A community organisation called on transport and logistics company, Toll, last year to relocate two Boeing 737-200 aircraft from Perth Airport to White Gum Air Park in York, Western Australia.

Plane enthusiast and spokesperson for the ‘Save the Boeing 737-200’ community project, Andrew Cotterell, arranged for the aircraft to be saved from being sent away for scrap metal.

Toll explained that the first segments of the plane to be transported were two tail sections and the wing assembly, but it proved to be a logistical challenge.

“The first hurdle was getting the planes through the airport security gates - a 4.5m wide load through a 4.3m security gate, although the difference is very small, this is where driver skills needed to come in.

Secondly, negotiating farmer’s paddocks to reach the final destination was also a challenge – rough terrain and narrow roads certainly tested our Toll heavy haulage drivers.

Due to the soft ground, which Toll were aware of, the overall plan included a dozer and excavator to be on hand to assist the move through the final 300m on to its final resting place.”

Toll utilised its experience with transporting over-dimensional freight meet client requirements. While the wing could be transported on a regular semi-trailer, the company opted for a Drake Blade trailer for its manual and hydraulic steering.

“This meant that it was easier to negotiate those tight corners out of the airport security gates and down the narrow windy corners through paddocks and bushland,” said Toll. “As well as its capability to raise and lower the load, saving the complications of a large crane in use at an international airport. It also was cost efficient which is an added bonus for a community involved project.”

Cotterell thanks Toll for their support.

“We had an incident free journey with the wing, some challenges along the way that your guys took in their stride and carried the task out in a very professional manner,” he said.