The collection was started by West Australian Zarik Maclean in 2004.

From small beginnings and in just four years the project has been developed into a credible, nationally recognised collection of Australian airline memorabilia comprising over 600 items from 41 airlines.

In 2006 Zarik came in contact with another aviation memorabilia collector and retired pilot in Queensland, Rob Tonge and both maintained regular communication and assisted each other in building their individual collections.

In September 2008, Zarik  donated the entire collection to Rob Tonge in Queensland who now takes over as principle author, owner and custodian and will add another 300 items of airline memorabilia from his own collection.

When the two collections are combined, it will be one of the largest collections of its type in Australia tracing the development of the nation’s airline industry from the era of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith to the present day.

As each item is catalogued, and is included on this comprehensive Australian Commercial Aviation Collection website.
 
The assistance of the following individuals and organisations is gratefully acknowledged.

Fred Niven Aviation Historian
Phil Slade Hostwa Internet
Australian Aviation Magazine
W.A. Museum MAP Program
Gary Deakin Powerhouse Museum Longreach Q.L.D.
Collections Australia Network

Thank you all for your help.