Connellan Airways
EJ Connellan and Connellan Airways, the ‘world’s biggest little airline’ pioneered aviation from its base, ‘Townsite’ aerodrome, in Alice Springs from 1939 until 1968.
It played a vital role in breaking down isolation in the Outback with regular mail and freight runs, urgent medical help, survey and passenger transport to remote Aboriginal and mining communities, and charter flights for tourists to some of Australia’s most iconic destinations.
The original, iconic, Connellan Hangar, remains on what is now the Central Australian Aviation Museum precinct and is a salute to pioneering aviation.
EJ’s passion for flying and interest in acquiring a pastoral property in the Territory led him to propose two survey flights to the Government of the day to assess the potential role of aviation in the development of the north. The idea of establishing an air service in the Territory was also discussed and lead to trialling a subsidised air service between Alice Springs and Wyndham, and a contract with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Its mission was to ‘render at all times the greatest possible service to settlers in northern Australia and to facilitate and expedite development of the pastoral and other industries in northern Australia.’
The first medical flight occurred in July just days after arriving followed by the first official mail run in August. Early landing strips were cleared by dragging wagon wheels behind a modified Rolls Royce. His aircraft and pilots were instrumental in opening up the Territory.
In 1970 Connellan Airways was re-named Connair, which merged with East West Airlines when Connellan sold it in 1980. In 1993 East West was integrated into Ansett.
Along the way EJ Connellan helped many would-be pilots realise their dream and put Alice Springs on the map.
EJ Connellan passed away in 1983.
Submitted by Franca Frederiksen
