Final flight by an Ansett Australia F28 jet in WA

28/12/99

Premier Richard Court was on hand today to witness a piece of aviation history with the final flight by an Ansett Australia F28 in Western Australia.
Mr Court said the Fokker Fellowship (F28) had played an important part in the development of the State, with the F28 flying WA routes for more than 30 years.
The first F28 jet began service for MacRobertson Miller Airline (MMA) in September 1969 and was named the RMA Pilbara by the Premier's mother, Lady Rita Court.
Prior to the introduction of the F28 there were only three airports that could accept jet aircraft.
"Since then F28 Fellowship jets have serviced communities such as Port Hedland, Karratha, Broome, Derby, Newman, Paraburdoo, Geraldton, Carnarvon and Kalgoorlie," Mr Court said.
"The jets were seen as particularly suitable for the North-West routes and the planes have been an important part of the opening up of the Pilbara region.
"In that time we have seen the Pilbara become one of the great strengths of the Australian economy. It has gone from a remote mining region to a diversified 'province' including mining, energy creation and processing."
Mr Court said the fact that F28s had remained in service for 30 years in WA was testament to the design of the aircraft, its endurance and the high standard of maintenance by Ansett Australia.
Media contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475