Belfast back in action?

Who doesn't remember Shorts Belfast G-HLFT of HeavyLift Cargo Airlines (msn SH.1819), which was a familiar sight in Europe (like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol) in the 80s, 90s and early 00s. After a long career of hauling cargo it was parked at Southend on 13 September 2002 and ferried onwards to Prestwick on 13 November 2002, where it remained until 16 September 2003. After G-HLFT it was registered 9L-LDQ in February 2003 for four years, followed by RP-C8020 for two, before being flown to Cairns with its Philippines registration, where it arrived on 16 January 2009.

At Cairns it was the subject of a legal dispute for fees between the airport and the new owner of the aircraft, Flying Tigers. In August 2023, this former Flying Tigers aircraft was re-registered on the FAA registry as N1819S, and local sources report work being done to return the aircraft to flight. Little is known about the new owners or the future plans for the aircraft.

However, it does seem to have a contract for UN Food Aid-relief and is now under full-time restoration to return to flight. The former Royal Air Force XR365 Hector has not flown since 2009 but has had its six internal generators overhauled recently and the flight deck is close to being finished with updated avionics. While there is still some work to do the airframe is in excellent condition. All four Rolls Royce Tyne engines and flaps have been tested and work, so they are not far from a test flight. 

However, there are some who are doubtful if it will take to the skies again. The airframe itself is old (58.8 years), the engines are old and will consume a lot of fuel and why bring an old turboprop freighter back to life when there are so many cheaper, more modern and fuel-efficient alternatives? Also the Australian CAA itself can still spoil it, as they will not give an approval unless they are 100% certain it is safe to fly.

This is definitely one to keep an eye on! In aviation anything is possible...

Pictures: Belfast N1819S at Cairns, by Merv Crowe, taken on 17 August 2023 / G-HLFT Amsterdam-Schiphol, 23 January 1999, Freek Blokzijl (AirHistory.net)