Hello hello once again, it has been quite some time since my last post. Managed to head over to the viewing gallery of Perth International Airport with a few friends. The viewing gallery sits right at the threshold of Runway 03 (2 runways at Perth, 03-21 and 06-24), and lucky for us, 03 was in use for arrivals the entire time we were there. It is an elevated spot which gave unobstructed views to the runway.
This was sort of the first spotting opportunity I had since I arrived and it was an amazing one.
Now quickly heading off to our first catch of the day and this already put a smile to my face. One that we do not see very often (if not at all) in the SEA region, a quad-high-wing regional jet.
Cobham Aviation BAe 146-300 (VH-NJP)
Cobham and Skippers are the few "Mining" airlines used as shuttles to the remote mining regions around Australia. They do short hops here and there.
Next we have Virgin Australia's 738.
Virgin Australia B737-8FE (VH-YFW)
3rd one was another one that I wanted checked off my to-spot list. The Boeing 717.
Qantas Link B717-23S (VH-NXD)
Now this Boeing doesn't quite look like one (707,727,737) as it is essentially derived from the DC-9. The looks are similar to that of the MD-80, but with much bigger engines.
While focusing on the 717, this one crept in front of us to the holding point of 03, waiting for an arrival.
Qantas B737-838 (VH-VXB) - Yananyi
Which was this little Fokker. The Fokker 70s and the 100s are the regional aircraft here, fulfilling a similar role of the ATRs back home. A few of those up ahead.
Alliance Airlines Fokker 70 (VH-QQW)
Skywest (Virgin Australia Regional) Fokker 100 (VH-FNY)
One of their remaining aircraft still in the Skywest livery. It has now been taken over by Virgin Australia.
Qantas Link Fokker 100 (VH-NHZ)
Now for a familiar colour. The striking red and white.
Indonesia AirAsia A320-216 (PK-AXX)
Virgin Australia A320-232 (VH-VNP)
Another rather regional airline, Skippers also fly into Perth, and sometimes with exotic aircraft (later in the post).
Skippers Dash 8-300 (VH-XFV)
We do get a fair share of private jets operating into Perth as well. You have the larger Bombardiers as well as the smaller Embraers.
Private Bombardier Global 6000 (VH-IQR)
Embraer Phenom 300 (VH-NJC)
Followed by another volley of regional jets.
Virgin Australia Fokker 100 (VH-FZO)
Qantas Link A320-232 (VH-VQU)
Virgin Australia A320-232 (VH-VNB)
Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 (VH-FKF)
The last time I saw an alliance Fokker was back in Penang when they did a Tech Stop.
These shuttle props get smaller as we progress along the post. Another new catch for me, the Saab 340.
Regional Express Saab 340B (VH-ZLC)
Zooming out, we have the first of the widebody jets coming in for landing. This is the shorter but longer ranged 330. Most of the 330s here are of the -200 variant.
Virgin Australia A330-243 (VH-XFD)
More Alliance jets.
Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 (VH-FKG)
Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 (VH-FKC)
Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 (VH-XWP)
REX Saab 340B (VH-ZRM)
Alliance Airlines Fokker 70 (VH-QQR)
Alliance Airlines Fokker 100 (VH-FKJ)
And now for an even smaller shuttle. The Fairchild Metroliner, with the good-ol-fashioned piston engines.
Skippers Metroliner (VH-WAJ)
And then... the sun came out. It was a rather gloomy afternoon with lighting coming on and off (more off than on).
Qantas A330-202 (VH-EBJ)
Qantas Link Fokker 100 (VH-NHG)
One of the great things about this spotting location is that a taxiway sits between the runway and the location, which allowed for really good closeups of the few aircraft taxiing past us.
Wonder what's on his mind?
Qantas A330-202 (VH-EBA)
And when the timing is just right, you get one of the greatest opportunity for a photo like this.
2 A332s
Qantas A330-202 (VH-EBP)
VH-EBA lining up
Will continue the next half in part 2.
Tags:
sslee perth planespotting
saab 340b rex
metroliner skippers
perth a330-200
avro rj100 bae 146-300
cobham aviation
