Memorable and Unique Items of TAA History.
1. The original photographs of the arrival of the first flight in Sydney (0930am - 9th September 1946, along with tickets and a signed menu from this flight.
2. A letter from Reginald Miles ANSETT, dated 13th March 1946, offering his airline, ANSETT Airways Ltd, based in Hamilton, Victoria, for sale to the ANAC, (the Australian National Airlines Commission) suggesting that his operation was already established and that the ANAC could immediately commence operations. The appropriate reply from Arthur Coles, Chairman of the ANAC, is also on display.
3. The original Douglas Aircraft Corp. schematic chart identifying how to convert the electrical system of a C-47 "Dakota" troop carrier, to enable the aircraft to carry passengers once in the DC-3 configuration, - nearly all aircraft in commercial passenger service in Australia were converted C-47's at that time.
4. The plaque, and documentation, commemorating 10,000 hours flying as logged on VH-TAO, the Consolidated Vultee Convair 240, identifying that TAA was the first airline in the world to achieve high aircraft utilization in commercial service
5. Rare photographs of the arrival of VH-TVA, the first Vickers Viscount to operate outside of Europe, and an aircraft that crashed, and was destroyed, during crew training at Mangalore in Victoria, before going into service.
6. The plaque commemorating 10,000 hours flying as logged on VH-TVE, the Vickers Viscount 720, identifying that TAA was the first airline in the world to again achieve high aircraft utilization in commercial service and for service reliability.
7. Photographs of the service excellence award, The Cummerbatch Trophy, awarded to TAA in 1958 by the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators. TAA was the first Australian Airline, and first domestic airline to achieve this award which had always been presented to the international carriers in the past.
The list is endless and includes
TAA first credit card issued in 1947 to being the first airline in the world to decorate the fuselage of an aircraft with a scene depicting a destination in Australia ( Ularu or Ayers Rock, and the first airline to mount a movie camera on the tail of one of its Boeing 727 aircraft, producing a colourful kaleidoscope of the Australia landscape. Many other items will be referred to within this web site.
Uniforms of the 1960's and early 70's, when mini-skirts, pants suits and vibrant colours were the flavour of the day, again reflecting a change in attitude towards attracting patronage for the airline. This selection of uniforms is but a small part of the total collection of uniforms which covers all eras and includes original ANA, and ANSETT-ANA uniforms from 1950. The prize uniform is the original 1946 Hostess uniform was worn by the Chief Hostess, and greet you as you enter the museum.
