Background
From 1941 to 1945, Geraldton was the site of No. 4 Service Flying Training School RAAF.
Geraldton Airport is the general aviation and regular passenger transport airport for the City of Greater Geraldton and it meets varying transport, industrial and commercial interests across the mid-west region.
Geraldton Airport is the main regional base for aircraft charter operations, flight training, private flying, aerial and agricultural work and aircraft maintenance in the mid-west region.
The closest significant aerodromes are Mullewa, 100 km (62 mi) to the east or Kalbarri 100 km (62 mi) to the north and for larger jet operations Perth Airport, 370 km (230 mi) to the south.
Geraldton Airport has daily Regular Public Transport (RPT) services, Geraldton – Perth – Geraldton, provided by both QantasLink and Skywest Airlines using Dash 8-400 and Fokker 50 aircraft respectively.
Geraldton Airport is the base for several general aviation flying training and charter operators, namely;
- Geraldton Air Charter, who purchased Abrolhos Air Services in 2002 and incorporated into business.
- Batavia Coast Air Charter
- Shine Aviation Services
- Mid West Aero Club
- Bristow Helicopters
- OM Helicopters
Shine Aviation Services conduct flying training and utilise a gazetted low flying training area to the south east of the airport. Shine Aviation Services are also a major fly-in fly-out operator in the region.
Midwest Aviation, conduct aircraft maintenance and have aircraft engineers.
Bristow Helicopters provide offshore support services to drill companies exploring offshore from Dongara.
Dunns Aerial Spraying & Spreading Service provides crop dusting services from the airport for up to nine months of each year.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service in Western Australia utilises the airport on an as required basis and has an aircraft hangar which is vested in the City of Greater Geraldton adjacent to the general aviation terminal.
Local charter operations from Geraldton Airport providing fly-in fly-out services include Shine Aviation to Golden Grove Mine, Mount Magnet and Jack Hills. Skywest Airlines operates to Brockman from Geraldton on a Tuesday, Maroomba Airlines operate to Meekatharra on Fridays and Network Aviation, Cobham Aviation Services Australia and Alliance Airlines operate charters to various sites on a non regular basis. Fixed wing and helicopter charters to the Abrolhos Islands are also well patronised.
Geraldton is close enough to Perth to receive a significant number of private operations from aircraft based in Perth. Geraldton is also a convenient location for pilots to fly to for recreational reasons.
Flying training squadrons from RAAF Base Pearce also use Geraldton Airport. They pay regular visits with Pilatus PC-9 training aircraft often staying overnight conducting circuits and cross-country navigation exercises. C130 Hercules transport aircraft also use Geraldton Airport for training on occasions throughout the year.
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