A Star-Studded Arrival: John Travolta and Frank Sinatra's Boeing 707 Lands in Australia
After a two-month sea voyage from Georgia, US, the fuselage, wings, and tail of a Boeing 707 formerly owned by actors John Travolta and Frank Sinatra have arrived at Port Kembla, Wollongong, Australia. The aircraft was transported by vehicle carrier.
Background
Travolta donated the plane to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) approximately nine years ago. Due to airworthiness restrictions, the aircraft could not be flown to Australia. Instead, it was dismantled over 60 days by a specialist team in Georgia and shipped. Engines and small parts had been sent earlier.
Statements
"The arrival had been awaited for nearly a decade."
— Maureen Massey, vice president of HARS
Massey noted that the society had not originally planned to ship the plane this way, and that the aircraft had previously been owned by Frank Sinatra.
Paul Rabbas, operations manager at Qube Ports, highlighted the careful planning required. "Skilled operators were needed to unload the cargo safely," he said, considering tidal conditions and the dimensions of the cargo.
Next Steps
The aircraft parts will now be transported 15 km south to HARS at Shellharbour Airport for reassembly and display. The rebuilding process is expected to take at least six months.