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.
