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replica of the first aircraft to carry the Qantas name has become the first major object installed at Powerhouse Parramatta, marking a key stage in the lead-up to the museum’s opening later this year.
The Qantas Avro 504K aircraft, built by Qantas engineers and apprentices in 1988, will feature in Task Eternal, a large-scale exhibition focused on aviation, technology and design. The aircraft will be suspended above a Cierva C.30A Autogiro and the Skycraft Scout Mark 1, an ultralight aircraft created by Australian designer Ron Wheeler.
Museum organisers say the exhibition will examine humanity’s pursuit of flight and the role innovation has played in shaping modern aviation. More than 750 objects are expected to feature in the exhibition, including loans from more than 120 domestic and international lenders, alongside works from the Powerhouse collection and newly commissioned pieces.
The arrival of the Avro also launches a decade-long partnership between Qantas and Powerhouse. Under the agreement, Qantas will support the exhibition as presenting partner and loan more than 6000 items from the Qantas Heritage Collection to the museum for conservation and digitisation at Powerhouse Castle Hill.
The heritage collection includes archival documents, photographs, films, artworks and memorabilia tracing the airline’s history since its founding in 1920. Parts of the collection will feature in Task Eternal, including material linked to the evolution of Qantas branding, uniforms, interiors and advertising.
The partnership reflects a broader push by the NSW Government to position Powerhouse Parramatta as a major cultural and educational destination in Western Sydney. The project has drawn strong support from state ministers and local MPs, who have highlighted its expected impact on tourism, jobs and education in the region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said the museum would help bring Australia’s engineering and innovation history closer to young people in Western Sydney.
Arts Minister John Graham described the installation of the aircraft as an important milestone as preparations continue for the public opening.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the arrival of the aircraft highlighted how close the project was to completion after construction finished last month.
Qantas Group Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer Danielle Keighery said the partnership would help bring the airline’s aviation history to a wider audience.
Qantas A330 captain David Thiess said the Avro 504K reflected the airline’s early efforts to connect remote communities and its continuing focus on aviation development, including future long-haul services under Project Sunrise.
Local MPs also welcomed the development, with Donna Davis saying the museum would reshape Parramatta when it opens, while Julia Finn pointed to the mix of public spaces, science and applied arts planned for the site.
Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah said the installation of the Avro 504K anchored the museum in stories of engineering and ambition tied to Australia’s aviation history.
Powerhouse Parramatta is expected to open with more than 1600 collection objects on display, including new acquisitions and hundreds of loans from institutions and collectors in Australia and overseas.
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