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.”
Graham Muldoon
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.

































Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025