Australian Aviation in the ‘80s

Qantas 747-200, Hong Kong, 1980 My first overseas trip outside of New Zealand was to Hong Kong, and after 10 days, the sight of a Qantas 747 did indeed make you feel you were on the way home already. Back then my flight operated via Manila to Sydney.

TAA DC9/30, Hobart, 1984 A sunrise shot of the TAA early morning departure from Hobart, which in those days routed via Launceston to Melbourne.

Air New South Wales Fokker F27, Sydney, 1985 Air New South Wales repainted some of its Fokkers in this bright yellow and red scheme, which was known as the canary yellow scheme.

RAAF Hawker Siddeley HS 748, Hobart, 1989 The 1989 pilots dispute saw the RAAF used for domestic flights, which provided some interesting photo opportunities.

Bloodstock Services, Boeing 727-100F, Norfolk Island, 1983 Photographed at Norfolk Island Airport, while on my honeymoon. Obviously, my visits to the airport were very brief, but I still managed a few interesting shots, such as this one! As you can see from the people on the tarmac, it was well prior to the days of security.

Ansett, DC-9s and 737, Melbourne, 1984 This photo was taken from the old observation deck at Melbourne Airport, and highlights the transition from the old red and black Ansett scheme to the Euro White Ansett scheme, and the introduction of the first 737-200s to its fleet.

All images are scans from colour negatives. Prior to digital, Rob shot 1950 rolls of 36 exposure film.