The TAA Fleet

1964

Pure jet travel arrived on the domestic network in 1964 with the arrival of the Boeing 727-176, affectionately known as the 'whispering T-jet', with the quietest First Class cabin in the sky.

The new aircraft introduced a 'new look' and perhaps the T-Jet image was the longest lasting image of all TAA marketing campaigns.

The Boeing 727-176, again reduced flying times, improved passenger comfort, had increasing reliability, and increasing payload for profitability.

1966

The De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft were put into service in Papua New Guinea in September 1966.

These aircraft were later to be used on services throughout the Gulf and Channel Country Areas of outback Queensland, and on flights from Mackay to Shute Harbour and Brampton Island.

1967

The first Douglas DC9 jet joined the fleet in March 1967. This was followed by the Douglas DC9-30 Training Simulator.

1970s

The seventies was an innovative era for TAA, it was the first airline in the world to paint a scene on their aircraft, and to mount a movie camera on the tail of an aircraft. (VH-TJB Boeing 727-176)

These moves created a trend for airlines around the world, that continues today for major events and sponsorships.

TAA would paint 2 aircraft, the Boeing 727 (the scene - Ularu or Ayers Rock) and a Douglas DC9-30 (Coral Islander celebrating the Queensland tourist coast).

1972

1972 - Enter the new Boeing 727-276, a 150 seater aircraft, larger and more sophisticated than its earlier model the 727-100.