Qantas' two DC-4 became anachronisms as the airline pushed towards becoming an all 747 operator in the late 1970s. Only DC-4s met the overwater safety requirements and still be able use the airport. The solution came with a dispensation for East-West to operate long-range Fokker F27 500s on the route. The airstrip has since been lengthened and strengthened for 737/A320 class airliners.
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