Wally, Last year I flew a total of 57 trips from TL-CS-BN-TL in the B200 for med transfer (this year slightly less but still significant). I cant remember how many of these had to be carried out at sea level but it was a significant number. The leg from CS to BN is 770nm and takes just on 3 hrs at FL270 and typically 3.5 hrs at FL140 or 150 for the B200 with sea level cabin.
This is only one of the regular long transfers that we do where this aircraft would benefit us greatly. It certainly cannot replace the kingair but could definately enhance our current fleet. The Avanti flys at light jet speeds pretty much and costs 1 mil more than a new kingair which I guess is a fair bit cheaper than a new jet.
Anyway just my thoughts on why the RFDS in QLd ARE thinking about getting an Avanti at some stage. I dont think it will happen in a hurry but probably will happen. Even if they do then just base it in BN to do the hervey bay shuttles.