New plane, new era for Deniliquin's Wettenhall Air Services

And in an exciting development for the charter service, it has purchased and is awaiting delivery from the USA of a brand-new Beechcraft King Air 260, which will be the first of its kind to operate in Australia. It is the absolute state of the art in technology and safety, comfort, and speed.

Deniliquin Freighters CEO Vicki Meyer said they were delighted to guarantee the future of Wettenhall Air Services, adding it would continue to be ‘‘business as usual’’ under the guidance of long-term former owner Nigel Wettenhall.

‘‘Nigel established the business in 1997 and it has become an important transport option for Deniliquin and the broader Riverina region,’’ Ms Meyer said.

‘‘We were keen to ensure it continued to operate out of Deniliquin Airport, providing an often vital service to our community. More importantly we have no regular air services ex Deniliquin and Wettenhall Air Services can fill this role as required.

‘‘As such we wanted Nigel to stay involved, and he will continue as the chief pilot and business manager.’’

Mr Wettenhall has been flying as a charter pilot for 33 years, having accumulated 14,500 hours, mostly in light twin piston and turboprop engine aircraft.

Despite his years of experience, the passion for flying has never waned as Mr Wettenhall says he ‘‘still revels in the privileges the ability to fly grants me’’.

Wettenhall Air Services was established with the purchase of aircraft from well-known Deniliquin operator Macknight Airlines.

For the past 20 years it has been the only dedicated air charter operator in the Riverina.

‘‘With the acquisition of our new King Air this service will continue, and also benefit from the very latest safety and technological improvements in the general aviation industry,’’ Mr Wettenhall said.

‘‘The majority of our flights are for Riverina based or allied businesses, often emanating from Melbourne, Brisbane or Sydney. We routinely conduct tours around the country for groups keen to see sights such as Uluru, Lake Eyre, Cape York and the Outback generally.’’

Flight times ex Deniliquin Airport to Sydney are 1 1/4 hours; Deniliquin to Melbourne 35 minutes; Deniliquin to Hamilton Island 3 1/2 hours; Deniliquin to Brisbane 2 1/2 hours, and Deniliquin to Tasmania one hour.

In addition to his role as chief pilot, Mr Wettenhall is a flight examiner for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), conducting flight tests for various pilot ratings and filling the role of chief flying instructor for Wettenhall Flight Training.

He also conducts aerodrome lighting certification flights throughout Australasia.

He said he is excited about the new chapter for Wettenhall Air Services with the new owners being a long standing successful local company; and keen to continue his ongoing role as chief pilot, especially flying clients in the new state-of-the-art King Air.

For inquiries about Wettenhall Air Services, contact Mr Wettenhall on nigel@wettenhallairservices.comor phone 5881 2504.