A selection of my photographs of the ever-changing WA commuter airline scene
introduced on the prime scheduled services from Perth to Albany, Esperance, Norseman and Kalgoorile.
Here's Metro VH-SWO Town of Esperance parked at the airline's Perth terminal, which still displays the CFS name.
In February 1980 Skywest Airlines was formed by the merger of Perth-based Jet Charter Air Services and Stillwell Airlines.
Skywest commenced scheduled services on a diverse route network: Perth to Bunbury, Rottnest Island, Albany, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Norseman, Yeelirrie, Wiluna, Telfer, Meekatharra, Cue, Mt Magnet - and from Karratha to Mount Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Onslow.
I took this early morning picture from a formating Beech Baron
prime airline routes to Esperance and Albany. Two former corporate executive transports were ordered from USA.
First to arrive on 7 December 1980 was 1959 model Gulfstream 1 N9300P, which was delivered via Britain and Europe
Australian certification for airline use
suffered a series of unexpected and very expensive complications, resulting
in the
cancellation of the second Gulfstream. N9300P finally emerged from the hangar as VH-WPA in November 1981
cancellation of the second Gulfstream. N9300P finally emerged from the hangar as VH-WPA in November 1981
Skywest quietly sold the Gulfstream back to USA the following year
British Aerospace demonstrated their latest
model BAe146 G-SCHH to Skywest at Perth Airport in November 1982
Trans West Air Charter operated Beech King
Air 200s on charter and mining company contracts in the north of WA.
VH-TLX lines up on Runway 24 at Jandakot in October 1980
VH-TLX lines up on Runway 24 at Jandakot in October 1980
C-GBNI was ex Surinam Airways PZ-TAY, seen on arrival at Jandakot 20 March 1980 on delivery via Europe
Derby WA and its iron ore mines on Koolan Island and Cockatoo Island. Seen at Perth Airport in August 1982
to Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek from June 1982. Jan was licenced to carry passengers on the long positioning flights from
his base at Perth Airport to Halls Creek, by far the longest Third Level air route in Australia. 3 Barons at Perth in February 1982
VH-IGT was photographed after arrival at the island in January 1987
Avior Airlines flew scheduled services
with Piper PA-31-350 Chieftans, Perth-Southern Cross-Kalgoorlie, Perth-Bunbury,
and Perth-Geraldton-coastal towns-Carnarvon. Here's VH-EDV at Perth Airport in June 1984
and Perth-Geraldton-coastal towns-Carnarvon. Here's VH-EDV at Perth Airport in June 1984
Laurie Potter Airlines was formed in 1987
by the Laurie Potter Health Studios group in Perth to take over Avior
Airlines.
The new name commenced flying Avior's services on 24 July 1987. VH-EDV is seen arriving at Bunbury the following month
The new name commenced flying Avior's services on 24 July 1987. VH-EDV is seen arriving at Bunbury the following month
New operator Midstate Airlines took over
the Perth-Bunbury route from 1st July 1986 after Skywest dropped the port.
This PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan commenced Midstate services. Pictured at Jandakot, July 1986
This PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftan commenced Midstate services. Pictured at Jandakot, July 1986
service using two Ansett Airlines Sikorsky S-61Ns which had been retired in Melbourne for two years.
VH-BHO seen at Rottnest in January 1987 was the former Ansett VH-BRI from Hayman Island services
Rottnest Island airfield January 1987,
with a Skywest Bandierante departing for the 20 miles fight to Perth Airport.
This weathered sign had previously carried advertising for Civil Flying Services, Murchison Air Services and even MMA
This weathered sign had previously carried advertising for Civil Flying Services, Murchison Air Services and even MMA
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