Boeing’s 25 Years In Australia

The first delivery to Sydney was made by VH-EBB on 2 July 1959 and Qantas became the first airline outside of the United States to operate an American jet airliner. Qantas’ satisfaction with the type led to repeat orders, first for the improved short body 707-1388 which swelled the fleet number to 13 aircraft. These consisted of the original seven 707-138s which had been modified to 1388 standard, and six new 707-138Bs. The need for a greater capacity aircraft was responsible for the first of several orders for the larger 707-338C, the initial order for which was placed during 1963. A total of 21 of this model was purchased by Qantas and an additional two were leased.

On the domestic scene both Ansett-ANA and TAA became interested in the Boeing 727. The first of several orders was placed by both operators on 9 February 1963 for two aircraft each. The Australian airlines’ interest in this model prompted Boeing to further improve the design because of their requirement for a 2000-mile range. This led to an increase in gross weight by 8000 lb to 161,000 lb and fuel capacity by 506 gallons to 7680 gallons. Other Ansett/TAA requested changes such as a Collins Flight Director, larger mainwheel tyres and an additional two escape hatches were incorporated into the aircraft design by Boeing. A steady flow of repeat orders for 727s by both airlines was placed over the following years. However, the largest order for Boeing aircraft for domestic operations was the substantial Ansett order placed during March 1980 for 12 737-200s, four 727-200LRs and five 767-200s. The $600 million order for the 21 aircraft was the fifth largest order placed with Boeing up to that time.

In parallel with the domestic activity, Qantas had has also been busy with their investigations for a 707 replacement which of course was the Boeing 747. The first 747 deliveries were made in 1971 and a succession of additional aircraft were ordered over the years, culminating in the most recent order for three 747-300s and six 767-200ER aircraft at a total cost of $860 million. The decision to acquire the 767-200ER fleet is particularly interesting as the choice appeared to be very close between the Boeing aircraft and the Airbus A310-300. Undoubtedly Qantas’ excellent experience with Boeing’s products over the last 25 years must have been an important factor weighing in the 767’s favour.

Australia’s purchase of Boeing aircraft has benefited the local industry with orders for components valued in excess of US$160 million since 1971. The major portion of the Boeing work has been placed with Hawker de Havilland in Sydney and Government Aircraft Factories in Melbourne. Approximately 10 other Australian firms have also participated to a modest extent. The Boeing programs in which Australian firms (who were the sole-source suppliers) are significant participants are:

Boeing 727 – Rudders, elevators and inspar ribs for the main wing box.

Boeing 757 – ribs for the main wing box.

Boeing 737 – Advanced composite aileron for the -200 and -300 models.

The importance of this valuable offset work to an individual supplier can be illustrated by Hawker de Havilland’s involvement. Since 1970, major components for Boeing airliners and Boeing Vertol helicopters have had a total contract value over A$82 million. The company has produced almost 1000 aircraft sets of 727 wing ribs and rudders under contracts valued at over A$32 million. Current work consists of the construction of ailerons for the 737-300, for which HdH will be the sole source supplier until at least 1987 and the production of 757 inspar ribs. Both contracts involve advanced technology. The 737 ailerons are constructed of advanced carbon fibre composite materials, one of the latest techniques being used in aerospace manufacturing. To fulfil the contract, HdH invested nearly $2 million in an advanced composite autoclave at its Bankstown plant. The 757 inspar ribs production is taking place with the aid of an advanced five-axis machine which HdH had earlier introduced to Australia.

As a pointer to the future, Boeing and three Australian companies, Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, Government

Aircraft Factories and Hawker de Havilland have signed an agreement to explore possible Australian industry participation in a future jet airliner programme with Boeing. The agreement calls for the four companies to work together to identify mutually beneficial arrangements for Australian industry participation in a 140 to 160-passenger aeroplane. Possibilities include an all-new aircraft (sometimes referred to as the 7-7) and derivatives of existing models.

At the end of its first 25 years in Australia Boeing has sold a total of 124 jet airliners to Australian airlines, an achievement they must be very happy with. In view of the inevitable expansion that is expected to take place in the airline business in the years ahead and Boeing’s healthy position in this region, it would be interesting to speculate what the sales figure might total after another 25 years interval.

A summary of Boeing’s sales is listed below.