OzJet suspends operations, effective immediately

[Rhys Xanthis]

AIRLINE OzJet has suspended operating its 737 fleet from Perth, the carrier confirmed tonight.

OzJet Airlines offered flights from Peth to Derby and Bali.

Passengers reportedly have been left in the lurch by the sudden suspension over more then $200,000 in unpaid fees owed Perth Airport.

OzJet tonight released a statement saying monies outstanding had been substantially reduced recently, following the purchase of the airline from its previous owner European Aviation in May last year.

It blamed the suspension of its Perth fleet on a lack of revenue from the airline's being unable to add cargo aircraft to its air operator's agreement, which had had a significant impact on its business plan.

It said subsequent monies owed from one of the airline’s primary customers, IndoJet, had further exacerbated the situation.

As a result, OzJet Airlines had sub-contracted Alliance Airlines to continue operating its Perth-Derby route and other general charter obligations.

"This has in effect immediately and substantially reduced OzJet’s overhead expenses," OzJet said.

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/stor...2-2761,00.html

[Torin Wilson]

Source: Travel plans in disarray as OzJet grounded

Passengers at Perth Airport are furious after their travel plans were thrown into disarray today.
The effective grounding of OzJet’s operations in Perth over unpaid airport charges has affected thousands of Bali holiday makers.

.......

Perth Airport chief executive Brad Geatches told thewest.com.au that it would not process its passengers because the airport was owed more than $200,000 in back payments.

Also 4 737-200s are up for sale.

http://www.aircraftdealer.com/dealerdirectory/12650.htm

Description Price TTAF State Country Reg. No. Serial No.
1974 Boeing B737-229 ADV PAX $625,000.00 71055 FL US VH-OZD 20911
1975 Boeing B737-229 ADV PAX $695,000.00 63613 FL US VH-OZX 21177
1975 Boeing B737-229 ADV PAX $625,000.00 65729 FL US VH-OBN 21137
1975 Boeing B737-229 ADV PAX $695,000.00 63109 FL US VH-OZU 21176

[Gerard M]

How did you find out that the planes were for sale too?

[Dan Hammond]

Im a bit confused, does this mean they are finished or just on some services?

[Peter Agatsiotis]

On another forum news is that the whole airline has been sold to Heavylift Cargo airlines.

[Gerard M]

I found this article which suggests, from the date it was written (6/05/2008), that the company was sold to Heavylift last year? Would that be right or did the sale no go through until recently? If so, does that mean heavylift have canned it too?

http://www.travelweekly.com.au/articles/d0/0c0564d0.asp

...OzJet has been sold to freight carrier, Heavylift Cargo Airlines, in a multi-million dollar deal with the new owners already planning new routes.

Heavylift chief executive Nick Leach acquired former Ozjet owner Paul Stoddart’s 97.4 per cent shareholding after six weeks’ of negotiations....

[Carsten Bauer]

From that sales website, I've found one of my airliners.net images, and also one belonging to Anthony Jackson.

Emailed them asking for a please explain. Have mesg'ed AJ also informing him.

Anyway, everybody knew it was going to happen, just a matter of time.

Who's next in Perth? Skywest? Alliance? Cobham? Network?

[Rhys Xanthis]

skywest services too many regional ports to leave imo...it would be saved one way or the other.

alliance i doubt, they have mining charters and also lease agreements with QF providing some cash (although now i think, these F100 leases might be finished?)

[Adrian B]

Originally Posted by Carsten Bauer

From that sales website, ?

Nice to see they can spell :

Available From: Sidney, Australia

[Dan Hammond]

It will be interesting to see what kind of response you get Carsten