John Travolta “can’t wait” to visit the Illawarra.
The Hollywood star has used a special video message to express his excitement at bringing his donated Boeing 707 to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) at Albion Park Rail.
“I can’t wait to see everybody at the Illawarra Regional Airport when we touch down in the 707,” Travolta said in the short video clip.
The video shows Travolta sitting at a desk next to a model of his 707, as well as him standing alongside the actual aircraft at Brunswick's Golden Isles Airport.
The footage was released by Bendigo Bank’s Oak Flats and Shellharbour branches, a financial supporter of the 707 project, on Facebook just before Christmas.
”This is our Christmas present for you, to say thank you for your support,” the bank’s Facebook post said.
Earlier this month, Travolta confirmed he would fly into the Illawarra on the plane he’s donating to HARS.
HARS president Bob De La Hunty had flagged the plane wouldn’t arrive without Travolta – and the movie megastar has since locked in his special appearance at the Illawarra Regional Airport.
Travolta and his vintage passenger jet will touch down at the airport some time in 2018 – the exact date is yet to be determined, but it is expected to be towards the tail-end of the year.
Mr De La Hunty said Travolta had indicated he would stay “quite some time” and was keen to go flying in “Connie”, the society’s Super Constellation aircraft, while in town.
Travolta revealed he had gifted the ex-Qantas plane – which bears the unique registration 707JT – to HARS in a shock announcement, made via social media, on May 27.
At the time, Travolta – a qualified pilot and Qantas ambassador – said the plane needed “a lot of work to be restored to a safe flying state”.
“Having seen first hand the dedication and passion of people at HARS, I have no doubt this beautiful and historical aircraft will be flying again,” he said in his announcement.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
