The Vickers Viscount was one of the most important aircraft ever to fly for Trans‑Australia Airlines. Between 1954 and 1960, the Viscount transformed domestic air travel, introducing turbine power, unprecedented passenger comfort, and a level of reliability that reshaped public expectations of flying in Australia.
John Ryland would serve as General Manager of TAA for 18 years. He created the Flight Operations Division, oversaw the commissioning of several new aircraft, and expanded the network.
The Guild awarded the Cumberbatch Award in 1958 to Trans-Australia Airlines, making TAA the first Australian airline to receive this prestigious aviation industry honour. TAA won the Cumberbatch award for outstanding flight safety improvement.
TAA operated the Lockheed L-188 Electra from 1959 to 1971. This economical turboprop was fast and much more comfortable for its passengers.
TAA received its first Boeing 727 on October 16, 1964, when the aircraft touched down at Melbourne's Essendon Airport. TAA officially launched the plane into passenger service a few weeks later, on November 2, 1964, on its route between Sydney and Melbourne.
TAA received its first Douglas DC-9-30 (specifically a DC-9-31, registration VH-TJJ) on April 13, 1967, at Melbourne's Essendon Airport.
In 1972, TAA expanded its fleet by introducing the stretched Boeing 727-276. These new planes were much larger and carried 150 passengers.
A new computer system called TAARSAN was established and progressively updated.
Frank Ball instructs Glynn Cumming to preserve posters and memorabilia stored in the Display Department.
Frank Ball was one of the last Australian airline leaders to rise from the cockpit to the boardroom — a career path that reflected both his aviation skill and his deep understanding of airline operations. His journey from wartime pilot to General Manager of Trans‑Australia Airlines (TAA) is a story of resilience, technical expertise and steady leadership.
James Strong replaces Frank Ball GM on retirement and acknowledges the historical value of the collection.
Glynn Cumming dies and Judy Flower is appointed Custodian of the collection (part-time, PR Dept).
Through the merger, Qantas was able to assume domestic operations.
James Strong becomes CEO of Qantas.
Judy Flower is retained permanently as custodian of the collection.
TAA 25 Year Club accepts responsibility for the collection; committee created and volunteers sought.
In 1996, the TAA Museum collection was moved to the 11th floor of the TAA Head Office on Franklin Street. James Strong approved this move and volunteers fulfilled his orders.
Volunteer group grows to 20 people; collection expanded to approx. 25,000 items.
TAA 25 Year Club Inc. registers collection with Museums Australia; becomes TAA Heritage and Historical Museum.
After an illustrious career, James Strong retires as CEO and Geoff Dixon takes over.
Volunteer group: 24 volunteers; the Collection grows with 67,000 items registered and recorded; Museum incorporated.
Collection moved to larger premises at Airport West (formerly the TAA/Australian Airlines Flight Training Centre); joins Qantas collection for public viewing.
Volunteer group: 30 volunteers; 150,000 items registered and recorded in the Collection. Thousands of happy visitors.
TAA is a regular exhibitor at the Avalon Airshow and 2025 was no exception; showcasing historic aircraft, crew stories and the airline's contribution to Australian aviation
We have relocated to our new home in Tullamarine and officially opened on 11th August 2026.
