FlyPelican re-introduces the Jetstream 41 to Australia

By Andrew Curran.

FlyPelican has acquired its first Jetstream 41 propellor aircraft, ferrying the plane in from the United States last week. It will become the only Jetstream 41 currently operating in Australia, although the type has previously been flown by now-defunct carriers.

The aircraft still retains its US registration, N320UE (msn 41043). Federal Aviation Administration records show the registered owner as Aircraft Propulsion Leasing LLC. Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) records indicate it is yet to be assigned a local registration. The all-white aircraft is also yet to be repainted in FlyPelican livery.

The 31-year-old aircraft took five days to ferry from Smyrna (MQY) in Tennessee to Newcastle Williamtown (NTL) via Enid (WDG), Santa Maria (SMX), Camarillo (QTC), Honolulu (HNL), Kiritimati (CXI) and Norfolk Island (NLK). It landed at Newcastle early in the afternoon on July 25 (local time).

FlyPelican is a Newcastle Williamtown-based commuter and charter airline that, until now, has operated a fleet of five 19-passenger Jetstream 31s.

"This is a big expansion for us," FlyPelican founder and executive director Emil McCabe posted on LinkedIn. "But I say, bring it on."

Open-source data indicates N320UE first flew for Atlantic Coast Airlines and most recently operated for Smyrna-based charter operator Contour Airlines before being withdrawn from service in 2021 and subsequently changing ownership.

FlyPelican operates year-round scheduled passenger flights from Newcastle Williamtown to Canberra Airport (CBR), as well as seasonal services to Coolangatta Gold Coast Airport (OOL). The airline also flies from Sydney (SYD) to Cobar (CAZ) and Narrabri (NAA) and operates a substantial charter business.

Scheduled flights between Canberra and Avalon Airport (AVV) outside Melbourne began in October 2025 but were axed in March 2026 after failing to gain market traction.

Aero South Pacific has approached FlyPelican for comment on its plans for the Jetstream 41.

Former Australian operators of the type include Impulse Airlines and Brindabella Airlines.

Photo: The GroundCrew Photography.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com