History

What happened to the iconic McDonald’s Party Plane in West Lakes?

Sitting in the iconic C-47 plane at McDonald’s and biting into a Happy Meal brings back a lot of nostalgia for Adelaidians who grew up in the 80s and 90s.

For many kids growing up around the western suburbs, the McDonald’s West Lakes plane wasn’t just a fast-food gimmick, it was a childhood rite of passage. Sitting in the iconic decommissioned Douglas C-47 plane, biting into a Happy Meal is a memory that still tugs at the heartstrings of locals who grew up in the 80s and 90s.

Before it came to rest in the backyard of a local Maccas, the aircraft had had a long and storied past. Built in Long Beach, California, in 1942, it was initially used by the US Air Force during World War II.

The plane was affectionately named ‘Irene’, which was painted on its nose in bright yellow embellishment. Irene was the wife’s name of one the plane’s crew chiefs from its early days. It was used as a ‘biscuit bomber’ which meant dropping supplies, food, and ammunition over Kokoda and Wau in the early 40s.

After the war, it transitioned into a commercial aircraft, serving as a passenger and cargo plane for various operators, including Guinea Airways and Trans Australia Airlines (T.A.A.), which ceased operations in 1994.

The aircraft has lived many lives; it was a first responder for evacuation in cyclone Tracy, starred in a movie, and even survived a crash landing in a NSW golf course lake.

In 1983, Irene had reached a stage where it would likely be grounded, and its parts scrapped. But a bold vision from then-owner at West Lakes McDonald’s meant that its legacy would live on a whole lot longer.

With a whole lot of work ahead, the plane was set to be restored to its predominantly white exterior with red detailing seen in iconic T.A.A. branding. Later, it was updated with a stripped back silver and yellow design with the infamous golden arches logo.

The West Lakes franchisee commenced the massive task, completing close to 1000 hours of restoration before even thinking about getting the plane to West Lakes. Then came the laborious task of transporting the aircraft by road and installing it on the McDonald’s property. Finally, in December of 1983, the McDonald’s Party Plane was ready to open to the public.

Kids’ Maccas parties were already a smash hit, so you can imagine the kind of reception West Lakes received when offering up a 20 metre plane as its dining area. Mayhem!

Almost instantaneously, the restaurant saw a direct correlation between Irene’s arrival and a massive 60% increase in revenue. The parties became the stuff of legend, with countless South Australians reminiscing about the surreal experience of childhood parties spent in a McDonald’s plane.

Former West Lakes resident Richard, recounts the days of the iconic Party Plane. “I remember it being there for pretty much my whole childhood. It was pretty unique – a bit of a novelty. The kids absolutely loved it!” he said.

“I remember they’d taken out the plane seats and replaced them with square dining tables and booths like your classic McDonalds.”

“The actual restaurant was in a regular building, but they’d put this plane out the back, where you could take your food up to and eat. After quite a while the novelty must have worn off a bit, and they moved it out.”

The plane remained a beloved fixture for almost two decades before being retired from the McDonald’s restaurant. It’s left a lasting legacy, though, with McDonald’s in Taupō, New Zealand following suit, also having a fully decked out DC-3 aeroplane as a part of its restaurant.

In the late 90s, with the future of the West Lakes McDonald’s Party Plane hanging in the balance, it looked as if the aircraft might be sold as scrap. But, it was not to be! In 2000, farmer and pilot Jeff Morgan stumbled upon the historic plane at an auction held at the Edinburgh RAAF Base.

For a nominal fee of $1,000, he bought it, with bold plans to give Irene yet another life. Ever since, Morgan has been gradually restoring the plane back to its former wartime setup. With restorations nearing completion, the plane will able to taxi along the ground, showcasing a riveting piece of aeronautical history. However, its days in the sky look to be over for now.

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