Aviation Media Network

VT-MIR – Bombardier Global 7500
RPSG Group | Cairns, Queensland

Bombardier Global 7500 VT-MIR, owned by India’s RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG Group), called into Cairns today, 26 October, while returning to India following a visit to Hamilton Island. The aircraft stopped in Cairns to complete international departure formalities and replenish its fuel before continuing to its home base at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

The aircraft arrived in Australia at Essendon on 16 October before repositioning to Sydney on 20 October. On 24 October, it headed north to Hamilton Island, one of Queensland’s premier holiday destinations, where it remained until today’s departure.

The RPSG Group is a diversified Indian business conglomerate with interests across several industries. Its portfolio includes Firstsource Solutions, a global business process management company with a growing focus on artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Firstsource has also partnered with Victorian educational institutions on initiatives to establish an innovation lab focused on artificial intelligence, engineering, robotics and digital experimentation.

The Global 7500 is Bombardier’s flagship ultra-long-range business jet, designed to connect distant international destinations in exceptional comfort.

Air Tahiti Signature ATR 72-600 Arrives in Cairns

Air Tahiti is preparing to launch a new premium travel experience with the introduction of its first all-Business Class aircraft, an ATR 72-600 registered F-OPFO and named Ānapanapa.

AMN was on hand to witness the aircraft’s arrival in Australia at Cairns, although the occasion was accompanied by some rather dull weather. Interior images have been provided courtesy of Air Tahiti.

The aircraft features an ATR HighLine All-Business Class cabin, configured with just 26 individual seats in a 1-1 layout. This exclusive arrangement provides every passenger with direct aisle access, additional personal space and dedicated storage. An executive-style cabin ceiling further enhances the sense of space, creating a light and open environment for passengers.

Ānapanapa is scheduled to enter service on 8 December under the new Air Tahiti Signature brand, connecting Tahiti with popular destinations across French Polynesia, including Bora Bora and Raiatea-Taha’a.

The introduction of this aircraft marks the beginning of a new premium travel experience for Air Tahiti, offering passengers a cabin dedicated entirely to Business Class, where comfort, space and privacy take centre stage. Every detail has been designed to provide a more exclusive and personalised journey between the islands.

For ATR, the project demonstrates the versatility of the ATR 72-600 and its ability to fulfil new roles while retaining the operational flexibility that makes the type so well suited to connecting island communities. Nearly four decades after their partnership began, Air Tahiti and ATR are embarking on an exciting new chapter together.
Following a six-day delivery journey spanning three continents.

Ānapanapa is continuing its journey towards Tahiti, with arrival at Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport scheduled for 19 October.

Double RAAF KC-30 MRTT Visit to Cairns

On Wednesday this week, Cairns was treated to a visit by two RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTTs). To make the occasion even more special, northerly winds brought RWY 33 operations, providing a more scenic opportunity to photograph arrivals passing over the mangroves, with the adjacent Mt Whitfield offering an elevated vantage point.

The two aircraft were involved in separate operations, as confirmed by their respective callsigns. DRGN, pronounced “Dragon”, is a commonly used operational callsign associated with No. 33 Squadron, while ASY, pronounced “Aussie”, is an ADF-wide callsign used for international flights.

The first aircraft to arrive was DRGN44 (A39-007), which landed and parked on Taxiway Golf for approximately 80 minutes. Arriving from RAAF Base Amberley via Mount Isa, the aircraft remained on the ground before departing again from RWY 33. It returned to Amberley, routing via RAAF Base Townsville, where it conducted a missed approach.

The second arrival was ASY792 (A39-004), which landed and parked at Gate 6 on the international terminal apron. As the aircraft taxied towards the terminal, there was an opportunity to capture both KC-30As in a single frame. Unlike the first aircraft, A39-004 remained overnight in Cairns before departing for RAAF Base Amberley on Thursday morning.

Two KC-30As in one day made for a great spotting opportunity, made even better by the favourable winds, the picturesque RWY 33 approach and the chance to photograph both aircraft together.

Virgin Australia’s First and Last MAX 8 Visit to Cairns

Virgin Australia’s 26th and final Boeing 737 MAX 8, VH-8VK “Woolamai Beach”, arrived in Australia on 28 September 2026 following a ferry flight from Melbourne, Florida, via Ontario, California, and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Virgin Australia has operated the Boeing 737 MAX 8 since July 2023. The first aircraft, VH-8IA “Monkey Mia”, arrived later than planned due to issues involving then-Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems.

Today, Cairns welcomed both the first and last aircraft in the airline’s MAX 8 fleet. VH-8VK “Woolamai Beach” arrived this morning as VA1413 from Sydney, followed this afternoon by VH-8IA “Monkey Mia”, operating as VA1423, also from Sydney.

A fitting visit to Cairns, bringing together the first and last MAX 8s in Virgin Australia’s fleet!

RNZAF P-8A Poseidon Transits Cairns

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon NZ4803 made an overnight stop in Cairns on Thu 8th, before departing for Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore.

Arriving from its home base at RNZAF Base Ohakea, the P-8A is operated by No. 5 Squadron, which undertakes anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and search and rescue missions. The squadron’s mascot is the albatross, which features prominently on the tail of its Poseidon aircraft.

Another interesting military aviation visitor through Cairns as the RNZAF’s maritime patrol fleet continues to operate throughout the region.

Oldest Airworthy Dash 8 Leaves Australia

Further to our report in August, VH-QQB, the oldest airworthy Dash 8, has been acquired by the manufacturer, De Havilland Canada, and re-registered as C-FMQA to facilitate her ferry flight home to Canada.

Construction number 004 originally came to Australia in the 1980s as a type demonstrator. After a long career in regional aviation, she operated her final passenger service with Queensland regional carrier Skytrans on 21 July 2026 at Cairns.

There was hopes that this historic aircraft might be saved for preservation at the De Havilland Museum in Toronto. Her acquisition by the manufacturer, raised hopes that her flying days were not quite over. This week, VH-QQB was re-registered as C-FMQA under De Havilland Canada's ownership, paving the way for her journey home. This morning, at 09:45, #004 departed Cairns for the very last time, beginning the first leg of her ferry flight to Canada.

Still resplendent in her Skytrans livery, she leapt into the air with an early rotation, catching me slightly off guard as I photographed her departure. Fittingly, her callsign for the journey home is “DHC4” — a neat reference to her manufacturer, her new owner and her construction number.

It was a special departure for an aircraft with such a long history in Australian regional aviation. While it is sad to see her leave Cairns, it is exciting to know that this pioneering Dash 8 is heading home to Canada, with the possibility of a new chapter in her remarkable story.

War Museum Cambodia – A Collection of Conflict

The War Museum Cambodia is located in Siem Reap, close to National Highway 6 between the city and Siem Reap International Airport. The museum was established to preserve the memory of Cambodia’s long and turbulent period of civil war, while also protecting a unique collection of military equipment for future generations.

Much of the collection is displayed outdoors, beneath the shade of a mango plantation. The exhibits were gathered from former areas of conflict, including Anlong Veng, Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey, and represent the wide variety of equipment used during Cambodia’s years of conflict.

The collection is an eclectic mix of Chinese, American and Soviet-designed hardware, although Russian-built tanks, armoured vehicles and small arms make up a significant proportion of the exhibits. Some of the equipment also has an even older history, with examples dating back to the Second World War.

For an aviation enthusiast, there are several particularly interesting exhibits amongst the collection. One of the more unusual aircraft is a Shenyang J-6, the Chinese-built version of the Soviet MiG-19 supersonic fighter. The J-6 was produced in large numbers in China and became one of the country's most important fighter aircraft during the Cold War.

Also on display is a Mil Mi-8T 'Hip', a large Soviet-designed transport helicopter. The example preserved at the museum, XU-814, carries faded markings associated with Kampuchea Airline.
The museum's aircraft are perhaps not presented in the polished surroundings of a conventional aviation museum, but that is part of their appeal. Sitting among tanks, artillery and other battlefield equipment, they form part of a much wider story of Cambodia's military history.

For anyone with an interest in Cold War aviation and military history, the War Museum Cambodia is an interesting stop while visiting Siem Reap — particularly for the opportunity to see some unusual aircraft and military hardware in a setting very different from a traditional museum.

Looking Back to More Peaceful Times 🇺🇦

Rewinding to RIAT 2019, when the Ukrainian Air Force made a memorable appearance with aircraft from the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade, based at Myrhorod.

The Ukrainian contingent included a single-seat Sukhoi Su-27P1M for the dynamic flying display, accompanied by a two-seat Su-27UB and an Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft, which provided support and appeared in the static display.

In the flying display, Lieutenant Colonel Yuri put the mighty Flanker through an impressive high-energy routine, reportedly pulling up to 7g as he demonstrated the remarkable agility of this large fighter.

Aggressive turns, rapid changes in direction and the Su-27's spectacular tail slide showcased exactly why the Flanker has remained such a favourite with aviation enthusiasts around the world.

Combine that performance with the aircraft's unmistakable Ukrainian blue-grey digital pixel camouflage, and the Su-27 became one of the absolute fan favourites of the RIAT 2019 weekend.

A spectacular aircraft, an unforgettable display — and, looking back now, a reminder of very different, more peaceful times.