First Qantas jet aircraft to return to Australia
The first jet engine aircraft purchased by Qantas in the late 1950s is to be brought back to Australia by the end of the year.
The Boeing 707 was the first jet sold outside the United States, and reduced the flight time between Sydney and London from 48 hours to 27.
The plane, which has not flown for six years, will be made airworthy by engineers in London and Seattle.
It will then retrace the original delivery route before going on permanent display at the Qantas museum in Longreach.
Qantas chairman Margaret Jackson says the plane has played a significant role in Australian history.
“It really opened up world travel to Australians,” she said.
“It brought many migrants to Australia and it was also involved in transporting the Australian army to Vietnam in the 60s and 70s.
“It is an extraordinary part of Australia’s history.”
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