Billabong Clipper

Billabong Clipper Landing in Honolulu Harbor Thursday

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 19 January, 2006 : - - The golden age of Hawaii "flying boat" aviation, pioneered by Hawaiian Airlines, will be recalled with the water landing arrival of the Billabong Clipper Seaplane on Thursday 19 January 2006 at about 11h00 The World War II-era Grumman G-111 Albatross seaplane will land in Keehi Lagoon and signal the start of a two-year exploration by Hawaiian and Billabong to find legendary surfing spots, giant waves and perfect tubes throughout the Pacific – many of which are accessible only by seaplane.

On board on Thursday will be Mark Dunkerley, President/CEO, Hawaiian Airlines, Andy Irons, 3-time ASP World Champion from Kauai, Shane Dorian, Big Wave Surfer from the Big Island, Keala Kennelly, Top-Rated ASP Women’s Pro from Kauai, and Mike Parsons, Big Wave Surfer from California. The seaplane  will land at Island Seaplane Service, 85 Lagoon Drive (Across from Mokuea Place), Honolulu, Hawaii

The Billabong Clipper has been refitted as the "ultimate surfing exploration craft." The propeller-driven airplane is 62-feet long, has a wingspan of 96 feet, can fly more than 3,000 miles before refueling, and has a maximum speed of 250 miles per hour. It is the largest flying boat to land in Honolulu Harbor in decades.

Hawaiian began interisland service for Hawaii on November 11, 1929, using two Sikorsky S-38 amphibian propeller planes. Hawaii’s first commercial aircraft had a carrying capacity of eight passengers and two crewmembers, and a top cruising speed of 110 miles per hour.

www.billabongclipper.com

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Bill Sharp
SurfNewsEd@aol.com

Adventure Surfing - Surfersvillage