Quarter Century of Airline

Operation

QANTAS Empire its 25th anniversary on November 2.

The initial flight of the original Qantas service was flown on November 2, 1922, between Charlesville and Cloncurry in Queensland. This flight of 577 miles then was made in two stages, with an overnight stop between each. To-day it is flown in two hours.

Commencing on that route was a staff of three, the company now employs 2,500 and operates over routes totalling 22,000 miles. Two of the original staff members are still with the company. They are Mr. Hudson Fysh (who flew part of the first flight) who is now chairman and managing-director, and Mr, Arthur Baird, who is works manager.

The company was registered in 1920 as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd. and soon became known as

Qantas.

In 1934, Qantas Empire Airways was formed to combine Qantas interests with Imperial Airways (now BOAC) in the operation of the Australia-England ser vice.

QEA is now owned entirely by the Com monwealth Government of Australia.

The original aircraft of the company were two antiquated tai-planes. Latest additions to the fleet are the new 42passenger “above the weather” Constel lations, which will go on to the Sydney- UK service shortly.

Other QEA services extend from Syd ney to Rabaul, Sydney to Suva, Sydney to Norfolk Island, Brisbane to Darwin.

In the planning stage is a service to Japan for the RAAF, while a new service to Lord Howe Island will operate shortly.

Mr. C. Carter, an adherent of the Methodist Church in New Zealand, will give two years’ service to the Methodist Mission in BSI. He is a builder and will help rebuild mission stations which were destroyed during the war.