Secrets to a 50-year relationship

It’s a milestone for Qantas, who celebrates its 50th anniversary of its first jet service across the Tasman today.

It was April 10 1965 when the first 104-seat Qantas Boeing 707 took off from Sydney for Christchurch, where it was welcomed by a 10,000 strong crowd.

The new Boeing 707s offered a 20-seat First cabin, and just 84 seats back in Economy.

Previously, crossing the ditch involved flying in a propeller –driven Electra International aircraft, and prior to that, Short Empire Flying Boats managed 15 passengers on a nine hour trip, compared to three hours today.

The inaugural V-jet service was commanded by Chief Pilot Line Operations, Captain “Torchy” Uren and NZ-born cabin crew members Bob Bishop, Alan Williams and Alan Gill as well as Anne Claydon from Lyttelton in Christchurch.

The flight was welcomed by a crowd of 10,000 locals.

Qantas founder Sir Hudson Fysh and Lady Fysh were also onboard the inaugural service.

Qantas International’s CEO Gareth Evans said the fifty year milestone highlighted Qantas’ ongoing commitment to NZ.

“Our humble beginnings of twice weekly jet services have evolved to a schedule of more than 200 flights per week, mostly operated by our fleet of next generation B737-800 aircraft,” Evans said.

“The milestone comes in a year when Qantas is investing significantly in the customer experience across the Tasman with a new dining experience in Economy, Champagne and luxury amenities in Business and a dynamic schedule enabling more flexibility and choice for customers.”

Evans also was quoted by The Australian saying that easier access across the ditch is more important than ever.

“Both countries would become more competitive in the global tourism market. It would be easier and cheaper for international tourists visiting Australia also to visit New Zealand, helping both countries’ tourism balance of trade.’’

“This is an area where airlines can take the lead in a way tourism marketing authorities often can’t,’’ Evans told The Australian, adding that Emirates and Qantas had combined to build a better flying schedule between Dubai and New Zealand, to allow Qantas passengers to connect seamlessly across the Tasman.

Qantas today operates more than 200 flights per week between New Zealand and Australia, with year-round weekly services between Queenstown and Sydney taking off in 2005.

Qantas Co-Founder Hudson Fysh (right) and Lady Fysh were on the inaugural service welcomed by Mayor of Christchurch, Mr G. Manning (left)

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