Media Room: Defence Alert

BOEING 707 FAREWELL FLIGHTS OVER SYDNEY

AND HAWKESBURY

Sydneysiders and residents of the Hawkesbury will catch an historic sight in the sky as the RAAF’s final Boeing 707 marks its last days of service.

The aircraft, known as ‘Richmond Town’, is operated by No. 33 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond and is retiring on Monday 30 June, after 29 years of service.

Friday 27 June:          The B707 is scheduled to return to RAAF Base Richmond from its most recent deployment to RAAF Base Darwin for Exercise Pitch Black 08.

Subject to operational requirements, a mid-afternoon flyover will take place on Friday, with the B707 leading a formation of up to eight F/A-18 Hornets over RAAF Base Richmond, at an altitude of no lower than 450 metres.

Monday 30 June:       The B707 will conduct a flyover of Sydney Harbour between 10.30am and 11am, accompanied by a Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter aircraft which will be used to collect imagery of the B707 over the Harbour.

The aircraft will fly at a minimum altitude of 500 metres. The two aircraft will enter the Harbour from Sydney Heads and orbit Sydney Harbour Bridge before returning to Richmond. 

Monday 30 June:       The B707 will conduct a flypast of No. 33 Squadron’s farewell parade at RAAF Richmond at approximately 2 pm.

‘Richmond Town’ will be distinguished by its dark blue tail scheme commemorating the aircraft’s service with the RAAF.

Fur further details of the flypasts, please contact:

Media contacts:

Raveena Carroll-Kenney                     Defence Public Affairs – NSW      0405 310 176

Flying Officer Eamon Hamilton          0413 328 271

Defence Media Liaison:                      02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664