Boeing 707-320C

In 1962, with the recent addition of long range jets like the 707 to the fleet, TAAS was in need of a rebranding and expansion. Unfortunately, this period coincided with a financial struggle for the airline, which was bleeding money to private competitors. With the fate of the airline in the hands of an inept parliament, it's future was uncertain.

In early 1963, with the airline still mired in politics, Queen Elizabeth II struck down the debate, at once rebranding the airline with Royal prerogative. Painted in a new royal blue colour scheme, the newly christened Royal Australian Airlines rolled out it's first 707-320C. The 707 fleet was the first of RAA's aircraft to open up new international routes from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. These, along with the incoming VC-10 aircraft, formed the backbone of RAA's longhaul fleet until the mid 1970's.

This 707 served on the Sydney-Tokyo route and helped shuttle passengers and athletes to the 1964 Olympics.