Launceston’s historic Miss Flinders aircraft celebrates 90th anniversary

Launceston Airport for Miss Flinders aircraft 90th anniversary

Launceston’s historic Miss Flinders aircraft has celebrated 90 years since starting her pioneering commercial air service between Launceston and Flinders Island in 1932.

The team at Launceston Airport along with the Tasmanian Aviation Historical Society celebrated the 90^th anniversary of the first flight of Miss Flinders, one of only three Desoutter Mk. II Monoplanes remaining in the world. An incredible cake with a replica of the aircraft was made to commemorate the occasion. Miss Flinders played a pioneering role in the early days of Tasmania’s aviation industry and is currently on display inside the terminal at Launceston Airport.

“Miss Flinders was displayed at Launceston Airport from the 1960s to 1990s, so it’s fitting that she is now back here as she celebrates this historic milestone – even more so as we celebrated our own 90th anniversary last year,” said Shane O’Hare, CEO Launceston Airport. “She always attracts the attention of travellers passing through our airport, sparking interest in the long history of aviation in Tasmania and the evolution of aircraft over the decades.”

Miss Flinders was reassembled and displayed in Launceston Airport in February 2021, and travellers can still see the aircraft hoisted up in the terminal.

With its enclosed cabin for two passengers and pilot, the aircraft proved ideal for the biweekly return service from Western Junction to Whitemark on Flinders Island. Flights took around 1 hour and 45 minutes one way depending on weather conditions.

Benefits of transporting passengers and mail by air to Tasmania’s nearby islands saw the amalgamation with the Holyman Brothers, which formed Tasmanian Aerial Services and later became Holyman Airways and eventually Australian National Airways – ANA.

“Displaying Miss Flinders in Launceston Airport is the appropriate venue considering the aircraft’s history on the site, and it provides the opportunity for the story of this significant little plane to continue to be shared with so many people,” said Andrew Johnson, President, Tasmanian Aviation Historical Society.

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