Flight celebrates Australia’s aviation pioneers and Sydney Airport’s aviation history

Did you see the replica of the 100-year-old Southern Cross flying into Sydney Airport in March?

In a historic tribute to Australian aviation, a full-sized replica of the iconic plane landed at Sydney Airport in the lead up to the 100-year anniversary of the world’s first trans-Pacific flight.

Restored by many volunteers in the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), the Southern Cross Fokker FVIIB replica is a flying copy of the original record-breaking aircraft.

The aircraft was first flown by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Charles Ulm, navigator Harry Lyons and radio operator Jim Warner on their legendary first-ever trans-Pacific journey from the United States to Australia, departing 31 May 1928 and flying about 11,670 kilometres.

The aircraft took off from Oakland, California before stopping to refuel in Hawaii, then on to Fiji before making its journey to Brisbane, Queensland on 9 June.

On its final leg, the aircraft flew to Sydney Airport landing on 10 June 1928, where it was greeted by a record 300,000 Sydneysiders.

Sydney Airport, CEO Scott Charlton said it was a proud moment welcoming the Southern Cross back to the skies and celebrating its return to Sydney Airport.

“This remarkable aircraft not only honours the achievements of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Charles Ulm and their crew but celebrates the many milestones achieved in aviation over the past century,” Mr Charlton said.

Matt Thistlethwaite, Federal Member for Kingsford Smith said:

"The Southern Cross is a powerful symbol for the Kingsford Smith community, reflecting a proud aviation heritage that defines our local story. Its return highlights aviation’s enduring importance to our community, strengthening the connection between our history and future."

A representative from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) said:

"Restoring the Southern Cross has been a labour of love for our team. Every rivet, timber joint and piece of fabric has been rebuilt with precision to honour the original aircraft and the remarkable achievements of its crew. Seeing it fly again is an unforgettable moment for Australian aviation history."

Alex Kingsford-Smith, great grand-nephew of Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith reflected on the milestone:

"It’s incredibly moving to see the Southern Cross flying once more. Our families are thrilled that this iconic piece of Australian history will inspire new generations and commemorate the bravery of our forebears."

Charles Ulm, grandson of Charles Ulm said:

“It’s extraordinary to witness the Southern Cross flying once more. For those connected to the pioneers of Australian aviation, it brings a real sense of pride and remembrance. We hope its return to the air keeps the spirit of those early aviators alive for generations to come.”

Built in South Australia between 1980 and 1987 under the leadership of John Pope OAM, the aircraft toured Australia during the 1988 Bicentenary to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Measuring as the largest “close replica” in the world, the aircraft features the largest one-piece wing ever constructed in Australia and is built to modern standards using traditional materials, including steel tubing, timber and doped polyester covering.

After suffering significant damage in a 2002 take-off incident at Parafield, South Australia, the aircraft was stored for several years until HARS acquired it in 2010. A dedicated team of engineers painstakingly disassembled, redesigned and rebuilt the Southern Cross to full airworthy condition.

The original Southern Cross is now preserved behind glass near the international terminal at Brisbane Airport.

The historic landing at Sydney Airport on 19 March 2026 not only celebrated the lead up to the 100-year anniversary of world’s first trans-Pacific flight but also recognised the invaluable work of HARS in preserving Australia’s aviation legacy.

Find out more about Sydney Airport’s aviation history.