John Travolta’s former Boeing 707 is being reassembled at the HARS Aviation Museum in Australia following an unusual journey across the world. The rare aircraft is undergoing restoration for preservation and permanent display.
The aircraft is a Boeing 707-138B, one of only 13 examples built specifically for Qantas. Delivered to the Australian airline in 1964, it later entered private service before being acquired by Travolta, a longtime pilot and former Qantas ambassador. He had the jet repainted in its classic Qantas livery and flew it for years.
Travolta donated the aircraft to HARS Aviation Museum in 2017. Initially, the plan was to restore it to flying condition and transport it to Australia by air. However, the extensive work required made that approach impractical.
Instead, the aircraft was dismantled in Georgia, United States, and shipped to Australia in major sections, arriving at the museum earlier this year. HARS volunteers and specialists are now refitting its wings, landing gear and other components as restoration progresses.
After decades of airline and private service, the 62-year-old Boeing 707 is preparing for a new chapter as a preserved piece of aviation history.