REX buys Cobhams FIFO Ops (NJE)

[Greg Hyde]

Rex has signed an agreement to acquire National Jet Express, the regional services arm of Cobham Aviation Services Australia.

NJE is the leading provider of fly-in fly-out services in Western Australia and South Australia and operates freight services from Sydney to Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, as well as charter services to Papua New Guinea.

Regional Express (Rex)’s subsidiary Rex Freight and Charter has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire Cobham for $48 million.
According to a release from Rex, the finding will be provided by drawing down an additional $15 million under its convertible note facility with PAG and from its own cash resources to find 50 per cent of the purchase price.
The remaining 50 per cent will be provided by joint venture partners, one of whom is Rex’s chairman, who will be funding their 50 per cent share with private funds.

Rex’s executive chairman, Lim Kim Hai said FIFO services are expected to experience strong growth in Australia and this acquisition positions the Rex Group to participate in this booming sector.
“With this acquisition, Rex will have a FIFO arm that is simply unparalleled in Australia,” Hai said.

“NJE has a completely modern fleet comprising eight Bombardier Q400 turboprops and six Embraer E190 jets for FIFO work. Both aircraft types are fuel efficient, have enhanced operational reliability and low carbon emissions when compared with the predominantly 40-year-old Fokker 100s used by the other major FIFO operators.

“I believe that NJE’s modern aircraft fleet and its long-term customer relationships overlayed with Rex’s proven record of safety, reliability and cost efficiencies would propel NJE to be the premier FIFO operator in Australia.

“NJE will naturally be the partner of choice for resources companies all over Australia who have been crying out for so long for a FIFO provider that is able to address their triple priorities of minimal impact on the environment, comfort and safety of its staff and reliability of service.

“The joint venture will invest in modern aircraft and technology to enable NJE to expand from its traditional base of WA and SA and bring our unique brand of FIFO services also to Queensland and Northern Territory.”

The sale will be subject to regulatory approvals.

https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/rex-to-acquire-leading-fly-in-fly-out-airline/

[Brian Wilkes]

Gets me with REX. Always crying out poor. Qantas did this Qantas did that we can't compete on this and that route, we are going broke.
Enter REX on the big stage with jets and now buying up other carriers. So how do they do it with NO $$$$$$, so they say?

[Greg McDonald]

Friends in high places......

[James Smith]

According to Planespotters, Dash 8-300, VH-SBJ is owned by Cobham Aviation and is leased to Eastern Australia Airlines. That means that if the sale goes through Rex will be leasing an aircraft to a QANTAS subsidiary with a red kangaroo on the tail. How ironic. :)

[Rowan McKeever]

According to Planespotters, Dash 8-300, VH-SBJ is owned by Cobham Aviation and is leased to Eastern Australia Airlines. That means that if the sale goes through Rex will be leasing an aircraft to a QANTAS subsidiary with a red kangaroo on the tail. How ironic. :)


SBJ has always been owned by Eastern Australia Airlines. It was leased to Cobham/NJE between 2009 and 2012 and is clearly stated in this link as ‘returned’ from lease.

https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/de-havilland-canada-dhc-8-300-vh-sbj-qantaslink/r758w1

[James Smith]

Thanks for correcting my mistake, Rowan. I obviously didn't scroll down far enough and got confused between "leased by" and "leased to" in my mind when contemplating the possibility.

[Greg Hyde]

If successful REX will have an interesting fleet mix with B738, E190s, Dash8's & SAABs.

Will the SAABs be retired for E190s and/or Dash8's ?

[Kent Broadhead]

If successful REX will have an interesting fleet mix with B738, E190s, Dash8's & SAABs.

Will the SAABs be retired for E190s and/or Dash8's ?

Pre-Covid REX was talking with ATR about replacements for the SAABs.

[MarkR]

If successful REX will have an interesting fleet mix with B738, E190s, Dash8's & SAABs.

Will the SAABs be retired for E190s and/or Dash8's ?

Two very different markets served by two AOCs, I don’t think you will see any cross pollination of aircraft.

[Rowan McKeever]

Two very different markets served by two AOCs, I don’t think you will see any cross pollination of aircraft.

Yeah I agree. For one thing, I've not seen any indication that the Cobham operation will be rebranded as Rex - not ruling it out, but certainly wasn't mentioned in the press release, in fact I read it the opposite way with the repeated references to NJE will this and NJE will that.

At most, there might, might one day in the future be E190s used for some RPT services out of PER to points in WA and the likes of ADL, ASP, DRW.

[Greg Hyde]

Yeah I agree. For one thing, I've not seen any indication that the Cobham operation will be rebranded as Rex - not ruling it out, but certainly wasn't mentioned in the press release, in fact I read it the opposite way with the repeated references to NJE will this and NJE will that.

At most, there might, might one day in the future be E190s used for some RPT services out of PER to points in WA and the likes of ADL, ASP, DRW.

Exactly, with the market bigger than a SAAB and not big enough for a B738.

I've also read that they picked up NJE freight ops as well which would include the B146's.

[Brenden S]

Well it is National Jet Express trading as Cobham.... so it may as well be NJE trading as REX.

The deal is for all the E190's, Q400's, and 146F's for 40 Million.

[MarkR]

Well it is National Jet Express trading as Cobham.... so it may as well be NJE trading as REX.

The deal is for all the E190's, Q400's, and 146F's for 40 Million.

The deal does not include the 146’s, just the fifo assets

[Greg Hyde]

National Jet Express is reducing their Bae146 fleet by:

VH-NJQ being scrapped
VH-NJY withdrawn & up for sale
VH-NJP withdrawn & up for sale

These predate the above announcement

[Brenden S]

The deal includes FIFO and Cargo ops. This ops as National Jet Express AOC. The deal does not include the Dash 8 Customs operations.

[lloyd fox]

Simple Flying article today.Part only.

Rex executive chairman Lim Kim Hai told Flightglobal that he expects the takeover to be wrapped up by September, and the [FIFO] unit will keep its branding and not fly under the Rex brand. He added it will be "run independently in as far as the customer-facing part is concerned." The Q400s and E190s are ideally suited to the demands of FIFO operations, which often require services to remote airstrips with various types of runway surfaces. Lim said NJE's fleet of Dash 8s and E190s are "the best, most modern aircraft that fly-in, fly-out customers would need."

[Greg Hyde]

Australia’s largest independent regional carrier Regional Express (Rex) has completed its acquisition of Cobham Aviation Services’ fly-in fly-out (FIFO) business and flagged its intention to capture market share from Qantas Airways’ Alliance Airlines and Network Aviation which mostly serve the mining sector using Fokker 70/100s.

Rex says in a statement to the Australian stock exchange today it has completed the acquisition of National Jet Express (NJE), Cobham Aviation Services’ fly-in fly-out (FIFO) business, and plans to grow and transform the business by expanding its operations into Queensland and the Northern Territory, two areas of Australia where Rex and NJE has little presence. NJE’s operations are concentrated in South Australia and Western Australia while Rex’s operations are concentrated in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.

Rex has, until now, failed to develop a strong presence in Queensland and the Northern Territory because these are big geographic areas. Rex’s fleet comprises of Saab 340s that lack the range to serve the longer routes in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

But NJE operates De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Dash 8-400s and Embraer 190s, aircraft types that have more range.

Rex executive chairman, Lim Kim Hai, says in today’s statement: “In anticipation of the surge in demand for NJE’s services, we are looking to lease immediately another two Dash 8-400 aircraft to add to its fleet.”

“We will continue to invest in new aircraft and technology to grow the business, especially in Queensland where resource companies have been facing severe issues with capacity and reliability in recent years,” he says.

Lim says Rex plans to use NJE to transform Australia’s mining charter sector.

“Resource companies all over Australia can now count on a modern, comfortable and environmentally-friendly fleet for their FIFO needs instead of relying on 30-year-old Fokker 100 aircraft used predominantly by the other operators,” says Lim, referring to Alliance and Network Aviation which primarily serve mining companies using Fokkers.

Rex announced in mid-July it had signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 100% of NJE for A$48 million (US$31 million) from international private equity firm Advent International, subject to adjustments for working capital and other matters.

The NJE business had revenue of A$142 million in 2021’s calendar year, Rex said.

It said it would fund 50% of the acquisition and its joint venture partners the remainder, giving both parties a 50% stake. One of the joint venture partners is Rex’s Lim who would be using private funds, it added.

NJE at the time had a fleet of eight Dash 8-400s and six Embraer E-190 aircraft.

[lloyd fox]

They are now advertising for Captains,First officers and cabin crew BNE based.
They have said these 2 x Q400 's coming will have a new NJE brand.

I also read somewhere they are sourcing another 2 E190's.I cannot find this article so not confirmed.

[Brenden S]

LLoyd, I too have read that they are trying to get another 2 E190's

[lloyd fox]

Thanks Brenden for that..Cheers.:)

[Greg Hyde]

Maybe of interest

https://www.falko.com/delivering-an-embraer-e190-aircraft-down-under/

[Yusef D]

^ that announcement was from Jun 2021

[Brenden S]

I have been told that painting of the aircraft in the fleet from Cobham to National Jet Express will happen soon locally. Will be Blue tail with NJE letters, Cobham removed and National Jet Express painted over and the E jets will get the engines painted blue. Will happen soon.

[lloyd fox]

Here are the pics.

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1673845164332-png.4454840/

[Greg Hyde]

Here are the pics.

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1673845164332-png.4454840/

Nice look !

I was wondering if REX would get a mention.

[Brenden S]

Where was that from Lloyd?

[MarkR]

Maybe https://www.scramble.nl/civil-news/rex-to-relaunch-national-jet-express

[Greg Hyde]

Looks like the E-Series P2F has gone ahead

Embraer 195 AR 190.00370 PR-AYJ Azul Linhas Aéreas first in svc 12feb23 PLUGRU after paint into Mercado Livre cs and E-Class freighter conversion

Maybe of interest for NJE

[Greg Hyde]

From CH-Aviation

Australia's National Jet Express set to grow fleet

Details behind paywall

[Brenden S]

extra Q400's to be based in Brisbane

[lloyd fox]

Any idea on when they may arrive at BNE thanks Brenden.:)

[Greg Hyde]

extra Q400's to be based in Brisbane

thks, Brenden

[MarkR]

extra Q400's to be based in Brisbane

But who are they buying GAM??? The proposed acquisition would combine two of the largest suppliers of charter services in Western Australia and Queensland.

[Dylan Hardie]

July 1 is the set start date

[lloyd fox]

Yep thanks Dylan:)


National Jet Express Wins First Mining Contract In Queensland And Announces New Base In Brisbane
16 May 2023 . 2 min read

The much-anticipated move by National Jet Express (NJE), a member of the Rex Group, into the Queensland market has begun with the signing of a long-term contract.

NJE today announced it had won a contract to provide services for BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

"We are humbled to have been selected by BMA, one of the world’s most respected mining operators,” said Chris Hine, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of NJE.

"Their confidence in us is an endorsement of NJE’s position as a premium regional air service provider to the mining and resources industry.”

“We are happy to announce that we are now officially open for Mining and Resources business in Queensland. NJE will be operating a fleet of modern Dash 8-Q400NG ‘Next Generation’ aircraft, offering jet-like speeds while consuming 50% less fuel and emitting lower levels of carbon.”

NJE will initially procure two Dash 8-Q400NGs for Queensland. It will also establish a significant new operational base in Brisbane to support the expansion of its services.

“Many mining operators in Queensland have been reaching out to the Rex Group since its purchase of NJE in October last year, eager for Rex to replicate its hallmark standards of reliability, professionalism and safety into mining markets,” Mr Hine said.

“I see so much pent-up demand in Queensland for a premium mining and resources air service provider and the Rex Group will continue procuring additional Dash 8-Q400NGs to meet this need. We are also open to introducing the Embraer E190 jets in Queensland as we already have a large fleet of these on the West Coast,” Mr Hine added.

“NJE’s ability to start operations on 1 July 2023, less than six weeks away, shows the speed with which the Rex Group is able to respond to the often-urgent demands of the resources sector, whilst maintaining our absolute commitment to safety and on-time performance.”

The Rex Group is the biggest regional operator of Regular Passenger Transport services in regional and rural Queensland with 24 destinations. NJE will be able to leverage this expansive network to provide creative solutions to the air transport needs of the mining and resources industry located all over regional/rural Queensland.”
Network + TrafficAsia Pacific

[Greg Hyde]

Plenty of work for Dash8 drivers in Oz at the moment.

[Greg Hyde]

No new frames.

Redeploying a/c from SA & WA

[MarkR]

No new frames.

Redeploying a/c from SA & WA

There are new frames coming eventually NJE will initially procure two Dash 8-Q400NGs for Queensland. It will also establish a significant new operational base in Brisbane to support the expansion of its services.

“Many mining operators in Queensland have been reaching out to the Rex Group since its purchase of NJE in October last year, eager for Rex to replicate its hallmark standards of reliability, professionalism and safety into mining markets,” Hine said. “I see so much pent-up demand in Queensland for a premium mining and resources air service provider and the Rex Group will continue procuring additional Dash 8-Q400NGs to meet this need. We are also open to introducing the Embraer E190 jets in Queensland as we already have a large fleet of these on the West Coast. [

https://asianaviation.com/national-jet-express-wins-first-mining-deal-in-queensland/

[lloyd fox]

The last 2 paragraphs explains the issues of getting new aircraft.


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Australia's National Jet Express acquires two Dash 8-400s
Cobham Aviation Dash 8-400 Cobham Aviation Dash 8-400 © Cobham Aviation/Abra-Galena
21.05.2023 - 23:17 UTC

National Jet Express (JTE, Adelaide) will acquire two new generation DHC-8-Q400s after it secured a contract to operate fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) services for BHP Mitsubishi Alliance in Queensland, Australia. A fellow subsidiary of Rex - Regional Express (ZL, Wagga Wagga) parent Regional Express Holdings, National Jet Express will also open a new operational base at Brisbane International to support the expansion.

The two De Havilland Aircraft of Canada turboprops will arrive in Australia in time to begin servicing the contract on July 1 and will take the number of DHC-8-Q400s National Jet Express operates to ten. CEO and MD of National Jet Express Chris Hine said there is considerable pent-up demand in Queensland for mining and resources air services.

“Many mining operators in Queensland have been reaching out to the Rex Group since its purchase of National Jet Express in October last year," he said. The airline also has a fleet of six E190s, based at Perth International, which Hine says he is open to bringing into Queensland.

The BHP Mitsubishi Alliance is Australia’s largest producer and supplier of seaborne metallurgical coal and is jointly owned by BHP and Mitsubishi Development. It operates seven mines in Queensland's Bowne Basin and owns the Hay Point Coal Terminal near Mackay, approximately 1,000 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Purchasing National Jet Express in 2022 gave Rex - Regional Express an instant slice of the closed contract FIFO market previously dominated by Qantas, Alliance Airlines, and Virgin Australia Regional. Queensland is an Alliance Airlines stronghold, with that airline operating FIFO services to 15 airports in the state. Last year, Rex - Regional Express said it was keen to make inroads in the FIFO market in Queensland.

Earlier this month, speaking to ch-aviation, Rex - Regional Express Deputy Chairman John Sharp said negotiations were underway to secure several new National Jet Express charter contracts.

He said the problem wasn't securing the contracts, rather securing the aircraft to service the contracts. Referring to the DHC-8-Q400s, Sharp said industrial action in Canada was impacting the ability to get permits to fly aircraft out of the country. Sharp also said striking engineers at the Canadian aircraft manufacturing plants meant the work he needed to get done on planes before he could fly them out to Australia, wasn't able to get done in a timely manner.

"We've had industrial action in Canada on two fronts, both of which have affected the delivery of aircraft, and additional aircraft," he said. "When we get additional aircraft in place, we can operate more services."

[Dylan Hardie]

First aircraft will arive into Brisbane a week before start date

[MarkR]

Maroomba took delivery of a Dash 8 300 last week, they seem to be flooding in

[Brenden S]

Now registered as VH-QQE

[Dylan Hardie]

First Q400 will arrive into Brisbane on the 26th and a training flight later in the week

[lloyd fox]

Thanks Dylan.:)

[Greg Hyde]

I have been told that painting of the aircraft in the fleet from Cobham to National Jet Express will happen soon locally. Will be Blue tail with NJE letters, Cobham removed and National Jet Express painted over and the E jets will get the engines painted blue. Will happen soon.

NJE has been repainting their DHC8 fleet in NJE livery

VH-IYV

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10929360

VH-IYW

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10928677

VH-IYJ

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10900963
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10922682 (Nice shot, Brenden)

There may be more

[lloyd fox]

Still have to do the tail but.:)

[Brenden S]

I am not sure what is going to happen with the tail, and the E190's have not been touched yet.

[Dylan Hardie]

IQA is the first E190 to receive the NJE sticker. Once the E190's are done the Q400's will start to get the tails done

IYP looks to be the one coming to Brisbane. Getting cabin work done in ADL before it's arrival Monday night

[Dylan Hardie]

NC504D planned into Brisbane at 7:10pm tomorrow

[Brenden S]

E190 VH-IQU has NJE titles now.

[Dylan Hardie]

Any photos of IQU?

[Brenden S]

Sorry mate, IQY, when I edit and upload to JP there will be one.

[Brenden S]

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10991075

[Brenden S]

VH-IQU
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11007684

[lloyd fox]

VH-IYP at BNE the other day

https://www.flickr.com/photos/79487691@N07/53090029294/in/dateposted-public/

[Greg Hyde]

CH-Aviation has reported that REX/NJE will add an wet-leased Q400 capacity for WA ops

This may be due to the a/c switched from WA to Qld. a while back.

[Brenden S]

Nice to have an additional Q400 here in the West

[Dylan Hardie]

A second Q400 is due to arrive into Brisbane mid October

From November NJE is operating some RPT services on behalf of Rex out of Perth

[lloyd fox]

National Jet Express to Expand Fleet with Ninth Dash 8-400NG Aircraft
August 29, 2023

SOURCE:Airliner Watch.
Key Points:

National Jet Express (NJE), part of the Rex Group, is set to receive its ninth Dash 8-400NG aircraft in October, primarily to serve its extended contract with the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).


The new aircraft will facilitate extra flights to Moranbah, a mining community located 1000 km north of Brisbane in the Bowen Basin.


NJE is in the late stages of discussions for two more contracts in the mining and construction sectors, signaling a potential expansion of Dash 8-400NG services across Queensland.


NJE Eyes Further Growth in Mining and Construction Sectors Across Queensland
SYDNEY — National Jet Express (NJE), a subsidiary of Australian operator Rex Group, is gearing up to welcome a new addition to its fleet—a De Havilland Dash 8-400NG aircraft, equipped with 82 seats. Slated to enter service in October, this will be the ninth Dash 8-400NG aircraft for NJE and the second one specifically deployed to buttress its enduring contract with mining conglomerate BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

Chris Hine, Managing Director of NJE, expressed his satisfaction with the market's reception to the Dash 8-400NG services since their launch in July. "We have been delighted by the response we have received to our commencement of Dash 8-400NG services," Hine said. He also indicated that the company anticipates expanding its Queensland-based fleet further in 2024, driven by strong demand.

The new aircraft will enhance NJE's capabilities to serve the mining community of Moranbah, situated in the Bowen Basin and roughly 1000 kilometers north of Brisbane. The additional flights are part of NJE's strategy to support and cultivate its long-term association with BMA, which officially commenced operations on July 1, 2023.

Beyond the scope of its collaboration with BMA, NJE is on the verge of finalizing negotiations for two additional contracts in Queensland. These contracts, focusing on the mining and construction industries, suggest an imminent expansion of Dash 8-400NG services throughout the state. "Based on the demand we are seeing, we fully expect to further grow our Queensland-based fleet in 2024," added Hine.

[Dylan Hardie]

IYK due into Brisbane on the 21st October as the second Q400

New Q400 will be VH-8QA and painted in Wagga Wagga not sure of previous owner

[lloyd fox]

Thanks Dylan.Cheers.:)

[Greg Hyde]

Dash 8 -402 4582 VH-8QA Nexus Aviation delivery 18pct23 SCN-PUY, basic Philippines cs ex 2-RPCC

This maybe the a/c even it it showing Nexus

[Greg Hyde]

Dash 8 -402 4582 VH-8QA Nexus Aviation delivery 18pct23 SCN-PUY, basic Philippines cs ex 2-RPCC

This maybe the a/c even it it showing Nexus

VH-8QA was added to the VH-Reg on 19/10/23 for NATIONAL JET EXPRESS PTY LTD

[MarkR]

VH-8QA was added to the VH-Reg on 19/10/23 for NATIONAL JET EXPRESS PTY LTD

Nope, it’s a Aviair bird as previously mentioned, went through south of Gaza 13 hours ago. The NJS bird is meant to be ex Canada I believe.

8XA

Updated 13 October 2023
Aircraft manufacturer:BOMBARDIER INC
Aircraft model:DHC-8-402
Registration holder:
NORDIC AVIATION LEASING NINE PTE. LTD.
60 Anson Rd, #18-04, Mapletree Anson
Singapore singapore 079914
Singapore
Registered operator:
AVIAIR PTY LTD
PO Box 612
KUNUNURRA WA 6743
Australia

[Rowan McKeever]

The CASA register shows, as Greg says, 8QA as a Q400 registered to National Jet Systems in Adelaide as of yesterday.

8XA is a Nexus (Aviair) Q400 first registered on 23 August and in service a month later.

[MarkR]

The CASA register shows, as Greg says, 8QA as a Q400 registered to National Jet Systems in Adelaide as of yesterday.

8XA is a Nexus (Aviair) Q400 first registered on 23 August and in service a month later.

Ahh, that explains it, I am mixing my x’ s and q’s

[Greg Hyde]

Ahh, that explains it, I am mixing my x’ s and q’s

No just wrong

[MarkR]

No just wrong

That too

[Dylan Hardie]

Final destination i've been told is Wagga for painting. Currently flying in Ex PR livery

https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/392810574_3694760860754019_2299222407013599996_n.j pg?stp=dst-jpg_p843x403&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=UFweUpLsv9sAX9r5Ehw&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=00_AfB9lGgpYuCRa21NADnvUOzd7KR90rF7tZf0kZIz5XSt xQ&oe=65381095

[Greg Hyde]

VH-8QA is scheduled to arrive in Perth this afternoon.

[lloyd fox]

VH-IYK the 2nd Q400 arrived at BNE last night from ADL.

[Dylan Hardie]

Will start flying to Emerald, Moranbah and Rocky from this week

[Dylan Hardie]

8QA due to enter service on Thursday pending all goes well. Will be flying with the PR tail with the painting being delayed

[Brenden S]

Oh good to know.

[Dylan Hardie]

Has now been painted all white with a NJE sticker on the sides

[Greg Hyde]

8QA entered service on the 26/10/23.

[Zac M]

REX today announced flights from BNE to CNS, oddly though, they will be operated by NJE Q400s, commencing 22/11

[Rowan McKeever]

Appears to be in connection with announcement of new FIFO operations - see media release of 23 Oct (I can't work out how to copy the direct link for the specific media release, sorry) at link below which notes a new FIFO route of CNS-TSV-MOV.

https://rex.com.au/MediaAndPressClippings/MediaReleaseList.aspx?y=2023

Not sure how the BNE-CNS RPT service (north on Wednesday arvo, south on Thursday arvo) works with the second weekly frequency of the new FIFO run, though.

[lloyd fox]

The BNE-CNS flight by REX is only once a week .It uses a Q400 of NJE.

ZL 1064 departs BNE at Noon on Wednesdays arr CNS at 1500 hrs.
ZL1079 departs CNS on Thursdays at 1330 hrs arr BNE at 1615 hrs.

See REX schedules

https://www.rex.com.au/Schedules/

[Dylan Hardie]

8QA has appeared out of Perth today now with a NJE titled tail

[lloyd fox]

VH-8QA due BNE later today after VH-IYK departed to PER on Friday.

[lloyd fox]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/79487691@N07/53432121711/in/dateposted-public/

[Greg Hyde]

Embraer 190LR 190.00488 VH-8EA National Jet Express delivery 01-05mar24 SJK-NAT-ACC-KGL-SEZ-CGK-PER, VP-reg prior paint ex VP-CDY

[Greg Hyde]

Embraer 190LR 190.00488 VH-8EA National Jet Express delivery 01-05mar24 SJK-NAT-ACC-KGL-SEZ-CGK-PER, VP-reg prior paint ex VP-CDY

Note: Rego

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11259186

[lloyd fox]

How nice is that livery..Wow.:)

[Greg Hyde]

Embraer 190LR 190.00488 VH-8EA National Jet Express delivery 01-05mar24 SJK-NAT-ACC-KGL-SEZ-CGK-PER, VP-reg prior paint ex VP-CDY

Added to the VH-Reg as VH-8EA on 7/3/24

[lloyd fox]

Looks like the E190 is coming to QLD too...Alex Ananian Cooper used to be a member of this board many many years ago.:)

REX GROUP EXPANDS CHARTER OPERATIONS IN QUEENSLAND
By
Asian Aviation
-
07/03/2024
0
65



Rex Group today announced the continued expansion of its charter operations in Queensland through Rex Group Member, National Jet Express (NJE). Commencing 5 March 2024, NJE will initiate two new weekly services between Moranbah and Cairns.
The services will be operated using NJE’s state-of-the-art De Havilland Dash 8-400NG aircraft, known for its modern design, reliability, and fuel efficiency. This expansion reflects NJE’s commitment to meeting the growing demands for its operations in Queensland and across Australia.
Commenting on the expansion, NJE’s GM for Business Development, Alex Ananian Cooper, stated, “In the short time since our debut in Queensland in July 2023, this is the 4th new long-term contract for our services that NJE has secured across the mining, resources and construction sectors.”
“This clearly demonstrates that these sectors are seeking an operator they can rely on which can deliver the services in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. To meet the demand for our premium, reliable services, NJE will redouble its efforts to aggressively grow its fleet in Queensland with both the Dash 8-400NG and the Embraer E190.”
“As part of the Rex Group, NJE is able to leverage on Rex’s extensive intrastate RPT network with 24 destinations in Queensland as well as on Rex’s interstate connections to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to provide a seamless service for our customers.”

[Greg Hyde]

Looks like VH-8EA entered service yesterday on the Perth to Sunrise Dam run.

No time for a repaint.

[Greg Hyde]

NJS has added another Dash8 to the fleet with VH-8QB/4323 being added to the VH-Reg on 23/08/24.

[Brenden S]

Should be in the country tomorrow or Monday in full Flybe colours still.

[Ayden H]

Currently 2 hours out of Port Hedland https://www.flightradar24.com/36da9ee3

[Greg Hyde]

National Jet Express Welcomes 10th Q400 Aircraft
26 August 2024 . 1 min read

Adelaide, Australia (August 26, 2024) — National Jet Express (NJE) announced today that it has signed a lease for its 10th De Havilland Q400 aircraft to support its ongoing expansion in FIFO operations around Australia. The aircraft is due to arrive in Australia and commence operations within the next two weeks.

The additional aircraft, to be registered VH-8QB, follows the recent introduction of NJE’s 7th Embraer E190 jet, bolstering its growing Western Australian operations. The 10th Q400 aircraft will facilitate NJE’s expansion of operations in South Australia, with its Adelaide-based Q400 fleet growing to three aircraft.

“NJE continues to see strong demand across the construction, mining, and resources industries around Australia, and we are actively sourcing additional aircraft for our Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia operations,” NJE’s Interim COO, Robin Furber, said.

“NJE has made a conscious effort to invest in modern and fuel-efficient aircraft to support our FIFO operations, in stark contrast to the older aircraft operated by some of our competitors. Our customers tell us they highly value the comfort, environmental benefits, and reliability that come with operating these aircraft,” Robin Furber added.

“On behalf of the Avmax Group, we congratulate NJE and welcome them as a lessee of Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc. (AALI). NJE is our first DHC8-400 lessee in Australia, and we look forward to supporting them with additional regional aircraft and spare parts for their fleet,” said Steve Hankirk, Avmax’s CEO.

https://newsroom.aviator.aero/national-jet-express-welcomes-10th-q400-aircraft/

Will be headed to the nearest paint-shop (still in Flybe livery)

https://www.planespotters.net/photo/1639784/vh-8qb-national-jet-express-bombardier-dhc-8-402q-dash-8

[Brenden S]

There is another Dash8-400 on the way. 1 for BNE and 1 for ADL base.

[Robert.M]

8QB will be flying PHE to WGA! Almost a five hour flight.:eek:

[MarkR]

8QB will be flying PHE to WGA! Almost a five hour flight.:eek:

A walk in the park considering they had 8 and 9 hour legs on the way over

[Robert.M]

A walk in the park considering they had 8 and 9 hour legs on the way over

Being stuck in a Q400 for five hours is bad enough. :D

https://www.aviationspotting.au/picture.php?/2842
https://www.aviationspotting.au/picture.php?/2841

[Greg Hyde]

VH-8QB is scheduled to fly from Wagga to Brisbane after paint.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-8QB entered service today as JTE508, Brisbane to Cairns