What Is 1934 London to Melbourne air race

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1934 London to Melbourne air race, officially known as the MacRobertson Air Race, began on October 20, 1934, and spanned approximately 11,300 miles. It was won by pilots C.W.A. Scott and Tom Campbell Black in a de Havilland DH.88 Comet, completing the journey in 71 hours.

Key Facts

The MacRobertson Air Race started on October 20, 1934, from Mildenhall, England.
It covered roughly 11,300 miles (18,200 km) to Melbourne, Australia.
Twenty aircraft entered, but only 11 completed the full race.
Winners C.W.A. Scott and Tom Campbell Black flew a de Havilland DH.88 Comet named 'Grosvenor House'.
The race was sponsored by MacPherson Robertson, an Australian confectionery magnate.

Overview

The 1934 London to Melbourne air race, officially named the MacRobertson Air Race, was a landmark event in aviation history that captured global attention. It was organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Melbourne and to showcase advancements in long-distance flight technology and pilot endurance.

Launched on October 20, 1934, the race attracted top aviators and cutting-edge aircraft from around the world. Pilots faced extreme weather, mechanical challenges, and vast uncharted stretches, making it one of the most demanding aerial competitions of its time.

Start date: The race officially began on October 20, 1934, at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, England, with a large public gathering and media presence.
Distance: The total route spanned approximately 11,300 miles (18,200 km), crossing Europe, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and the Australian outback.
Winner: British pilots C.W.A. Scott and Tom Campbell Black won in a de Havilland DH.88 Comet, completing the journey in 71 hours and 2 minutes.
Entry count: A total of 20 aircraft started the race, representing six nations, but only 11 successfully reached Melbourne.
Sponsor: Australian candy manufacturer MacPherson Robertson funded the race with a prize purse of £10,000 for the fastest commercial aircraft and another £10,000 for speed overall.

How It Works

The MacRobertson Air Race was structured as a speed and endurance challenge, not a traditional point-to-point race with continuous flying. Pilots had to navigate checkpoints, manage fuel, and contend with unpredictable weather across multiple continents.

Route Structure: The race followed a designated path with mandatory stops in cities like Baghdad, Allahabad, and Singapore. Pilots had to log in at each checkpoint to verify progress.
Aircraft Categories: Two classes were offered: Speed for purpose-built racers and Handicap for commercial or touring aircraft, with adjusted start times based on performance.
Time Calculation: The winner was determined by elapsed flying time, not total elapsed time, meaning ground stops did not count toward the final score.
Navigation: Pilots relied on dead reckoning, maps, and radio beacons, as GPS and modern instruments were unavailable, increasing the risk of navigational errors.
Support: Ground crews were stationed at key points, but no mid-race maintenance was provided by organizers—teams had to bring their own tools and spare parts.
Safety: Despite no formal air traffic control, only one fatality occurred: a French pilot crashed in India due to engine failure, highlighting the dangers involved.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the top five finishers in the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race by time, aircraft, and nationality:

Rank	Pilots	Aircraft	Nationality	Time (hrs)
1	C.W.A. Scott, Tom Campbell Black	de Havilland DH.88 Comet	UK	71:02
2	Tomoyuki Mori, Ichiro Fujita	Mitsubishi Ki-15 Karigane	Japan	94:24
3	Jean Mermoz, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry	Latécoère 301	France	96:15
4	James Mollison	de Havilland DH.88 Comet	UK	76:20
5	Phillip Partridge	de Havilland DH.86	Australia	119:20

The race demonstrated a significant leap in aviation capabilities, with the winning Comet averaging over 158 mph (254 km/h). While British and Japanese teams dominated, the event spurred international collaboration and innovation in aircraft design, particularly in aerodynamics and engine reliability.

Why It Matters

The 1934 MacRobertson Air Race was more than a competition—it was a catalyst for global aviation progress and public fascination with flight. It showcased the potential for commercial air travel across continents and inspired future long-distance routes.

Aviation Advancement: The race accelerated the development of high-performance monoplanes, influencing aircraft like the later de Havilland Mosquito.
Media Impact: It was one of the first global events covered in real time by international radio and newspapers, boosting public interest in aviation.
International Relations: Pilots from the UK, Australia, France, Japan, and the US participated, fostering goodwill and technical exchange.
Commercial Influence: Airlines began exploring long-haul passenger routes between Europe and Australia within a decade of the race.
Technological Legacy: The DH.88 Comet’s success proved the value of streamlined design and twin-engine reliability in endurance flying.
Cultural Impact: The race inspired books, films, and aviation memorabilia, cementing its place in 20th-century popular culture.

Today, the MacRobertson Air Race is remembered as a pivotal moment in aviation history, bridging the gap between pioneering flights and the dawn of modern air travel.