Alan Hayes

(From John Purkis) A Message To All Our Traffic Friends: I have just learned of the sudden passing of Alan Hayes. At the age 95 years, Alan had a fall at home which resulted in 8 days of hospitalization over the recent Easter period. Being quite a fit and healthy man, he was released to his home with several medical appointments to follow up. Alan sadly passed away in his bed after 2 days, on Sunday 11th April 2021, with family by his side. Alan joined Qantas in the Traffic Department and in 1950 he was transferred to Port Moresby, where he ran the one man station. Being a keen piano player, he joined a band in New Guinea and dreamed of living off his band money and saving his wages. However, in 1953 the lure of overseas took hold and he travelled to the UK with 3 mates onboard the P & O Liner, ‘Orsova’. His mate was a budding film director and they recorded their trip. The resulting film was shown in the UK & Australia by P & O, in advertising over 10 years. When Alan returned to Sydney in 1955, he rejoined Qantas Traffic and was soon transferred on a 6 month posting to Darwin. In 1962, he was off to Perth as Traffic Manager to grow the station, where they also handled MSA. (Malaysia Singapore Airlines) Returning to Sydney Traffic in 1966, he was appointed one of the Traffic Managers preparing for the ‘New’ International Terminal. It was in late 1970 when he left Qantas for a position with MSA in Perth. Alan finally retired in 1985 when he was Airport Manager, Perth for Singapore International Airlines. He maintained his interest in piano and keyboards and had a Hammond theatre organ in his home. In retirement he built and flew ‘Remote Control Aeroplanes’. Alan enjoyed a busy life and well lived. Rest in Peace, Alan.