Alice goes down memory lane as Qantas Retro Roo II 60s jet makes special visit
THE 1960s vibes were strong at Alice Springs Airport on Saturday when a vintage-styled Qantas jet swung into town.
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THE 1960s vibes were strong at Alice Springs Airport on Saturday when a vintage-styled Qantas jet swung into town.
The Retro Roo II, a Qantas jet painted in vintage 60s livery, is flying around the country to celebrate the national carrier’s 95 years of service.
Alice Springs dental nurse Aimee Smith said she felt privileged to see the classic aircraft.
“It was very cool, a subtle retro. Classy and classic,” said Ms Smith, 20.
The Boeing 737-800 flew in from Adelaide, a rare visitor to the Centre, as it usually flies between capital cities.
The design was first seen on Boeing 707 jets used between 1959 and 1961, when the flying kangaroo helped revolutionise long-haul travel.
The freshly painted jet VH-VXQ was unveiled in Sydney a couple of weeks ago, in front of hundreds of Qantas staff and chief executive, Alan Joyce.
It’s the second Qantas aircraft in vintage livery.
Retro Roo I was launched last November and is often snapped by travellers as it makes its way around the country displaying the design from 1971-1984.
Ms Smith said she didn’t think about the 1960s very much, but there were a few ideas she associated with the period.
“Retro, flower power, the Beatles and my Dad,” she said.
The jet spent less than an hour on the tarmac at ASP, before flying back to Adelaide.
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