A look at
The virtual airline scene in Australia does not have quite the same competitive edge to it as the U.S and European scene, and this is a credit to the Australian sim community and a testament to the nature of the powers that be in the Australian virtual airlines. There is a healthy sense of identity, and a sporting sense of humour. Already the operations of ACE have been profiled, and in upcoming issues profiles of Air Australia and Australia International are planned for similar features. Here, however, we look at an established airline with a new identity.
Airways of Australia, or AoA as it was mostly known, was founded in June of 1996 by Darren Wakefield in Brisbane. It operated on a hub and spoke system throughout Australia with hubs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, flying a fleet of aircraft ranging from the Saab 2000 up to Boeing 747s. The early days of the airline were overseen by Darren, acting as the President, and Phillip Brander, as V.P. Both Darren and Phillip, along with Training Hub Captain, David Edwards, poured many hours of work into the founding of the airline, and it began to prosper and flourish. The early months of 1997 saw both Phillip and David leave AoA to found Airline Charter Enterprises, better known as the phenomenally successful ACE. Stepping into the breach were a number of new faces, who have now risen to senior positions within the group.
The sentiment from within the airline was that it had become slightly tired-looking, and needed a shakeup. This resulted in the temporary closing down of AoA as the company was taken over by RSD Services, the publishers of Virtual Pilot Magazine. RSD kept the existing senior management team, and the rights to the name AoA. However the feeling was that a different identity was needed, and a focus on becoming a VA aimed at the leisure traveller. As a result of many hours of discussion, the board resolved to restart domestic services under the name and logo of Eastwest Airlines, formerly a real-life airline that flew in Australian skies between 1947 and 1991, when it was absorbed by parent company Ansett Australia. The name carries fond memories for many people, and the airline acts in one aspect as a tribute to some of the pioneers of aviation in Australia.
Adopting an operating structure that the board felt Eastwest would be doing in reality if it were still flying, the airline today operates a network of services stretching from Maroochydore to Hobart and across to Perth. The fleet currently consists of four Boeing 727-200s, hushkitted for Australian service, as are the seven Fokker F28-3000s. The F28s have been cross-leased from Air Australia, and will return to that company when they require the jets themselves. Medium-density services are flown by BAe 146 aircraft, predominantly down the eastern seaboard.
At present the Chairman of the airline, Darren Wakefield, is concentrating on the publishing of Virtual Pilot. The acting CEO is Adrian Charlesworth, formerly the Schedules Director. Newly appointed Vice-President is Andrew Watson, a fresh face on the board and someone with plenty of ideas and much-welcomed enthusiasm. Andrew has also taken on the task of Chief Pilot while Matthew Guetlich is on leave. The Technical Director is Chris Boulton, based in Brisbane, who has already printed or has under way a comprehensive set of operating manuals for the companys pilots.
Airways of Australia (AoA) has been assigned the task of being the groups international carrier. Under the direction of Marc Brady it is anticipated that AoA will commence revenue service during late September. The fleet and destinations of AoA are yet to be finalised.
Further developments within EWA will include the operation of feeder services by regional codeshare partners, operating a fleet of propjets on some second and third-level services. The anticipated trans-Tasman open skies also means that RSD Services is looking at operating within New Zealand, and the airline board is keen to hear from anybody with some experience who is willing to take on such a development project. It is anticipated that the position will be further advertised and promoted should the need arise.
As always, the airline is keen to hear from prospective aircrew. On joining the airline crew are posted to FO status on either the F28 or the 146, and can progress through the ranks to a point where they may either choose to or be invited to join AoA, or continue on to become a Senior Check Captain on the company 727s, or whichever aircraft they choose that is currently in the fleet (or future equipment purchases).
Prospective aircrew are invited to visit the RSD Aviation Services website at http://aoa.sv.net.au, to see if they may choose to apply to join Eastwest Airlines or AoA.
Eastwest, like its competing carriers in Australia, is an airline on the move forward at an exciting rate of knots.