First Cargo Flight To China

20141215 Wellcamp Airport — FLASHBACK: Wagners’ chairman John Wagner with South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann in December last year

November 13, 2015

Invitation To
Plane Spotters

Plane spotters have been invited to Wellcamp Airport to witness the historic flight.

The plane is due to land at 2:30pm and take off just over two hours later at 4:45pm.

“We will establish public viewing areas along the eastern side of the runway, which will offer the best vantage points to see this magnificent aircraft as it lands and takes off,” airport general manager Phil Gregory said.

He said he knew many local residents were excited about the flight.

Mr Gregory invited people to bring along portable chairs, water, sunscreen and cameras.

He said once people came through the Business Park entrance, signs would show the public viewing areas.

History will be made this month when a Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 747-8 freighter lands at Wellcamp Airport and then flies back to Hong Kong.

The November 23 event will be the first time an international flight will fly out off Wellcamp and the first time Cathay Pacific has operated a cargo service into an Australian regional centre.

It will also occur just days after the airport – which has been identified as a potential export channel for local producers – celebrates its first birthday.

Airport developer John Wagner said the flight would mark not only a major aviation milestone but a significant commercial initiative.

“The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement is likely to come into force by the end of the year,” he said.

“We are on the cusp of a massive export opportunity that will give local producers access to markets that feed half of the world’s population and this flight is the first step towards achieving this long-term goal.

“We are thrilled Cathay Pacific Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, is focusing on our region.”

The plane will be carrying Darling Downs produce when it leaves Wellcamp Airport.

The Boeing 747-8 freighter is 76.3m long and has a wingspan of 68.4m.

Cathay Pacific Airways Southwest Pacific general manager Nelson Chin said the company was excited about bringing the freighter to Wellcamp.

“Cathay Pacific is one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers and we are always looking for new opportunities. In fact, of the 12 new destinations that have been announced or commenced operations over the past two years, five are for freight only,” he said.

“We also congratulate Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport on its 12-month anniversary of operations.

“This is a very exciting time for Australian exporters, and it seems South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales producers and businesses have enormous potential for growth after the signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

“It will also be wonderful to see the Boeing 747-8 freighter landing at the airport. This is the newest addition to our fleet and they now make up 13 of our 24 freighter aircraft.”