A new Fokker aircraft tail now sits at the heart of Brisbane Airport’s new plane spotting precinct.
Opened last weekend (July 19), Fellowship Place now gives visitors a closer, less obstructed view of aircraft taxying and flying past.
It is dominated by the tail of a Fokker F28 Fellowship twin-jet aircraft donated by Aviation Australia which was used to train more than 3000 engineers.
There is an elevated viewing platform with shaded seating and accessible pathway.
Brisbane Airport had to reclassify the site from restricted airfield land into public space and CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff says it is a welcome addition to their facilities.
“Fellowship Place brings people closer to the action …,” he says.
FOKKER FIRST FOR PLANE SPOTTING
“This is the first time in Australia a plane spotting area has brought history to life through the inclusion of a jet tail.
“Plane spotting has always been part of the fabric of this airport. Today’s enthusiasts are tomorrow’s pilots, engineers and aircrew; this space is designed to inspire that next generation.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says Fellowship Place will become a must-visit destination for plane enthusiasts.
“Some people love train spotting while others love plane spotting. I’m in the second category and I’m clearly not the only one,” he says.
“I’ve shared plenty of plane spotting adventures with my kids. This is exactly the sort of place that has the potential to spark a lifelong love of aviation.”
Long-time plane spotter Lloyd Fox, who has spent decades documenting aircraft movements at the airport, says the new site is a game-changer.
“I’ve been plane-spotting at Brisbane Airport for more than 60 years. This is something I never thought I’d see,” he says.
“Fellowship Place gets you closer to the action than ever before. It’s not just for photographers; it’s a place where families can come, watch planes together, and share that passion.”
More than 900 cubic metres of fill went into the viewing platform as the team learnt how to crane the 50-year-old Fokker tail into place.
Fellowship Place is located at the end of Acacia Street and open from sunrise to sunset.
