In September 1968, this former Qantas DHC-3 Otter, CF-XRI, was ferried across the Pacific from Australia to join the fleet of Airwest Airlines in Vancouver, BC. For most of the 1970s, this was the only DHC-3 Otter operating daily scheduled flights into Vancouver Harbour with its distinct engine sound distinguishing it from the more common Cessna 180/185s, DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-6 Twin Otters. AirWest was one of several coastal airlines acquired by the Jim Pattison Group to form AirBC in the early 1980s. C-FXRI now flies as a Vazar DHC-3 Turbo Otter powered by a PT6A turboprop with Osprey Wings.

Shipped to Australia in Apr-1958 where it was registered VH-WAZ in Aug-1958 with Qantas Empire Airways. In Sep-1960 it was reregistered as VH-SBT with TAA-Trans Australia Airlines. In Aug-1968 it went to Canada to become CF-XRI. In Dec-1980 it was reregistered as C-FXRI. Somewhere in the late 1980s/early 1990s it was converted by TC Aviation to a DHC-3T Vazar Turbo Otter with a PT6 turbine engine.

This Otter was originally shipped by sea to De Havilland Australia at Bankerstown in April 1958. Assembled and delivered to Qantas Empire Airways August 21st, it remained in Australia until sold 10 years later. Ferried back to Canada for AirWest August 17, 1968, C-FXRI is flying in Saskatchewan with a turbine engine at the time of uploading.

Ex Air BC awaiting sale. Went to CoVal Air and later Osprey Wings and converted to Vazar Turbo version at some point.

Kevin Kerle photo.

John Hopton photo of VH-SBT after its withdrawal from Papua New Guinea.

With its TAA Sunbird Service markings removed, VH-SBT visited Parafield before being exported to Canada.

Wau airport is notable for its slope. It was cut from the jungle before World War II to support gold mining. Photo from Col Peck.

Photo from El Partridge.

Photo from El Partridge.

VH-EAZ was transferred to TAA in 1960 as VH-SBT but retained the name Kerowagi. Photo from Col Peck.

VH-SBT was sold in Canada as CF-XRI in 1968. TAA publicity photo after it took over Papua New Guinea internal air services and the Otter fleet from Qantas.