This is the first Qantas 707, and the first 707 delivered outside the USA in 1959. A team of volunteer engineers restored it at Southend, UK, after 6 years laying idle. Its last role prior to that was as a private jet for a Saudi prince. Great to see it back in Australia and at the birthplace of Qantas. Congratulations to the dedicated team of fine engineers and pilots who undertook the project of returning this groundbreaking aircraft back home.
I remember being there. We were all standing around wondering why its was so late, when it suddenly screamed over out heads, black smoke pouring off the wings. I will never forget the sound of those engines.
This is the first Qantas 707 and the first 707 delivered outside the US, in 1959. A historic plane beautifully and skilfully restored by a team of dedicated volunteer engineers. Congratulations to them and the pilots and supporters responsible for this honourable project of returning this special place to the birthplace of Qantas.
This is a true piece of Australian Beauty. Every time I see that flying Kangaroo it makes me proud to be Australian. The Engineers did a wonderful job restoring her. true passion.
this brings back memories, i flew in one of these in1968 from heathrow to sydney it had the "v-jet logo on the tail the flight number was qf736 and remember being given a wee gold kangaroo stickpin for being in the qantas club. back home in scotland now, flew back on a boac vc 10 somehow it wasn't the same, ahh happy memories
I can't wait for the day when I can travel up to Longreach Qld and here I was thinking it right in the middle of whoop whoop with nothing much to offer, I have to see this museum
I visited her here a year ago, well worth the trip, Longreach has an atmosphere of it's own as well. The foresight in preserving this plane (50 years old last month) is immeasurable. Unfortunately my country hasn't the same attitude in preserving our own first jetliner (the last surviing ex Air New Zealand DC-8 srs 52) which, by luck happens to be sitting out of use at the back of an airport in Brazil.
go for it...i would like to see it...i always wondered what the 707 looked like on the inside. unfortunately im only 21 and i wasnt old enough to fly when that plane was in service
Yes, this is an amazing feat by some foresighted people. It's shameful that here in New Zealand, we show little interest in our own first jetliner, a short fuselage DC-8, ex ZK-NZC. One of the original batch survives, but under threat of scrap, in Manaus, Brazil. All the big firms i've asked, are treating it with apathy or saying "no can do." Yet like 'XBA, a monumental part of aviation and social history she is, this revolutionary aircraft to the world's most isolated nation.
