Moves towards more modern equipment saw the introduction to the Connellan Airways fleet of Beechcraft twins and Cessna singles. Cessna 180 Skywagon VH-BPM (c/n 32224) is seen here outside the townsite aerodrome hangar at Alice Springs at an unknown date.

This aircraft, ex N5626A, was originally ordered by Bush Pilots Airways but was purchased new by Connellan Airways on arrival in Australia in April 1956, being first registered VH-BPM on 12 April. It re-registered in the Connellan Airways series as VH-CLC on 9 December 1958, and again re-registered as VH-UPF on 12 July 1967. It was re-registered to Connair (as Connellan Airways became) on 19 November 1970 and painted in modified Connair colours.

After 18 years service with the airline, VH-UPF was sold to G A Taylor, a senior Connair pilot, on 15 August 1974.

(Photos: Ian Leslie collection)

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