TAA is awarded the Southern Cross Award by the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame.
John Wren accepting the award certificate on behalf of TAA.
The Australian Aviation Hall of Fame (AAHOF) announced that five new members were inducted into the hall of fame this year, and that Trans Australia Airlines (TAA) is to be recognised with the 2017 Southern Cross Award.
to quote from a news release - Trans Australia Airlines (TAA) was one of the main driving forces that established Australia's extensive post war airline network. Its success over many years grew Australia's economy and employed thousands across the aviation industry.
TAA was formed in 1946 and took over Queensland domestic routes from Qantas. It became part of the "two-airlne" policy of the Australian government with Ansett. In 1986. TAA was re-branded as Australian Airlines and in 1996 was merged with Qantas, which gave Qantas access to Australia domestic air routes again.
As part of the presentation, Trans Australia Airlines was accompanied by an old TAA television commercial about going Up, Up and Away and Flying the Friendly Way.
TAA now joins six other organizations in the Hall of Fame.
John Wren's address on accepting the award on behalf of TAA
Click on the TAA logo to read what was distributed re awarding TAA "The Southern Cross Award" on the night
The presentation dinner was held in a hanger at HARS in November 2017
HARS – the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society is an all volunteer group of Aviation Professionals and Enthusiasts who have premises at Wollongong Airport (YWOL), Albion Park just over an hour south of Sydney NSW.
The five new members inducted in November 2017 are:
Edward Connellan AO, CBE – highly respected NT aviator and businessman. Established the successful Connellan Airways in 1943
John Corby – distinguished aviation engineer and designer of the Corby Starlet
James Strong AO – highly-regarded CEO and board member of Qantas. Oversaw the successful merger of Australian Airlines (previously TAA ) and Qantas
Bob Tait – renowned aviation educator, pilot and publisher
Nancy-Bird Walton AO, OBE – in 1934 the youngest woman to obtain a commercial licence in the British Empire and founder of the Australian Women Pilots' Association.
"These five outstanding individuals and TAA join thirty seven other individuals and six organizations in the Hall of Fame," said AAHOF Chairman Steve Padgett. "All have made quite magnificent contributions in their respective fields for the major benefit of Australia, particularly regional and remote Australia,"
James Strong shot to prominence running Australian Airlines in the 1980s after the name change from TAA, therefore as the former chief executive of both Qantas and Australian Airlines, we have included information on his induction into the AAHOF.
Click on James Strong's photo to read about James Strong AO and his Induction into the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame
On display in the hanger where the dinner was held were the original DC3 Hawdon, and a Convair in TAA Colours.
TAA Hawdon
TAA painted Convair