Australian Aviation Hall of Fame
The Australian Aviation Hall of Fame (AAHOF) announced that five new members were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, and that Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA) was recognised with the 2017 Southern Cross Award.
To quote from a news release — Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA) was one of the main driving forces that established Australia's extensive post-war airline network. Its success over many years grew Australia's economy and employed thousands across the aviation industry.
TAA was formed in 1946 and took over Queensland domestic routes from Qantas. It became part of the Australian Government's two-airline policy together with Ansett. In 1986, TAA was re-branded as Australian Airlines and in 1992 was merged with Qantas, which gave Qantas access to Australian domestic air routes again.
As part of the presentation, Trans-Australia Airlines was accompanied by an old TAA television commercial about going "Up, Up and Away" and "Flying the Friendly Way."
TAA now joins six other organisations in the Hall of Fame.
Accomplishments
HARS — the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society — is an all-volunteer group of aviation professionals and enthusiasts who have premises at Wollongong Airport (YWOL), Albion Park, just over an hour south of Sydney NSW.
The five new members inducted in November 2017 were:
Edward Connellan AO, CBE — highly respected NT aviator and businessman. Established the successful Connellan Airways in 1943.
John Corby — distinguished aviation engineer and designer of the Corby Starlet.
James Strong AO — highly regarded CEO and board member of Qantas. Oversaw the successful merger of Australian Airlines (previously TAA) and Qantas.
Bob Tait — renowned aviation educator, pilot and publisher.
Nancy-Bird Walton AO, OBE — in 1934 the youngest woman to obtain a commercial licence in the British Empire and founder of the Australian Women Pilots' Association.
"These five outstanding individuals and TAA join thirty-seven other individuals and six organisations in the Hall of Fame," said AAHOF Chairman Steve Padgett. "All have made quite magnificent contributions in their respective fields for the major benefit of Australia, particularly regional and remote Australia."
James Strong shot to prominence running Australian Airlines in the 1980s after the name change from TAA. Therefore, as the former chief executive of both Qantas and Australian Airlines, we have included information on his induction into the AAHOF.
Aviation History
On display in the hangar where the dinner was held were the original DC3 Hawdon and a Convair in TAA colours.
