Travolta sets sights on 747 pilot seat


"I have my Qantas wings, I'm very proud of that," Travolta said

By Alex Frew McMillan

HONG KONG, China (CNN) -- Hollywood movie star John Travolta says hopes to fly a commercial-style 747 jumbo flight within the year, complete with flight attendants and crew.

"I would love to do that," Travolta told CNN on Wednesday. "We're planning on doing that in the near future, perhaps later this year."

Travolta, 48, was speaking to reporters during a stopover in Hong Kong in his capacity as ambassador at large for Australian carrier Qantas.

The actor flew his own Boeing 707 repainted in retro 1960s Qantas livery into nearby Macau as part of the airline's 13-city "Spirit of Friendship" tour (full story).

The movie star won his license to fly 747s four months ago but pilot-licensing restrictions prevent him from taking the helm of a full-blown commercial Qantas flight, with ticketed passengers.

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CNN's Andrew Brown has more on movie star John Travolta, who is flying his own jet on a world tour as a good-will ambassador for Qantas airline. (July 24)

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In any case, the screen legend said he wouldn't do that out of respect to professional Qantas pilots.

But Travolta, a self-confessed "air geek" who owns two planes, escorts passengers on his own plane.

He captained 20 people into town on his tour, which started July 1 in Los Angeles, partly as a September 11 tribute.

In an interview after a press briefing, the actor told CNN that he often talks with Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon about the airline's plans in aviation -- and how he could fit in.

The next step would be to fly a full-blown 747 flight for Qantas, complete with passengers and crew -- but minus a flight code.

'Stocks are for gamblers'

Besides a full 747 flight, Travolta is also interested in the substratospheric flights that the airline has considered.


Travolta got a warm Hong Kong welcome on his tour stop and is visiting 12 other cities, putting in 80 "flying hours"

Despite regular discussions with Dixon about Qantas plans, Travolta said he does not know whether this is the time to buy Qantas stock.

"I don't do stocks," he said. "They're for gamblers."

Rather he says he's in the business for the thrill of flying. The actor bought his vintage 707 four years ago, then flew it to Australia to promote the 2001 film Swordfish.

He called Dixon to propose a partnership after it got a warm reception -- this way Qantas gets exposure and Travolta fulfills a childhood dream.

"I have my Qantas wings, I'm very proud of that. I have certain rights," he said.

The plane flew under Qantas colors in the 1960s and has now been outfitted with period paint and livery.

Working with Woo

The star of Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction had previously visited Hong Kong just twice, on vacation, touring the Peak and taking the Star Ferry.

But Travolta has worked with Hong Kong-raised director John Woo on the movies Broken Arrow and Face/Off.

The actor said he hopes to work with Woo again on a gangster movie. But Travolta said his next project will probably be The Howard Hughes Story, about the American aviator.

Travolta has reason for a return ticket to Hong Kong. He missed his chance to fly into the city's old and notoriously tricky Kai Tak airport -- and missed his chance to fly into its new one, too.

The actor was unable to land at ultramodern Chek Lap Kok because of noise restrictions and settled his plane in Macau.