Qantas Founders Museum (QFM) has started a campaign to raise $1.5 million for their Lockheed Super Constellation display planned for Longreach, QLD.
QFM is a not-for-profit organisation that tells the story of Qantas and how it started in Western Queensland in 1920. The museum already has a B747, a B707, a Catalina and Douglas DC3 on display.
In September 2014, the museum bought Super Constellation N4247K at auction after the aircraft had lain derelict on the edge of Manilla Airport in the Philippines for 25 years. The funding drive is to bring the aircraft to Australia and display it in Qantas livery.
CEO of QFM Tony Martin said the inclusion of the Super Constellation would increase visitor numbers to the museum and Outback Queensland region and appealed to businesses and individuals to assist the Super Constellation Project through financial and in kind support.
“Qantas Founders Museum has always seen an increase in visitors when a new aircraft exhibit is introduced to our collection such as the Boeing 747 in 2002 or the Boeing 707 in 2007.
"An iconic aircraft such as the Super Constellation will no doubt bring new and repeat customers to our museum and region.”
Due to the condition of the aircraft, QFM is considering bringing N4247K to Australia either by ship or even Antonov; either method is an expensive prospect.
“Qantas Founders Museum is a not for profit organisation, we are a fully sustainable museum, with all profits going back into the museum and its exhibits," Martin said. "However with a project of this size, we need all the help we can get whether it is in kind or financial support.”
Donations to the Super Connie cause can be made at the QFM website.