C-GFJB on 22 June 2010. Registered as 9M-ATM on 12 May 2011 to Pehin Sri Hani Abdul Taib Mahmud - the Chief Minister of Sarawak, replacing his Cessna 750 Citation which wore the same registration 9M-ATM (cn 750-2024).

Photos © Les Bushell

Fri 23 Dec 2011: Fremantle Heliport (YFTL)

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

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

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

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

Photos © Matt Hayes

Fri 23 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

ZK-VAB Saab 340B (cn 340B-357) of Vincent Aviation

FIRST VISIT

Arriving from Newman on runway 21 at 06:08am using callsign "VINCENT 341".

First flew 29 Dec 1993 with Saab test registration SE-C57. Delivered to Formosa Airlines (Taiwan) as B-12262 on 26 Jan 1994. To Shandong Airlines 1 Dec 1998 as B-3657. To Hellenic Star Airways 10 July 2002 as SX-BTE. To Macair in Queensland as VH-UYA on 27 Oct 1994, but Macair ceased operations 30 Jan 2009. To Vincent Aviation in New Zealand on 16 Apr 2011 as ZK-VAB.

Photos © Les Bushell

Fri 23 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-SRQ Boeing 777-212ER (cn 33373/487) of Singapore Airlines

Arriving on runway 21 at 05:48am as flight SQ225 from Singapore.

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 23 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

B-6111 Airbus A330-343E (cn 935) of China Southern Airlines

On final approach to runway 21 at 5:55am as flight CZ319 from Beijing via Guangzhou.

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 23 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

B-LAI Airbus A330-343E (cn 959) of Cathay Pacific

Arriving on runway 21 at 06:30am as flight CX137 from Hong Kong.

Photos © Les Bushell

Fri 23 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-OJL Boeing 747-438 (cn 25151/865) of Qantas, named "City of Ballarat"

Taking off runway 21 at 13:47 as flight QF582 to Sydney.

This photo was taken from the new Perth Airport Viewing Area.

Photos © Steve Jaksic

Wed 21 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-XXE Airbus A330-343E (cn 1075) of AirAsia X, named "Pioneering Xpedition"

Arriving on runway 21 at 05:33am as flight D7 236 from Kuala Lumpur.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 21 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-SQN Boeing 777-212ER (cn 33373/487) of Singapore Airlines

Arriving on runway 21 at 05:59am as flight SQ225 from Singapore.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 21 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Arriving on runway 21 at 06:27am as flight CX137 from Hong Kong.

Photos © Les Bushell

Wed 21 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-CJJ Vulcanair P.68C (cn 445) of Southern Aviation

Performing a missed approach to runway 21 for training purposes, at 15:03.

Southern Aviation is based at Bunbury, and also operates as Bunbury Flying School.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 21 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-XAA Airbus A330-301 (cn 054) of AirAsia X, named "Semangat Sir Freddie". Leased from AWAS.

"City" special colours.

Arriving on runway 21 at 15:26 as flight D7 232 from Kuala Lumpur.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 21 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VZV Boeing 737-838 (cn 34189/3856) of Qantas, named "Palm Cove".

Arriving on runway 21 at 15:32 as flight QF1073 from Broome.

This aircraft is new - it first flew on 17 November 2011, and was delivered to Qantas on 7 December 2011. It made its first visit to Perth on 20 December 2011.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 21 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-LQD Bombardier DHC-8-402NG Dash 8Q-400 (cn 4371) of QantasLink, named "City of Greater Geraldton".

Arriving on runway 21 at 15:37 as flight QF2429, using callsign "QantasLink 429D" from Learmonth.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 21 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GFG Boeing 737-8BK (cn 37819/3402 ) of Garuda Indonesia (leased from CIT Aerospace).

Arriving on runway 21 at 15:59 as flight GA726 from Denpasar (Bali).

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 18 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GFI Boeing 737-86N (cn 36805/3438) of Garuda Indonesia (leased from GECAS).

Arriving on runway 21 at 15:49 as flight GA726 from Denpasar (Bali).

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 18 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

HS-TES Airbus A330-343E (cn 1074) of Thai Airways International, named "Sukhothai"

Arriving on runway 21 at 16:13 as flight TG481 from Bankgkok.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 18 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VUY Boeing 737-8KG (cn 39450/3494) of Virgin Australia, named "Snapper Rocks".

This aircraft formerly wore AFL special colours.

Arriving on runway 21 at 17:07 as flight DJ4158 from Denpasar (Bali).

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 18 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

A6-EWC Boeing 777-21H LR (cn 35576/677) of Emirates

Arriving on runway 21 at 17:47 as flight EK420 from Dubai.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 18 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VQH Airbus A320-232 (cn 2766) of Jetstar

Arriving on runway 21 at 18:09 as flight JQ113 from Denpasar (Bali).

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 18 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

RA-82075 Antonov An-124-100 (cn 9773053459147, line number 07-08) of Polet Flight, named "Boris Naginski".

Arriving from Colombo, Sri Lanka and seen on final approach to Perth Airport's runway 21 at 18:19 as "Polet 4726".

The aircraft departed the next day as "Polet 4727" to
U-Tapao, near Pattaya, Thailand.

This particular An-124 last visited Perth in 2007.

Photos © Les Bushell

Sat 17 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

ZK-OKC Boeing 777-219 ER (cn 34377/546) of Air New Zealand

Operating flight NZ175/NZ176 from/to Auckland, instead of the usual Boeing 767-319ER.

The first two photos show the aircraft on final approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport as flight NZ175 at 4.35pm.

The last photo was taken from the new Perth Airport Viewing Area, when the aircraft took off from runway 21 as flight NZ176 back to Auckland at 6:33pm.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Sat 10 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

A6-EGD Boeing 777-31H ER (cn 38988/946) of Emirates

* FIRST VISIT TO PERTH *

On final approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport as flight EK420 from Dubai at 5:12pm.

This aircraft was delivered to Emirates on 18 July 2011.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Sat 10 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

ZK-TLC Boeing 737-3B7(SF) (cn 23705/1497) of Toll Priority (Airwork New Zealand).

On final approach to runway 21 at 16:21 using callsign "Toll Freight 93" from the Cocos Islands, which are located far off the northwest coast of Western Australia.

This aircraft was originally configured as a passenger aircraft, and was originally delivered to US Air as N388AU on 27 January 1988. It was later reregistered on 10 November 1988 as N519AU. After conversion to freighter configuration, it was delivered to Toll Priority on 27 August 2007 as ZK-TLC.

Photo © Keith Anderson

Sat 10 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VUN Boeing 737-8BK (cn 29676/2432) of Virgin Australia, named "Madelaide".

As Virgin Blue prepared for its rebranding as Virgin Australia early in 2011, Pacific Blue aircraft were repainted with titling "Airline of Virgin Blue" on the forward fuselage.

On 7 December 2011, Pacific Blue was officially rebranded as Virgin Australia, and the Pacific Blue aircraft will eventually be repainted in Virgin Australia livery. This aircraft still wears the old livery.

The aircraft is seen here on final approach to runway 21 at 16:51 as flight DJ4158 from Denpasar (Bali).

It first flew 2 November 2007 and was delivered to Pacific Blue as VH-VUN on 10 November 2007.

Photo © Les Bushell

9V-STO A330-343E Singapore Airlines - Perth

Wed 7 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-STO Airbus A330-343E (cn 1132) of Singapore Airlines

On final approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport as flight SQ225 from Singapore at 6:01am.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 7 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

B-6098 Airbus A330-343E (cn 908) of China Southern Airlines

On final approach to runway 21 at 6:13am as flight CZ319 from Beijing via Guangzhou.

Photo © Les Bushell

B-HXC A340-313E Cathay Pacific - Perth

Wed 7 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

B-HXC Airbus A340-313E (cn 142) of Cathay Pacific

On final approach to runway 21 at 6:27am as flight CX137 from Hong Kong.

A340s operate this service on Wednesday mornings only, all other Cathay services are operated by A330-300s.

Photos © Les Bushell

Sun 4 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

UR-82007 Antonov An-124-100 (cn 19530501005/line number 0105) of Antonov Airlines

Arriving from Colombo (Sri Lanka) on runway 03 at 08.30 as flight ADB2644.

This aircraft was built in 1987 and has visited Perth a few times before.

First two photos © Les Bushell
Lower photo © Michael Foss

Sat 3 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YVA Boeing 737-8FE (cn ) of Virgin Australia. The aircraft is named "Eurong Beach", but is not yet wearing that name on the nose.

On final approach to runway 03 as flight DJ559 from Sydney at 2:59pm.

This aircraft was only 6 months old at the time of this photo.

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 2 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GFQ Boeing 737-86N (cn 39416/3766 ) of Garuda Indonesia

On final approach to runway 03 at 14:37 as flight GA724 from Denpasar (Bali).

This aircraft is relatively new, as it first flew on 24 August 2011 and was delivered 19 September 2011.

Photo © Les Bushell

Fri 2 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FVM ATR72-500 (ATR72-212A) (cn 979) of Skywest Airlines, operated for Virgin Australia, named "Woolamai Beach"

FIRST VISIT - DELIVERY FLIGHT

Arriving on runway 03 at 16:19 using callsign "Southern Cross 1160", on delivery from the ATR factory in Toulouse France. Southern Cross International is a company which provides aircraft ferry flight/delivery services.

VH-FVM departed Toulouse on 29 November 2011. The delivery route was:

Toulouse, France
Borg El Arab (Alexandria), Egypt
Al Ain Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Jakarta-Halim, Indonesia
Perth, Western Australia.

This is Skywest's 4th ATR72 - the previous aircraft were VH-FVH, VH-FVI, and VH-FVL.

The ATRs operate on behalf of Virgin Australia under a 10-year agreement between the airlines, and are Virgin Australia branded. They all wear names of Australian beaches.

The initial aircraft are all operated in the Eastern States, based in Brisbane, but as more are delivered, they will be used on services in Western Australia, replacing Skywest's Fokker 50s.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Fri 2 Dec 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VUG Boeing 737-8FE (cn 34438/1948) of Virgin Australia, named "Jasmine Tasman"

Recently repainted in Virgin Australia colours - it previously wore Pacific Blue titles and "Airline of Virgin Blue" titles.

On final approach to runway 03 at 17:39 as flight DJ4158 from Denpasar (Bali).

Photo © Michael Foss

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NHF Fokker 100 (cn 11398) of Network Aviation

BROKEN UP

On the right of this photo of Network Aviation's hangar are the dismantled remains of Fokker 100 VH-NHF, which still bears the old US Airways dark grey/light grey livery.

The aircraft was ordered by US Air, and first flew in their colours with Fokker test registration PH-EZJ on 27 May 1992. In June 1992, it was delivered to US Air (which later became US Airways) as N898US. Ten years later in 2002, It was placed in storage in Mojave, California and later at Las Vegas. It was then leased to Platinum Jet Air Charters in August 2005, and then Air Express Sweden in 2007. Still wearing US Airways livery as N898US, between 11 and 14 June 2008, the aircraft was delivered to Perth, with route flown from Norwich-Heraklion-Sharjah-Calcutta-Penang-Denpasar-Darwin-Meekatharra-Perth. It was cancelled from the U.S. register on 16 June 2008, and registered in Australian on 20 June 2008 as VH-NHF to Network Aviation.

VH-NHF never entered service with Network Aviation, and sat in open storage ever since its arrival in Perth on 14 June 2008. Later, the engines were removed and the aircraft was cannibalised for spare parts. Recently, the aircraft was broken into sections - the tail cone can be seen lying next to the fuselage.

Network Aviation's two current Fokker 100 aircraft VH-NHO and VH-NHP are visible, together with some of their Brasilia aircraft.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-XWP Fokker 100 (cn 11281) of Alliance Airlines

FIRST REVENUE SERVICE

Taking off from runway 06 at Perth at 5:46AM on its first revenue service taking Fly-In Fly-Out mine workers to FMG's Cloudbreak Mine (Fortescue Dave Forrest Aerodrome), using callsign "Unity 670".

The aircraft had arrived from Adelaide the previous day (see photo below).

This aircraft made its first flight on 6 October 1989 with Fokker test registration PH-EZI, and was delivered to US Air as N853US on 21 October 1989. US Air was renamed as US Airways on 27 February 1997.

On 4 September 2003, it was returned to Fokker Services as PH-CXD, before being delivered as D-AGPD to Germania on 28 November 2003. It was leased to DBA and Air Berlin before being stored at Berlin-Schönefeld in November 2008. It was delivered as VH-XWP to Alliance Airlines on 7 June 2011.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FNR Fokker 100 (cn 11488) of Skywest Airlines

Taking off runway 06 at Perth at 5:57AM to Argyle Airport in the far north of Western Australia, taking Fly-In Fly-Out mine workers to the Argyle diamond mine.

The Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting station can be seen behind. In August 2010, this new facility became operational. It replaced the old ARFF station built in 1962, which was located next to the old control tower near the domestic terminals. The old control tower and ARFF station were demolished at the end of March 2011, to provide more room for larger aircraft taxying past.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NXL Boeing 717-231 (cn 55093/5083) of QantasLink

Taking off runway 06 at Perth at 6:03AM as flight QF1800 to the iron ore mining town of Paraburdoo, in the north of Western Australia.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VZU Boeing 737-838 (cn 34187/3826) of Qantas, named "Lorne"

Taking off runway 06 at Perth at 6:06AM as flight QF1090 to the iron ore mining town of Newman, in the north of Western Australia.

This aircraft is very new - it was delivered to Qantas on 6 November 2011, and made its first visit to Perth on 14 November 2011, a couple of weeks prior to this photo.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-STO Airbus A330-343E (cn 1132) of Singapore Airlines

Taxying down taxiway C1 at 06:11am, after landing on runway 06 as flight SQ225 from Singapore

VH-XMB Boeing 737-376(SF) (cn 23478/1352) of Australian Air Express (Express Freighters Australia)

Landing on runway 06 as flight QF7333 from Melbourne.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:14am as flight DJ1837 to the iron ore port town of Port Hedland, on Western Australia's north coast.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NJQ BAE Systems Avro RJ100 (cn E3328) of Cobham Aviation Services Australia

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:15am to take workers to the massive Chevron natural gas project on Barrow Island, off the northwest coast of Western Australia.

This $170 million, six-year contract was the largest aviation contract awarded in Australia's resources sector when it was awarded to Cobham in December 2009. Flights commenced on 23 April 2010 massive Gorgon gas project off Western Australia.

Cobham acquired a pair of used BAE RJ100 aircraft specifically for the Perth/Barrow island part of the contract. These are supplemented by three of Cobham's BAE 146 aircraft, which fly between Karratha and Barrow Island.

Due to the strict envrionmental protection requirements for Barrow Island, there are special quarantine requirements.

Aircraft undergo four hours of pre-flight cleaning each day, and the cabin, underfloor cargo hold and crew uniforms are designed to be easy to clean, and without places where seeds, dust and insects can collect. The aircraft are carefully checked before each flight. Freight is sprayed with insecticide, and wrapped in plastic.

Gorgon workers use a sterile terminal, where sniffer dogs are used to check for seeds, dust and food. Workers cannot wear trousers with cuffs, nor Velcro. They have to clean the inside and outside of their boots, then sign a declaration confirming that this has been done.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FNH Fokker 50 (cn 20113) of Skywest Airlines, named "Shire of Carnarvon"

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:18am for a flight to Kambalda, in the Goldfields region, east of Perth.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YQB Airbus A320-212 (cn 279) of Air Australia

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:21am for flight VC501 to Derby (RAAF Curtin), in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

This service operates five times per week (Mon-Fri), departing Perth at 6:00am and returning at 12:20pm. It is their only service from Perth.

A few days earlier on 27 November 2011, VH-YQB was the first Air Australia-branded aircraft to visit Perth, when it arrived into Perth shortly after midnight, on delivery from repainting in Subang. The airline was previously named Strategic Airlines, and is in the process of restructuring from a full-service airline to a low-cost airline.

One of the new QantasLink Dash 8Q-400 aircraft can be seen in the background, on the right - either VH-LQD or VH-LQG.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FNJ Fokker 100 (cn 11489) of Skywest Airlines

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:28am for flight XR53 to Learmonth Airport, near Exmouth.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VXS Boeing 737-838 (cn 33725/1352) of Qantas, named "St Helens"

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:29am on flight QF906 to Karratha, a town which is rapidly-growing with iron-ore ports, salt mines, and massive natural gas projects.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NHO Fokker 100 (cn 11312) of Network Aviation

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:33am on a two-hour flight with workers for the manganese mine at Woodie-Woodie, 1260km NNE of Perth, in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NJX British Aerospace 146-100A (cn E1003) of Cobham Aviation Services Australia

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:36am on a 1.5-hour flight to Barimunya Airport, 1077km NNE of Perth, with iron ore mine workers.

Barimunya airstrip is owned and operated by BHP Billiton Iron Ore and services its Yandi iron ore mine. The strip is also used by Rio Tinto Iron Ore for its Yandicoogina iron ore mine.

VH-NJX is one of the oldest BAe 146 aircraft flying - it was the third BAe 146 built, making its first flight as G-SSCH on 2 April 1982.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-ZPR Embraer 190 (ERJ-190-100-IGW) (cn 19000424) of Virgin Australia, named "Dundee Beach"

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:40am as flight DJ1875 to the iron ore mining town of Newman, 1186km NNE of Perth, a flight of 1 hour 40 minutes.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-ZPQ Embraer 190 (ERJ-190-100-IGW) (cn 19000412) of Virgin Australia, named "Main Beach"

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:53am as flight DJ9003 to Fortescue Dave Forrest Airport.

This airport services Fortescue Metals Group's Cloudbreak iron ore mine, 1124km NNE of Perth, a 1.5-hour flight.

This route is normally operated by Skywest Airline, using Airbus A320 VH-FNP.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FKC Fokker 100 (cn 11349) of Alliance Airlines

Taking off from runway 06 at 6:59am as "Unity 802" to Leinster, 639km NE of Perth.

The aircraft carries mine workers for the Leinster Nickel Mine, part of BHP-Billiton's Nickel West group.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FKG Fokker 100 (cn 11366) of Alliance Airlines

Taking off from runway 06 at 7.00am as "Unity 870" to Telfer, 1300km NE of Perth, a flight time of 1.5 hours.

The aircraft is taking Fly-In Fly-Out workers to Newcrest Mining's gold and copper mine.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-OGJ Boeing 767-338ER (cn 25274/396) of Qantas, named "City of Port Macquarie"

Taking off from runway 06 as flight QF574 to Sydney at 7:03am.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-XXD Airbus A330-343X (cn 1066) of AirAsia X, named "Soaring Xpectations"

Taking off from runway 06 as the daily flight D7 237 to Kuala Lumpur at 7:07am.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VOX Boeing 737-8BK (cn 33017/1446) of Pacific Blue, named "Missy Mainlander".

As Virgin Blue prepared for its rebranding as Virgin Australia early in 2011, Pacific Blue aircraft were repainted with titling "Airline of Virgin Blue" on the forward fuselage.

On 7 December 2011, Pacific Blue was officially rebranded as Virgin Australia, and the Pacific Blue aircraft will eventually be repainted in Virgin Australia livery.

On final approach to runway 21 at 16:45 as flight DJ4158 from Denpasar (Bali).

This aircraft first flew 26 January 2004, and was delivered on 26 Feb 2004 to Pacific Blue (leased from CIT Aerospace) as ZK-PBC. On 4 August 2005, it was re-registered as VH-VOX to Virgin Blue, but operated with both Pacific Blue and Virgin Blue.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

A6-ECL Boeing 777-36N ER (cn 37704/748) of Emirates

On final approach to runway 21 as flight EK420 from Dubai at 5:49pm.

This is one of two daily services by Emirates to Perth.

Photo © Les Bushell

Wed 30 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

On final approach to runway 21 at 6:18pm as "Unity 953" a Fly-In Fly-Out charter flight with mine workers from Leonora, 613km NE of Perth.

Leonora has a number of gold mines nearby, and the Murrin Murrin nickel and cobalt mine and processing plant is 60km east of the town.

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

A41-207 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III
(cn F-173/AUS2) of 36 Squadron, RAAF, based at Amberley, Queensland. (USAF serial is 07-07207).

Callsign "AUSY 627" arriving on Perth's runway 21 at 08:37 from RAAF Edinburgh.

This aircraft was delivered to the RAAF in May 2007.

Photos © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

N443M Gulfstream Aerospace G-550 (GV-SP) (cn 5199) of Chevron USA Inc.

Arriving from Kansai, Japan on Perth's runway 21 at 09:33.

Photos © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-XWP Fokker 100 (cn 11281) of Alliance Airlines

Arriving from Adelaide on Perth's runway 21 at 13:46 using callsign "Unity 991".

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VZD Boeing 737-838 (cn 34198/2659) of Qantas, named "Geelong".

This aircraft was delivered new to Qantas in June 2008, and was painted in this special colourscheme on 1 September 2011 in association with the Optus alliance with the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program.

Seen here arriving on runway 21 at 13:17 as flight QF919 from Karratha.

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Arriving runway 21 at 09:43 as flight QF1091 from Newman.

Starting to look a bit faded after being in this special livery for some years.

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

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-OGG Boeing 767-338 (cn 24929/343) of Qantas, named "Rockhampton".

Arriving on runway 21 at 13:01 as flight QF475 from Melbourne.

This aircraft was repainted in the revised Qantas livery in Singapore about a month ago, but a number of 767s are due to leave the Qantas fleet soon.

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VNB Airbus A320-232 (cn 2906) of Tiger Airways Australia.

Arriving on runway 21 at 08:23 as flight TT182 from Melbourne.

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YIA Boeing 737-8FE (cn 37824/3718) of Virgin Australia.

This aircraft is quite new and has not yet been given a name. It was first flown on 21 August 2011 with test registration N1786B, and was delivered as VH-YIA on 28 July 2011.

Arriving on runway 21 at 09:51 as flight DJ679 from Melbourne.

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FWA Beech 1900C (cn UB-61) of Ad Astral Aviation

Arriving from Southern Cross on Perth's runway 21 at 09:27.

Manufactured October 1986. Ex N7245E and N818BE with Business Express (Delta). To VH-FWA on 6 June 1996.

Photo © Les Bushell

Tue 29 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NOA Beech 1900D (cn UE-94) of Ad Astral Aviation

Arriving from Southern Cross on Perth's runway 21 at 09:16.

Built in April 1994, ex N94UX United Express / Great Lakes Aviation, ZS-PPX National Airway Corp, PK-OCW Airfast. Registered VH-NOA in October 2006.

Photo © Les Bushell

Sun 27 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YQC Airbus A320-212 (cn 395) of Air Australia

First visit in Air Australia colours.

On final approach to runway 24 at Perth, on a ferry flight from Sydney (flight VC2016) at 13:13.

Strategic Airlines re-branded as Air Australia on 15 November 2011 and is being restructured from a full-service airline to a low-cost airline.

VH-YQC was the first of their fleet to be repainted, when it departed Subang (Kuala Lumpur) on 2 November 2011.

This is VH-YQC's first visit to Perth in the new colours, but it is actually the second aircraft in Air Australia colours to visit Perth. The first Air Australia-branded aircraft to visit Perth was VH-YQB, which arrived into Perth shortly after midnight this morning, on delivery from repainting in Subang.

VH-YQC was originally built as an A320-211, and made its first flight on 15 December 1992 with Airbus test registration F-WWBJ.
It was delivered on 3 March 1993 as CS-TNE to TAP Air Portugal (leased from GATX / Milan Air Leasing GmbH). It then wentb through a series of leases to Air Luxor (Egypt), and Novair (Sweden), before retruning to TAP Air Portugal.

It was delivered to Strategic Airlines on 23 April 2010, and registered as VH-YQC.

Sun 27 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

B-LAD Airbus A330-342E (cn 776) of Cathay Pacific

Wear special colours and titles "100th aircraft" and its name "Progress Hong Kong".

The aircraft was painted in these special colours by Airbus prior to delivery, as it was the first time in 60 years that Cathay Pacific's fleet numbered 100 aircraft (including both Boeing and Airbus airliners).

A special aircraft acceptance ceremony was held in Toulouse on 29 August 2006. The aircraft at that time also wore a 60th anniversary sticker behind the second cabin doors to denote the 60th anniversary of Cathay Pacific, which was formed in 1946. It no longer has these stickers. The aircraft was named "Progress Hong Kong" in a staff competition.

On final approach to runway 21 at 06:45 as flight CX137 from Hong Kong.

Sun 27 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-TJZ Boeing 737-476 (cn 28152/2829) of Qantas, named "Port Pirie"

On final approach to runway 21 at 13:11 as flight QF587 from Adelaide.

This aircraft was originally ordered by Australian Airlines (formerly Trans Australian Airlines - TAA), but by the time of its delivery in November 1996, Australian Airlines had merged with Qantas.

The aircraft was named "Integrity", but in December 2003 was renamed "Port Pirie".

In February 2009, the aircraft was transferred to Qantas Jetconnect in New Zealand, and registered ZK-JTS.

In January 2011, it was returned to Qantas as VH-TJZ again, re-entering service with Qantas in May 2011.

Sat 26 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

ZK-TLD Boeing 737-3B7(SF) (cn 23706/1499) of Toll Priority (Airwork New Zealand)

Arriving on runway 21 at 16:04, using callsign "Toll Freight 93" from the Cocos Islands, which are located far off the northwest coast of Western Australia.

This aircraft was originally configured as a passenger aircraft, and was originally delivered to US Air as N389AU on 1 February 1998. It was later reregistered on 11 November 1998 as N520AU.

After conversion to freighter configuration, it was delivered to Toll Priority on 30 November 2007.

Fri 25 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH

Arriving on runway 21 at 14:31 using callsign POT471. The aircraft arrived from Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a cargo of mining equipment aboard.

It departed Ostend (Belgium) on 22 November, and flew to Baku (Azerbaijan), overnighting there before flying to Colombo (Sri Lanka) and later to Perth.

This An-124 was delivered in 1995.

The An-124 was originally designated as the An-40, and the prototype CCCP-82002 first flew from the Antonov plant at Kiev on 26 December 1982. The prototype later crashed on 13 October 1992 when the hinged nose cone opened during a test flight from Ulyanovsk.

The Russian Air Force also used the type, and Volga-Dnepr Airlines is pushing Antonov to put the type back into production.

Regarding the An-124 manufacturer's construction numbers, those starting with ‘977305’ are built at Ulyanovsk and construction numbers starting with ‘195305’ are built at at Kiev. This aircraft RA-82077 has construction number 9773054459141, indicating that it was built at Ulyanovsk.

Fri 25 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GMI Boeing 737-8U3 (cn 30143/3243) of Garuda Indonesia

Arriving on runway 21 at 13:53 as flight GA724 from Denpasar (Bali).

Thu 24 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FKX Fokker 50 (cn 20312) of Alliance Airlines

Arriving on runway 03 using callsign UNITY 4481 at 13:30.

The aircraft had flown direct from Adelaide and it is here for the last special tourist flight.

Wed 23 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

B-6098 Airbus A330-343E (cn 908) of China Southern

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH

Arriving on runway 03 at 06:16 as flight CZ319 from Guangzhou.

Wed 23 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Flight DJ552 to Sydney, taking off from runway 06 at 06:11.

Wed 23 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-XMB Boeing 737-376 SF (cn 23478/1251) of Australian Air Express (Express Freighters Australia)

Taking off from runway 06 as flight QF7334 to Melbourne at 6:02 AM. Australian Air Express Boeing 737s use Qantas flight numbers and callsigns as the ground handling is done by Qantas/Express Freighters Australia.

Express Freighters Australia is the cargo arm of Qantas, and operates a fleet of four Boeing 737-376(SF) aircraft which operated in passenger configuration for Australian Airlines and Qantas before being converted to freighters.

The “XM” in the registrations for their Boeing 737s is related to the Australian Air Express IATA code, XM.

This particular aircraft was the first 737-300 to enter service in Australia, and was the second of 12 737-300s ordered by TAA (Trans Australian Airlines) in May 1985. It was first flown as VH-TAG on 3 July 1986, but on 4 August 1986, TAA was renamed Australian Airlines, so the aircraft was delivered in Australian Airlines colours on 8 August 1986. It operated its first passenger service on 16 August 1986. Australian Airlines merged with Qantas on 31 October 1993, and the aircraft was later repainted in Qantas colours. VH-TAG was later transferred to Qantas’ New Zealand subsidiary Jetconnect in May 2003, and the aircraft was registered ZK-JNG, operating with them for over three years.

In December 2006, it was flown back to Melbourne and registered VH-XMB to Qantas, but with Australian Air Express as the registered operator.
The aircraft was flown from Melbourne to Avalon in bare metal in May 2007, and converted to freighter configuration by Qantas, being rolled out in September 2007.

Sun 20 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-STK Airbus A330-343X (cn 1099) of Singapore Airlines

Flight SQ225 from Singapore on final approach to runway 21 at 5:52am.

Sun 20 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

B-LAH Airbus A330-343X (cn 915) of Cathay Pacific

On final approach to runway 21 as flight CX137 from Hong Kong at 6:26AM.

Sun 20 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

9M-XXH Airbus A330-343E (cn 1165) of AirAsia X, named "Xtraordinary 1000"

Taking off from runway 21 at 06:52 as flight D7 237 to Kuala Lumpur.

Sun 20 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GFP Boeing 737-8U3 (cn 38821/3684) of Garuda Indonesia

Taxying out for departure as flight GA727 to Denpasar (Bali), at 07:20.

This is quite a new aircraft, having been delivered new to Garuda on 21 June 2011.

Sun 20 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Seen landing on runway 21 as flight SA282 from Johannesburg at 07:32.

After landing, the aircraft reported a hydraulic problem which had become apparent when turning onto final approach. The aircraft landed safely and turned off runway 21 and came to a halt on taxiway TANGO, and safety vehicles examined the aircraft. Hydraulic fluid was found alongside the main gear, so a fire engine was despatched, but there was no fire danger. The aircraft shut down the engines, started the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit), and was towed to park at Bay 51 at the International Terminal.

The problem was rectified and the aircraft departed as flight SA283 late in the afternoon, a number of hours later than the 11:20AM scheduled departure time.

Perth is SAA's only Australian destination.

Sun 20 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YFC Boeing 737-81D (cn 39413/3592) of Virgin Australia, named "Bondi Beach"

Landing on runway 21 at 7:41AM as flight DJ675 from Melbourne.

This aircraft was one of the first two aircraft to be painted with the new colourscheme for the public launch of the new Virgin Australia branding on 4 May 2011.

Sun 20 Nov 2011: PERTH AIRPORT

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

On final approach to runway 21 at 3:32PM, as flight TG481 from Bangkok.

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

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

Sat 19 Nov 2011: Fremantle Heliport (YFTL)

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

Built in 2005, and has spent its life in Australia.

Sat 19 Nov 2011: Fremantle Heliport (YFTL)

VH-ZJP Aerospatiale AS350B2 Squirrel (cn 3297) owned by Peter Morrison.

Built in 2000, ex JA350A. First registered in Australia on 6 Feb 2003.

Sat 19 Nov 2011: Fremantle Heliport (YFTL)

VH-ZOH AgustaWestland AW109S Grand (cn 22152) owned by AVWest Aircraft Pty Ltd.

The Italian-designed and built Agusta A109 first flew in 1971. Agusta later merged with Westland to form AgustaWestland.

The AW109S Grand has a longer and wider cabin than the original A109, and is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207 turboshaft engines.

This example was built in 2009.

Sat 19 Nov 2011: Jandakot (YPJT)

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

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

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

Ex N30702, JA6678, N727WW, C-FRIQ.

Sat 19 Nov 2011: Jandakot (YPJT)

VH-YDN Pilatus PC-12/45 (cn 301) of the Northern Territory Police.

This aircraft was built in 1999 and delivered to the Northern Territory Police in early 2000.

Fri 18 Nov 2011: PERTH

B-6502 Airbus A330-343E (cn 958) of China Southern

FIRST VISIT BY THIS AIRCRAFT

Arriving on runway 21 as flight CZ319 from Beijing via Guangzhou at 6:07 AM.

Fri 18 Nov 2011: PERTH

9V-STC Airbus A330-343E (cn 986) of Singapore Airlines

Arriving on runway 21 as flight SQ225 from Singapore at 6:02 AM.

Wed 16 Nov 2011: PERTH

B-6111 Airbus A330-343E (cn 935) of China Southern

FIRST VISIT BY THIS AIRCRAFT

Arriving on runway 21 as flight CZ319 from Beijing via Guangzhou at 5:58 AM, and taxying in to park at Bay 52 at the International Terminal.

Wed 16 Nov 2011: PERTH

B-HXJ Airbus A340-313E (cn 227) of Cathay Pacific

Arriving on runway 21 as flight CX137 from Hong Kong at 06:19, and parking at Bay 51 at the International Terminal.

Wed 16 Nov 2011: PERTH

A6-EWC Boeing 777-21H LR (cn 35576/677) of Emirates

Departing as flight EK425 to Dubai at 5:58 am.

Emirates flies twice daily between Perth and Dubai, using either a Boeing 777-200LR or 777-300ER.

Wed 16 Nov 2011: PERTH

VH-XMB Boeing 737-376 SF of Australian Air Express (Express Freighters Australia)

Arriving on runway 21 as flight QF7333 from Melbourne at 6:02 AM. Australian Air Express Boeing 737s use Qantas flight numbers and callsigns as the ground handling is done by Qantas/Express Freighters Australia.

The “XM” in the registrations for their Boeing 737s is related to the Australian Air Express IATA code, XM.

Wed 16 Nov 2011: PERTH

9M-XXC Airbus A330-343E (cn 1037) of AirAsia X, named "Midnight Xcapade".

Departing as flight D7 237 to Kuala Lumpur at 6:51 AM.

AirAsia X operates a daily service between Perth and Kuala Lumpur using A330-300s.

Wed 16 Nov 2011: PERTH

PK-GFO Boeing 737-86N (cn 39403/3674) of Garuda Indonesia

Departing as flight GA727 to Denpasar (Bali) at 7:24 AM.

Sunday 13 November 2011: PERTH

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

China Southern has used the same aircraft for their first three services to Perth, B-6500. The aircraft is seen here on final approach to runway 21 at Perth as flight CZ319 from Guangzhou.

Sunday 13 November 2011: PERTH

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

Cathay Pacific has recently resumed their daytime CX136/CX137 service to Hong Kong, using A330-300s on Sunday mornings and A340-300s on Wednesday mornings.

B-HLP is seen approaching runway 21 at 06:12am as flight CX137 from Hong Kong.

Thursday 10 November 2011: PERTH

VH-LQD Bombardier DHC-8-402NG Dash 8Q-400 (cn 4371) of QantasLink (Sunstate Airlines)

FIRST VISIT

Seen here on final approach to runway 21 at Perth at 15:55 on its delivery flight from Sydney, via Adelaide and Kalgoorlie using "QANTAS 6703" as its callsign.

This is the first of two Dash 8-Q400 aircraft which will be based at Perth.

The Dash 8-Q400 services begin with Perth / Geraldton services and Perth / Learmonth services from 21 November 2011.

This is a brand-new aircraft - it was test flown on 2 May 2011 as C-GJFZ.
Its delivery flight started on 23 July 2011, and it arrived in Canberra on 31 July 2011, still registered as C-GJFZ.
It was registered 5 August 2011 as VH-LQD.

Wednesday 9 November 2011: PERTH

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

FIRST SERVICE TO PERTH BY CHINA SOUTHERN & FIRST VISIT BY B-6500

China Southern Airlines started their first scheduled service to Perth today, operating from Beijing via Guangzhou as flight CZ319.

The aircraft was a little late, being scheduled to arrive at 06:00, but landed on runway 03 at 06:30, after an eight-hour flight from Guangzhou.

It was given the traditional water cannon welcome by the Perth Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, using a pair of Rosenbauer Panther Mk 8 Ultra Large Fire Vehicles, which drove ahead of the aircraft, crossing their water streams in the air as the A330 taxied in on taxiway Sierra.

The aircraft parked at Gate 53 at the International Terminal at 06:36.

China Southern Airlines president Si Xianmin was aboard for the inaugural flight, which was welcomed on arrival by WA Premier Colin Barnett, and Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Dr Kim Hames. A press conference was held in the International Terminal.

When the A330 arrived, it was parked with the forward cabin door at the aerobridge, but at 08:55, it was pulled forward and docked at the second cabin door.

The return flight CZ320 carried around 200 passengers, being pushed back from gate 53 at 10:00 (only 5 minutes late), and took off from runway 21 at 10:13.

The new service arrives and departs Perth on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings, arriving as flight CZ319 at 06:00, then departs back to Guangzhou and Beijing as flight CZ320 at 09:55.

The service departs from Beijing the previous evening at 17:30 for a 3 hours 15 mins flight to Guangzhou, arriving at 20:45. It departs Guangzhou at 22.00 for an 8-hour flight to Perth, arriving the following morning at 06:00.

On the return leg it departs Perth at 09:55 for the 8-hour flight to Guangzhou, arriving at 18:20. It departs Guangzhou at 20:00 for a 3 hours 15 mins flight to Beijing, arriving at 23:15.

WA provides about 70% of Australia's exports to China. China is ranked as the 12th largest source of international visitors for WA. WA hopes the new service will help to grow visitor numbers from current figure of around 15,000 per year to 100,000 by 2020. Chinese visitors spent $80million on trips to WA in 2010/11. Guangzhou is China's third largest city.

China Southern is the world's 6th largest airline, and already operates to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

China Southern has had links to Western Australia since 1993, when it started the China Southern WA Flying College, with bases at Jandakot and Merredin.

Wednesday 9 November 2011: PERTH

CS-DKF Gulfstream Aerospace Gulfstream G-550 (G.V-SP) (cn 5099) of Netjets Europe

Arrived on 7 November from Honolulu via Brisbane as NJE790H, and departed today at 12:34 with the same callsign to Jakarta-Halim.

Built in 2006, ex N699GA.

N709AA Gulfstream Aerospace Gulfstream V (cn 635) of Priester Aviation (leased from Bank of Utah)

This aircraft arrived from Pago Pago in American Samoa on Monday 7 November with singer Dolly Parton aboard for a concert at Burswood Dome the next day.

It was then parked on the Terminal WA apron, and departed today at 08:36am to Sydney, as seen here taking off from runway 06.

Built in 2001, ex N522GA, N83CP - was operated by pharmaceuticals company Pfizer Inc.

Wednesday 9 November 2011: PERTH

B-HXH Airbus A340-313X (cn 218) of Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific has recently resumed their daytime CX136/CX137 service to Hong Kong, using A330-300s on Sunday mornings and A340-300s on Wednesday mornings.

The aircraft is seen here departing as flight CX136 to Hong Kong at 7:48am.

Wednesday 9 November 2011: PERTH

PK-GFL Boeing 737-86N (cn 36808/3505) of Garuda Indonesia

Taxying out for departure as flight GA727 to Denpasar (Bali) at 7:19am. The ground crew waved to the passengers as it taxied past.

Wednesday 9 November 2011: PERTH

VH-VUY Boeing 737-8KG (cn 39450/3494) of Virgin Australia, named "Snapper Rocks".

This aircraft formerly wore AFL special colours.

Being towed from the Terminal WA apron where it was parked, to Bay 54 at the International Terminal.

It departed as flight DJ4149 to Phuket (Thailand) at 10:50am.

Sunday 6 November 2011: PERTH

C-FIBN / 681 Sikorsky S-61N (cn 61811) of VIH Helicopters Ltd, British Columbia, Canada.

This firefighting helicopter arrived at Perth Airport on Tuesday 1 November 2011, and has been leased by the WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority for the 2011/12 bush fire season.

It will shortly be joined by a second S-61, C-GHTN, which will become "Helitac 682".

Built in 1976. Originally delivered 22 June 1978 to Bow Valley Helicopters in Alberta, Canada as C-GBVR. It later became PT-HPV, and C-FIBN.

Aircraft Photos: NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

JULY - OCTOBER 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

JANUARY - JUNE 2011 photos: CLICK HERE

** FIRST VISIT TO PERTH **

** FIRST VISIT - DELIVERY FLIGHT **

** FIRST VISIT **

* FIRST VISIT TO PERTH *

** FIRST VISIT - DELIVERY FLIGHT **

** BROKEN UP **

** FIRST REVENUE SERVICE **

First visit in Air Australia colours.

** FIRST VISIT TO PERTH **

** FIRST VISIT TO PERTH **

** FIRST VISIT BY THIS AIRCRAFT**

** FIRST VISIT BY THIS AIRCRAFT**

**FIRST VISIT**

** FIRST SERVICE TO PERTH BY CHINA SOUTHERN & FIRST VISIT BY B-6500 **

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH

FIRST VISIT - DELIVERY FLIGHT

FIRST VISIT

FIRST VISIT - DELIVERY FLIGHT

BROKEN UP

FIRST REVENUE SERVICE

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH

FIRST VISIT BY THIS AIRCRAFT

FIRST VISIT BY THIS AIRCRAFT

FIRST VISIT

FIRST SERVICE TO PERTH BY CHINA SOUTHERN & FIRST VISIT BY B-6500