[updated:LAST EDITED ON 25-06-02 AT 03:05Â AM (GMT)]Qantas has given John Travolta an honorary set of Captains wings,Travolta a fully qualified 747 pilot asked Qantas for permission to paint his former Qantas owned 707 back to it’s original livery,Qantas agreed and the aircraft is now in it’s traditional colours.In a huge promotions coup,Qantas asked Travolta to fly the plane around the world on promotional tour,to which he agreed,The tour starts next week and will go to Sydney,Melbourne and Perth.Travolta went on to say it was the most proudest day in his life.Here is the article,I think this may well be one of the biggest marketing coup’s in aviation history. Capt’n Travolta joins Qantas
25 JUN 2002
Herald Sun
HOLLYWOOD superstar John Travolta has joined Qantas and will pilot his own aircraft around the world as part of the airline’s “Spirit of Friendship” tour.
Actor John Travolta
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Qantas chief executive and managing director Geoff Dixon announced today that the Oscar nominee had become the airline’s ambassador at large.
He said Travolta had successfully completed 747-400 first officer simulator training and he presented the movie star with his wings at Los Angeles airport.
Travolta will now pilot his own ex-Qantas Boeing 707 jet, specially painted in its original Qantas branding and livery, across the globe on a 10 countries tour.
“It is no secret that John is an avid fan of aviation,” Mr Dixon said.
“He is also a keen and talented pilot and supporting the Spirit of Friendship tour is a fantastic way to showcase Qantas in its major overseas markets.
“The tour is also a unique opportunity for Qantas to underscore its commitment to international tourism.”
Travolta first gained notoriety as the smart-mouthed Vinnie Barbarino on the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, before starring in 1970s cult movies Saturday Night Fever and Grease.
His career dived during the 1980s but he made a stunning comeback in 1993 when he featured in Pulp Fiction and was nominated for an Oscar.
the tour will be called the “SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP TOUR”
By: Ja Worsley - 28th June 2002 at 18:55
RE: More famous Pilots
I couldn’t remembver her name last night but it just came to me now!
Bo Derick: Twin engined Helos, she owns a B-412!
Leave no-one behind!
By: KabirT - 28th June 2002 at 16:04
RE: More famous Pilots
yes Lauda is a part of AUA now.
By: monster500 - 28th June 2002 at 16:01
RE: More famous Pilots
I think Lauda is owned by AUA group now is it not?
By: Carl - 28th June 2002 at 12:06
RE: More famous Pilots
thanks a lot Bhoy/Benair/Ja. Very interesting.
Certainly wouldn’t mind Niki Lauda’s job, must be nice to hop on a 777 and take the controls whenever you’re feeling bored!!
By: Ja Worsley - 27th June 2002 at 17:36
More famous Pilots
Arnold Schwartzenegger; light twins
Sly Stalone; Light twins
Jamie Lee Cutris; light singles
Wesley Snipes; light twins
Denzel Washington; Biz jets
Jackie Chan; Biz jets and helos with rating for areobatics and tail wheel
Bruce Willis; light singles
Mathew Broderick; light singles
Louis Gossett Jnr; Warbirds he owns a couple
Kevin Costner; Biz jets
Geoff Goldblum; Biz jets
Denise Crosby; Light twins
Elle McPhearson, Light singles
Leave no-one behind!
By: EGNM - 27th June 2002 at 14:06
RE: QANTAS and JOHN TRAVOLTA
Will it get to eupore with stage III niose limits? – depends if it has been hush kitted
By: Benair316P - 27th June 2002 at 11:56
RE: QANTAS and JOHN TRAVOLTA
Harrison Ford is a pilot….choppers i think. He was involved in a heroic rescue mission on a mountain last year….where he did the rescuing.
In the film ‘look whos talking’ Travolta played the role of a bizz-jet pilot. Obviously loves his flying!
Regards
Ben
By: Bhoy - 27th June 2002 at 11:45
RE: QANTAS and JOHN TRAVOLTA
Niki Lauda’s qualified as a pilot for all the Lauda Air fleet, and certainly used to fly a number of sectors himself.
By: Carl - 27th June 2002 at 11:21
RE: QANTAS and JOHN TRAVOLTA
Yeah, I recall reading about John Travolta’s 707, not sure if it was in Airliner World or not.
Anyone know any other famous/celebrity pilots?
I have a vague recollection that one or two of the Royal family occassionally take the controls when flying.
Carl
By: Ja Worsley - 26th June 2002 at 16:29
RE: QANTAS and JOHN TRAVOLTA
Why when reading this, do I start to think of the movie “Broken Arrow” 😛
Leave no-one behind!
By: Benair316P - 26th June 2002 at 11:21
RE: QANTAS and JOHN TRAVOLTA
Interesting stuff Monster500, cheers.
I didnt know Tavolta did ‘big boy’ jets. I only thought he’d gone as far as bizz jets…..B747-400!! wow!
Any chance of knowing when the 707 is will be coming to London…Heathrow I guess?
Regards
Ben
By: monster500 - 25th June 2002 at 09:18
RE: QANTAS and JOHN TRAVOLTA
John Travolta becomes Qantas Ambassador-at-Large
Los Angeles, 25 June 2002 :
Australian-based international airline Qantas today announced that international superstar John Travolta has joined the company and has become its “Ambassador-at-Large”.
Qantas also announced that following extensive sessions at its Sydney headquarters and with Boeing in Seattle, Mr Travolta has successfully completed 747-400 First Officer simulator training.
Qantas Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Geoff Dixon presented Mr Travolta with his “wings” at Los Angeles airport today. Mr Dixon said the airline was delighted to welcome Mr Travolta to the company as “Ambassador-at-Large”.
Mr Travolta said that, as part of his new role with Qantas, he would pilot his own aircraft, an ex-Qantas Boeing 707 jet specially painted in its original Qantas 1960s branding and livery, across the globe to 10 countries on a Spirit of Friendship tour.
The Spirit of Friendship tour will include visits to 13 cities around the world between 1 July and late August this year.
Commenting on Mr Travolta’s appointment, Mr Dixon said: “It’s no secret that John is an avid fan of aviation. He is also a keen and talented pilot, and supporting his Spirit of Friendship tour is a fantastic way to showcase Qantas in its major overseas markets.
“The tour is also a unique opportunity for Qantas to underscore its commitment to international tourism.”
Mr Travolta said he chose the Spirit of Friendship theme for the tour following the shocking events that the world has experienced in the past 12 months.
“The past year has been awful for our sense of security and goodwill and also for trust and friendship between different cultures and countries,” he said.
“I’m undertaking this tour to extend the hand of friendship – to reach out, to cross borders, make contact, rekindle friendships and make new friends.
“That’s why I’ve teamed up with Qantas, an airline which embodies the spirit of Australia and the spirit of friendship. I’ve always admired the Qantas safety record and culture and I’ve been attracted to its values of quality, openness and friendliness.”
Mr Travolta will fly from Los Angeles to Auckland in New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Rome, Paris, Frankfurt and New York before returning to Los Angeles. The tour involves about 80 flying hours and covers more than 35,000 nautical miles (64,700 kilometres).
As “Ambassador-at-Large” Mr Travolta has become a Qantas employee and will, during the global tour, spend time with fellow Qantas employees in each market.
Mr Travolta purchased the ex-Qantas 707 four years ago and has been an enthusiastic aviator since his childhood.
Issued by Qantas Public Affairs (2726)
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June 25, 2002 at 3:01 am