An HNL RareBirds Blast From The Past: The China Clipper - 75 Years Later

75 years ago today on the morning of November 23rd 1935, Pan American Airways and their Martin M-130 named the "China Clipper" arrived at Pearl Harbor after a 20 hour and 33 minute flight completing the first leg of Pan American's Trans-Pacific flight from Alameda California. Piloted by Captain Edwin C. Musick and a crew of six, the flying boat officially started Air Mail service to the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific. This eventually led the way to what was to become passenger service later in 1936. The rest as they say, is "History".

A True "Blast From the Past" 74 Years Ago - The China Clipper Arrives

It was 74 years ago today that the China Clipper arrived at Honolulu. The China Clipper under the command of Captain Edwin C. Musick landed at Pearl Harbor after an 17 hour flight from Alameda California.

Time For A Real Old "HNL Rare Birds Blast From The Past"

The Martin M-130 of Pan American Airways was one of three M-130 flying boats acquired to fly the new Pacific routes in 1935. Along with the China Clipper and the Hawaii Clipper, the Philippine Clipper (NC14715) shown here at her base in Pearl Harbor is prepped for her flight to Midway, Wake Island, Guam and Manila. These Clippers were a technological dream and built up the romanticism that was prevalent in the golden age of trans-Pacific travel.

This Week's Blast From the Past

HNL had a wonderful open air concourse just above the central gates and garden area fronting the old control tower. From this viewing deck, passengers and visitors to the airport could spend the time watching aircraft arriving and departing. It was a great location to get that first view of a loved one, or the last chance to literally wave goodbye as passengers climbed the stairs onto their Pan Am 707, United DC-8, BOAC VC-10 or a Western 707. In the photo are two Pan American 707's, one of which is N408PA Clipper Morning Star. In the distance you see a BOAC 707 taxiing as well as a Japan Airlines DC-8 climbing off of runway 8. Click the image for a larger size.

Another HNL Blast From The Past

This time, a rare view of the John Rodgers airport and what is now called the south ramp. Four Pan Am 707s, a United DC-8, an Aloha DC-3 and two F-27's grace the ramp in front of the original iconic Honolulu Tower emblazoned with the word Aloha. This photo is circa 1960 - 1962.