VH-OLN. SAAB 340B. c/n 207.

 

This aircraft was ordered new by Hazelton Air Services - ?

It was built by Saab Aircraft AB, Linkoping, Sweden - 1990

First flown with the test registration 'SE-G07' - September 04, 1990

Arrived Darwin on completion of the ferry flight from Sweden - October 11, 1990

Prior to handing over to Hazelton at Cudal this aircraft was used by Saab on a demonstation tour of Australia

It was displayed at Geraldton - October 15, 1990

Cancelled from the Swedish Aircraft Register - November 1990

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-OLN - November 05, 1990

Registered to Macquarie Bank Ltd, Sydney

Leased to Hazelton Air Services Pty Ltd, Cudal, N. S. W. as the registered operator

It was configured to seat 36 passengers

Operated its first revenue service - ?

Hazelton Air Services was purchased by TNT / News Ltd - 2000 - 2001

TNT / News Limited was the parent company of Ansett Airlines

Ansett Airlines suspended all operations due to bankruptcy - September 13, 2001

Operated its final revenue service Ballina - Sydney (Kingsford Smith) as AN7548 - September 14, 2001

The aircraft was returned to service under administration - ?

It was involved in an airspace separation incident whilst landing at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) - December 27, 2001

To view the ATSB report on this incident please click 'HERE'

Hazelton Air Services was sold to Australiawide Airlines t/a Regional Express Airlines - August 01, 2002

Operated its first revenue service with REX - August 06, 2002

Registered to Australiawide Airlines Ltd t/a REX Regional Express Airlines - September 16, 2002

Registered to Regional Express Holdings Ltd, Mascot, Sydney - May 25, 2005

Operated its final revenue service Melbourne (Tullamarine) - Wagga Wagga as ZL3286 - February 08, 2008

Withdrawn from use and stored at Wagga Wagga as a source of spare parts for the Saab fleet

Donated to the Australian Airline Pilot Academy at Wagga Wagga - May 19, 2010

Lifted over the airport fence by a crane and moved to the facility as a training aid

It was given the fictitious registration 'VH-PBS' in honour of Philip Bruce South

He was a well respect Rex engineering production leader who had passed away in late 2009

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - June 03, 2010