An Aussie first bids a last, fond farewell

QANTAS' first ever jet, the Boeing 707 "City of Canberra" made a farewell salute to the Illawarra last week with a low level approach over the Illawarra Regional Airport.

The jet, which is resplendent in the Qantas colours of 1959, was the first commercial jet registered in Australia, the first to be sold outside the United States, and probably the oldest 707 in the world. The City of Canberra was acquired by the Qantas Foundation Memorial Ltd early last year and has since been restored to near original condition by volunteers.

Before being rescued by the Qantas Foundation Museum the aircraft could be found in England and before that it was used as a private jet within the Saudi Royal Family, according to HARS president and chief pilot, Bob De La Hunty. Mr De La Hunty said he recalled his father taking him and his brother to Mascot Airport to see the 707 when it first arrived. He described it as "a block of flats with wings", acknowledging the size of the aircraft. Foundation chairman, Warwick Tainton, said it was appropriate that The City of Canberra flew over Albion Park as a last farewell, as the airport is the home of sister aircraft museum, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) and the home of the Connie, the 1955 Super Constellation airliner that was replaced by the 707 jet in the late fifties. Shellharbour City Council's Director of Operations and Services and Airport Manager, Arthur Webster, said the tribute was recognition of the close working relationship between the two museums, which were both major drawcards for tourists and international aircraft enthusiasts.