A New Workhorse
The mid‑1980s marked a pivotal moment in Australian aviation. In 2016, the nation celebrated not only the 70th anniversary of Trans‑Australia Airlines (TAA), but also the 30th anniversary of the airline’s transformation into Australian Airlines and the introduction of the Boeing 737‑300 into domestic service. This aircraft would become one of the most influential and successful jetliners in Australian airline history.
On 27 May 1985, TAA placed an order for twelve Boeing 737‑376 aircraft. The first aircraft—production number PQ001, Line Number 1225, Serial Number 23477—was originally intended to become VH‑TAA and represented a major technological leap for the airline.
PQ001 rolled off Boeing’s Renton production line on 2 April 1986. After acceptance by the TAA technical team, the aircraft was transferred to Boeing’s Flight Test Division for certification of several new features, including the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), an improved Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), and other avionics enhancements.
During flight testing, the aircraft flew under the temporary FAA registration N3281U and carried the informal nickname “Little Humdinger,” a reference coined by Boeing technicians during APU testing.
The first aircraft to enter service with Australian Airlines was designated VH‑TAF and powered by two CFM International CFM56‑3C1 engines. TAA/Australian Airlines became the first airline in the world to operate a Boeing 737‑300 equipped with a full EFIS “glass cockpit,” placing the carrier at the forefront of global narrow‑body technology.
Following the development of specifications and contract signing by TAA Technical Services Manager John Cramond, a dedicated team of TAA engineering and inspection staff was deployed to Renton, Washington, to oversee construction, testing, and acceptance of the new fleet.
Aircraft Review
The initial Team (“A” Team) comprised:
– TAA Senior Avionics Engineer Sladen Hope (TAA Technical Representative Seattle)
– TAA Senior Inspector Avionics Joseph Favazza (Senior Engineering Representative Seattle)
– TAA Surveillance Inspector Mike Fisher (Engineering Representative Seattle)
– Boeing Secretary Georgia Jamison (Administrative Assistant to the TAA TSD Manager)
As the program progressed, additional TAA engineering staff rotated through Seattle. Senior Mechanical Engineer David Patston assumed the role of Technical Representative in September 1986, while Production Inspector Airframe Frank Farrugia joined the team in August. Later, Production Inspector Avionics Peter Patti and LAME Stewie Coutsevalas arrived to support final inspections and acceptance.
In early 1986, TAA’s new General Manager, James Strong, initiated a bold rebranding strategy. On 4 August 1986, Trans‑Australia Airlines officially became Australian Airlines—a modern identity intended to reflect a confident, outward‑looking national carrier.
However, the first aircraft scheduled to wear the new livery—VH‑TAF—was still undergoing flight testing. With the public unveiling planned for 8 June 1986 at Boeing’s Renton facility, Strong needed a 737‑300 painted in the new colours immediately.
PQ001 (VH‑TAF) was selected for the task. It was repainted ahead of schedule and continued flight testing in full Australian Airlines livery—an unexpected but highly effective promotional opportunity for the airline.
Although VH‑TAF was the first aircraft painted, it was VH‑TAG that became the first Boeing 737‑300 to enter Australian Airlines service on 20 August 1986. VH‑TAF followed shortly after, entering service on 20 October 1986.
Test Flight
To ensure the new livery remained confidential until the official unveiling, TAA and Boeing devised a plan to hide PQ001 from competitors, media, and the public. The aircraft was painted during the early hours of 5–6 June and moved under cover into a secure Boeing hangar.
Boeing security staff were instructed to allow only the TAA team access. Despite these precautions, two Ansett employees inadvertently walked through the hangar during a routine inspection. Their light‑hearted remark—“Great paint job Joe”—became part of the aircraft’s lore.
The official rollout took place on 8 June 1986 beside Lake Washington. PQ001 emerged in its new Australian Airlines colours, marking the public debut of the airline’s new identity.
The Birth of an Australian Aviation Icon
During flight testing, PQ001 carried the temporary FAA registration N3281U, displayed letter‑by‑letter in the rear passenger windows. Boeing technicians affectionately referred to the APU start sequence as “that little humdinger,” a phrase that quickly became the aircraft’s unofficial nickname.
PQ001 was formally accepted as VH‑TAF at Boeing’s Seattle Delivery Centre on 3 October 1986. It departed Seattle on 5 October and entered Australian Airlines service on 20 October 1986.
TAA representatives Joseph Favazza and Mike Fisher were present for the inspection and acceptance of the first eight Boeing 737‑376 aircraft: VH‑TAF, TAG, TAH, TAI, TAJ, TAK, TAU, and VH‑TAV. A complete list of the fleet can be found here.
They returned to Australia aboard VH‑TAU under the command of Captain Graham Lowther, Captain Ron “Moose” Anderson, and First Officer Allan “Noise” Burgess. The Flight Engineer was Steve Kinson.
