If all goes well, 'Hector' could be flying again within a couple of years. US registered in August 2023, ex RP-C8020 and 9L-LDQ with Heavylift Cargo Airlines (Australia), G-HLFT and XR365. Stored at Cairns since January 2009, work to get the world's last potentially flyable Belfast back in the air was not helped by flooding at Cairns airport on 17th December 2023 during Cyclone Jasper, causing water to submerge the Belfast up to undercarriage level.

I was fortunate enough to spend some quality time with this the last Shorts Belfast capable of flight, and its owner recently. The aircraft is undergoing an extensive overhaul process. Much of the work internally is the focus, with the 6 onboard generators now completed and the flight deck overhaul halfway done. The goal is to return 'Hector' to the skies for oversized freight haulage in about 2 years.