John Travolta's Boeing 707, registered as N707JT, is a Boeing 707-138B with a rich history that spans multiple owners and significant aviation milestones. This aircraft, originally delivered to Qantas in 1964 as VH-EBM, has served in commercial and private capacities, reflecting the evolution of jet travel. Below is a detailed examination of its history, ownership, and notable events, providing a comprehensive overview for aviation enthusiasts and historians.
Early History with Qantas (1964–1969)
The aircraft, with constructor's number (c/n) 18740, was delivered to Qantas in September 1964, registered as VH-EBM. At the time, Qantas was transitioning into the jet age, having ordered seven Boeing 707-138s in 1956, with deliveries starting in 1959. The 707-138B was a special variant tailored for Qantas, featuring a shorter fuselage for better range, crucial for their long-haul routes from Australia to Europe and North America. It is likely that VH-EBM operated on routes such as Sydney to London, with multiple stops, reducing flight times significantly compared to piston-engine aircraft like the Lockheed Super Constellation.
A notable use during this period was its involvement in the "Fiesta Route," a round-the-world service launched in 1964. On November 12, 1964, it conducted a test flight of this route, with stops in Nadi, Papeete, Acapulco, Mexico City, Nassau, Bermuda, London, and back, taking 27 hours and 10 minutes of flight time, plus 45 hours including stopovers, covering approximately 12,562 nautical miles. This route highlighted Qantas's ambition to offer exotic travel options, and VH-EBM's role in this service underscores its importance in the airline's expansion (Jett Clipper Ella).
Qantas's Boeing 707 fleet, including VH-EBM, was instrumental in halving flight times to popular destinations, making international travel more accessible for Australians. The airline's entry into the jet age with the 707 also marked it as the first non-US carrier to operate this model, a significant milestone in aviation history (Simple Flying).
Service with Braniff International (1969–1975)
In June 1969, VH-EBM was sold to Braniff International and re-registered as N108BN. Braniff, an American airline known for its colorful liveries and innovative marketing, operated the plane on international routes, particularly to South America and Europe. During this period, it likely flew routes such as Dallas to London or Miami to Buenos Aires, reflecting Braniff's expansion into global markets. The aircraft's service with Braniff lasted until October 1973, when it was withdrawn and stored, before being sold to Boeing in June 1975 as part of an exchange for a new Boeing 727 (Flickr).
Braniff's use of the 707-138B was part of its strategy to compete with larger carriers, and N108BN would have been painted in one of Braniff's distinctive color schemes, possibly the "Flying Colors" livery introduced in the early 1970s. This period marked a shift from commercial passenger service to potential corporate use, as Braniff was known for leasing aircraft to private entities during downturns.
Ownership by Boeing and TAG Aviation (1975–1998)
After Braniff, the plane was sold to Boeing in 1975, still registered as N108BN, and used for parts or testing, though specific details are scarce. In September 1975, it was sold to Tracy Investments, owned by Kirk Kerkorian, and the interior was converted for corporate use. This conversion suggests it was prepared for private jet operations, possibly for high-profile clients. In January 1977, it was sold to TAG Aviation, a private jet management company, and remained with them until 1998, re-registered as N707XX in July 1990.
During its time with TAG Aviation, the plane was used as a private jet, and there is a debated association with Frank Sinatra. While some sources claim Sinatra owned it, Nancy Sinatra clarified in a 2004 forum post that her father "never owned a 707," suggesting he may have traveled on it as a guest of Kirk Kerkorian, given their association (Adastron). This period highlights its role in the private aviation sector, catering to celebrities and executives.
John Travolta Ownership
In May 1998, John Travolta purchased the aircraft, registering it as N707JT, with the registration sneakily featuring his initials. A passionate pilot with multiple jet licenses, including the Boeing 707, Travolta used the plane for personal flights, parking it at his Florida home, which has a private runway. He maintained it meticulously, and it became a symbol of his aviation enthusiasm, often featured in aviation news. In May 2017, he donated it to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) near Wollongong, Australia, with plans to fly it there himself, though delays in repairs postponed the transfer (The Points Guy).
The donation was significant, as HARS aimed to preserve it for public display, recognizing its historical value. Travolta's care, including monthly engineering visits, ensured its condition remained good, with one assessment team noting it could be refueled and flown home (HARS). This act preserved a piece of aviation history, connecting Qantas's jet age to modern celebrity aviation.
1964–1969 Qantas VH-EBM
Operated long-haul routes, including "Fiesta Route," part of jet age expansion.
1969–1975 Braniff International N108BN
Served international routes, likely in colorful livery, stored in 1973.
1975–1977 Boeing
N108BN Used for parts or testing, part of exchange for new aircraft.
1977–1998 TAG Aviation N108BN, N707XX
Private jet use, possible celebrity association, re-registered in 1990.
1998–2017 John Travolta N707JT
Personal use, maintained at Florida home, donated to HARS in 2017.
Images: Roderick Eime www.travography.com
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