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Qantas’s Boeing 737-800 retrojet headed to Longreach over the weekend as part of a charity flight raising funds for drought affected Western Queensland.
The ‘Retro Roo’, VH-XZP, touched down at Longreach just after 1000 local time on Saturday carrying a full load of 168 passengers who each paid $737 for the day trip from Sydney to the airline’s the spiritual home and the location of the Qantas Founders Museum.
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The airline said the initiative raised $114,000 for the Western Queensland Drought Appeal.
“Qantas’s roots in Longreach are deeper than in any other part of Australia – and there has never been a more important time for us to give back to this wonderful community,” QantasLink chief executive said John Gissing said in a statement.
“We know these are difficult times for Longreach and we’re committed to playing our part to help both through this charity flight and through ongoing support for the local tourism industry.”
Qantas said its cabin crew and pilots donated their time to operate the flight, while Sydney Airport and Longreach Airport waived landing fees and Caltex and Air BP provided the fuel for free.
Western Queensland Drought Appeal chairman David Phelps said the local community was thankful for Qantas’s efforts to help farmers and landowners suffering from the drought.
“Qantas has shown their true spirit today,” Phelps said.
Some scenes from Longreach taken by photographer Dave Parer:
Raymond
says:What a fantastic, well thought-out initiative. Well done Qantas!
Bob
says:Wish we had known in advance that the flight was taking place. I would have been delighted to have purchased a ticked and supported the cause.
Simon
says:A great day out on this extrodinary trip! So much fun. I hear it’s raining in Barcaldine with more on the way! Let it rain.
Brendan Berry
says:I was on this flight and we had a fantastic day; many thanks goes to Catriona Rowntree but also the pilots and cabin crew for giving up their day so we can have an amazing time
Corey
says:I’m glad Qantas still cares about it’ true home . Also I’m pleased to find out a fully loaded B737 can land and take off Longreach Airport as I thought the runway was too short. I’d like to see regular B737 flights to and from Longreach as I’d prefer them to the Q400.