VH-CLI in its initial Connellan livery which was adapted from that of its previous owner, Trans Island Airways, of New Zealand, Photo from: Library and Archive NT

One of three Beech 18s used by Connellan Airways here at Alice Springs in the early/mid 1960s. Ex ZK-BQE, N3010V and NC80013. The same registration was later used by Connellan on a Queen Air.

Manufactured in 1946, this Beech 18 was used by Connellan Airways from 1960 to 1966. The aircraft was acquired from Trans Island Airways in New Zealand, who had in turn acquired it from the U.S.A. Three Beech 18's were used by the Airline in the 1960's until replaced by the Beech Twins of the 1970's. After being withdrawn from use in 1966, the aircraft languished in Alice Springs until moved to Mildura for display by the Warbirds Museum. In 1984,it became part of the collection.

First registered in April 1973 to Connellan Airways of Alice Springs, it went on to service with Masling Airlines and Southern Cross Airways. It was withdrawn from service in 1983 and is seen in the process of being scrapped.

Now preserved at the Central Australian Aviation Museum, which is at the former Townsite aerodrome.

VH-CLI now with the Central Australian Aviation Museum. Bessie Springs is on McArthur River Station and was once a regular stop for Connellan. Since those days a new airport with a sealed runway and apron has been built 20 miles away at the McArthur River Mine.

Southern Cross Airways flew scheduled services from Sydney to Tumut, Nowra and Moruya and between Newcastle and Wollongong. It closed down about the time VH-CLI was withdrawn from use in 1983.

VH-CLI was on the register from April 1973 until withdrawn from use in May 1983. It was dismantled at Camden/YSCN.

VH-CLI was delivered in 1960 to Connellan Airways at Alice Springs from New Zealand where it has been ZK-BQE. It was withdrawn from use in 1967 and in 1974 trucked to Mildura for the Warbirds Aviation Museum. In 1984 it was trucked back to Alice Springs for the Central Australian Aviation Museum.