Aircraft Photos: NOVEMBER 2012

Earlier photos
	October 2012	September 2012	August 2012	July 2012
June 2012	May 2012	April 2012	March 2012	Jan-Feb 2012
Nov-Dec 2011	July - Oct 2011	Jan-June 2011

Thu 29 Nov 2012: OVER NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PERTH

A7-BAC Boeing 777-3DZ ER (cn 38245/922) of Qatar Airways

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH

Flight QR900 from Doha, heading north east over the northern suburbs of Perth at 17:01 at around 2,800 feet, before joining the approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport, where it landed six minutes later.

Photos © David Eyre

Tue 27 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

M-GFOR Gulfstream Aerospace Gulfstream IV-SP (cn 1487) of Star Oriental International, British Virgin Islands (but registered in the Isle of Man)

Taxying out for take off from runway 03 at 17:07, returning to Subang in Malaysia.

The aircraft had arrived from Subang on 24 November and made a short hop to Busselton and back the next day.

Photo © Ian Moy

Mon 26 Nov 2012: Aboard JMSDF Shirase (AGB-5003), Victoria Quay, FREMANTLE PORT

8192/92 AgustaWestland (Kawasaki) CH-101 Merlin (cn KHI04) of 111 Kokutai (111 Squadron), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force

On the flight deck with main rotors removed and tail rotor folded. This CH-101 was delivered to the JMSDF as 8192/92 in May 2009. Assigned to Shirase, by May 2010.

111 Kokutai (111 Squadron) is the aerial mine-sweeping squadron of the JMSDF, based at Iwakuni Naval Air Station (RJOI) but will move to Atsugi (RJTA) soon.

111 Kokutai was formed in mid-1960s with Kawasaki-Vertol KV-107/II-3 helicopters. The squadron transitioned to Sikorsky S-80M-1 (MH-53E) helicopters from 1989.

The unit is currently transitioning to 14 new AgustaWestland/Kawasaki MCH-101 and CH-101 Merlin helicopters. The MCH-101 will replace the MH-53E (S-80-M-1) for Airborne Mine Countermeasures, and the CH-101 (as seen in these photos) is replacing the Sikorsky S-61 for Japanese Antarctic support.

Some more photos of the helicopter are available HERE and HERE.

The Shirase (AGB-5003) is is a Japanese icebreaker operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Its predecessor AGB-5002 carried the same name.

Shirase was launched on 16 April 2008, commissioned on 20 May 2009, and had her first voyage on 10 November 2009. It can carry up to three helicopters, and has visited Perth before.

Shirase departed Fremantle on Friday 30 November 2012, bound for Antarctica.

Photos © Ian Moy

Sat 24 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

N496MC Boeing 747-47UF (SCD) (cn 29257/1217) of Atlas Air

Landing on runway 03 at 08:19 as flight 5Y 2395, using callsign "GIANT 2395".

It departed at 14:07 to Hong Kong, as flight 5Y 2394.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

P4-NGK Boeing 737-7HZ BBJ (cn 37583/2869) of Aircraft BBJ 37583 AVV

Arrived the previous evening at 18:46 from Tan Son Nhat Intl Airport (VVTS) Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam with Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium and his wife, Princess Mathilde.

The Prince and Princess were visiting Australia and New Zealand with Belgian Government Ministers and up to 91 company representatives to promote trade with Belgium.

The Prince also visited Port Hedland aboard a Qantas flight to see a Belgian-owned company conducting port dredging operations. In Perth, the delegation visited Kings Park, Curtin University, attended meetings with the Premier Colin Barnett, Governor Malcolm McCusker, and Minister for Mines and Petroleum Norman Moore. They also toured Rio Tinto's Perth Airport Operations Centre (which remotely controls iron ore trucks on mines in the Pilbara).

The delegation then visited Sydney, Canberra Melbourne and Wellington (New Zealand), before returning to Perth and departing on this aircraft on Friday 30th November, at 02:07 to Dubai and Brussels.

This aircraft made its first flight on 7 April 2009 as P4-NGK, (registered in Aruba for tax reasons). It had its interior completion done at Associated Air Center in Dallas, TX from September 2009 to July 2010. The aircraft is managed by Aircraft BBJ 37583 A.V.V., but also reported as being operated by Itera Holdings, a Russian natural gas production company.

Photo © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

N733HL Boeing 737-229 Advanced (cn 21176/431) owned by Red Cloud Assets LLC, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA (formerly owned by OzJet Airlines)

This aircraft was originally ordered by the Belgian airline Sabena, and first flown on 30 September 1975 as N8277V. It was delivered to Sabena as OO-SDN in December 1975. It was occasionally leased to Gulf Air, Air Gabon, Malaysia Airlines (registered as 9M-MBP), before returning to Sabena as OO-SDN. After leases to Sobelair, it was sold to European Airways in the UK, but leased back by Sabena for another couple of years, operating its final Sabena service on 30 November 2000.

In March 2001, it was registered G-CEAI to European Aircharter, and delivered to them in May 2001.

In 2005, it was painted in full Ozjet livery as G-CEAI and delivered to OzJet on 22 Feb 2005. In March 2005, it flew promotional flights within Australia, whilst awaiting OzJet's Air Operator Certificate.It was registered VH-OZU on 26 Oct 2005. On 29 Dec 2005, it operated OzJet's first revenue service in Australia, flying from Melbourne-Sydney as flight O7 004. OzJet later began operating services from Perth to Derby (RAAF Curtin), and Perth to Denpasar (Bali). In 2008, Ozjet Airlines was purchased by Heavy Lift Cargo Airlines Pty Ltd, and continued to operate.

On 20 May 2009, Ozjet Airlines ceased operations and
VH-OZU was stored at Perth (parked on the Terminal WA apron), and has never flown since.

The aircraft was registered N733HL in July 2009 and put up for sale. It is no longer considered airworthy and its US registration expired on 30 September 2011.

Behind it is:

N737HL Boeing 737-229 Advanced (cn 21177/433) owned by Red Cloud Assets LLC, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA (formerly owned by OzJet Airlines)

Ordered by Sabena and first flown at Renton as OO-SDO - 18 September 1975. Registered OO-SDO - November 1975. Accepted by Sabena at Boeing Field - 9 December 1975. Sold to Certifair, NV & leased back by Sabena- 16 March 1993. Sold to European Aviation Ltd (U.K.) - 15 May 1998 and leased back by Sabena. Withdrawn from service with Sabena at Brussels - 5 November 2000.

Registered G-CEAJ (still painted as OO-SDO) 27 Nov 2000, leased to European Air Charter 5 Dec 2000. Leased to Palmair (Spain) - 2004. Registered to European Skybus Ltd - 8 Feb 2005.

In basic Ozjet livery - 1 Nov 2005. Arrived Melbourne as Ozjet livery via Kuala Lumpur and Darwin 14 Nov 2005. Leased to Ozjet Australia as G-CEAJ - 15 Nov 2005. Flown back to UK in early 2006 then returned to Australia.

Registered VH-OZX 25 Oct 2006 to Ozjet Airlines Pty Ltd, Melbourne. OzJet later began operating services from Perth to Derby (RAAF Curtin), and Perth to Denpasar (Bali). In 2008, Ozjet Airlines was purchased by Heavy Lift Cargo Airlines Pty Ltd, but continued to operate.

On 20 May 2009, Ozjet Airlines ceased operations and
VH-OZX was stored at Perth (parked on the Terminal WA apron), and has never flown since.

It was registered N737HL in July 2009 and put up for sale. It is no longer considered airworthy and its US registration expired on 30 September 2011.

Photos © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

ZK-TLE Boeing 737-3S1(SF) (cn 24834/1896) of Airwork, operated for Toll Priority

Being towed to Bay 56A at the International Terminal at 08:04, before operating flight TFR13 to Christmas Island, which departed at 10:22.

Photos © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

B-6111 Airbus A330-343E (cn 935) of China Southern Airlines (leased from China Development Bank Leasing)

Flight CZ319 from Beijing and Guangzhou, landing on runway 21 at 07:39, and parking at Bay 52 at the International Terminal at 07:47.

In the background of the third photo are:

VH-EBN Airbus A330-202 (cn 1094) of Qantas, named "Clare Valley"

Flight QF650 to Brisbane taxying out to runway 21.

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

Holding on taxiway W awaiting clearance to line-up on runway 21 as flight SQ224 to Singapore.

Photos © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Landing on runway 24 at 07:30 as flight QF775 from Melbourne.

Photo © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Landing on runway 24 at 07:26 as flight QF593 from Adelaide.

Photo © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-QPB Airbus A330-303 (cn 558) of Qantas, named "Freycinet Peninsula"

Taxying in at 06:41 as flight QF68 from Hong Kong.

In the background of the third photo is:

A6-EWJ Boeing 777-21H LR (cn 35590/775) of Emirates (leased from Pembroke Group)

This aircraft was pushed back on time for departure at 05:53 (first photo), but after waiting with engines running for 15 minutes near Bay 54, it then returned to Bay 52 (second photo) and shut down. It finally pushed back again at 06:53 (photos 3-5) and departed, taking off from runway 21 (photos 6 & 7) at 07:14 as EK425 to Dubai.

Qantas has recently formed a partnership with Emirates (subject to regulatory approval), which will see Qantas use Dubai as their main hub to Europe, and Emirates will carry most Qantas passengers on European routes from Dubai, reciprocal frequent flyer rewards.

Photo © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VRE Canadair CL600-2B16 (CL-604) Challenger 604 (cn 5561) of Execujet Australia Pty Ltd (leased from Wellard Aviation)

Taxying over to the domestic side of the airport from Bay 61 at the International Terminal.

It had arrived at 05:15 from Male (Maldives), a flight time of 7 hours 16 minutes.

Photo © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

B-LAF Airbus A330-343E (cn 855) of Cathay Pacific

Landing on runway 21 at 05:57 as flight CX137 from Hong Kong.

As there were no bays available at the International Terminal (bay 51 is being reconstructed for Airbus A380 operations), the aircraft had to hold on Taxiway A near runway 06 for the next 10 minutes and finally taxied in to park at Bay 54 at 06:12.

The last two photos show it departing as flight CX136 back to Hong Kong at 07:51.

Photos © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

A6-EWJ Boeing 777-21H LR (cn 35590/775) of Emirates (leased from Pembroke Group)

This aircraft was pushed back on time for departure at 05:53 (first photo), but after waiting with engines running for 15 minutes near Bay 54, it then returned to Bay 52 (second photo) and shut down.

It finally pushed back again at 06:53 (photos 3-5) and departed, taking off from runway 21 (photos 6 & 7) at 07:14 as EK425 to Dubai.

Photos © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Landing on runway 21 at 05:54 as flight SQ225 from Singapore.

It then had to hold with engines running on Taxiway A near Terminal 3 for more than 30 minutes(!), and finally taxied to park at Bay 54 at the International Terminal at 06:30.

Photo © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GMP Boeing 737-8U3 (cn 30148/3353) of Garuda Indonesia

Being towed to Bay 54 at the International Terminal at 05:39.

It was later towed to Bay 56A and departed from there.

In the background of the third photo is:

A6-EWJ Boeing 777-21H LR (cn 35590/775) of Emirates (leased from Pembroke Group)

It had just been pushed back for departure at 05:53, but after waiting with engines running for 15 minutes, it then returned to Bay 52 and shut down. It finally pushed back again at 06:53 and departed.

Photos © David Eyre

Fri 23 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Arrived as flight D7 236 from Kuala Lumpur, and departed at 06:38 as flight D7 237 back to Kuala Lumpur.

Photos © David Eyre

Sat 17 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

A6-EGZ Boeing 777-31H ER (cn 41081/1044) of Emirates

On final approach to runway 21 at 17:33 as flight EK420 from Dubai.

This aircraft made its first flight on 31 August 2012 from the Boeing factory at Paine Field - Everett, Seattle, and was delivered to Emirates only two days earlier on 1 - 2 October 2012 direct from Seattle to Dubai.

It entered service with Emirates on 4 October 2012, making its first revenue flight from Dubai to Perth as flight EK420 - see David Eyre's photos of its first revenue service.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Sat 17 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

A7-BAF Boeing 777-3DZ ER (cn 37661/815) of
Qatar Airways

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH

On final approach to runway 21 at 17:18 as flight QR900 from Doha.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Sat 17 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

RA-82047 Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan
(cn 9773053259121/07-01) of Volga-Dnepr Airlines

Carries "20 Years" titles on right forward fuselage, left side of tail and under nose cone.

Flight VDA2294 arriving from Kansai, Japan - a flight time of 10 hours 57 minutes. On final approach to Perth's runway 03 at 09:37.

The aircraft departed the next morning at 04:38 to Karratha, perhaps taking some mining or petroleum equipment.

This aircraft was first delivered to Volga-Dnepr Airlines of Russia on 13 March 1993.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Sat 17 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VWT Airbus A321-231 (cn 3717) of Jetstar

Flight JQ984 from Sydney, on final approach to runway 03 at 09:01.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Thu 15 Nov 2012: OVER NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PERTH

A7-BAM Boeing 777-3DZ ER (cn 38245/922) of Qatar Airways

Flight QR900 from Doha, heading north east over the northern suburbs of Perth at 17:16 at around 2,900 feet, before joining the approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport, where it landed six minutes later.

This aircraft made its first visit to Perth on 11 October 2012.

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 15 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

73-1677 Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (747-200B) (cn 20683/204) of US Air Force
1st Airborne Command Control Squadron (1st ACCS), 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA

Using callsign "GRIM 42", this aircraft had arrived on 13 November 2012 from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, USA with US Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta for the annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) Consultations.

Also visiting for the talks were:

US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta (arrived in E-4B 73-1677);
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (arrived in VC-32A 99-0003);
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin E Dempsey (in C-40C 02-0042)
Admiral Samuel Locklear, the Commander of US Pacific Command (in C-17A 04-4133);

The talks would focus on increasing US Marine presence in Australia; improved US Air Force access to northern Australia bases, and a significant increase in US warships using the HMAS Stirling naval base south of Perth.

Mr Panetta arrived amid tight security and was met on the tarmac by Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith, before being taken into the city to begin two days of AUSMIN talks with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Mr Smith and Foreign Minister Bob Carr, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

This set of photos shows the aircraft during pushback and start and taxying at 07:45-07:51, then holding near runway 21 as Thai A330 HS-TEO landed at 07:57, then taking off at 08:00.

This aircraft was built as an E-4A, and first flew in September 1973, and was converted to an E-4B in the early 1980s, with the addition of a large satellite antenna hump behind the upper deck.

Interesting facts:

Designed as a survivable platform to conduct war operations in the event of a nuclear attack - the media nicknamed the E-4 as "the doomsday planes".
The aircraft were originally based at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, so that the U.S. President and Secretary of Defense could access them quickly in the event of an emergency. Later, they were based at Offutt Air Force Base where they would be safer from attack.
Until 1994, one E-4B was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base at all times so the President could easily board it in times of world crisis.
One E-4B is kept "on alert" at all times, manned 24 hours a day with a watch crew on board guarding all communications systems, awaiting a launch order.
The E-4B is designed to survive an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (such as that caused by a nuclear bomb) with systems intact, and uses analog instruments because they are less susceptible to an EMP.
The aircraft has state-of-the-art direct fire countermeasures.
Operates with a crew of 48 to 112 people, the largest crew of any aircraft in US Air Force history.
With in-flight refueling it is capable of remaining airborne for lengthy periods, limited only by consumption of the engines' lubricants and crew requirements). In one test, it remained airborne for 35.4 hours.
The E-4 fleet is expected to remain in service until at least 2015, as there is no replacement in sight.

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 15 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

04-4133 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III (cn F-140 / P-133) of the US Air Force 305th Air Mobility Wing / 514th Air MW 'AMC' based at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, USA

Arrived at 16:19 on 10 November 2012 using callsign "REACH 373" from RAAF Richmond, Darwin, and Townsville. It is parked at Terminal 2 (formerly known as "Terminal WA").

The aircraft was used by Admiral Samuel Locklear, the Commander of US Pacific Command. He was in Perth for the Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) Consultations.

Also visiting for the talks was US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta (arrived in E-4B 73-1677); US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (arrived in VC-32A 99-0003); and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin E Dempsey (in C-40C 02-0042).

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 15 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Landing on runway 21 at 07:58 as flight TG483 from Bangkok, and taxying in to park at Bay 52 at 08:07.

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 15 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-QPI Airbus A330-303 (cn 705) of Qantas, named "Cairns"

Landing on runway 21 at 07:17 as flight QF775 from Melbourne.

Photo © David Eyre

Thu 15 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-GFT Boeing 737-86N (cn 38032/3869) of Garuda Indonesia (leased from GECAS)

Departing as GA727 to Denpasar (Bali) at 07:12

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 15 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

This aircraft arrived at 06:16 as SQ225 from Singapore, and is seen here departing at 07:02 as SQ224 back to Singapore.

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 15 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-YIL Boeing 737-8FE (cn 38713/4123) of Virgin Australia, named "Seventy Five Mile Beach"

Seen taxying in after landing on runway 21 as flight DJ4148 from Phuket (Thailand) at 06:41 and taxying in to park at 06:50.

The last photo shows it being towed to Domestic Terminal 3, from where it operated flight DJ1433 to Darwin at 08:32.

This aircraft was delivered on 1 August 2012, so it is relatively new.

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 15 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-XML Boeing 737-376(SF) (cn 23486/1286) of Australian Air Express, leased from Express Freighters Australia/Qantas.

Taking off from runway 21 at 06:41 as flight XM7334 to Melbourne.

This was the 7th of 12 aircraft ordered in 1985 by Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA), which was renamed Australian Airlines in 1986.

It made its first flight as VH-TAU on 23 Sep 1986 and was delivered to Australian Airlines 5 Dec1986. Australian Airlines merged with Qantas Airways in 1993, and the aircraft later wore Qantas colours.

VH-TAU was the first 737 to be withdrawn from Qantas service - in 2002, it was registered as ZK-JNF with Qantas subsidiary Jetconnect in New Zealand.

In August 2006, it was flown to Avalon for freighter conversion by Qantas, and was registered as VH-XML. In May 2007, it was rolled out at Avalon in full Australian Air Express livery as a Boeing 737-376 (SF) freighter, and entered service the following month.

Photos © David Eyre

Thu 15 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Seen during pushback and start at 06:35 and then taking off from runway 21 at 06:47 as flight D7 237 to Kuala Lumpur.

* Note that the Perth Airport Viewing Area is visible in the take-off photo

Photos © David Eyre

Wed 14 Nov 2012: OVER NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PERTH

A6-EGV Boeing 777-31H ER (cn 38990/1031) of Emirates

Flight EK420 from Dubai, heading north east over the northern suburbs of Perth at 17:32 at around 3,000 feet, before joining the approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport, where it landed six minutes later.

Photos © David Eyre

Wed 14 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

02-0042 Boeing C-40B Clipper (737-7FD BBJ)
(cn 33500/1223) of 76th Airlift Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing, US Air Force, based at Ramstein, Germany.

Parked on Terminal 2 (formerly Terminal WA) apron.

This arrived in Perth with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E Dempsey on board for the AUSMIN talks (for details of AUSMIN, see below entry for E-4B 73-1677 below).

It arrived on Monday 12 November 2012 at 17:54, using callsign "SAM196", and departed today (14 November) at 21:27 to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

02-0042 had visited Perth in April this year. It departed Perth on 12 April 2012, using callsign "SPAR 76" - see photos by Michael Davis.

The aircraft first flew on 25 September 2002 with Boeing, using test registration N357BJ. It was handed over to Boeing Business Jets on 26 September 2003 and reregistered N708BC on 19 December 2003.

The aircraft was then allocated US Air Force serial 02-0042 and delivered 23 June 2004, however it returned to Boeing for modifications and was given civilian registration N237BA on 9 August 2004 before returning to the USAF as 02-0042 on 20 December 2004.

Photo © Keith Anderson

Wed 14 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

73-1677 Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (747-200B) (cn 20683/204) of US Air Force
1st Airborne Command Control Squadron (1st ACCS), 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA

Parked on taxiway C3 near the Ozjet 737s.

(Details of its visit are listed below).

Photo © Keith Anderson

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

73-1677 Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (747-200B) (cn 20683/204) of US Air Force
1st Airborne Command Control Squadron (1st ACCS), 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA

On final approach to runway 21 at 15:27, using callsign "GRIM 42", arriving from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, USA.

US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta was aboard for the annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) Consultations. The talks would focus on increasing US Marine presence in Australia; improved US Air Force access to northern Australia bases, and a significant increase in US warships using the HMAS Stirling naval base south of Perth.

This aircraft was built as an E-4A, and first flew in September 1973, and was converted to an E-4B in the early 1980s, with the addition of a large satellite antenna hump behind the upper deck.

Interesting facts:

Designed as a survivable platform to conduct war operations in the event of a nuclear attack - the media nicknamed the E-4 as "the doomsday planes".
The aircraft were originally based at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, so that the U.S. President and Secretary of Defense could access them quickly in the event of an emergency. Later, they were based at Offutt Air Force Base where they would be safer from attack.
Until 1994, one E-4B was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base at all times so the President could easily board it in times of world crisis.
One E-4B is kept "on alert" at all times, manned 24 hours a day with a watch crew on board guarding all communications systems, awaiting a launch order.
The E-4B is designed to survive an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (such as that caused by a nuclear bomb) with systems intact, and uses analog instruments because they are less susceptible to an EMP.
The aircraft has state-of-the-art direct fire countermeasures.
Operates with a crew of 48 to 112 people, the largest crew of any aircraft in US Air Force history.
With in-flight refueling it is capable of remaining airborne for lengthy periods, limited only by consumption of the engines' lubricants and crew requirements). In one test, it remained airborne for 35.4 hours.
The E-4 fleet is expected to remain in service until at least 2015, as there is no replacement in sight.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

99-0003 Boeing VC-32A (757-2G4) (cn 29027/824) of
US Air Force 1st Airlift Squadron / 89th Airlift Wing, based at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was aboard for the annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) Consultations.

Callsign "SAM 460" is seen on final approach to runway 21 at 08:10, arriving from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, amid heavy security.

A motorcade of eleven cars and three buses met Mrs Clinton, who was greeted at Perth Airport by Defence Minister Stephen Smith, Foreign Minister Bob Carr, Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett and Australian Ambassador to the US (and former Defence Minister) Kim Beazley. Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrived separately, later in the morning.

Defence Minister and member for Perth, Stephen Smith, encouraged Mrs Clinton, US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to hold the AUSMIN talks in Perth, using the same facilities established in 2011 for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Issues to be discussed at AUSMIN included the future of Afghanistan, defence spending, China's increased military power and cyber security and space technology.

The US seeks increased access to Australian military bombing ranges and bases in the north, and increased use of HMAS Stirling Naval Base at Garden Island, south of Perth. Clinton said that Perth was sitting on a very strategic part of the planet, describing it as Australia's gateway to the trade and energy routes that connected the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.

Clinton encouraged Australia to increase military links with India, including joint Navy exercises, however she said that Washington also supports the peaceful rise of China.

This aircraft was first flown in October 1998 and had winglets fitted in March 2008.

Photos © Keith Anderson

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-SLX Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche (cn 30-1486) of Jandakot Flight Centre

Conducting ILS approach training near runway 21 at 14:41.

Photo © David Eyre

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-EBG Airbus A330-202 (cn 887) of Qantas, named "Barossa Valley" (leased from Macquarie AirFinance)

Flight QF577 from Sydney, on final approach to runway 21 at 14:05.

Photo © David Eyre

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FZO Fokker 100 (cn 11305) of Skywest

Arriving from Busselton at 13:41, on final approach to runway 21.

Skywest operates FIFO flights direct from Busselton to Barimunya and West Angelas iron ore mines in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

This aircraft was originally ordered by PanAm as N416PA but not taken up. It was then to go to Iran Air as EP-IDI but also not taken up.

It was delivered in November 1992 as PT-MRH to TAM in Brazil, and operated with them until 2008 when it was sold to Click Mexicana as XA-MRH.

In 2011 it was registered N305MX with Jetran LLC and later that year became PH-LMY with Fokker Services. It was refurbished at Woensdrecht and was delivered to Skywest on 22 March 2012, becoming VH-FZO.

Photo © David Eyre

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-EBH Airbus A330-202 (cn 892) of Qantas, named "Hunter Valley" (leased from CIT Aerospace)

On final approach to runway 21 at 13:38 as flight QF769 from Melbourne.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

9V-SRQ Boeing 777-212ER (cn 33371/449) of Singapore Airlines

Flight SQ213 from Singapore, on final approach to runway 21 at 12:56.

Close-up view to show detail of the undercarriage, engines and flaps.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

ZS-SXE Airbus A340-313E (cn 646) of South African Airways

Flight SA280 from Johannesburg, on final approach to runway 21 at 12:37.

Perth is the only Australian city to which South African Airways operates.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

PK-AXH Airbus A320-216 (cn 3875) of Indonesia AirAsia

On final approach to runway 21 at 12:25 as flight QZ8412 from Denpasar (Bali).

Indonesia AirAsia operates between Perth and Bali three times per day.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-OJC Boeing 747-438 (cn 24406/751) of Qantas, "City of Melbourne"

Flight QF581 from Sydney, on final approach to runway 21 at 12:15.

This was one of the final Qantas 747 flights to Perth, as the QF581/582 service switched to Boeing 767s and Airbus A330s on 19 November.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NJN British Aerospace 146-300 (cn E3217) of Cobham Aviation

On final approach to runway 21 at 11:33 on a FIFO flight from Coondewanna.

This aircraft was originally registered G-BUHW and stored by BAe, and was delivered to National Jet and operated for QantasLink in 1994, before being returned to National Jet in 2006.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-VZT Boeing 737-838 (cn 34186/3798) of Qantas, named "Kalgoorlie"

Flight QF1123 from Port Hedland, on final approach to runway 21 10:38

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

This 737-400 re-entered service today after completing a C-check overhaul in Auckland. It is seen here returning from Karratha at 10:26 as "Unity 732", on final approach to runway 21.

It had been rumoured that this aircraft was going to be converted to a freighter for Toll Priority, but that seems not to be the case.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

Close-up view to show detail of the engines, undercarriage and flaps.

Flight DJ1876 from Newman, on final approach to runway 21 at 10:14.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-FNE Fokker 50 (cn 20212) of Skywest Airlines

On final approach to runway 21 at 10:01 on flight XR114 from Geraldton.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-TWF Embraer 120ER Brasilia (cn 120186) of Network Aviation

On final approach to runway 21 at 09:50, operating a FIFO flight from Meekatharra.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

"Unity 793", a FIFO flight from Mount Keith, on final approach to runway 21 at 09:30.

Tue 13 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

VH-NJG British Aerospace 146-200 (cn E2170) of Cobham Aviation

On final approach to runway 21 at 09:24 with Captain John Krepp at the controls, operating a FIFO flight from Degrussa (YDGU), a copper and gold mine located 150km north of Meekatharra.

This 22-year old aircraft was formerly operated by Italian airline Meridiana as I-FLRX, and was returned to BAe in 1994 as G-BSOH, and was then leased to National Jet. It operated for QantasLink initially, before being operated directly by National Jet (later rebranded as Cobham).

Sun 11 Nov 2012: OVER NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PERTH

C-GHTN / HELITACK 682 Sikorsky S-61N Mark II (cn 61755) of Vancouver Island Helicopters, on lease to Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES - formerly FESA) for the 2012/13 bushfire season.

This fire fighting helicopter was shipped by sea to Fremantle and flown to Perth Airport on 24 October 2012, to provide firefighting coverage around the Perth area.

It is seen here heading back to Perth Airport at 18:52 (after sunset).

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

Sun 11 Nov 2012: OVER NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PERTH

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

Flight D7 232 from Kuala Lumpur, heading north east over the northern suburbs of Perth at 15:18 at around 2,700 feet, before joining the approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport, where it landed six minutes later.

Fri 9 Nov 2012: OVER NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PERTH

HB-JEV Gulfstream Aerospace G550 (cn 5040) of G5 Executive AG / Metrolair Inc, based at Zurich, Switzerland.

Pop singer Elton John and his band members were aboard this aircraft, arriving direct from Bateen, Abu Dhabi (a flight of 11 hours 16 minutes), to perform as the opening act for the brand new Perth Arena, and also for Perth's Chanel 7 Telethon TV appeal to raise funds for children's charities.

The aircraft used the callsign "BATMAN 243", heading north east over the northern suburbs of Perth at 16:50 at around 3,400 feet, before joining the approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport, where it landed six minutes later.

The aircraft was built in 2004 and initially registered N940GA with Gulfstream, and later N418SG, before becoming HB-JEV in 2006.

Fri 9 Nov 2012: PERTH AIRPORT

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

The aircraft wears a "Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia" decal and ribbon aft of the wing, and now bears a moustache on the nose cone and "MOVEMBER.COM" above the flight deck windows.

The aircraft was delivered with the Prostate Cancer decal, and during November 2011 it temporarily wore a moustache on its nose to support "Movember", a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer and male mental health.

The moustache was then removed, but it is again sporting a moustache during November 2012.

On final approach to runway 03 at Perth as flight QF909 from Karratha at 10:56.

Thu 8 Nov 2012: OVER NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PERTH

A7-BAK Boeing 777-3DZ ER (cn 36097/859) of Qatar Airways, named "Al-Gharia"

Flight QR900 from Doha, heading north east over the northern suburbs of Perth at 17:47 at around 3,100 feet, before joining the approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport, where it landed six minutes later.

Thu 8 Nov 2012: OVER NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PERTH

A6-EGQ Boeing 777-31H ER (cn 41076/1014) of Emirates

Flight EK420 from Dubai, heading north east over the northern suburbs of Perth at 17:44 at around 2,700 feet, before joining the approach to runway 21 at Perth Airport, where it landed six minutes later.

Tue 6 Nov 2012: OVER NORTHERN SUBURBS OF PERTH

A97-008 Lockheed C-130H Hercules (cn 382-4788) of 17 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, based at RAAF Richmond, NSW

Heading north over the northern suburbs of Perth at 17:13.

Delivered to 36 Squadron, RAAF in September 1978, and served with them until 17 November 2006, when it was transferred to 37 Squadron (36 Squadron transitioned to the Boeing C-17).

Originally painted in matt dark green, medium green, and tan, with light grey undersides. Repainted in all over green camouflage during the year 2000. In 2008, it was painted in a Gunship grey camouflage scheme and had the tail specially painted with "C-130 1958-2008 50 years" artwork on tail, to commemorate 50 years of RAAF Hercules operations. It also has nose art titled "You Sent Us To Arabia".

The RAAF is to retire the C-130H at the end of November 2012, with a number of these to be sold to Indonesia's Air Force.

Aircraft Photos: NOVEMBER 2012

Earlier photos

** FIRST VISIT TO PERTH **

** FIRST VISIT TO PERTH **

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH

FIRST VISIT TO PERTH