Photo: Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport in Australia has unveiled plans for a new plane spotting area that celebrates aviation history while inspiring future generations of aviators.
Describing the new facility as a “present for Brisbane,” the airport’s CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff, said: “We want to create something that celebrates our past and inspires the future, and this iconic plane spotting area will be the place to visit.”
The centrepiece of the space will be the tail of a decommissioned Fokker F28 Fellowship aircraft. Situated close to the taxiways and therefore providing unobstructed views for plane spotters, the site will also feature an elevated viewing platform and shaded seating areas.
The 50-year-old F28 tail has been donated by Aviation Australia and forms a symbolic link to another iconic aircraft on display at Brisbane – the century old Southern Cross.
The latter aircraft, which was also built by Fokker, was flown across the Pacific in 1928 by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, alongside co-pilot Charles Ulm, navigator Harry Lyon and radio operator James Warner.
“We have growing demand from people who want to come and have a front-seat view of aviation, and we know the children watching today will be the pilots and aircrew of tomorrow,” continued Graaff.
Plane spotter and photographer Lloyd Fox has been visiting the airport to photograph planes for 65 years. “This new area is something I could never have imagined as it will get people closer to the action,” he said.
“It’s not just about taking photographs, it’s talking to people. I see parents here all the time with their kids sharing their love for aviation.”
Plans are underway to construct the site in 2026 with 927 cubic metres of fill trucked in to establish the foundations.
As Australia’s most connected domestic port, aircraft flying from Brisbane connect to 62 destinations across the country and 35 international destinations.
