By Phil Bartsch

June 16, 2017 - US coal legend Ernie Thrasher’s Xcoal Energy & Resources is believed to be circling and close to landing a deal for Nathan Tinkler’s private aircraft hangar at Brisbane, Australia Airport.

It is understood the Pennsylvania-based coal exporter has been negotiating for several months to secure the high-spec facility, which has direct domestic and international runway access.

Described by an aviation insider as a “class hangar” and “without question the best private facility of its kind in Australia”, it was listed for sale last year by receivers in possession of Tinkler’s assets.

The private aviation facility at Brisbane Airport that once housed two of fallen mining tycoon Nathan Tinkler's prized toys — a Dassault Falcon 900C jet and Augusta A109S helicopter.

The fallen billionaire mining tycoon is believed to have paid about $11 million for the lavish aviation facility, which sits on 9812sq m and was offered via a ground lease until 2047 from Brisbane Airport Corporation.

No price has been disclosed but sources said it could fetch between $7 million and $10 million.

Marketing agents Anthony White and Bevan Galloway of Colliers International were tight-lipped yesterday and receivers from Grant Thornton did not comment.

Xcoal Energy & Resources was founded by Ernie Thrasher and is the largest exporter of coal in the US. It was recently part of heavyweight consortium in talks to buy two Queensland mines as part of an on-again, off-again sale of Anglo American’s coal assets.

The first class aviation facility at 43 Panadanus Ave was once home to Tinkler’s prized toys, a Dassault Falcon 900C jet and Augusta A109S helicopter — both of which were also seized by receivers and sold.

Nathan Tinkler’s Dassault Falcon 900C private jet that was seized by receivers and sold. 

It comprises a 2990sq m building featuring corporate grade offices, reception, baggage room, lounge areas, boardroom, crew area and commercial kitchen.

The hangar has capacity to house two Bombardier Global Express XRS — the preferred private jet of many globetrotting billionaires.

It was built by the late Brisbane mining magnate Ken Talbot, who was killed in a plane crash in Africa in 2010.

Air medical retrieval operator RACQ LifeFlight currently occupies the facility on a short-term lease.