Townsville Airport experienced a progressive increase in passenger numbers and aircraft movements after World War II, with services operated by Qantas, Trans Australia Airlines (TAA), Australian National Airways (ANA) and Ansett Australia (Ansett) to Brisbane. Types operated were the Australian regional airliners such as the DC-3/4, Convair 240, DC-6, Viscounts, and F-27s, as well smaller charter aircraft such as Ansons. It wasn't until the mid-1960s that airport growth accelerated. TAA replaced their weekly DC-3 service to Port Moresby and Honiara with more frequent F-27 services, while Ansett operated similarly from Cairns. During that period TAA and Ansett – ANA gradually increased their jet services starting with DC-9s and then Boeing 727s. Following that period of rapid growth, Townsville was developed as a regional hub for both airlines during the 1970s.