Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport welcomed another new airline this weekend with Aviastar-TU, a Russian cargo airline based principally out of Ramenskoye Airport, Moscow. Aviastar-TU is one of DHL’s global airline partners, operating cargo flights primarily in Russia, Europe and into China. Aviastar-TU currently operates 4 Tupolev 204-100 and 3 Boeing 757-200 aircraft all configured for cargo operations.
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, previously known as Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport is a privately constructed and owned Airport, situated 25 minutes from Toowoomba’s CBD and around a two hour drive west of Brisbane. The airport was built by Wagners, a locally based company specialising in civil and construction works. It began commercial operations in 2014. The airport features a 2,870 x 45m runway and is capable of handling aircraft up to B747-8 size.
This particular 757 joined the Aviastar-TU fleet in January 2019 after a passenger to freight conversion in Texas. The aircraft previously flew for American Airlines as N690AA.
The flight operated by Boeing 757-200 VQ-BBU touched down at Wellcamp from Surabaya, Indonesia just before 8.30pm Saturday 21st September. According to information obtained by The Aviation Studio, the flight was an Australian government charter and upon arrival was unloaded within 90 minutes, with the crew being cleared by Border Force officials from Brisbane, enabling them to enjoy a relaxing night in Toowoomba.
VQ-BBU departed Wellcamp on Sunday 22nd September at 11.40am for Clark International Airport, Philippines as TUP2709.
Wellcamp Airport continues to see growth in the cargo market. Along with the weekly Cathay Pacific Cargo 747-8F service, there was also a recent An-12F charter and in the past Qantas have operated Airbus A330 charter flights directly to China. Airport officials continue to talk to other airlines in efforts to establish more frequent cargo and passenger services out of the Airport.
