More from Fiji Airways and Mount Cook

Pictures today are of the arrival of a Fiji Airways-operated Boeing 737-8X2, DQ-FJG, followed by a Mount Cook Airline-operated ATR-GIE ATR72-212A, ZK-MVO.

Boeing 737-8X2, DQ-FJG, operated by Fiji Airways

ATR-GIE ATR72-212A, ZK-MVO, operated by Mount Cook Airline/ Air NZ

Can you spot the difference???

Last Sunday afternoon I saw the arrival and departure of the regular Fiji Airways flight from/ to Nadi, Fiji.

This time the flight was operated by their Boeing 737-8X2, DQ-FJG. Nothing unusual in that, except this time the aircraft has a small addition to the paintwork. I'm not quite sure how long it has been there... but probably not that long.

Take a look at the photo, and if you're not sure, scroll down for the detail.

Boeing 737-8X2, DQ-FJG, operated by Fiji Airways

Did you spot the change? It's pretty small... - just the addition of a Fijian flag ahead of the forward door :-)

Odd and sods from Sunday

This post contains a few odds and sods from Sunday's photographs.

First up is a Fiji Airways-operated Boeing 737-8X2, DQ-FJG.

Boeing 737-8X2, DQ-FJG, operated by Fiji Airways

Another Boeing, this time B737-8FE, VH-YIM, which is operated by Virgin Australia International Airlines.

Boeing 737-8FE, VH-YIM, operated by Virgin Australia International Airlines

The Sounds Air-operated Pilatus PC12's would have to be my favourite aircraft of the moment. This Pilatus PC12-45, ZK-PLT looks great in their new livery!

Pilatus PC12/45, ZK-PLT, operated by Sounds Air

Last up are two photos of Air Wanganui's latest acquisition, a Beech B200 Super King Air, ZK-MDC. This aircraft arrived in New Zealand in April 2016 and is operated as an Air Ambulance.

Beech B200 Super King Air, ZK-MDC, operated by Air Wanganui

Beech B200 Super King Air, ZK-MDC, operated by Air Wanganui

Start of Fiji Airways' flights between Nadi and Wellington

Last Thursday was the start of Fiji Airways' newly scheduled flights between Wellington and Nadi. At this stage, there are two return flights a week on Thursdays and Sundays, utilising Boeing B737 aircraft. This brings the number of airports Fiji Airways utilise sin NZ to three - Auckland, Christchurch and now Wellington.

The first flight was conducted by Boeing 737-8X2, DQ-FJG, as shown below, awaiting departure of runway 16.

Boeing 737-8X2, DQ-FJG, operated by Fiji Airways

Thanks to Raynesh for the photo!

Auckland trip #6: More heavy metal

Every time I go to Auckland, I seem to get photos of an Emirates Airbus A340, and also a LAN A340. This probably has much to do with the fact that if I am in Auckland, it is usually on a Sunday evening. This trip was no exception. We'll see what happens this coming Saturday afternoon when I get to visit Auckland again... another story.

I was especially pleased however to spot this Air Pacific B737-800 landing. Air Pacific is based in Fiji, a country that is currently run by a military dictator. With sanctions in place, the dictator and his cronies can't visit or transit New Zealand [or various other countries], but it is good to see that ordinary Fijians can still visit.

Enough of the politics! I like the paint schemes on all of these aircraft... much more exciting than the Air New Zealand and Qantas schemes :-). Top to bottom are an Emirates Airbus A340 registration A6-ERE, Air Pacific Boeing 737-800, DG-FJG and three photos of a LAN Airbus A340, registration CC-CQA.