Airline seat [DC 8 First Class]
Maker and role
Tasman Empire Airways Limited, Commissioned by
Air New Zealand Limited
Production date
Circa 1965
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2011.506.1
Production period
Description
A two-seater airline seat from a DC 8 plane. The seats are from the First Class section and are upholstered in TEAL colours of green, light turquoise and dark turquoise fabric. The headrest is covered with a linen headrest cover which is embroidered in one corner with a golden yellow and pale purple hibiscus. There is a light at one side of each headrest. There are arm rests covered with gold vinyl at both ends of the seats and a wider arm rest covered in turquoise vinyl in the middle. There is an ashtray in each arm rest. There is a moulded cushion on each seat, which is covered in the same upholstery as the seats. The back of each seat has a tray table and pouch pocket , as well as a service call button, air control valve and a small light.
It is understood this seat is from a DC-8, initially operated by TEAL, and later Air New Zealand.
It is understood this seat is from a DC-8, initially operated by TEAL, and later Air New Zealand.
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Tasman Empire Airways Limited et al. Circa 1965. Airline seat [DC 8 First Class], 2011.506.1. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Thanks for confirming the dates and history of this seat. The additional detail is great to have. Much appreciated.
- MOTAT Curatorial Research posted 4 years ago.
I can confirm that the seat is from the DC-8 series (circa 1965) purchased by Air New Zealand, Called the Palomar seat as at the time of delivery overhead control consoles were yet to be invented. The palomar seat contained everything, your dinner table with light and air vent, a pouch for magazines and emergency information card, your seat recline button, stewardess call button, ash tray in each arm rest and oxygen mask that if required was stored in a panel on the rear of the seat in front. A push button reading lamp was located above one's shoulder. At the time windows featured fold across curtains. Of further interest toilets at that time were his&hers not unisex like today. Travel seemed much more civilised then.
- Steven Wallace posted 4 years ago.