February Fiji Frolics

Wayne Grant has recently returned for a few days in Fiji and provides these fantastic photos.

Island Hopper's are a well established operator i nFiji with over 30 years experience. Their fleet has undergone a few changes in recent years and they currently operate AS350 Squirrel's DQ-IHI, DQ-HFX and DQ-HMY along with Hughes 500D DQ-HSN. Their website also indicates they have Squirrel DQ-IHF however not sure if this is still current.

DQ-HFX was cancelled from NZ register (where it was ZK-IFX) in Sep 2008.

DQ-HMY was cancelled from the NZ register (where it was ZK-HMY) in Sep 2008.

This new airstrip development is located alongside the main road between Nadi and Suva, approximately 1 hour out of Suva and built in conjunction with a new resort.

Privately operated and recently imported Cessna 195 DQ-MAI c/n 7482 was found located at Turtle Island Airways facility. The aircraft is ex N91P and was cancelled from the USA register on 05Feb this year. Wayne also reports that Turtle have Beaver DQ-TAL operational plus another Beaver parked up, off floats but on wheels and with engine covered and no registration. It is surmised this could well be DQ-TAM. Cessna U206G DQ-TAN was also operational however DQ-FEX, also a Cessna 206, was in the back of a hanger minus one wing, part of the tail and its engine!

Parked at Nadi 16Feb was Beech 200 King Air DQ-LIR which, with its Austrian flag, would indicate it is ex OE-FIJ and is associated with Red Bull Island. A new hanger is being constructed at Nadi and could well be for this aircraft. As OE-FIJ, the King Air was delivered to Fiji in late November 2008.

At Nausori 16Feb was a selection of aircraft. First up is Northern Air Islander DQ-JJS in modified markings from Wayne's previous visit.

Bandierante DQ-YES was the only active E110 at Nausori however another was noted at Nadi.

Air Fiji appear to have scaled back their operations (has been in local Fiji media that things aren't rosy and fuel suppliers are erring on providing services - Mike) and Islander DQ-FIC was the only Air Fiji BN2 noted. Harbin Y12 DQ-FHC was the only one of its type noted and this aircraft ran into the terminal building at Taveuni on the afternoon of 12Oct08 whilst taxying to the gate. Hydraulic failure is suspected.

Also from the Air Fiji stable is this Trislander DQ-TRI which is listed on the airline's website as being for sale.

Cessna 337H Skymaster N888NH was at Nausori. Interestingly this aircraft was photographed at Chicago/Rockford Intl in early September 2008 and according to the FAA registered was cancelled on 06Feb this year on export to Fiji.

Tue 17 Feb - Thu 19 Feb 2009

Tue 17 February 2009
Atlas freighter N412MC operated a charter through Auckland on behalf of Qantas, arriving in the early hours of this morning from Sydney and departing before sunrise to Hong Kong as QFA7593.

Air National's BAe 146-200 ZK-ECO made its first flight under its NZ registration with it departing Auckland for a round trip to Palmerston North using the callsign "Jetplus 146".

Citation Mustang ZK-MUS spent several hours at Ardmore today, arriving from and returning to Wellington.

Jetcity Learjet 36 VH-JCX crossed the Tasman from Melbourne to Auckland and return.

Emirates operated a Boeing 777-200ER in lieu of the LR variant on their EK412/413 services through Auckland today with A6-EBU.

Cessna 210 Centurion G-SEEK arrived at Wellington today from Motueka.

Falcon 900EXE N146EX returned to Auckland from Brisbane.

Wednesday 18 February 2009
JC Verleun's Aerocommander 114 ZK-JCV departed Kerikeri for Norfolk Island.

Air Atlanta Icelandic, operating on behalf of Malaysia Airlines MASKARGO Boeing 747-200 freighter TF-AAB arrived at Auckland a little after 1700 from Melbourne as ABD6402. After uplifting its cargo of A1GP racing cars it departed for Sydney and Soekarno Hatta Intl as ABD6403. This aircraft was once a passenger flying machine with MAS as 9M-MHI before being converted to a freighter and was ferried from Honolulu to Kuala Lumper as N362FC on 30Jun08.

Photo supplied (not taken at Auckland).

Astreus Airlines Boeing 757-200 G-OJIB, using the callsign "Flystar 666", arrived at Auckland from Bali and Sydney late this evening carrying heavy metal group Iron Maiden. The aircraft carries a special livery just for their tour and is flown by one of the band members.

At Belgrade, first and only stop in Europe on their 2009 tour.

Cessna 210 Centurion G-SEEK departed Wellington for Christchurch.

Thursday 19 February 2009
Atlas Air Boeing 747-400 freighter N493MC, operating on behalf of Emirates, arrived at Auckland around 0800 today from Hong Kong as UAE9986.

More on Dornier 228 ZK-VIR

A big thanks to Ewan Smith of Air Rarotonga, we can now confirm with the aid of these fantastic photos that ZK-VIR is heading for operate Divi Divi Air in the Caribbean. Divi Divi Air currently operate Cessna 402 and BN2 Islander's based in the Netherland Antilles. It arrived at the new operator's base in Curucao and will become PJ-DVA.

ZK-VIR departed Rarotonga today for Papeete.

Thu 12 - Mon 16 February 2009

Thursday 12 February 2009

Oracle's Global Express N17GX arrived Auckland mid morning from Santa Barbara and Kona.

Rank's Global Express N57LE returned to Auckland from Sydney early evening.

Acernus Mustang ZK-MUS flew from Wellington to Napier and back.

Friday 13 February 2009
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N583HA departed Auckland for Sydney as ANZ105 on conclusion of its maintenance visit with Air NZ.

Boeing BBJ N164RJ departed Auckland for Honolulu.

Learjet 35 ZK-XVL made a brief visit to New Plymouth, arriving from and returning to its Ardmore home.

Mustang N2243W spent several hours at Paraparaumu today, jetting in from and returning to Hastings.

RNZAF Boeing 757 NZ7572 was quickly back to work following its major refit, and today flew several domestic sectors before hopping from Whenuapai to Auckland where it uplifted a number of emergency services workers and flew them to Melbourne to assist with fire fighting activities.

Saturday 14 February 2009
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N584HA arrived at Auckland from Sydney as ANZ100 for maintenance with Air NZ.

United Airlines Boeing 747-400 N173UA operated on behalf of Air Pacific through Auckland today, arriving from and returning to Nadi. A United aircraft will visit each Saturday until 04Apr.

Oracle's Global Express N17GX departed Auckland early evening for Honolulu.

Air National Gulfstream G200 ZK-RGB flew from Auckland to Noumea and back to Napier as JPS39.

Careflight Learjet 36 VH-CMS arrived at Auckland from Coolangatta and Tonga as CFH36.

Sunday 15 February 2009
Learjet 36 VH-CMS departed Auckland for Coolangatta.

Learjet 35A ZK-XVL flew from Ardmore to New Plymouth and back again today.

Air NZ added Masterton to their route network from today with the first service being operated by Eagle Air's Beech 1900D ZK-EAI. As NZ2223 it flew from Auckland to Palmerston North then to Masterton. Future flights will operate direct everyday except Saturday.

Qantas commenced freighter operations through Auckland on a weekly basis with Atlas Air Boeing 747-400F N492MC flying the first service as QFA7586 from New York via Honolulu and then onto Melbourne.

Monday 16 February 2009
Mustang ZK-MUS with the prize for winning being a DH82 Tiger Moth registered was certainly a head turner today when it arrived at Motueka, near Nelson, from its Wellington base. It later returned to Wellington. Motueka has, to the author's best recollection, only ever had one other jet visitor back in the late 80's when Boyd Munro, winner of the Singapore-Christchurch air race, flew his Cessna Citation N1UH to/from Motueka. Incidentally, Boyd one the race in his Piper PA31 Panther N7XB with the prize being DH82 Tigermoth ZK-PDL!

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew Christchurch-Queenstown-Kerikeri.

Falcon 900EXE N146EX departed Auckland for Essendon. It later flew north to Brisbane.

Air National's BAe146-200 Whisper Jet ZK-ECO was noted outside for the first time since its delivery in December last year.

John Rankin photo

Air West Coast's Dornier 228 ZK-VIR finally left the country on its export to Curacao today with the aircraft departing from the operator's Haupiri strip near Greymouth for Auckland then to Rarotonga. The airline ceased commercial operations in August 2008.

Aerocomposite's Furio prototype ZK-LLG departed Kerikeri for Norfolk Island. It is understood to be heading for the Avalon Air Show.

V Australia Boeing 777-300ER VH-VOZ made an early evening appearance at Auckland as part of the carrier's ETOPS approval process. As "V Oz 9092" it arrived from Sydney via a rather circuitous route over Lord Howe and Norfolk Island's before departing to Brisbane. The new entrant is expected to commence scheduled services
from Sydney to LA next week. Colin Hunter braved the rain for this great shot of it landing.

Wed 11 February 2009 - updated

Vistajet Challenger 604 OE-INP departed Wellington mid morning for Port Moresby as VJS656.
Lined up to depart Wellington's runway 16, Peter Van Dyk photo

Citation Mustang ZK-MUS flew from Wellington to Wanaka and return.

Global Express XRS N57LE left Auckland early this morning for Sydney.

Heliharvest Mil 8 ER-MHZ departed Kerikeri for Norfolk Island and all stops to Victoria, Australia.

Reg Grundy's Boeing BBJ N164RJ made the short hop from Auckland to Rotorua and return. Its seen here departing off Auckland's 23L.


The RNZAF's second Boeing 757-200 NZ7572 returned to Whenuapai from Mobile, Alabama where it has undergone significant modifications including the fitment of a cargo door. It arrived via Honolulu and Apia as Kiwi 761.

Sat 07 - Tue 10 February 2009

Saturday 07 February 2009

Alinghi's Falcon 900EX HB-IFJ arrived at Auckland from Darwin.

Three jets for Dunedin today. First was Air National's Westwind ZK-RML flying in from Auckland and returning to Auckland, then Pacific Jet's Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM arriving from Christchurch and departing for Auckland and Christchurch, then finally National Business Review's Citation 501 N800DT from Greymouth and Christchurch.

Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Hastings to Hamilton and back.

Emirates Airbus A380 A6-EDA made its first visit to Auckland today on the carrier's scheduled service from/to Sydney.

RAAF Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-442 flew from Whenuapai to Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown, Nelson and back to Whenuapai.

USAF Boeing C17 01-0187 arrived at Christchurch from Hickam AFB.

Sunday 08 February 2009

Oracle Global Express N17GX departed Auckland for Honolulu.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Napier, Queenstown and back to Christchurch.

Piper Malibu N9099Z flew back to Rangiora from Ardmore.

Pelair Westwind VH-AJV made a couple of visits to Auckland arriving from Sydney and continuing to Niue before coming back to Auckland where the crew took rest before later heading back to Sydney.

USAF Boeing C17 01-0187 departed Christchurch on its return to the USA.

Monday 09 February 2009

Alinghi's Falcon 900EX HB-IFJ departed Auckland for Darwin and Singapore.

Inclement weather at Norfolk Island saw Ozjet Boeing 737-200 VH-OZD arrived at Auckland from Brisbane as OZJ331. It later departed Auckland for a successful flight to Norfolk Island.

Atlas Air, operating on behalf of Qantas, flew Boeing 747-400 freighter N409MC to Auckland from Sydney as QFA7581.

Vistajet Challenger 604 OE-INP arrived at Wellington late morning from Port Moresby as "Vistajet 656".

Citation 501 N800DT arrived back at Ardmore late this evening from Woodbourne.

Tuesday 10 February 2009

Atlas Air Boeing 747-400 freighter N409MC departed Auckland for Bangkok as QFA7581.

Beechjet 400 VH-IPG made an overnight stop at Auckland, arriving from and returning to Sydney.

Learjet 35A VH-JCR also made an overnight stop at Auckland, arriving from Adelaide and departing to Melbourne.

Cirrus SR20 ZK-CJW cleared customs at Auckland late afternoon after arriving from Norfolk Island on its delivery flight to the Wade Family of Hamilton, who until recently operated an Alpi Aviation and prior to that a Bantam microlight. The aircraft then continued to Te Kowhai (near Hamilton) then to Wellington.

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Napier and back.

Sydney 09 February 2009

An opportunity arose for a brief visit to Sydney International today with a quick stop to the observation deck to coincide with the arrival of V Australia's first Boeing 777-300ER VH-VOZ touching down on Australian soil for the first time. It first revenue service from Sydney to Los Angeles is set to take off 27Feb with Brisbane-LA following in April, Melbourne-LA in September and Sydney-Johannesburg at a date to be advised.

.

Touching down on Sydney's runway 16R.

Air Niugini operate services to/From Sydney with this Boeing 757 P2-ANB. Its seen here on pushback, but later returned to the ramp before departing some 30mins later.


Etihad operated Airbus A340-600 A6-EHJ touching down.




Another A6 machine, this time Emirates A380 A6-EDC taxis for departure heading to Auckland, first visit by this particular aircraft.


And a couple of Boeing 777-200's from opposite sides of the Pacific

Wed 04 - Sat 07 February 2009

Wednesday 04 February 2009

Vanuatu Helicopters Hughes 500 ZK-HEL dropped into Kerikeri from Norfolk Island to clear formalities.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Queenstown, Kerikeri and back to Christchurch.

Air West Coast Dornier 228 ZK-VIR was heard to carry out high frequency radio checks, perhaps signalling its departure from our shores is getting closer. The was speculation when the airline ceased operations that the aircraft maybe heading to Venezuela.

Thursday 05 February 2009

Citation 501 N800DT made a rare appearance outside its hanger and flew from Ardmore to Christchurch and Greymouth.

Emirates Airbus A380 A6-EDB visited Auckland for the first time on the EK412/413 service. The flight arrived some 4 hours late.

Rolling out on runway 05. Late afternoon sun and brooding sky make for great lighting. Wayne Grant photo.

United States Air Force KC10 tanker 79-1710 departed Christchurch for Hikham as "Reach 01".

Friday 06 February 2009

Oracle's Global Express N17GX returned to Auckland this morning from Kona.

NZ's Citation Mustang's where busy with what appeared to be training details today.

N2243W flew from Hastings to Wellington, then to Woodbourne and back a couple of times before returning to Hastings from Wellington. ZK-MUS flew from Wellington to Woodbourne and back.

Piper Malibu N9099Z was noted flying from Malibu Park to Ardmore while Beech 60 Duke N60TE made the hop from Dunedin to Alexandra and back.

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Taupo, Kerikeri and back to Auckland.

Reg Grundy's Boeing BBJ N164RJ crossed the Tasman and arrived at Rotorua late afternoon from Sydney. It later positioned to Auckland.

Airwork Boeing 737-300 freighter ZK-TLB departed Brisbane for Darwin and Jakarta, supposedly on delivery to an African operator.

RAAF Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-442 arrived at Whenuapai from Richmond as Ausy 513. It later flew to Rotorua, then to Auckland, back to Rotorua then bedded down at Whenuapai.

Air National Guard LC130 Hercules 93-1096 arrived at Christchurch from Williams Field.

Saturday 07 February 2009

Alinghi's Falcon 900EX HB-IFJ arrived at Auckland early afternoon from Darwin.

Mon 02 - Tue 03 February 2009

Mon 02 February 2009
As previously mentioned, Emirates introduced the Airbus A380 to their Australia and NZ services with A6-EDD operating the Dubai-Sydney-Auckland and vice versa EK412/413 services.

A340-500 services through Christchurch from Sydney were changed to Boeing 777-300ER's from today with A6-EBJ operating the first service. A340-500's also now operate the Melbourne-Auckland-Melbourne service with this operated with A6-ERI and Brisbane-Auckland-Brisbane with A6-ERB.

A6-EBJ received a wet welcome to Christchurch, photo supplied.


Falcon 50EX N83TY departed Auckland for Dunedin early afternoon.


Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Dunedin to Christchurch and Hastings.


King Air ZK-PLK spent several hours at Timaru today, arriving from Hastings and Auckland before returning to Auckland late the same evening. It then departed for Hastings however diverted to Napier.


Citationjet CJ3+ ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Timaru, Auckland and back to Christchurch.


Westwind ZK-RML flew a training detail from/to Auckland via Hamilton.


Tue 03 February 2009
Falcon 50EX N83TY left Dunedin for Pago Pago and Lihue.


Dunedin's run of bizjets continued with the arrival of Learjet 35A VH-JCR from Sydney. It departed a short time later on return to Sydney.


Global Express N17GX departed Auckland late afternoon for Honolulu and Santa Barbara.


Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB flew from Wellington to Napier, Queenstown and Auckland.


Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Tauranga, Hamilton and back to Auckland.


Emirates introduced their Boeing 777-200LR's to NZ skies with the type operating the Sydney-Auckland-Sydney EK412/413 services on Tue, Wed, Fri and Sun until such time as the A380 becomes a daily visitor. A6-EWE operated the first flight by this type.

Wayne Grant photo

First Commercial Flight of Airbus A380 to NZ

Mike Condon photo

Emirates introduced the Airbus A380 to Australia and NZ from 02Feb signaling the types first commercial service to and from NZ. A6-EDD, delivered to the carried in December 2008, operated the inaugural service as EK412 from Dubai and Sydney returning as EK413. Touch down was around 15mins later than scheduled at 1345 and attracted a large number of people to the airport, some say more than the number who flocked to see the first A380 visit in October last year. An Ardmore based DH82 Tiger Moth was also present at Auckland in the form of ZK-BLI which had positioned over a little earlier.

The A380 will operate these services initially three days per week until more aircraft are delivered.

A small slice of the crowds, Mike Condon photo

ZK-BLI and A6-EDD together on the ramp, Noel Jones photo (who travelled on the A380 from Sydney).

Departing 1 hour late off Auckland's runway 23L, Colin Hunter photo

Mon 26 January - Sun 01 February 2009

Mon 26 January 2009

Gulfstream 450 VP-CFB flew from Auckland to Perth via a quick stop at Sydney.

Avwest Challenger 604 VH-VRE arrived at Wellington this evening from Perth.

Tue 27 January 2009

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Rarotonga and return.

Citation Mustang ZK-MUS arrived back at Wellington from Ardmore.

Beech 60 Duke N60TE was noted heading south to Dunedin from inland of New Plymouth.

Cessna 400 Corvalis TT N400NM departed Ardmore for Auckland and Norfolk Island and was noted arriving at Canberra the following day. The aircraft has been resident in NZ since 04Jul08.

Piper Malibu N9099Z arrived at Wanaka from Rangiora and Christchurch and later returned to Rangiora.

Challenger 604 VH-VRE departed Wellington for Queenstown and Perth.

Flight Management Gulfstream 5 N85V flew from Wellington to Rotorua.

Wed 28 January 2009

Office Max Falcon 50 N290MX arrived at Auckland from Melbourne.

Mike Condon photo

Business Jets Falcon 900EXE N146EX returned to Auckland from Brisbane.

Metrojet Gulfstream 550 B-KID departed Auckland for Hong Kong.

USAF Gulfstream 5/C37A 01-0065 departed Christchurch for Hickam as "Spar 65".

Thu 29 January 2009

Monarch Airlines Boeing 757-200 G-MONJ made a techstop at Auckland enroute from Papeete to Sydney as "Monarch 9932".

Mike Condon photo

Fri 30 January 2009

Oracle's Global Express N57LE arrived at Auckland early this morning from Kona.

Viper Aviation Falcon 50EX N83TY flew from Christchurch to Auckland.

Tony McFarlin photo

Kefford Corp Hawker 800XP VH-EJL arrived at Napier from Essendon. This is the first by this airframe with VH-EJL applied however it has visited on a number of occasions as VH-KEF and before that VH-LAT and VH-LAW!

Elite Aviation Boeing BBJ-74T VP-BEL carried out a post maintenance test flight from/to Christchurch.

Tony McFarlin photo

Cessna 210 Centurion G-SEEK flew from Palmerston North to Christchurch.

Paul Drake photo

Sat 31 January 2009

Boeing BBJ-74T VP-BEL departed Christchurch for Singapore.

Falcon 50 N290MX departed Auckland for Pago Pago and Honolulu.

Jet Asia Challenger 601 B-MAI departed Auckland for Brisbane and Bali.

Wayne Grant photo

Citation Mustang ZK-MUS flew from Wellington to Napier and return.

Gulfstream G200 ZK-RGB flew from Auckland to Queenstown and return as "Jetplus 38".

USAF Gulfstream 5/C37A 01-0029 departed Christchurch for Hickam as "Spar 25".

USAF Lockheed KC10 79-1710 arrived at Christchurch from Richmond as "Reach 01".

Sun 01 February 2009

Hawker 800XP VH-EJL flew from Auckland to Kerikeri where it spent several hours before heading to Sydney via a tech stop at Auckland.

Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB arrived back at Wellington this morning from Los Angeles (where it arrived from Long Beach 30Jan NZ time) via techstops at Honolulu and Apia as "Jetplus 92".

Citation Mustang N2243W arrived at Dunedin from Hastings.

Beech D17 N16S, which as been resident at Mandeville, near Gore, was observed in the Omaka area mid afternoon. This aircraft is soon expected to cross the Tasman on an all stops trip back to the USA.

Gulfstream 5 N85V departed Auckland for Papeete and San Diego.

Mon 19 January - Sun 25 January 2009

Mon 19 January 2009
Air Chathams/Chathams Pacific Metroliner ZK-CIC returned to Tonga from Auckland as "Chathams 1".

Westwind ZK-RML was noted flying from Taupo to Auckland.

Rank's Global Express XRS N57LE flew from Auckland to Sydney.

National Science Foundation Gulfstream 5 N677F arrived at Christchurch from Pago Pago.

Challenger 604 VH-VRE departed Queenstown for Essendon.

Cockle PTY Pilatus PC12 VH-OOI arrived at Kerikeri from Norfolk Island.

Malaysia Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 freighter 9M-MPS made a brief visit to Auckland, arriving from and returning to KL as MAS6411/6412.


Arriving at Auckland, Wayne Grant photo

Tue 20 January 2009
Thomson Fly/First Choice Boeing 757-200 G-OOBE departed Hamilton for Hobart and was noted later in the week flying from Perth to Singapore.

Learjet35A ZK-XVL was noted flying from New Plymouth to Ardmore.

Amway Gulfstream 5 N524AC spent most of Tuesday at Auckland, arriving in the early hours from Sydney and departing later that day to Honolulu.

Airwork's Boeing 737-200QC ZK-NQC returned to Auckland from Woodbourne following its complete repaint to its yellow scheme.

Linfox Challenger 850 VH-LEF arrived at Wellington from Essendon.


Wed 21 January 2009
Pilatus PC12 VH-OOI departed Kerikeri for Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands.

Gulfstream 5 N677F carried out a 5hr 45min upper air flight from/to Christchurch.

Photo supplied



Metrojet Gulfstream 550 B-KID arrived at Auckland from Hong Kong.

Thu 22 January 2009
USAF Gulfstream 5/C37A 01-0065 arrived at Wellington from Honolulu and Pago Pago as "Spar 65".

Fri 23 January 2009
Pat Donovan's Lockheed 12A N14999 commenced its long ferry flight back to the USA, arriving at Auckland from Omaka. The owner is relocating back to the States.

Wayne Grant photo

Citation Mustang ZK-MUS flew from Wellington to Wellsford's Springhill airstrip, north of Auckland. It was later noted at Ardmore 26Jan.


Challenger 850 VH-LEF flew from Wellington to Auckland and Essendon.

Global Express XRS N57LE arrived back at Auckland from Sydney.

Sat 24 January 2009
Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew Queenstown to Auckland and Christchurch.

Flight Managment Gulfstream 5 N85V arrived at Wellington late today from San Diego/Brown Field and Papeete.

Lockheed 12A N14999 departed Auckland for Pago Pago and was noted over the coming days heading to Christmas Island, Honolulu and Hilo.

Gulfstream 5 N677F departed Christchurch for Papeete via upper air survey work.

USAF Gulfstream 5/C37A 01-0065 arrived at Christchurch from Wellington as "Spar 65".


USAF Gulfstream 5/C37A 01-0029 arrived at Christchurch from Canberra as "Spar 25".


USAF Boeing C17A Globemaster 02-1102 arrived at Christchurch from Honolulu and has since recommenced shuttle services to/from Pegasus.

Sun 25 January 2009
jet Asia Challenger 601 B-MAI arrived at Auckland from Sydney.

Mon 12 Jan - Sun 18 Jan 2009

Mon 12 January 2009
Westwind ZK-RML and Citatiojet CJ3 ZK-TBM both flew from Auckland to Kerikeri and return.

Cavalier ZK-DJJ departed Kerikeri for Norfolk Island and continued to Lord Howe Island 13Jan.

Business Jets Falcon 900EXE N146EX crossed the Tasman today flying from Auckland to Brisbane.

Wed 14 January 2009
Pleasant Aircraft Leasing Gulfstream 450 N851GG arrived at Auckland early today from Kona and Nadi.

G5 Executive Gulfstream 5 HB-IMJ arrived at Auckland from Kansai as "Batman 122".

Viper Aviation Falcon 50EX N83TY arrived at Nelson from Maui and Pago Pago.

Rediske Family LP Britten Norman Islander N130PC departed Kerikeri for Pago Pago on its long delivery flight to Nikiski, Alaska.

Thu 15 January 2009
Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB flew from Auckland to Wellington.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Auckland to Wellington, Kerikeri, Taupo and Gisborne.

Airbus A319CJ VH-VHD arrived at Christchurch today.

Gulfstream 5 HB-IMJ departed Auckland for Phuket as "Batman 131".

Avwest Challenger 604 VH-VRE arrived back at Queenstown from Christchurch.

Piper PA34 VH-MEP was noted in the Manawatu area today and later in the month at Wigram on delivery to a local operator. See http://www.nzcivair.blogspot.com/.

Fri 16 January 2009
Falcon 50EX N83TY departed Nelson for Christchurch.

Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB departed Wellington for Apia and was later noted at Long Beach as "Jetplus 92".

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM raced around the country departing Gisborne for Queenstown, Christchurch, back to Queenstown then onwards to Gisborne.

Airbus A319CJ VH-VHD made a return trip from Christchurch to Pegasus as "Ice 319".

French Army Casa 235 107 arrived at Whenuapai from Noumea as "Cotam 1161".

Sat 17 January 2009
Around the world traveller Cessna 210 Centurion G-SEEK arrived at Auckland early this evening from Rarotonga. It was later noted at Palmerston North.

Convair 580 VH-PDW departed Palmerston North for Auckland, Norfolk Island and Sydney on conclusion of a maintenance visit with Field Air.

Gulfstream 450 N851GG departed Auckland for Brisbane.

Airbus A319CJ VH-VHD departed Christchurch for Melbourne.

Citation Mustang N2243W was noted arriving at Christchurch.

Casa 235 107 departed Whenuapai on its return to Noumea.

Sunday 18 January 2009
Thomson Fly/First Choice Boeing 757-200 G-OOBE arrived at Hamilton from Rarotonga as "Thomson 955".

Photo supplied

Air Chathams/Chathams Pacific Metroliner ZK-CIC arrived at Auckland from Hastings.

Off Air.........................

............ MRC Aviation will be off air until around 01Feb.

Thu 08 - Sun 11 January 2009

Thursday 08 January 2009
Korean Airlines Boeing 747-400 HL7484 departed Auckland during the early hours of this morning as KAL8130 heading for Seoul/Incheon following its engine change.

Korean Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 freighter HL7449 departed Auckland mid afternoon as KAL581 for Guangzhou carrying the 'deceased' engine off HL7484.

Gulfstream G200 ZK-RGB departed Wellington for Taupo and Auckland as "Jetplus 33".

Australian Antarctic Airbus A319CJ VH-VHD arrived at Christchurch during the evening from Hobart. Its had earlier flown from Wilkin Field, Antarctica.

Friday 09 January 2009
Avwest Challenger 604 VH-VRE arrived at Christchurch mid morning from Perth and Queenstown.

Airbus A319CJ VH-VHD made a return trip from Christchurch to Pegasus as "Ice 319".

Beech G58 Baron N146WA was noted departing its North Shore home for an instrument approach at Whenuapai before returning to North Shore.

Piper Malibu N9099Z returned to Rangiora from Nelson/Malibu Park.

Gulfstream 4 N124TF made the hop from Whakatane to Hamilton just on sunset to clear customs formalities and take on fuel before heading to Honolulu direct.

Saturday 10 January 2009
RNZAF Lockheed C130 Hercules NZ7001 arrived back at Christchurch from Pegasus as Kiwi 816 having flown south the previous day, this being the second return flight for this season's Operation Ice Cube.

Sunday 11 January 2009
Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB arrived at Auckland around 0100LT from San Diego via stops at Honolulu, Nadi and Brisbane using the callsign "Jetplus 90".

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew a round trip from Auckland to Kerikeri and return.

Citation Mustang ZK-MUS returned to Wellington from Wanaka.

Airbus A319CJ VH-VHD departed Christchurch for Hobart.

Mon 05 - Wed 07 January 2009 - updated with photos

Monday 05 January 2009
Jetclub Gulfstream 450 VP-CFB arrived at Auckland from Perth early this evening. This aircraft was delivered to the Farnborough's base from Savannah on 10Dec08.

Wayne Grant photo

Tuesday 06 January 2009
Westwind ZK-RML departed Auckland early Tuesday for Port Vila. It then headed back to NZ arriving at Wellington before turning north to Auckland.

Gulfstream G200 ZK-RGB moved from Queenstown to Wellington as "Jetplus 33".

Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Hastings to Gisborne, Ardmore and back to Hastings.

Korean Airlines Boeing 747-400 HL7484 arrived at Auckland from Incheon as KE129 with its number 1 engine shutdown.

Wednesday 07 January 2009
Orient Global Boeing BBJ VP-BEL arrived at Christchurch from Singapore at 0620.

Arriving at Christchurch, Torin Wilson photo

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Taupo, Kerikeri and then Auckland.

Air New Zealand retired (for the final time) Boeing 747-400 ZK-NBS with the aircraft operating its final commercial flight as NZ124 from Melbourne to Auckland.

Korean Air Cargo Boeing 747-400 freighter HL7449 arrived at Auckland from Incheon as KE581 carrying a spare Pratt and Whitney engine for HL7484.


Wayne Grant photo

Sat 03 - Sun 04 January 2009

Saturday 03 January 2009
Vincent Aviation Dash 8 ZK-VAC departed Wellington for Honiara via stops at Auckland, Norfolk Island and Port Vila as its headed for a two months flying with Solomon Airlines. http://www.flysolomons.com/main.htm#Media_Release_31_December_2008

Air National's Gulfstream G200 ZK-RGB flew from Auckland to Sydney and Queenstown today and used the callsign "Jetplus 33". http://www.jetplus.co.nz/

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Queenstown, Taupo and Auckland.

Sunday 04 January 2009
Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM departed Auckland early this morning for Dunedin and Christchurch.

Bloomberg Falcon 900 N44EG departed Auckland for Nadi, Honolulu and Sacramento.

Google Boeing 767-200 N2767 flew from Christchurch to Honolulu and Moffatt.

Departing Christchurch, Matt Hayes photo

Convair 580 VH-PDW made a brief stop at Wellington early afternoon enroute from Sydney to Palmerston North for maintenance.

Peter Van Dyk photo

Safair L100 Hercules ZS-ORC departed Christchurch for Adelaide on its return to South Africa at the conclusion of its contract for flights to Antarctica.

Thu 01 - Fri 02 January 2009

Thursday 01 January 2009
Falcon 900 N44EG started this year's activity with the short hop from Queenstown to Dunedin. After less than an hour on the ground it was back to Queenstown before heading north to Auckland for a brief visit and then to Christchurch.

Gulfstream 5 N50KC also departed Queenstown heading for Taupo then to Kaitaia.

Friday 02 January 2009
Falcon 900 N44EG returned to Auckland from Christchurch and remained overnight.

Gulfstream 5 N50KC departed Kaitaia for Auckland where enough fuel for the 12hr 53min flight to Tuscon, Arizona was loaded.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM left Queenstown devoid of bizjet visitors, and headed to Wellington for a quick stop before returning to Queenstown. It then headed to Auckland and finally back to Christchurch.

The planned techstop visit to Auckland of an Austrian Airlines Airbus A319, OE-LDA, on an around the world trip was thwarted by better than forecast winds and the jet flew from Sydney to Rarotonga direct.

Tue 30 - Wed 31 December 2008

Tuesday 30 December 2008
Cessna 340 VH-MAZ lifted off Auckland's runway 23L right on 1000 heading for Norfolk and Lord Howe Island's on its return to Camden.

SkyAirWorld Embraer E190 VH-SXK arrived at Palmerston North just on midday from Invercargill. After a couple of hours on the ground it made the short hop to Hamilton before then crossing the Tasman to Sydney and Brisbane.

Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Invercargill to Auckland and Hastings.

Citationjet CJ3+ ZK-TBM was again busy today, flying from Queenstown to Christchurch, Wellington, Kerikeri and back to Queenstown.

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Taupo and return.

Air NZ Boeing 747-400 ZK-NBS was the focus of intense media interest with the aircraft being the test bed for the alternative bio-fuel derived from the bean jatropha. Using the callsign "Jatropha 1", it departed just prior to 1130 from Auckland for a two hour test flight where the number 1 engine was run on a 50/50 blend of jet fuel and the bio-fuel.

Wayne Grant photo

John Rankin photo

Wednesday 31 December 2008
Google's Boeing 767-200 N2767 departed Auckland just prior to 1000 heading to Christchurch.

Arriving to a warm Christchurch day, Glen Reid photo

Gulfstream 5 N50KC departed around the same time as N2767 and headed for Queenstown.

Gulfstream 4SP VH-DBT departed Queenstown early afternoon for Sydney.

Westwind ZK-RML again visited Taupo, arriving from and returning to Auckland.

Airwork's Boeing 737-200QC ZK-NQC arrived at Woodbourne mid morning from Auckland.

Taxiiing for departure to Woodbourne, Wayne Grant photo

Piper Malibu N9099Z was out of Rangiora to Nelson.

Mon 29 December 2008 - updated

A busy day as the year draws to a close. In no particular order:

Gulfstream 4SP VH-DBT departed Auckland at 0630 for Queenstown.

Gulfstream 4SP N124TF cleared formalities at Rotorua mid afternoon after it arrived from Maui. It then continued to Whakatane.

Gulfstream 5 N507QS departed Auckland for Kailua-Kona and Honolulu.

Departing in the rain, Wayne Grant photo

Gulfstream 5 N50KC flew from Queenstown to Auckland, then to Kaitaia and back to Auckland.

Gulfstream 550 HB-JEV departed Queenstown 4 minutes after N50KC for Papeete direct as 'Batman 271'.

Falcon 900 N44EG arrived at Queenstown a little after midday from Christchurch.

Parked at Christchurch, Torin Wilson photo

Westwind ZK-RML departed Auckland for Kaitaia, Taupo and back to Auckland.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM sprinted up and down the country starting with the short hop from Kerikeri to Auckland, then to Queenstown, back north to Wellington, onwards to Taupo and finally south again to Queenstown!

Airwork Boeing 737-300 freighter ZK-TLB departed Auckland for Brisbane, most likely on the first leg of its delivery flight to Africa. The aircraft has been in NZ since mid 2008 covering for ZK-NQC which has undergone a D check.

Airborne Auckland heading to Brisbane, Wayne Grant photo

Wed 24 Dec - Sun 28 Dec 2008 - updated

Wednesday 24 December 2008
Westwind VH-KNR flew a medivac flight through Auckland, arriving from Adelaide and departing for Sydney.

Westwind ZK-RML flew a round trip from Auckland to Gisborne and back.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Wellington to Queenstown, Christchurch and back to Queenstown.

Thursday 25 December 2008
Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Hastings to Hamilton, Dunedin and Invercargill.

SkyAirWorld Embraer E190 VH-SXK flew from Hamilton to Dunedin as 'Skyair 192'.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Queenstown to Kerikeri, Taupo and back to Queenstown.

Friday 26 December 2008
Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew Queenstown to Kerikeri, Auckland, Christchurch and back to Queenstown.

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Taupo, Kerikeri and back to Auckland.

Gulfstream 5 N50KC arrived at Queenstown from Napier.

Saturday 27 December 2008
Lockheed L100 Hercules ZS-ORC flew from Christchurch to Pegasus and return.

Westwind ZK-RML flew Auckland to Queenstown, then to Taupo and back to Auckland.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Queenstown to Kerikeri.

Airwork Boeing 737-200QC ZK-NQC flew from Auckland to Christchurch, uplifted an ATR engine then flew it to Wellington before heading home. The engine was for Mt Cook ATR ZK-MCF which returned to the Capital ex airborne 26Dec as NZ5015.

French Army Casa 235 '105' flew from Noumea to Whenuapai, Ohakea, Woodbourne and Wellington as CTM1161.

Reims/Cessna F406 Caravan II ZK-XLF was noted flying from Napier to Hamilton. This aircraft is ex Vincent Aviation ZK-VAF and is now with Kiwi Air. Kiwi Air also have ex Vincent machine ZK-VAA, now ZK-XLC, with this aircraft known to be operating in the Dallas area at present.

Sunday 28 December 2008
Piper PA31-350 ZK-NSP was observed operating well before sunrise off the Manawatu and Kapiti coastline, having departed from and finally returning to its Taupo base. Obviously a search and rescue operation of some sort.

Gulfstream 550 HB-JEV, using the callsign "Batman 261", arrived at Queenstown early this morning from Santiago via a brief stop at Papeete.

Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Invercargill to Dunedin and back.

SkyAirWorld Embraer E190 VH-SXK flew from Dunedin to Invercargill during the afternoon.

Gulfstream 4SP VH-DBT arrived at Auckland from Essendon.

Google's Boeing 767-200 N2767, ex VH-EAQ, arrived at Auckland from Nadi. The -200 had flown from Moffatt Field to Honolulu 20Dec then to Nadi 21Dec.

On arrival Auckland, Noel Jones photo

French Army Casa 235 '105' departed Wellington for Whenuapai and Noumea as CTM1161.