While many might view the new terminal in Western Sydney as the city’s second international airport, it is, in fact, the third in its historical context.
Nearly a century ago, Sydney witnessed a flourishing era in aviation characterized by the use of flying boats.
In 1934, Australia commenced its first regular air mail service to England, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.
Flying boats were favored for this service due to their capacity to transport larger cargo compared to contemporary land-based aircraft, coupled with lower operational costs.
In the same year, Qantas Empire Airways was founded as a collaborative international airline venture between Australia’s Qantas and Britain’s Imperial Airways.
By 1938, the airline transitioned its operations from Brisbane to Sydney, establishing itself at Rose Bay in the eastern part of the city, which offered calm waters and a strategic central location.
This marked the inception of the Rose Bay Water Airport.
Initially, the airport primarily facilitated air mail services, but it gradually became a means for affluent travelers to indulge in luxury travel.
Flights from Rose Bay traversed the east coast to Singapore, with subsequent stops in Bangkok, Calcutta, Karachi, Alexandria, Basra, Marseilles, and ultimately Southampton.
Air mail services constituted the financial backbone of Qantas Empire Airways’ flying boats, but the allure of first-class travel was considered “the cream on the cake,” as noted by David Crotty, a former curator of the Qantas Heritage Collection and current consultant for the airline.
During that time, a round-trip ticket from Sydney to Southampton cost approximately £342, a substantial sum when a new Chevrolet car could be purchased for about £330.
The air journey took around nine and a half days, a significant reduction compared to a five-week sea voyage.
Mr. Crotty described the experience as luxurious and unprecedented in Australia, with flying boats accommodating up to 15 passengers and offering various cabin options, including one designated for smoking.
The aircraft had space for movement, and the seats could be reclined for comfort.
Qantas introduced in-flight service for the first time, employing stewards who had experience in maritime service, although meals were not cooked onboard; a small galley allowed for warm meals to be served.
This era of aviation was brief yet romantic, as World War II led to the suspension of passenger services to repurpose the flying boats for military operations.
During the war, flying boats undertook various missions, including transporting military supplies from Darwin and providing services to Nouméa, a strategic base for the United States.
Phil Vabre, president of the Civil Aviation Historical Society, noted that these aircraft also ferried personnel, cargo, and mail along the east coast to support efforts in New Guinea. Many flying boats were lost due to crashes or enemy fire, and some were requisitioned by the air force early in the conflict.
It wasn’t until after World War II that commercial land airports began to dominate air travel, as flying boats presented operational challenges due to their water-based nature.
Mr. Vabre explained that significant airport infrastructure was established globally during the war, along with advancements in land aircraft technology.
The Rose Bay Water Airport left a lasting impression on Sydney’s aviation landscape.
In 1940, the first scheduled commercial passenger flight between Auckland and Sydney occurred, utilizing a Tasman Empire Airways Limited flying boat that landed at Rose Bay.
In its later years, flying boats continued to serve passengers traveling to and from Lord Howe Island until the island’s land airport opened in 1974, coinciding with the closure of Rose Bay Water Airport.
Currently, Sydney Seaplanes operates from Rose Bay, where a plaque commemorates the site’s historical significance.
Sydney Airport in Mascot has become the main airport for the city, with its international terminal inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970.
Western Sydney International Airport, located nearly 60 kilometers away in Badgerys Creek, is set to commence commercial passenger flights on October 25.
Reflecting on the historical significance of Sydney’s first international airport, Mr. Vabre remarked, “Rose Bay was crucial as it served as the hub for our air connections to Britain and beyond. It embodies the romance associated with flying boats, with their graceful design as a mix of boats and airplanes.”
