Exercise Wallaby 2015 marks 25 years in Rockhampton
Published on 25 September 2015
Rockhampton Airport is preparing for yet another busy month hosting military aircraft, this time for the Singapore Armed Forces’ 25th annual Exercise Wallaby commencing this week.
Rockhampton Regional Council Chairman of Business Enterprise Councillor Neil Fisher says the 25 year milestone proves the long-term success of our Airport’s aviation capabilities.
“This is a great year for our Airport. We are now commencing the second major defence exercise for the year and we have also increased our commercial business with the addition of JetGo airlines,” Cr Fisher said.
The Airport will operate as an international Airport over the next two months with Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qantas, and the Antonov arriving from overseas bringing more than 3000 troops and military equipment.
“From this Saturday to the end of the Exercise on the 28th of November there will be 21 charter flights into our Airport,” Cr Fisher said.
“During this time Singapore Airlines will also conduct two international flights from Singapore to Rockhampton within 24 hours.”
This week, six Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Aerospatiale Super Puma helicopters arrived from Oakey and tomorrow morning residents will no doubt hear and see one of world’s largest cargo planes land - the Antonov.
Cr Fisher said the arrival of the Antonov will bring plane enthusiasts from outside of Rockhampton.
“We often find plane spotters driving four or five hours to Rockhampton just to see it land, which is always a remarkable sight.”
The Singapore Armed Forces will make extensive use of the Rockhampton Airport during the Exercise, using the Airport as a base to house fighter aircraft over the next two months.