Virgin Mount Isa 737-800

[Saab34]

I’ve noted this week they are sending the -800 into ISA. Test for permanent ops?

 

[RooFlyer]

I’ve noted this week they are sending the -800 into ISA. Test for permanent ops?

With the mine in decline that would surprise me.

 

[Harrison_133]

I’ve noted this week they are sending the -800 into ISA. Test for permanent ops?

The 737s are back permanently in ISA, twice a week to begin with before taking over all services. The last Fokker flight looks to be on October 1.

BNE-ASP also switches to the 737 from July 22, and they've swapped out the Fokker for some extra 737 services on BNE-CBR/MKY/ROK until the middle of June.

 

[RooFlyer]

Colour me surprised. Are the Fokkers being taken out of service?

 

[DC3]

I’ve noted this week they are sending the -800 into ISA.

I seem to recall flying QF TSV-ISA-DRW decades ago. Does that sound right?

 

[Wing Nut]

I seem to recall flying QF TSV-ISA-DRW decades ago. Does that sound right?

It does. The only way to get to TSV from DRW in the 80's through to the early 00's was either via CNS or ISA. CNS was a good option as the lay over was 6 odd hours, plenty of time to go into the city and have a beer and counter meal.

Best trip out if ISA to DRW we did was in the late 90's. All flights to DRW via CNS booked so had to do the milk run. A King Air flight from Mt Isa - Doomagee - Mornington Is - Normanton - Karumba - Cairns. Absolutely amazing. Mrs Nut and I still talk about landing in Karumba on a dirt strip by the gulf with a strong cross wind. We could see the pilots view as we were right behind him. Loved it! Mornington was beautiful to fly into and out of.

 

[Saab34]

Colour me surprised. Are the Fokkers being taken out of service?

I was told late last year they are winding back Alliance wet leasing and bringing it back in house now they have the fleet to do so.

Appears Virgin is more interested in giving any work to Air North. This does appear to date back a bit and no doubt planning started when QF was attempting to take over Alliance.

 

[HS-TQE]

Virgin has effectively "wet leased" at least one aircraft from the Air North E190 fleet for one line of VARA work in WA.