Brisbane Airport Unveils New Plane Spotting Hub Featuring Retired Fokker F28 Tail

December 23, 2025 at 07:00 PM•3 min read

Brisbane Airport (BNE) announced a new 2026 plane spotting hub featuring a retired Fokker F28 Fellowship tail, honoring Queensland's regional jet history

Key Points

1Brisbane Airport (BNE) will open a new, enhanced plane spotting hub in 2026 as part of its 100th-anniversary celebration.
2The centerpiece will be the tail of a 50-year-old decommissioned Fokker F28 Fellowship, symbolizing Queensland's regional jet travel history.
3The new location will feature an elevated viewing platform and be closer to the Zulu and Yankee taxiways for unobstructed views, addressing previous spotter complaints.
4The project reinforces the legacy of the Fokker aircraft at BNE, which hosts the world's largest Fokker fleet operated by Alliance Airlines.

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) unveiled plans for a major upgrade to its plane spotting hub. The new facility will open in 2026.

The announcement is part of the airport’s 100th anniversary celebrations. BAC Chief Executive Gert-Jan de Graaff called the project a "present for Brisbane." The goal is to celebrate aviation history and inspire future aviators.

A Historical Tail: The Fokker F28 Fellowship

The centerpiece of the new Brisbane Airport viewing area will be a decommissioned Fokker F28 Fellowship tail. This 50-year-old F28 tail was donated by Aviation Australia. The F28 is a symbolic link to the Southern Cross, also a Fokker aircraft. The Southern Cross was famously flown by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith in 1928.

Fokker’s Legacy in Queensland Aviation

The Fokker F28 Fellowship played a key role in regional jet travel Queensland. It pioneered jet service, notably with operators like Flight West Airlines. Today, Brisbane Airport is home to the world’s largest Fokker fleet. This fleet is operated by Alliance Airlines. The new display underscores the Dutch manufacturer’s enduring legacy.

Enhanced BNE Plane Spotting Experience

The new location addresses long-standing requests from aviation enthusiasts. The current Acacia Street Loop area has faced criticism for obstructed views. The new BNE plane spotting hub will be closer to the Zulu and Yankee taxiways. This proximity offers photographers and enthusiasts a closer, less obstructed view.

Key features of the upgraded area include:

A dramatic Fokker F28 Fellowship tail sculpture.
An elevated viewing platform for clearer sightlines.
Better facilities, including shading and seating for families.

Construction is set for 2026 and will require the temporary closure of the existing viewing area. The airport thanked the public for their patience during this time. The new hub is expected to be a major local attraction.

Impact on Aviation Stakeholders

This investment highlights the airport’s commitment to the local community. It also supports the global aviation enthusiast community. The new Brisbane Airport viewing area will offer views of aircraft movements on both runways. Visitors can watch planes taxiing to 35 international destinations. The airport is also Australia's most connected domestic port. It offers connections to 62 destinations nationwide. The project is an example of airports integrating aviation history into public spaces, a trend seen in recent commercial aviation news.

This project is part of a broader vision for the airport. The Preliminary Draft 2026 Master Plan outlines significant infrastructure investment. The airport forecasts passenger numbers will grow to 52 million by 2046. Creating high-quality public spaces like this viewing hub is vital. It maintains community engagement as the airport expands. The new facility will serve as a powerful educational tool. It connects the public to the history of flight and modern flight operation news.