Slattery Auctions will sell off the former China Southern fleet as part of the liquidation of the WA training academy in an online auction beginning this Friday.
China Southern operated 38 aircraft from locations at Jandakot and Merredin, but went into liquidation in February 2020.
Thirty-eight Grob 115 two-seat trainers will be auctioned as well as an engine maintenance facility with test rigs and training devices.
Of the aircraft offered for sale, 18 are airworthy at Jandakot, with seven close to airworthy, seven are in various stages of maintenance at Merredin and six will be sold as dismantled parts only.
Slattery's Steve Waterman believes the aircraft represent a great opportunity for other flying schools as well as private buyers.
"We've had interest from Singapore and all over Australia," he said, "and we're only in the early days. It's a fantastic opportunity."
Several of the airframes are reaching the 12,000-hour life limit, but Grob has allowed 10,000-hour extensions. Waterman cautioned that CASA still has to approve the extended lives and buyers needed to check that themselves.
However, Waterman says that China Southern kept meticulous maintenance records on each aircraft, which the auction house is still working through.
"The CASA representative in Perth was very complimentary of the maintenance schedules and record keeping of China Southern and made the comment that the planes have possibly even been over-serviced over their lifespan.
"We'd really encourage people to have a look. They can sort through all of the records available to be inspected. There are lots of spare parts including canopies and windscreens, so you can look at the aircraft to see what's required and perhaps obtain them as well."
Waterman told Australian Flying that they were being very realistic with the prices they are seeking, and expect that everything will be sold.
The auction will also include many other assets of the flying academy including computer equipment, furniture and Flight Training Devices and simulators.
The aircraft auction opens at 4.00 pm Perth time this Thursday and closes at 6.30 pm on 24 May. Details of the aircraft and the sale process are on the Slattery Auctions website.