1928 - 1988


DATE EVENT AIRCRAFT REGN
09JUN28 The Most Significant Arrival of All 1985
Fokker F.VIIb/3m "Southern Cross" bearing the U.S. registration 1985, arrived at Eagle Farm at 1015 on completion of the first trans-Pacific flight. The aeroplane had taken 21 hours 21 minutes to fly from Suva, Fiji to Brisbane. Crewed by Charles Kingsford Smith, Charles Ulm, James Warner and Harry Lyon. The "Southern Cross" has been on display at Brisbane Airport since 1958 as a memorial to Smithy - the greatest of them all!
29MAY30 Amy Johnson Arrived at Eagle Farm G-AAAH
Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from the UK to Australia, arrived at Eagle Farm in her DH-60G Gipsy Moth G-AAAH "Jason". On landing, the aeroplane overturned and was badly damaged. It was subsequently repaired and flown to Melbourne from where it was shipped back to England where it is today on display at the Science Museum.
21DEC37 Imperial Airways Flying Boat Alighted on the Brisbane River G-ADUT
Imperial Airways Short C Class flying boat G-ADUT RMA "Centaurus" was the first flying boat to alight on the Brisbane River (and the largest aircraft to visit Brisbane at the time). The aircraft arrived from Townsville and Gladstone and alighted to the north on the Bulimba Reach (between the Bulimba Ferry and Breakfast Creek) at approximately 1330. The flying boat turned near the Newstead Wharves (near the mouth of Breakfast Creek) and taxied upstream on its outboard engines to be moored off the Domain, today the site of the Queensland University of Technology. The aircraft, which was commanded by Capt J.W. Burgess (a New Zealander), was surveying the route from England to New Zealand. It was moored off the Domain until early in the morning of 24DEC37 when it taxied downstream to take-off for Sydney. In addition to Captain Burgess, the aircraft was crewed by First Officer C.F. Elder, Senior Wireless Operator A. Lowe, Wireless Operator H. Dangerfield and Flight Steward H.J. Bingham. Captain Lester Brain, Flight Superintendent of Qantas Empire Airways, joined the aircraft at Singapore and completed the landing at Brisbane. Previously, this entry had erroneously recorded that the aircraft had alighted on the Pinkenba Reach. The entry has been corrected and updated (on 30SEP04) thanks to John Wilson and to Robert Blaikie who reviewed contemporary press reports.
02APR38 First Qantas Flying Boat Landed at Brisbane. VH-ABB
Qantas Short C Class VH-ABB "Coolangatta", commanded by Capt G.U. Allan, alighted on the Pinkenba Reach of the Brisbane River on its delivery flight from the U.K.
05JUL38 First Qantas Flying Boat Service to the U.K. VH-ABF
Qantas Short C Class VH-ABF "Cooee", arrived from Sydney en route to the U.K.
11DEC41 Drawings Finalised for a Relief Landing Ground at Eagle Farm -
Within days of the attack on Pearl Harbour, plans were in place to develop Eagle Farm as a Relief Landing Ground for the Archerfield based 2 EFTS (Elementary Flying Training School). During the Second World War, Eagle Farm became a very important and busy USAAF base. Eagle Farm hosted the Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit (ATAIU) which was responsible for testing captured Japanese aircraft.
12JUL47 Barrier Reef Airways Commenced Operations from the Hamilton Reach. VH-BRA
Barrier Reef Airways operated the first regular scheduled service to Gladstone and Heron Island using Catalina VH-BRA "The Beachcomber" commanded by Capt S. Middlemiss.
08DEC47 Barrier Reef Airways Commenced Services to Daydream Island. VH-BRA
Barrier Reef Airways began a scheduled service from Brisbane to Daydream Island with Catalina VH-BRA.
08JUN48 BOAC Short Hythe Flying Boat Diverted to Brisbane. G-AGJK
The BOAC Short Hythe Class flying boat G-AGJK "Howard" was en route Bowen to Sydney when it diverted to Brisbane owing to bad weather at Rose Bay. The aircraft resumed its flight the following day. (The Hythe Class was a civilianised Sunderland).
18OCT48 TAA Introduced Convair 240 VH-TAQ
TAA introduced the pressurised Convair 240 on a flight from Melbourne to Brisbane.
01APR49 Thiess Brothers Beech 18 Based at Eagle Farm VH-BJJ
Thiess Brothers Beech 18 VH-BJJ "Progress II" was based at Eagle Farm where it was maintained and crewed by Australian National Airways. The aeroplane featured prominently in the development of Queensland's natural resources as one of Australia's earliest corporate aircraft. The wreckage of this aeroplane now resides at the Queensland Air Museum at Caloundra.
07APR50 Barrier Reef Airways' First Sandringham Arrived in Brisbane. ZK-AMH
Barrier Reef Airways purchased two Sandringham flying boats from Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) and the first of these was delivered to Brisbane on this date. The aircraft was subsequently registered VH-BRC and named "Coral Clipper".
27APR50 Barrier Reef Airways' Second Sandringham Flying Boat Arrived in Brisbane. ZK-AME
Barrier Reef Airways' second Sandringham, also purchased from TEAL, arrived in Brisbane. The aircraft was subsequently registered VH-BRD and named "Capricorn". The other noteworthy arrival was the author, who was born in Brisbane on this date!
02JUL50 Barrier Reef Airways Inaugurated a Brisbane to Hayman Island Service. VH-BRC
Sandringham VH-BRC "Coral Clipper" operated the inaugural service to Hayman Island.
23OCT50 First TAA Convair 240 "Rocket Service" Melbourne/Brisbane. VH-TAQ
TAA operated its first Convair 240 "Rocket Service" from Melbourne to Brisbane with VH-TAQ "John Forrest".
29OCT50 Trans Oceanic Airways Commenced Operations from Sydney to Port Moresby via Brisbane and Townsville. VH-BKQ
Trans Oceanic Short Hythe VH-BKQ "Pacific Star" operated the first service under the command of Capt P.H. Mathieson.
04APR51 Trans Oceanic Airways' Second Solent Arrived in Brisbane. G-AKNP
Trans Oceanic's second Short Solent III flying boat arrived in Brisbane on delivery from the U.K. (the first was written off on its delivery flight). Named "City of Cardiff" in BOAC service, the aeroplane was subsequently registered VH-TOB and named "Star of Papua".
27MAY51 Trans Oceanic Inaugurated "Chieftain" Services to Port Moresby. VH-TOB
Trans Oceanic Solent VH-TOB "Star of Papua" operated the inaugural "Chieftain Service" from Sydney to Port Moresby via Brisbane.
19JUN51 Trans Oceanic Solent Collided with a Ship in the Brisbane River. VH-TOB
Solent VH-TOB under the command of Capt P.G. Taylor (later Sir Gordon) collided with the fruit boat "Florant" while taxying for take-off for Sydney. Although badly damaged, the aircraft was repaired and returned to service.
01JUL51 Barrier Reef Airways Commenced Operations Brisbane to Sydney. VH-BRB
Catalina VH-BRB "The Buccaneer" operated the first B.R.A. service to Sydney.
28OCT51 Trans Oceanic Solent Collided with a Ship in the Brisbane River. VH-TOC
Solent VH-TOC "Star of Hobart" was taking off from the Brisbane River when its starboard wing struck the unlit dredge "Platypus II" severing the wing seven metres from the tip. The aircraft was successfully landed and beached, although it never returned to service owing to the difficulty in obtaining a replacement wing. The aeroplane was later scrapped.
11JUL52 Ansett Airways Sandringham was Struck by a Ship in the Brisbane River. VH-BRD
The Ansett Airways Sandringham VH-BRD, now renamed "Princess of Cairns", was struck by a lighter under tow and damaged. The aircraft was later repaired and returned to service. By this time, Barrier Reef Airways had been taken over by Ansett.
23JUL52 Ansett Catalina Operated Proving Flight from Brisbane to Southport. VH-BRB
The Ansett Flying Boat Services Catalina VH-BRB departed for the Broadwater at Southport for trials prior to commencing a regular service from Brisbane to Sydney via Southport and Grafton. The service commenced on 25JUL52.
31OCT52 Ansett Sandringham Struck by a Ship in the Brisbane River. VH-BRD
The Ansett Sandringham VH-BRD was struck by an unidentified vessel during the night and sank at its moorings. Although it was subsequently refloated, it was declared a write-off. Several years later, the hulk of VH-BRD was acquired for conversion to a restaurant but while under tow to the Gold Coast the aircraft sank and was lost.
28NOV52 Hamilton Reach Closed to all Aircraft Except Catalinas. -
With the closure of the Hamilton Reach to all aircraft except Catalinas, Sandringham operations took place from the Quarries Reach (between Colmslie and Doboy Creek).
01JUN53 Redland Bay Flying Boat Base Used for the First Time VH-EBV
Qantas Sandringham VH-EBV "Pacific Warrior" arrived from Sydney to conduct trial night landings at the new base. The aircraft later returned to Rose Bay.
03JUN53 Redland Bay Flying Boat Base Opened VH-BRC
Ansett Sandringham VH-BRC was the first aircraft carrying passengers to alight at the new base. The same aeroplane had earlier made the last departure from the Hamilton Reach bound for Sydney. Later that afternoon, VH-BRC returned from Sydney to make the first arrival at Redland Bay.
06JUN53 The First Qantas Passenger Service to Use Redland Bay VH-EBV
Qantas Sandringham arrived from Port Moresby and departed for Sydney.
16JUN53 First Qantas Sandringham SYD/BNE/CNS/POM VH-EBZ
The first flight of the new Qantas Sandringham schedule to Papua New Guinea departed from Redland Bay. Sandringham VH-EBZ "Pacific Explorer" arrived from SYD at 2230 on 15JUN and departed for POM at 0036 on 16JUN. Sandringham services to PNG ceased in JAN55.
04OCT54 First Ansett Airways Convair 340 VH-BZD
Ansett's first Convair 340 service operated by VH-BZD arrived from Melbourne and Sydney.
15NOV54 DC-4 Belly Landing VH-ANF
Douglas DC-4 VH-ANF "Loongana" of Australian National Airways was inadvertently landed wheels up at Eagle Farm. There were no injuries and the aircraft was repaired and returned to service.
21JUN55 Last Qantas Sandringham Service from Brisbane. VH-EBY
Qantas Sandringham VH-EBY "Pacific Voyager" arrived from Port Moresby at 1600 and departed for Sydney at 1710.
NOTE: This event was previously attributed to VH-EBV on 02JUN55.
09NOV56 Beech 18 Suffered Undercarriage Collapse ZK-BQE
Beech 18 ZK-BQE "Spirit of North Otago" was taking off from Eagle Farm on delivery to Trans-Island Airways in New Zealand when the undercarriage collapsed. The aircraft was repaired and resumed its delivery flight in April 1957.
01APR58 Viscount Ran off Runway and Struck Machinery VH-TVJ
TAA Viscount VH-TVJ "Ernest Giles" ran off the runway and collided with machinery. The aircraft was repaired and returned to service although it was subsequently scrapped at Eagle Farm in May 1970. The nose section of VH-TVJ resides at the Queensland Air Museum in Caloundra.
03APR58 First Super Constellation Service to London VH-EAB
Qantas Lockheed Super Constellation VH-EAB "Southern Horizon" operated the first Qantas Super Constellation service to LHR.
17AUG58 Fokker F.VIIb/3m Memorial Unveiled 1985
The memorial building housing the "Southern Cross" was officially opened.
29OCT59 First Qantas Boeing 707 Service to London VH-EBG
Qantas Boeing 707-138 VH-EBG "City of Hobart" operated the first Qantas Boeing 707 service to LHR.
14MAR60 First QAL F-27 Service VH-FNE
Queensland Airlines operated its first Fokker F-27 service Brisbane/Maryborough/Bundaberg/Gladstone/Rockhampton using VH-FNE "Sir Henry Abel Smith". Prior to departure from Brisbane, the aeroplane was christened by Lady May Abel Smith in honour of her husband, the Governor of Queensland.
21JUN60 Ansett-ANA Viscount Burst Tyres on Landing VH-RMG
Ansett-ANA Viscount VH-RMG burst its main gear tyres on landing with the brakes on.
09JUL60 TAA Commenced Operations to Papua New Guinea VH-INU
TAA commenced operations SYD/BNE/POM/LAE using DC-6B VH-INU chartered from Ansett-ANA.
11JUL60 Ansett-ANA Commenced Operations to Papua New Guinea VH-INT
Ansett commenced operations SYD/BNE/POM/LAE using DC-6B VH-INT.
19JUL60 TAA Electra Hijacked VH-TLB
En route SYD/BNE an armed man attempted to hijack the aircraft. The man was overpowered by one of the crew and the aircraft landed safely at BNE despite two shots having been fired in flight.
24MAY61 DC-4 Crash on Bulwer Island VH-TAA
Trans-Australia Airlines DC-4 VH-TAA "Watkin Tench" crashed into mangrove swamps on Bulwer Island in the Brisbane River. The freighter was making an approach to Eagle Farm when the captain suffered a heart attack. Both crew were killed although a dog and five cockatoos being carried as freight survived the crash.
06APR62 First Direct Flight to Singapore by Qantas Boeing 707 VH-EBE
Qantas Boeing 707-138B VH-EBE "City of Perth" operated the first Qantas Boeing 707 service BNE/SIN.
25JAN63 Ansett Sandringham Diverted to Redland Bay. VH-BRC
Ansett Sandringham VH-BRC diverted to Redland Bay when Rose Bay was closed due to bad weather. This was the first Sandringham to use Redland Bay since 1957.
03APR63 First BOAC Service to London G-APDI *
BOAC Comet Mk 4 arrived from London and operated the first direct BOAC service BNE/DRW/SIN/CMB/BOM/THR/TLV/ZRH/LHR. The departure from BNE was delayed for three hours because of a bomb hoax.
* Registration subject to confirmation.
14MAY63 Ansett-ANA F-27 Ran Off Runway VH-FNI
Ansett-ANA F-27 VH-FNI ran off the runway on landing.
17MAY63 Ansett-ANA DC-4 Damaged Approach Lights VH-INX
Ansett-ANA DC-4 VH-INX undershot Runway 22 on landing and damaged several approach lights.
07SEP63 First Service Brisbane to Honolulu VH-EBD
Qantas Boeing 707-138B VH-EBD "City of Brisbane" operated the first direct service BNE/HNL.
01MAR65 Ansett-ANA Sikorsky S-61N Christened at Brisbane VH-BRI
Ansett-ANA Sikorsky S-61N VH-BRI was christened "Coral Islander" at a ceremony at Brisbane Airport. The aircraft later positioned to Proserpine.
31MAR65 First Service to Manila & Hong Kong by Qantas Boeing 707 VH-EBI
Qantas Boeing 707-138B VH-EBI "Winton" operated the first Qantas Boeing 707 service BNE/MNL/HKG.
13JUL65 Piaggio P-166B Belly Landing VH-PQA
Queensland Airlines Piaggio P-166B Portofino VH-PQA suffered an undercarriage collapse on landing at Eagle Farm. The aircraft was not badly damaged and there were no injuries. The aeroplane was noted still under repair on 24JUL65.
13SEP65 Flying Boat Operations Resumed at Redland Bay VH-BRF
While Gladstone Airport was being upgraded, Queensland Airlines chartered the Ansett Flying Boat Services Short Sandringham VH-BRF "Islander" to maintain services between Redland Bay and Gladstone until 08OCT65. The aircraft arrived from Sydney on 12SEP65 and operated a return proving flight to Gladstone the same day. After completion of the last flight on 08OCT65, the Sandringham returned to Rose Bay in Sydney.
03DEC66 Last QAL DC-3 Service VH-AOH
Queensland Airlines' last DC-3 service operated by VH-AOH arrived from Gladstone.
04DEC66 Last QAL Service VH-FNL
Queensland Airlines' last service (Flight 627) was operated by F-27 VH-FNL (Ansett-ANA livery) which arrived from Bundaberg and Maryborough. QAL then ceased operations and the company was merged with Ansett-ANA.
06JAN67 Ansett-ANA Viscount Nosewheel Collapse VH-RMG
Ansett-ANA Viscount VH-RMG aquaplaned off the end of the runway on landing, collapsing the nosewheel. The aircraft was air tested on 01FEB67 and was returned to service the following day.
SEP67 "Southern Cross" Fabric Replaced 1985
Work commenced on the recovering of the "Southern Cross". The work was performed by the Archerfield firm Air Charter using a synthetic fabric known as Eonnex. Some components were removed to Archerfield for restoration but the majority of the work was performed inside the glass display building at Eagle Farm. The work continued into October.
28MAR68 Twin Otters Delivered to TAA VH-TGT/VH-TGU
Two DHC-6-200 Twin Otters were delivered to TAA at Brisbane having been ferried across the Pacific as N1754 and N1756. They later entered service as VH-TGT and VH-TGU respectively.
16MAY68 Bullet Hole Found in Ansett-ANA DC-9 VH-CZC
During an early morning inspection, a bullet hole was found in the tail of Ansett-ANA DC-9 VH-CZC.
25MAY68 First Ilyushin IL-18 CCCP74256
The Aeroflot aircraft operated a charter to Brisbane with a Russian performance group. (Source: David Thollar)
11OCT68 TAA's Last Mainland DC-3 Service VH-TAI
DC-3 VH-TAI "Baudin" operated TAA's last scheduled mainland DC-3 service from Miles to Brisbane. TAA continued to operate DC-3s within Papua New Guinea.
19JUL69 Sandringham Flying Boat Diverted to Redland Bay VH-BRF
The Ansett Sandringham VH-BRF "Islander", en route Lord Howe Island to Sydney, diverted to Redland Bay because Rose Bay was closed due to fog.
27OCT69 Jetair Commenced Operations from Brisbane VH-CMI
Jetair commenced operations on the Brisbane/Warwick/Stanthorpe routes previously operated by Westernair. Initial equipment was Beech Queen Air VH-CMI. Jetair subsequently introduced DC-3s.
14FEB70 First Air Nauru Service VH-BIZ
Air Nauru's inaugural service to Nauru was operated by Dassault Fan Jet Falcon VH-BIZ which was chartered from Business Jets Pty Ltd. The aircraft was named "Nauru Chief".
26FEB70 DC-9 Skidded off Runway VH-CZE
Ansett Airlines DC-9 VH-CZE was struck by a severe wind squall prior to landing and skidded off the runway and became bogged. There were no injuries and the aircraft was undamaged.
27NOV70 Jetair Ceased Operations -
All Jetair operations ceased on this date. Most of the Jetair DC-3 fleet were subsequently purchased by the Australian Government and donated to S.E. Asian countries as foreign aid amidst much political controversy.
04MAY71 Boeing 707 Collided with Boeing 727 while Taxying VH-EBT, VH-TJD
The Qantas Boeing 707-338C VH-EBT collided with the parked TAA Boeing 727-76 VH-TJD while the former was taxying on to the international apron. The wingtip of the 707 pierced the cockpit windows of the 727.
24SEP71 Tail Cone Fell off DC-9 VH-TJM
While landing at BNE the tail cone fell off the aircraft. The tail cone was designed to be jettisonable to provide an emergency exit.
25OCT71 Last Sandringham Operation from Redland Bay VH-BRF
Ansett Sandringham VH-BRF "Islander" departed for Sydney on a special charter, having arrived from Sydney on 23OCT71. The aircraft departed for Lord Howe Island the same day (23OCT71) and returned to Redland Bay on 25OCT71. Its subsequent departure for Sydney at 1715 on 25OCT71 was the last Sandringham operation at Redland Bay. The last of the two Ansett Sandringhams departed Australia on 28NOV74 after which there was no need to maintain Redland Bay as an alternate for Rose Bay. Consequently, runway marker buoys and other equipment were withdrawn shortly thereafter.
01NOV71 Last BOAC Boeing 707 G-ARRC
BA713 SYD/BNE/.../LHR.
01NOV71 First scheduled VC-10 G-ASGO
BOAC Super VC-10 G-ASGO operated BA722 LHR/.../BNE/AKL.
12DEC71 First Widebody/First B747 VH-EBD
Qantas Boeing 747-238B VH-EBD "City of Perth" on delivery from Seattle. The aircraft was open for public inspection and departed for SYD later the same day (with the author as passenger!)
29JAN72 First Air Nauru Fokker F-28 C2-RN1
The first Fokker F-28 Fellowship service BNE/INU was operated by C2-RN1.
28MAY72 Last passenger L188 Electra ZK-TEB
Lockheed Electra ZK-TEB carried Air New Zealand livery with added Qantas titles when it operated QF392 BNE/WLG.
08JAN73 Burnett Airways Navajo Undercarriage Collapse VH-PNK
The undercarriage of Burnett Airways' Navajo VH-PNK collapsed while the aircraft was parked outside the Ansett Terminal. There was nobody on the aircraft at the time.
30JAN73 North Coast Airlines Commenced Operations VH-RDA
North Coast Airlines commenced operations to Lismore, Grafton and Coffs Harbour using Piper Navajo Chieftain VH-RDA.
09FEB73 TAA Fokker F-27 Blocked Runway VH-TFC
TAA Fokker Friendship VH-TFC landed with two deflated tyres on the port side, blocking the runway until the wheels could be changed.
15FEB73 Last L749 Constellation N7777G
Departed for MEL with sound equipment for the Rolling Stones. Arrived from AKL on 12FEB73. During its stay in BNE, a small quantity of "a grass-like substance" was found on board. (This is not surprising on an aeroplane which had previously transported livestock). This aircraft is now preserved in TWA colours at The Science Museum in the U.K.
01JUN73 First Air Pacific Service DQ-FBQ
BAC 111 DQ-FBQ operated FJ515 SUV/.../BNE. (Coincidentally, this was One Eleven day in Queensland, as on this same day the first RAAF F-111s arrived at Amberley.)
08FEB74 TAA Chartered DC-8 Freighter N4864T
TAA chartered DC-8-63 freighter N4864T from Trans International to carry freight to Mt Isa which was cut off from road and rail by floodwaters. The aircraft arrived from PPG on this date and operated its first service to Mt Isa on 09FEB74. During the eight day operation, the aircraft carried 1,740,123 pounds of freight.
20MAY74 First Lockheed L1011 TriStar JA8506
This All Nippon Airways aircraft chartered by Lockheed, arrived from NAN for demonstration flights. The aircraft operated one demonstration flight on 21MAY74 and departed for MEL the same day.
03NOV74 Baby Born In Flight VH-EBW
A baby was born in flight on Qantas Boeing 707-338C VH-EBW operating QF802 BNE/AKL.
25DEC74 Brisbane Bound VC-10 Diverted to Mt Isa G-ASGP
British Airways Super VC-10 G-ASGP operating BA960 LHR/BNE was in the vicinity of DRW when a passenger suffered a heart attack. As DRW was closed, the Captain elected to divert to Mt Isa after he "rang the Flying Doctor" on radio. During the transit at Mt Isa, the starboard main gear door was endorsed: "This aircraft refuelled at Mt Isa Qld Christmas Day 1974".
30JAN75 Last Bristol Britannia XL639
Royal Air Force Britannia "Atria" operated MEL/BNE/TSV.
02APR75 First Boeing 707 Service from Brisbane to Christchurch VH-EBV
Qantas Boeing 707-338C VH-EBV "City of Tamworth" operated the first Qantas Boeing 707 service BNE/CHC.
03APR75 First DC-10 PH-MBG
Martinair (Holland) DC-10 "Kohoutek" arrived from AKL for fuel en route to SIN.
31AUG75 Beech Super King Air 200 Entered Service with Norfolk Island Airlines VH-IBC
VH-IBC was the first of type to be used on airline services in Australia.
14DEC75 Malaysian Airlines System Boeing 707 Visited G-AZWA
MAS Boeing 707-321 G-AZWA leased from British Midland operated MH718 SYD/BNE/DRW/KUL.
15DEC75 Last flight to old (Igloo) International Terminal VH-EAA
Qantas Boeing 707-338C VH-EAA "City of Toowoomba". The aircraft was subsequently towed to the new terminal to operate the first flight the following day.
16DEC75 Opening of new (Temporary) International Terminal VH-EAA
First departure was QF956 with 134 passengers to CHC operated by B707-338C VH-EAA "City of Toowoomba". First arrival was Air New Zealand DC-8 ZK-NZC operating TE801 from AKL with 33 passengers.
30JAN76 First Widebody at new International Terminal VH-EBB
Qantas B747-238B VH-EBB operated QF275 HKG/BNE/SYD substituting for B707 due commercial demand.
09FEB76 First Proving Flight by Air Niugini B720 P2-ANG
The aircraft which was leased from Tempair in the U.K. arrived from POM as PX9001.
10FEB76 Last Regular TAA Flight on behalf of Air Niugini VH-TJA
Boeing 727-76 VH-TJA "James Cook" operated TAA's last regular flight to POM although there were ad hoc charters subsequently.
11FEB76 Last Regular Ansett Flight on behalf of Air Niugini VH-RMF
Boeing 727-77 VH-RMF operated Ansett's last regular flight to POM although there were ad hoc charters subsequently.
13FEB76 Air Niugini B720 entered service P2-ANG
The aircraft entered service operating PX2 BNE/POM.
23FEB76 Burnett Airways Ceased Operations -
Burnett Airways, which began operations in 1971 to Monto and Biloela with Piper Navajo Chieftain VH-PNK ceased operations on this date. Burnett Airways also operated two Britten Norman Trislanders; VH-BSG which was delivered in AUG74 and VH-BSP which was delivered in FEB75.
26MAR76 First British Airways B747 G-AWNH
BA970 en route SIN/MEL diverted for fuel.
02APR76 Last British Airways VC-10 G-ASGI
Super VC-10 G-ASGI operated BNE/SIN. Passenger on the last flight was Captain Norman Bristow ("Captain Hushpower").
04APR76 First Regular Scheduled DC-10 ZK-NZM
Air New Zealand TE815 arrived from AKL with 231 passengers and returned to AKL as TE818 with 116 passengers.
07APR76 First Regular Scheduled B747 G-AWNO
British Airways BA814 arrived from PER and departed for SYD as BA889A.
06MAY76 First Boeing 737 C2-RN3
Air Nauru operated under charter to Air Pacific as FJ505/506 HIR/BNE/HIR.
01JAN77 Last Air Niugini Boeing 720 P2-ANG
Operated PX2 BNE/POM.
03JAN77 First Air Niugini Boeing 707 P2-ANH
Operated PX2 BNE/POM.
14JUN77 First Regular Scheduled Qantas Boeing 747 VH-EBA
B747-238B "City of Canberra" operated QF723 SYD/BNE/DRW/SIN.
17NOV77 Last DC-6 128433
VC-118B 128433 of the U.S. Marines.
09JUN78 Re-enactment of First Trans Pacific Flight N50KS
The fiftieth anniversary of Smithy's first trans Pacific flight was commemorated with a re-enactment of the epic flight. Cessna 340 N50KS was flown by Keith Rose and Smithy's son, Charles Kingsford-Smith Junior. The aircraft arrived at Eagle Farm on 09JUN78.
10JUN78 Re-enactment of the first Australian landfall of the "Southern Cross" VH-TFL
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first trans Pacific flight, the Queensland Branch of the Aviation Historical Society of Australia chartered a latter day Fokker product, TAA Fokker F-27 Friendship VH-TFL, to re-enact the first Australian landfall of the "Southern Cross" over Ballina.
28SEP78 Commencement of "Operation Gooney Bird" VH-PNM
Bush Pilots Airways DC-3 VH-PNM was chartered by Jetset Tours to operate scenic flights from Brisbane under the name "Operation Gooney Bird". Flights continued until the end of October.
02FEB79 Last Qantas Boeing 707 VH-EAG
Operated QF26 POM/BNE/SYD (with the author as passenger).
05JUN79 Piper Comanche Landed Wheels Up VH-RTJ
Piper Comanche VH-RTJ landed wheels up at Eagle Farm blocking the runway.
08JUN79 TAA DC-9 Hijacked VH-TJJ
TAA DC-9 VH-TJJ was hijacked by an armed man after departure OOL for BNE. The gunman was overpowered by the Flight Hostesses.
05SEP79 Air New Zealand DC-8 Threatened ZK-NZE
En route CHC/BNE, a passenger on Air New Zealand DC-8 ZK-NZE was heard to make a threat against the aircraft. The man was arrested and charged.
28SEP79 The Saga of Harry VH-UMH
A troubled eighteen year old named Harry stole Beechcraft Sundowner VH-UMH from BNE and circled the airport for three hours. Eventually he managed to land the aircraft and he was taken into custody.
16JAN80 Wreckage of "Southern Cross Minor" Arrived VH-EBL
The wreckage of the Avro Avian "Southern Cross Minor" which once belonged to Smithy and which was recovered by an expedition to the Sahara Desert arrived in BNE in the holds of Qantas Boeing 747-238B VH-EBL.
19FEB80 Ex Qantas DC-4 N5581S
The DC-4 which had served with Qantas and later Air Express as VH-EDB, departed for the U.S. on sale to Basler Airlines of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. NOTE: Both DC-4s were incorrectly painted in MEL. On arrival in the U.S. the registrations were reversed. Thus VH-EDA became N5581S and VH-EDB became N5581T.
09MAR80 Ex Qantas DC-4 N5581T
The DC-4 which had served with Qantas and later Air Express as VH-EDA, departed for the U.S. on sale to Basler Airlines of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. NOTE: Both DC-4s were incorrectly painted in MEL. On arrival in the U.S. the registrations were reversed. Thus VH-EDA became N5581S and VH-EDB became N5581T.
09APR80 Queensland Air Museum Moved on to Brisbane Airport A84-225, WD647, WZ898, WZ910
The QAM aircraft were trucked from Lower Nudgee to a site near Navy Street.
27OCT80 First Air Niugini Fokker F-28 P2-ANF
Operated PX5 POM/BNE.
04DEC80 Flight of two DC-3s ZK-AWQ, ZK-AQU
These two ex-RNZAF aircraft arrived en route to South Africa.
17DEC80 Flight of three DC-3s ZK-AZM, ZK-AQP, ZK-ERI
A further three ex-RNZAF aircraft arrived en route to South Africa. Coincidentally, 17DEC is the anniversary of the first flight of the first DC-3 in 1935.
25JAN81 First Qantas Boeing 747SP VH-EAA
"City of Gold Coast - Tweed" arrived from OOL as QF145. The aircraft operated two promotional flight on 26JAN and positioned to SYD as QF148.
01FEB81 Catalina N68756
Arrived on delivery to the Australian Wing of the Confederate Air Force.
05FEB81 Qantas Inaugural B747SP to WLG Cancelled VH-EAA
A much-publicised inaugural flight to WLG was cancelled owing to industrial action by cabin crew.
09FEB81 First Qantas B747SP Service VH-EAA
Arrived from WLG as QF62 and departed to AKL as QF32.
18FEB81 Record Passenger Uplift G-AWND
Boeing 747-136 G-AWND of British Airways operated BA12 BNE/DRW/SIN with 463 passengers (including 8 infants).
06JUN81 First Regular Scheduled Philippine Airlines service. RP-C2114
DC-10-30 RP-C2114 operated PR213 MNL/BNE/SYD.
14JUN81 First Air New Zealand Boeing 747 ZK-NZV
Operated TE137/138 AKL/BNE/AKL.
30AUG81 TAA Airbus A300 Christened in Brisbane VH-TAB
TAA's second A300 VH-TAB arrived in BNE on delivery from France. While in BNE the aeroplane was christened "John Oxley" by the Queensland Governor.
16NOV81 First Air Pacific Boeing 737 DQ-FDM
Boeing 737-2X2 DQ-FDM arrived from NAN as FJ571.
02DEC81 Last Vickers Viscount ZK-SKY
The Viscount which once served with British European Airways and British Airways as G-AOHT, was returning to British Air Ferries after the failure of the New Zealand operator, Skybus.
13DEC81 Last Air New Zealand Passenger DC-8 ZK-NZE
Operated TE162 BNE/WLG.
25DEC81 Last Aeronavale DC-4 9148
Aeronavale (French Navy) DC-4 9148 departed for NOU. This aeroplane crashed into a hill in NOU on 22JAN82 with the loss of all on board.
03APR82 First Regular Scheduled Thai Airways International Flight HS-TGA
Boeing 747 HS-TGA operated TG987/988 BKK/BNE/SYD.
03APR82 First Philippine Airlines Boeing 747 N741PR
Operated PR213 MNL/BNE/SYD.
05AUG82 First Regular Scheduled Cathay Pacific Flight VR-HKG
Boeing 747-200 VR-HKG operated CX101/100 HKG/BNE/SYD.
18OCT82 The Mongoose Incident DQ-FDM
Air Pacific Boeing 737 DQ-FDM was operating FJ515 from HIR when a mongoose revealed itself on the flight deck on finals into BNE. After a missed approach to compose themselves, the crew landed safely and the mongoose was subsequently apprehended by quarantine authorities. Senior Flight Attendant was Maureen Cuskelly (nee Dass). Mongoose name unknown.
30OCT82 Last Air New Zealand DC-10 ZK-NZR
Operated TE138 BNE/AKL.
JAN83 QAM Canberra Struck by Missile A84-225
A home-made projectile was fired at the Queensland Air Museum's Canberra bomber at the Navy Street storage site to demonstrate what an extortionist proposed to do to a TAA airliner. Damage was confined to a gash in a bomb bay door which was subsequently repaired by the RAAF.
30APR83 First East-West Airlines Norfolk Island Flight VH-EWA
Fokker F-28 VH-EWA operated EW6664/6665 NLK/BNE/NLK.
10JUL83 Last East-West Airlines Norfolk Island Flight VH-EWA
Fokker F-28 VH-EWA operated EW6664/6665 NLK/BNE/NLK.
18SEP83 First Air New South Wales Norfolk Island Flight VH-FKI
Fokker F-28 VH-FKI (in Airlines of W.A. colours) operated WX890 BNE/NLK.
01DEC83 Last Regular Scheduled Air Niugini F-28 P2-ANE
Operated PX3006 BNE/POM. Some ad hoc substitutions and charters were operated subsequently.
20DEC83 B-25 Mitchell N8196H
Arrived from the U.S. on delivery to the Australian War Memorial. The aeroplane operated briefly on the airshow circuit as VH-XXV (roman numerals for 25) before being placed in storage with its wings removed. The aircraft was subsequently sold and shipped back to the United States!
06JAN84 First Air Caledonie International Flight C2-RN3
Air Nauru B737 C2-RN3 operated SB120/121 NOU/BNE/NOU under charter to Air Caledonie International.
17JAN84 Ansett Lockheed Electra Freighter VH-RMC
Ansett Electra freighter VH-RMC operated a relief flight to flooded Mt Isa. Was this the last Ansett Electra flight from BNE? The aeroplane was sold to Turbo Power International on 29JUN84.
16MAR84 Last Air Pacific BAC 111 DQ-FBQ
Operated FJ714 BNE/NAN. This aeroplane and her sistership DQ-FBV were subsequently sold to the Royal Aircraft Establishment for test flying. Not so lucky was Air Pacific's third BAC 111 DQ-FCR, an earlier model which was much unloved because its load carrying capabilities did not match those of the other two aircraft. DQ-FCR ended her flying days when corrosion was discovered in the tailplane. The aeroplane was parted out at Nausori where the hulk later became derelict. Ironically, the only part of the airframe which served a useful purpose was the part that led to the aeroplane's retirement. The corroded tailplane served as a footbridge across a nearby creek!
31MAR84 First Regular Scheduled Singapore Airlines Flight N119KE
Boeing 747-312 N119KE operated SQ21A/22A SYD/BNE/SYD
19APR84 Last Aeronavale Lockheed Neptune 148330
Departed for Noumea. All Aeronavale Neptunes were withdrawn from service soon after, the majority being burned.
09OCT84 First Ansett Flight to Port Vila VH-CZM
Boeing 737-277 VH-CZM operated AN182 SYD/BNE/VLI.
18NOV84 First Lockheed C-5A Galaxy 69-0022
USAF arrived from Pago Pago and departed for Alice Springs the following day.
28NOV84 First Air Niugini Airbus 300 P2-ANG
Operated PX4 SYD/BNE/POM.
30NOV84 Last Air Nauru/Air Caledonie Charter C2-RN6
Boeing 737 C2-RN6 operated SB150/151 NOU/BNE/NOU under charter to Air Caledonie International.
07DEC84 First Air Caledonie International Caravelle F-GEPC
Caravelle 10B3 "Marina" operated SB150/151 NOU/BNE/NOU. The aeroplane was delivered through BNE on 02DEC84.
30JAN85 Last Air Niugini Boeing 707 P2-ANB
Operated PX4006 BNE/POM.
03FEB85 Queensland Air Museum Meteor at ITB WD647
The Meteor was towed from QAM's Navy Street site to the ITB for trucking to Amberley for repainting by the RAAF.
19MAR85 QAM Meteor returned to ITB WD647
The Meteor returned to the ITB after repainting at RAAF Amberley.
26JUL85 Armed Man Held Children Hostage -
An armed man, who had earlier chartered a Bell 206 Jetranger on the Gold Coast to take his two children for a flight ordered the pilot to land at BNE where the gunman threatened to ignite a tanker of avgas. The gunman eventually surrendered.
27JUL85 First Qantas Boeing 767-238 VH-EAJ
Operated a training flight CNS/BNE/SYD as QF7679.
31JUL85 First Scheduled Qantas Boeing 767-238 VH-EAK
Operated QF57 BNE/WLG.
08SEP85 First Qantas Boeing 747-338 EUD VH-EBU
Operating QF2 SIN/SYD diverted BNE due fog in SYD.
29SEP85 QAM Meteor Towed to Navy Street WD647
The Meteor returned to QAM's Navy Street storage site.
06OCT85 First Air New Zealand Boeing 767-219 ZK-NBA
Operated TE167/166 WLG/BNE/WLG
19JAN86 First Scheduled Qantas Boeing 747-338 EUD VH-EBU
Operated QF21 SYD/BNE/NRT
22MAR86 Air Caledonie's Relief Caravelle Arrived F-GFBA
Caravelle 10B1R F-GFBA of Europe Aero Service entered service while F-GEPC was undergoing maintenance.
22MAY86 Air Queensland ATR-42 Entered Service VH-AQC
Air Queensland began ATR-42 operations when VH-AQC operated Brisbane/Thangool/Gladstone.
13JUN86 Queensland Air Museum Vacated Brisbane Airport A84-225, WD647, WZ898, WZ910, VH-FDR
Canberra A84-225, Meteor WD647, Sea Venoms WZ898 & WZ910 and Drover VH-FDR were trucked to Caloundra Aerodrome.
21JUN86 "Odyssey 86" DC-3 Visited C-FGXW
The DC-3 arrived from NOU on a round-world flight to promote Expo 86 in Vancouver. The aircraft departed for CNS and POM on 24JUN86.
21JUN86 Air Caledonie Relief Caravelle Departed F-GFBA
Air Caledonie's relief aircraft operated its last service for this relief period before returning to Europe Aero Service.
28JUN86 Air Caledonie Caravelle Returned to Service F-GEPC
Air Caledonie's Caravelle returned to service after maintenance.
26SEP86 TAA DC-9 Collided with Fuel Tanker VH-TJU
The wingtip of TAA DC-9 VH-TJU struck a fuel tanker while the aircraft was taxying after landing, damaging two metres of the port wing.
19FEB87 First Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-300 VR-HII
The first Cathay Pacific B747-300 to visit BNE.
24MAY87 Official Opening of New Brisbane Airport -
Brisbane's new Domestic Terminal and runways were officially opened.
24MAY87 First F/A-18A Hornet at ITB A21-15
Several Hornets of 3 Squadron visited for the opening of the new airport. A21-15 became unserviceable and was parked on Bay 1 at the ITB until 28MAY87. Fault was traced to hidden chafing of wiring looms. Pilot was FLG OFF Russ Page who was sadly killed on 19NOV90 when his Macchi MB326H A7-076 crashed into the sea off Williamtown.
24MAY87 Spitfire Visited VH-HET
Spitfire Mk VIII VH-HET owned by Colin Pay of Scone, NSW operated from the ITB as part of the new airport opening celebrations.
31MAY87 Last Air Queensland Service VH-AQD
Air Queensland operated its last service to Brisbane when ATR-42 VH-AQD arrived from Emerald and Thangool. From this date, all Air Queensland operations were north of Rockhampton.
JUL87 Airship Operations from Brisbane VH-HAA
Skyship 600 VH-HAA operated scenic flights from the grassed area to the north of Bay 1 at the ITB for several weeks.
25SEP87 Last Air New Zealand DC-8 Freighter ZK-NZD
Air New Zealand's DC-8 freighter paid its last visit to BNE.
17OCT87 USAF "Thunderbirds" Demonstration Team Arrived See Below
The Thunderbirds visited BNE as part of a world tour. Their F-16s and support C-141 and KC-10 operated from the new airport. The F-16s arrived from MEL on 17OCT87 and departed for PPG on 19OCT87. The following list of participating aircraft was supplied by official sources but it is suspected that some unannounced substitutions were made so the list should be used with caution.
TYPE SERIAL PILOT CALLSIGN
F-16A 81-0677 LT COL Riggs Thunderbird 01
F-16A 81-0683 MAJ Robinson Thunderbird 02
F-16A 81-0678 CAPT Bulner Thunderbird 03
F-16A 81-0667 CAPT Undhjem Thunderbird 04
F-16A 81-0679 CAPT Weiler Thunderbird 05
F-16A 81-0670 CAPT Schow Thunderbird 06
F-16A 81-0663 MAJ Java Thunderbird 07
F-16B 81-0815 CAPT Nelson Thunderbird 08
C-141B 66-0180 CAPT Martin Thunderbird 14
C-141B 66-0150 CAPT Gulliver Thunderbird 24
KC-10A 79-1948 MAJ Brigman Thunderbird 25


18NOV87 Fokker F-VIIB3M "Southern Cross" Moved to New Airport 1985
Smithy's precious "Old Bus" was towed along Airport Drive to the new airport. The "Southern Cross" Replica VH-USU was present at the old airport and both aircraft were displayed together.
30NOV87 First Commercial Departure from New Airport Runway VH-EBJ
Qantas Boeing 747-238B VH-EBJ operated QF27 SYD/BNE/HKG.
Actual departure time: 1215 local.
Passengers: 410.
Take-Off Weight: 331010 kgs.
Runway 01.
24DEC87 Qantas Chartered DC-10 PH-MBT
To cover a capacity shortfall, Qantas chartered DC-10 PH-MBT from Martinair of Holland. The first flight from BNE was QF843 SYD/BNE/SIN on this date. The last recorded flight was QF842 SIN/BNE/SYD on 11FEB88. The aeroplane carried stickers stating "On Lease to Qantas".
17JAN88 First Mohawk 298 arrived N29812, N29817
The first two of four Mohawk 298 (Nord 262) arrived from HIR on delivery to Lloyds. N29812 became VH-HKS and N29817 became VH-HKT.
19MAR88 Last Australian Airlines arrival at Old Airport VH-TAJ
Boeing 737-376 VH-TAJ arrived from SYD at approximately 2030 landing on Runway 22.
19MAR88 Last Ansett Arrival at Old Airport VH-ANA
Boeing 727-277 VH-ANA arrived from SYD at approximately 2050 landing on Runway 22.
19MAR88 Last Arrival at Old Airport VH-DJT
Falcon 10 VH-DJT of Ariadne arrived from WLG at approximately 2115 landing on Runway 22. Commanded by Captain Tony Snel.
20MAR88 Last Departure from Old Airport VH-RME
Ansett Boeing 767-277 VH-RME departed Runway 04 at 1445 on a special charity charter flight. The aircraft had been towed over from the New Airport. The flight returned to the New Airport.