A full-sized replica of the historic Southern Cross Fokker F.VIIb/3m has landed at Sydney Airport ahead of the 100-year anniversary of the world’s first trans-Pacific flight. The tribute flight marks the lead-up to the 1928 journey that changed aviation history.
That pioneering route from the United States to Australia was completed by aviator Charles Kingsford Smith and crew members Charles Ulm, Harry Lyons and Jim Warner.
The replica aircraft is maintained by volunteers from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), which preserves historic aircraft across Australia.
Originally built in South Australia between 1980 and 1987, the aircraft toured the country during the 1988 Bicentenary to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The replica is considered the largest close recreation of the original aircraft and features the biggest one-piece wing built in Australia.
After suffering major damage in a 2002 take-off incident at Parafield Airport, the aircraft was later acquired by HARS in 2010. Volunteers then spent years rebuilding it to full flying condition.
“We’re proud to welcome the Southern Cross back to the skies and celebrate its return to Sydney Airport,” Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said.
“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.”
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite, added, “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,” he remarked.
Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith’s great grand-nephew, Alex Kingsford-Smith, was moved when reflected on the milestone.
“It’s incredibly moving to see the Southern Cross flying once more,” he said.
“Our families are thrilled that this iconic piece of Australian history will inspire new generations and commemorate the bravery of our forebears.”
Meanwhile, Charles Ulm, grandson of aviator 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.”
Nearly 100 years on the milestone, Sydney Airport now welcomes tens of millions of international flyers every year. Overall passenger numbers reached 42.54 million across 2025, up 2.7 percent on the year before.
In another recent historic moment, Captain’s Choice recreated Qantas’ original ‘Kangaroo Route’ from Sydney to London almost 80 years after the initial journey.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Aviation anniversaries remind us how quickly travel evolves. A century ago, crossing the Pacific was daring. Today it’s routine – and still part of the industry’s enduring sense of adventure.
