QF 744 retirement. Where is it at?

[Fred C]

Basically the aircraft is cleaned. ie landing gear and fuselage. Everything is lubricated in preparation for long term storage. Leasing data plates are removed components are swapped for ones that are shorter on life than others including the engines.

As it is performing a commercial flight prior to retirement the markings are not removed from the aircraft.

VH-OJA will shortly go to AVV for a 'C' check. Looks like it will be the last one to go!

[Nigel C]

As it is performing a commercial flight prior to retirement the markings are not removed from the aircraft.

So is there someone waiting at the other end with a big can of red paint and a long ladder?:eek:

[Connor S]

It isn't painted over, otherwise you'd be seeing "blobby" poorly done red kangaroos on the QF 747 tails in Victorville and Marana. The logos are masked with red and white vinyl decals so they can be peeled off if need be. There are photos of ex QF planes with the decals peeling off revealing their QF markings.

Sorry for going slightly off topic, btw.. first post :)

[Mark Grima]

Swapping out parts makes sense. Thanks guys.

And welcome Connor.

Cheers

M

[Dave Dale]

Basically the aircraft is cleaned. ie landing gear and fuselage. Everything is lubricated in preparation for long term storage. Leasing data plates are removed components are swapped for ones that are shorter on life than others including the engines.

As it is performing a commercial flight prior to retirement the markings are not removed from the aircraft.

VH-OJA will shortly go to AVV for a 'C' check. Looks like it will be the last one to go!

Long live OJA. I do hope she gets to go to Longreach instead.

Dave

[Fred C]

So is there someone waiting at the other end with a big can of red paint and a long ladder?:eek:

There certainly is.:D

[Alex T]

Video of VH-OJE on her final departure from Syd as QF6013 to Victorville via Brisbane this morning (Credits to Youtube user luxman13w for the video) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMsppX5_EVc

[Tom PER]

Fred C, did OJE manage to make it to 100,000 hrs before retirement?

[Fred C]

Missed out by about 260 hours.

[David Heath]

I hope OJA is around for the 25th anniversary of the non-stop flight. Surely there'll be something done to mark that occasion. Perhaps storage at the Alice Springs air park if it's open yet(?)

[Geoff G]

The Air park here's been open for business for about a year - still no customers.... looking forward to seeing something arrive to be stored (or is that a bit morbid?)

Cheers,
Geoff

[David Heath]

Hopefully next regional economic crisis it'll be full, otherwise they need all the planes they can get.

[David Heath]

Hi, I'm a bit confused about the remaining 4 class 744s. Are they staying that way until retirement (seems most obvious)? Have they stayed on to take advantage of routes that may have an F market like 127/128 etc since the A380 order deferral?

[Ash W]

The unfurnished a/c (think 6 in total) are staying as they are until retirement. Where they have a first class cabin (think still 3 of them) they sell first as business.

You will find the non refurbished a/c mostly fly to J'berg, Tokyo, Singapore and BNE-LAX.

[MarkR]

The unfurnished a/c (think 6 in total) are staying as they are until retirement. Where they have a first class cabin (think still 3 of them) they sell first as business.

You will find the non refurbished a/c mostly fly to J'berg, Tokyo, Singapore and BNE-LAX.

There are three left OEB OJL and OJM, however they do sell and operate F on certain routes including QF127 to HKG.

[Ryan N]

There are three left OEB OJL and OJM, however they do sell and operate F on certain routes including QF127 to HKG.

I was on OJM a couple of days ago. It definitely was showing its age.

[Brenden S]

5 ex QF jumbos all lined up
http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=7725491

[MarkR]

OJC off to the desert today via LAX as QF107, sans one winglet.

[Dave Dale]

OJA lives on!

[Brenden S]

OJA should go to LRE. I believe it still holds some world records.

[Steve S... 2]

It's very old and almost seems like they have retained OJA for a reason.

[Dave Dale]

Let's hope OJA goes to Longreach. It did get that special preservation coat on its paint work a few years back. Perhaps it all means something?

[C Patters]

Does anyone know when OEF is due back from maintenance at Avalon?

[Sarah C]

OEF is due back in SYD this afternoon

[Martin Buzzell]

If Alpha goes to Longreach, which would be nice. Where would they put it?

Buzz

[Zac M]

I asked them if they were concerned about space for more aircraft when I was there in December and I was told, "Space is never an issue here"

[Joseph Saragozza.]

Well if that's the case, I hope they do what I've said in a another post and put at least one of every aircraft in the musem. The 707 and 747 are there, hopefully a 767 and 737 will eventually make their way over there.

[Mark Grima]

Accord to flightawares Weekly news which I received on email this morning VHOEJ is the next to go. The post initially said the aircraft would not return from Phenoix after the baseball charter.

Obviously both are incorrect, however one of the comments on the post eluded that OEJ had flown many more cycles than the ERs. Is this true?

I know the ERs are not going anywhere however am interested if some hove significantly more cycles than the others.

Cheers

M

[Martin Buzzell]

I thought OEJ was one of the ER's? The six with the Aux tank were OEE to OEJ? Maybe it's flown the most cycles of the ER's.

Buzz

[Mark Grima]

She is Martin, and not going anywhere.

I know all the ER's a roughly the same age as far as build date goes however I guess the number of cycles could be somewhat varied.

OT slightly QF7 was cancelled on 24 March so OEJ could operate the baseball charter and return as QF8 that night.

Cheers

M

[C Patters]

Does anyone know when Qantas will remove the "Spirit of the Australian Team" decals off OJU? They don't seem to be relevant anymore given the Olympics finished nearly 2 years ago!!

[Alex Lui]

Given the Commonwealth Games are around the corner, maybe just maybe they would keep it on there until after that?

[Sarah C]

There was an Olympic Games in February.....

[S.Greaves]

At which Australians competed, bringing home 2 silver and 1 bronze.....

[Brad Myer]

3 B744s will be retired between now and the end of 2014.

OJA-OJI-OJL might be the ones going?

[Greg Hyde]

OJC & OJD won't be flying again.

Deleted from Aust Reg. 06/05 as Aircraft sold and parted out

[Steve Crook]

Read on a Facebook feed today that -OJL performed the flight from Singapore arriving May 16 and is now going through predisposal which should be completed by May 27. The feed stated that they weren't sure if -OJL would then perform a revenue flight to LAX and then go to storage at VCV or fly directly there from SYD. If this is the case it's a bit sad seeing this bird leave. She gave us a wonderful flight home from LHR in Premium Economy and was hoping to have a repeat experience on her when flying to Tokyo later in the year as the seatplan matched this aircraft. Looks like it will probably be -OEB or -OJM.

[Brad Myer]

Hi,

Out of interest could you please provide a link to this Facebook feed site?

Cheers

[Todd Hendry]

There is a pattern for the crew that flys LAX VCV. So LAX VCV is still planned at the moment. But that's obviously subject to operational requirements.
Have to wait and see.

[Alex Ch]

Any idea how many hours -OJA has on her now?

[Todd Hendry]

Alex. I'll look tonight. Flying her to NRT.

[Fred C]

VH-OJA has 104,080 hours on her! VH-OJL will be doing the QF107 on the 26th May as her last commercial flight. Then off to Victorville for a break.

[Todd Hendry]

Fred is right. Plus 9 more last night.

[Brad Myer]

Can anyone confirm the 3 B744s to be retired this year will be OJL, OJA, and OJI?

That will leave the 9 newer upgraded B744s as well as OEB, OJM in the fleet.

Thanks

[Ollie Menkens]

how are we sure ojl is going

[Todd Hendry]

I can tell you it's going Ollie.

[Dave Dale]

Brad, is OJA going for sure this year?

Dave

[Bradley Porter]

G'day Todd,

I fuelled you up on Monday night, 113.7 was pretty high for Narita, was it unusually high load factor or were you guys expecting weather at Narita ?

Cheers
Brad

[Todd Hendry]

Fog was forecast Brad.
We had enough fuel to get to Nagoya or Haneda etc.
Thanks for the fuel.

[Greg Hyde]

From QFSource

QANTAS B747-400 VH-OJL Prepares to Leave Fleet.
May 17, 2014
QANTAS Boeing 747-438 VH-OJL entered the Sydney Jetbase this morning after arriving as QF6 from Singapore. The aircraft will have parts swapped out before operating QF107 Sydney – Los Angeles on 26th May where the aircraft will be withdrawn from service before continuing on to Victorville on 27th May. As a result there is no QF16 Los Angeles – Brisbane service on 26th May.

[Bradley Porter]

I had the privilege of being on the gauges for her last in service fuelling.

Gave her a pat on the number 2 engine to say goodbye.

[Patrick M]

Does anyone know who is next to go to VCV? OJA, OJI, OJM or OEB?
I flew on OJM and it would be sad to see it go to VCV. The same with OJA.
Hopefully for OJA, LRE!!!!! LRE!!!!! LRE!!!!!

[Brad Myer]

QF have said 2x B744s will go this year and the fleet will remain at 11 airframes until all the A330s are back from JQ, it will then reduce to the planned 9 airframes.

My guess is OJA/OJI will be next two to go….

[Zac M]

All speculation but wouldn't it make sense to withdraw OEB and OJM next as they are the only two in the fleet with first class?

[JamesL]

But OEB is an ER?

[Ricky T]

Nope. Its a regular 744 (with GE engines).

My guess is that OEB is probably in the mix as it has a different type of engine and as Zac noted earlier, it is fitted with the old F. seats OJM also fits the bill. The last withdrawal was OJL which was also fitted with the old F seats.

I travelled on OEB in May from LAX to SYD and I have to say the plane did look a bit worn and tired.

[Ash W]

OEB has looked tired and worn since the day Qantas got hold of it!

[Patrick M]

I wonder if OEB is the next to go as it hasn't flown for a few days now. The only second hand QF 747 left.

[Patrick M]

Please don't tell me OJM Gosford is the next to go. I flew on it QF108 JFK-LAX-SYD with my brother after a trip of a lifetime to the USA and Canada and it will be sad to see it go.
It hasn't flown since last Friday 11th July 2014.

[Rowan McKeever]

3-4 days off a retirement does not (necessarily) make... as OEB proved only a couple of weeks ago.

[Brad Myer]

With DFW now A380 and all SYD-SIN flights A330 two B744s will now be due retirement.

Anyone know which ones and when?

[Yusef D]

... but the additional LAX-MEL, SYD-YVR and SYD-SCL services may provide a stay of execution....

[Ricky T]

Most of these flights require an -400ER so I don't think these additional service would affect the retirement of the four remaining non-ER 744.

[Alex T]

VH-OJA will be retired on December 7th (Final Flight will be QF107). :( She will be solely missed from our skies:

http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-retires-its-first-boeing-747-400?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=flipper&utm_campaign=home-flipper

[Greg Hyde]

That was the plan until an A380 went u/s (QF Source)

QANTAS B747-400 VH-OJA Sydney Test Flight.
November 22, 2014

QANTAS Boeing 747-438 VH-OJA, which has been under maintenance at Sydney since arriving as QF64 from Johannesburg on 16th November, undertook a one hour Sydney – Sydney test flight as QF6601 early this afternoon. The aircraft is not scheduled to operate any further services until December 7th when it will operate QF107 Sydney – Los Angeles and then be withdrawn. There is no QF12 Los Angeles – Sydney scheduled for that day.


QANTAS B747-400 VH-OJA Operates QF11.
November 23, 2014

QANTAS Boeing 747-438 VH-OJA was pressed into service this afternoon operating QF11 Sydney – Los Angeles in place of the scheduled A380.

[Sarah C]

The flight on the 22nd was a charity flight for Pathfinders - that was always planned in the schedule.

[Todd Milton]

According to Airline Hub Buzz VH-OJA will be "gifted to an Australian museum". No further details however. http://www.airlinehubbuzz.com/qantas-first-747-400-will-preserved-historically-significant/

[Todd Hendry]

I took OJA to Narita last Thursday night.

[David Heath]

I'm a bit dubious about the museum "gifting" report. I suppose mainly due to managing disappointment. I don't quite understand why it would go to the US for storage if that was the case. I'd always thought best case for -OJA was storage at Alice Springs which obviously is not going to be the case. It certainly is a very significant aircraft. The 744 did more to help us travel long distances quickly than any aircraft since the 707. A380 and 777 just does the same thing more efficiently and quietly.

Anyway I'll be out there to see it leave on 7/12.

[Dave H]

I don't quite understand why it would go to the US for storage if that was the case.

Same, is she still going out to MJV until that's announced? Hopefuly she flies this Sunday because I'm booked on the 107..

[Sarah C]

Dave it is still going to operate the 107 on Sunday

[Dave H]

Thanks Sarah!

Any idea when she returns to Oz? With or without PAX?

[MarkR]

I'm a bit dubious about the museum "gifting" report. I suppose mainly due to managing disappointment. I don't quite understand why it would go to the US for storage if that was the case. I'd always thought best case for -OJA was storage at Alice Springs which obviously is not going to be the case. It certainly is a very significant aircraft. The 744 did more to help us travel long distances quickly than any aircraft since the 707. A380 and 777 just does the same thing more efficiently and quietly.

Anyway I'll be out there to see it leave on 7/12.

She will be heading down to the Gong to take up residence at HARS apparently.

[Greg McDonald]

When will it arrive in the Gong? Photo opportunity!

[Greg Hyde]

Could it Land at the Gong ?

[Mark Grima]

Well Ch 9 just confirmed she's going to a currently unnamed museum.

If it the gong her arrival will be some event to be at!

Cheers

M

[MarkR]

When will it arrive in the Gong? Photo opportunity!

I believe there are a few issues to work through so it won't be for a while. Certainly a much better home than was otherwise planned, and a big boost for the region from a tourism perspective.

[Mark C]

And so much easier to get to than Longreach.

[David C]

Could it Land at the Gong ?

Not withstanding the pavement strength of the runway , the actual runway length would present no problems for a lightly loaded 747 ..

Dave C

[Dave H]

So the final revenue flight is meant to be to LAX tomorrow, why fly it back to Sydney empty instead of turning it around with PAX?

[David Heath]

I assume it'll be stored at VCV for a while until all the museum logistics are sorted out. HARS would be such a great spot. They have a wonderful collection of airliner heritage.

[Yusef D]

I'd be impressed if the Tarmac at WOL could hold a 747, even an min weight.

[Brian Wilkes]

How about the Boeing Museum!

[Yusef D]

I think they're ok for 747s. And hypocritically, a Concorde.

[Greg Hyde]

The Boeing Museum is currently restoring the prototype a/c which performed the ff & subsequent flight testing.

It still has the water barrels inside that were used for cog testing etc.

[Darren H]

yes it is definitely going to HARS, it will return from the US some time next week and needs to be delivered to WOL by mid-jan, should be exciting.

[Dave H]

Thanks Darren, could it fly back with passengers or was yesterday it's final rev flight?

[Erik H. Bakke]

Sending her to the Gong means Qantas can be pretty sure she's never going to fly again...
I'll start planning for a visit to see her arrive, I think.

[Martin Buzzell]

I'll drag the carvan up from Melbourne for a visit. A LOT closer than Longreach.

[Paul S.]

Maybe they will put it on a pole, what happened to that thread

[Yusef D]

Wow. What a win for HARS!

[Greg Hyde]

from QFSource:


QANTAS B747-400 VH-OJA Stored at Los Angeles.
December 7, 2014

QANTAS Boeing 747-438 VH-OJA operated QF107 Sydney - Los Angeles today. The aircraft had originally been scheduled to be withdrawn after this flight and position to Victorville for storage. However it is now expected to be preserved at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Facility at Wollongong. An additional QF18 Los Angeles – Sydney sector has now been scheduled for 18th December, and the aircraft is expected to operate that flight prior to withdrawal.

[Patrick M]

Here's idea on the 18th December when VH-OJA flys QF18, if VH-OQA is at LAX as well and went back to SYD as QF12 as the same time as VH-OJA,
How about a formation flight LAX-SYD with VH-OJA and VH-OQA.
That's QF's First B747-438 and QF's First A380-800 flying together LAX-SYD.
Just a thought :)

[Ryan K]

I love that idea. Bring it on!

[Greg Hyde]

If you caught the flight to LA as the last rev service you wouldn't be a happy camper !

[Ryan K]

My sentiments exactly.

[Mick F]

Do people really do that? I can understand the last of a type, but for an individual aeroplane?

[David Heath]

Well in the case of OJA I can understand that, the thought crossed my mind. (but too much work to be done). Also, all those posts of pics from last Sunday now aren't true :)

[Alex Ch]

This is hard to watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um77vmJ-ys8

[Greg Hyde]

thanks Alex,

Methinks it is either OJG or OJJ based on the date/location

Can anyone identify ?

[Dave Dale]

Someone comments in the youtube comments section that it is OED, former MH 747

[Robert S]

Looks like VH-OJA did a LAX-JFK-LAX rotation today (technically Fri 12/12/14 US Time) doing the QF107/QF108.

VH-OJT had done the SYD-LAX leg and is currently doing the LAX-SYD return flight.

[Dave H]

I think it's Marana in that video and OED went to Victorville.

[Greg Hyde]

Aircraft Demolition, LLC is based out of Marana

OJG or OJJ based on the video date and Marana

http://www.aircraftdemolition.com/services/aircraft-storage-and-parking

[Dave H]

I'll go with OJJ - OJG's missing metal below door 2 prior to being scrapped.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Boeing-747-438/2226229/L/

[Greg Hyde]

Anybody got room in their backyard.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/12/retirement-home-for-first-qantas-747-400-up-in-the-air/

Mystery surrounds the eventual retirement home of Qantas Boeing 747-400 VH-OJA, with the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) describing social media reports that it will take the aircraft as “rumour mongering”.

HARS president Bob De La Hunty says the “rumours” on social media are “all over the place”.

“None of it is right,” De La Hunty told Australian Aviation on Tuesday.

“It’s someone else’s social media rumour mongering that is going on. Quite frankly they are driving me nuts.”

The Qantas Source website reported on December 7 that VH-OJA, which was the first Boeing 747-400 in the Qantas fleet and flew nonstop from London to Sydney in 1989 as part of its delivery flight, was “expected to be preserved at the Historical Aircraft Restoration facility at Wollongong”.

OJA operated what was expected to be its last commercial flight on December 7, when it departed Sydney as QF107 bound for Los Angeles. It was then expected to make the short hop across to Victorville where it was to be placed into storage.

However, the aircraft is still in active service with Qantas, having operated a Los Angeles-New York-Los Angeles rotation on December 12, according to flight tracking website Flightaware, and it is now scheduled to return to Sydney as QF18 from Los Angeles on December 18.

The Airline Hub Buzz website had reported on December 4 that Qantas would “gift this aircraft to an Australian museum because of its historical significance”.

De La Hunty said “the right thing to do would be to ignore the social media”.

“It’s certainly a rumour and they are not getting it right or wrong,” De La Hunty said.

“It is just a situation where we are being bombarded and we are really not in a position to say anything about it, we don’t know anything about it.”

For its part the Qantas Founders Museum has confirmed it will not be taking VH-OJA.

“Over the last few weeks we have been frequently asked whether we are getting the Qantas Boeing 747 VH-OJA,” the museum, which is already home to Qantas 747-200 VH-EBQ, said on its Facebook page on Decmber 9.

“Just to let you know Qantas Founders Museum will NOT be getting VH-OJA but thank you to everyone for showing an interest in the collection of Qantas Founders Museum!”

Australian Aviation understands that Qantas offered to donate OJA to the Qantas Founders Museum, but the museum had to decline due to a lack of space.

A Qantas spokesperson said in an emailed statement the airline had “nothing to announce yet” on OJA’s fate.

“We are still working through the logistics,” the spokesperson told Australian Aviation on Tuesday

[Todd Hendry]

In the video the engine pylons are for GE engines.

[Craig Murray]

Hi all, VH-OJA is en route back to Sydney as QF18. Was due at 0545 but is running a little late and will likely arrive around 10'ish but stick with Flight Aware for updates to the arrival time.

VH-OJA - QF-18 (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHOJA)

[Robert.M]

Love to see it going to Wagga (chances would be 0%and unrealistic) but the runway would be short and a temporary taxiway would need to be built. The only spot it could be put on display is the NW end of the AP, near the BoM office.

Realistic opinion is the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre being a good possibility, no runway issues but getting it to the AAHC could be tricky.

[Nigel C]

Possibly totally unrelated, but it appeared there was some sort of pavement testing going on at YWOL late yesterday. The trailer being towed behind one of the vehicles wasn't a light testing or painting rig, so I'd assume it was some sort of pavement density or deflection testing unit.
As always, happy to be corrected if I'm off the mark.

[Nigel C]

OJA has landed on Rwy 16R and is now parked on Bay 8 at T1.

[Greg Hyde]

http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/12/vh-oja-back-in-sydney/

Nice picture at top of story

[Dave H]

I had the pleasure of flying down from LA on OJA last night, despite the delay getting away it was a great flight and few days that saw me take in VCV and MHV.

[Sarah C]

What was the reason for the 4 hour delay, just out of interest?

[Nigel C]

The media were after a story and Qantas wanted to give them one? ;)

[Noel White]

Just departed as OFA21. Life still in the old girl.

[Dave H]

What was the reason for the 4 hour delay, just out of interest?

They held us up for the late 108 from JFK, sent the 94 to MML away ontime and we waited for the 60 odd unimpressed connecting MML PAX to join us. Pretty much made for a planeload of mostly unimpressed PAX by 1am.

[Sarah C]

Thanks Dave

[Steve Crook]

-OJA just approaching SYD as QF22D from Tokyo. The regular QF22 also flying in. Presumably the 'D' flight was delayed out of Narita due weather? Which night did the flight not take place?

[Brad Myer]

It went U/S and couldn't depart because of NRT curfew

[Zac M]

OJI was the u/s aircraft. OJA had the normal turnaround at NRT however operated the delayed flight...assume the reason it didn't go straight back when it arrived would be crew rest as they would have signed on before it was discovered OJI had an issue.

[Jarrod Holman]

OJA is scheduled for QF21 in an hour. Looks like they're just going to use her until they figure out where she's retiring to.

[Nigel C]

Is anyone aware of the current total flying hours for OJA?

[Fred C]

105941 hrs 13840 cycles.

OJM has more hours and less cycles.

[Nigel C]

Cheers Fred, much appreciated.

[Robert S]

Looks like VH-OJA is about to start her third trip to NRT as QF21 since her "retirement".

[Dave Dale]

A bit of a write up about VH-OJA going to HARS

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/2795196/jumbo-jet-may-retire-to-albion-park/

[Robert S]

VH-OJA appears to have returned to normal as of 2 January.

It operated QF21 to NRT again that night, returning on 4 January for a few hours before heading to JNB, returning on 5 January only to operate QF21 that night, got home yesterday on 7 January but then left again as QF107 to LAX.

[Patrick M]

VH-OJA really went further. A whole month further. 'WE GO FURTHER'

[Robert S]

Back from JFK/LAX this morning. Just left for NRT again.

[Fred C]

It is due to go to JNB on the 13th. Back on the 14th and then no more flying sched.

However that has been said before!

[Alex Lui]

According to the article, the registration is due to expire January 15th so hence no more flying would be scheduled unless they renew the registration.

At the moment they would need all the 744's they can get. With QF75/76 taking a 744 out a few days and upcoming Antarctica Flights, I honestly don't think there is a spare 744 around.

Look at today (10/1/15)
OJA is in Narita (QF21 9/1/15)
OJI, OEI, OEJ is in Sydney, but there is are flights to Vancouver and Santiago (so would be either OEI / OEJ operating these services)
OJM is enroute back to Sydney (QF64) and would be assumingly heading to Narita as QF21 10/1/15
OJS is out of action
OJT is heading to Johannesburg (QF63)
OJU is heading to LAX (QF108)
OEB is in LAX having operated QF107 9/1/15
OEE is in LAX, heading back to Melbourne as QF101
OEF is operating QF107
OEG is in Brisbane, assuming to operate QF15
OEH is heading to Sydney (QF28)

There is only 1 spare 744 (OJI assumingly). So very little slack if anything did happen, especially if they took OJA out of the equation. I guess good thing they had OJA because if OJA weren't around with OJS's accident, then there would be very little slack.

Alex.

[Yusef D]

Australian aircraft registration doesn't "expire". Insurance may, time limited maintenance may.

[Dave Dale]

As I was at the airport this afternoon, OJA was being tugged across to the hangars. She looked in need of a bath.

[Greg Hyde]

I wonder if QF swapped OJA's high & low time spares before the last trip to LA ?

[Robert S]

So after the QF21/22 on 9-11 Jan, it then went back to JNB doing QF63/64 on 11-12 Jan, arriving back yesterday afternoon.

[Nigel C]

And it's due to depart as QF63 this morning back to JNB

[Ryan K]

This is where the bean counters at QF have got absolutely no idea. It's obvious that they're not going to have enough aircraft to service their current network as well as add in extra flights such as the seasonal services to Vancouver, etc. It's time to exercise some of those 787 options and get cracking!

[Zac M]

Yes...The QF management clearly have less of an idea than you!

[Ryan K]

I'm glad you see my point.

[Joe Frampton]

Yep Ryan, take the job from the dozy leprachaun. You couldn't do any worse. That is a compliment, although it may not come across that way... :D

[Ryan K]

Haha, thanks, I took it as a compliment!;)

[Kurt A]

VH-OJA as QFA64 just landed YSSY 34L. Parked at Gate 31 INTL3.

[Astewart]

At this stage it was VH-OJA's last arrival into YSSY!

[Dave Dale]

Can anyone provide an update on OJA? What is happening with her?

Thanks dave

[Robert.M]

The rumour continues that HARS will get it.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/wollongong-final-resting-place-for-queen-of-the-skies-20150119-12tg9z.html

[Rowan McKeever]

Hasn't flown since landing on QF64 last Wednesday

[Dave Dale]

Thanks Rowan and Robert

[Terence W]

The rumour continues that HARS will get it.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/wollongong-final-resting-place-for-queen-of-the-skies-20150119-12tg9z.html

23 people on board including the crew on a 20 hour flight is probably more crew than passengers?

Anyway, hope it finds a home at HARs - would be awesome to go and see it.

[Nigel C]

If it goes there, the day of arrival will be mayhem for the local roads around the airport!

It's had the No-1 engine changed since its arrival from JNB. Whether that was a necessary change or if it was being done to put a high time engine on for the last flight, I don't know.

[Fred C]

A high time engine to be fitted. A few other bits are being swapped too.

[Rowan McKeever]

So unlikely to fly again then, other than to position to her forever home?

[David C]

Qantas issued a press release on the 22/ Jan which has now been withdrawn with a promise of a further release on the 30 Jan . In the original it stated that OJA will be donated to HARS and that delivery would be in early March , with the aim of officially handing over the aircraft on 15 March to coincide with the HARS open day ..

Dave C

[Tom PER]

If rumours are true we might have to start a QF B744 reactivation thread, with 2 rumoured to be coming out of VCV for the VYR flights and possible new and returning routes.

I'm sure others might be able to confirm or deny.

[Dave Dale]

I read this on another forum (airliners.net) and apparently there is significant cost in reactivating any of the parked aircraft.

[Ash W]

Not only that the ones that were choose to go into retirement were done so based on how far they were off needing a major check, so an added cost there too.

[Jarrod Holman]

If rumours are true we might have to start a QF B744 reactivation thread, with 2 rumoured to be coming out of VCV for the VYR flights and possible new and returning routes.

I'm sure others might be able to confirm or deny.

If they were to bring 2 747's out of VCV which ones are left after the sale to Jet Midwest, are they OJC, OJD & OJO or have these been scrapped?

[Kurt A]

Qantas issued a press release on the 22/ Jan which has now been withdrawn with a promise of a further release on the 30 Jan.

OJA to HARS now confirmed.

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-to-gift-historic-b747-to-aviation-museum

[Grahame Hutchison]

This is great news for HARS, the Illawarra and aviation enthusiasts in general - I plan to be there for the arrival, what an amazing event it will be.

[Ryan N]

http://www.traveller.com.au/worlds-longest-flight-recordholder-qantas-city-of-canberra-747400-retires-130pm9.html

[Dave Dale]

I read somewhere earlier (and I can't remember where sorry) that it will be housed in a big building at HARS. I have never been to the airport at Illawarra, but would imagine it to be a small airport and to have a building big enough for a 747, what a boon for the incoming VH-OJA - protected from the elements.

[Kent Broadhead]

I'd be interested in who's funding such a building. HARS is a great place to visit!

[Dave Dale]

Found the article:

QANTAS 747-400 VH-OJA TO RETIRE IN ILLAWARRA
JANUARY 25, 2015|DR. DARREN DELANEY (THE FLIGHT DOC)|AIRCRAFT, AIRLINE, AIRPORT, BREAKING NEWS, NEWS|0 COMMENTS
In early March 2015 the people of Sydney will witness the last flight of one of Qantas Airways special ‘Jumbo’ Boeing 747 multi-deck airliners. Weather permitting, VH-OJA will be retired on what is to be possibly one of the shortest flights (outside of testing) ever taken by a Boeing 747-400. VH-OJA ‘City of Longreach’ will depart from the Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport at Mascot around the 8/9 March flying to the Illawarra Regional Airport at Wollongong located less than 50 nautical miles to the south of Sydney. The short sector leg for this wide-bodied long-haul aircraft is predicted to take no more than around 10 minutes.

VH-OJA will be the first Boeing 747-400 in the Qantas fleet to retire. It is historically significant as the carrier’s first aircraft to fly the ‘Kangaroo Route’ between Australia and the United Kingdom via Singapore. Although originally thought to be destined for the commercial jet graveyard of California’s Victorville she is set to lay rest on the South Coast of New South Wales as a gift from Qantas keeping her in Australia for perpetuity to celebrate her place in aviation history.

As an artefact of Australian history VH-OJA is likely to become a popular tourist attraction and thus a boon for the economy of the South Coast of New South Wales. However, a difficult problem for her custodians, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), will be maintaining her fuselage in the harsh onshore environmental conditions that notoriously hits the Illawarra region. Although retired outdoors, the dilapidated and seemingly unloved Boeing 747 (serial number #001), “City of Everett”, located at Seattle’s Museum of Flight in the United States is an example of what can happen to aircraft exposed to unpredictably bitter weather conditions.

HARS, a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1979 by a group of aviation enthusiasts interested in the preservation of Australian aviation history will likely take custody of the Boeing 747-400 in early March. VH-OJA is most suitably to find her place in the Museum and Education Building financed by a Federal Government Grant of $275,000 in the late 1990s. With some 10 flying aircraft, and 3 static aircraft, the addition of the ‘Flying Kangaroo’ Boeing 747-400 to the museum fleet is a huge win for aviation history and the people of the Illawarra region.

HARS Open Days commence on the 2nd Friday of each month including the following Saturday and Sunday at a cost of $10 for adults and $2 for children. The “Wings Over Illawarra” Air Show planned for 2/3 May 2015 also given a fillip by the generous corporate gift is likely to see greater popularity by the general public and involvement of major industry players like Qantas.

http://www.pointsandmiles.com.au/?p=5036

[Greg Hyde]

Was OJA's last rev service QF64 on 13/01 ?

[Rowan McKeever]

Affirmative, Greg. QF64 departing JNB 13/1 and arriving SYD 14/1.

Interesting that, having broken a long distance flight record early in her career, OJA is now set to break a short distance record to see that career out! I'm not a huge fan of the 747 (although I don't dislike them), but what an aircraft!

[Greg Hyde]

Thks Rowan,

The B747 changed commercial aviation for ever with the introduction of larger loads and cheaper flights.

I don't think the A380 has had that impact.

The problem is how to replace a B747 ?

Unfortunately Boeing missed the boat by not having a fuel hungry replacement ready to go.

We live in interesting times.

[Nigel C]

Unfortunately Boeing missed the boat by not having a fuel hungry replacement ready to go.

Would Qantas have bought them by the dozens so they could keep using 'the fuel costs are killing us' line? ;)


You did mean a fuel efficient replacement for the current fuel hungry aircraft?

[Paul F]

The problem is how to replace a B747 ?

They have, the 777-300ER has killed the 747.

[Todd Hendry]

And the 777X

[Mark C]

That article has a heap of factual errors, makes you wonder what else is not accurate in it.

[Greg Hyde]

Sorry "efficient" was the word.

Why hasn't QF bought B777 ?

[Todd Hendry]

HAHAHAHA Greg. That's funny.

[Ash W]

Sorry "efficient" was the word.

Why hasn't QF bought B777 ?

Been discussed many times before.

When the 777 came out the models on offer were too big for domestic and too big for Asia (where the 767 was still king) and without legs to go to the US and from Asia to Europe.

By the time the LR's and ER's had come out Qantas had already decided to go for the A380 for long haul, added some 747ER's too, the smaller A330 for Asia and later ordered the 787 for domestic. Remembering the original 787 plan was 788's to JQ, then when 789's came these would replace JQ 788's which would go as is to Qantas for domestic to replace 767's.

Of course the A380 program was delayed which meant the 747's stayed longer than planned, the 787 was also delayed which in turn delayed the 767's being removed, and of course we have had the Qantas restructure which has resulted in orders for long haul aircraft being deferred or cancelled.

So whilst one could say in hindsight Qantas should have ordered the 777, specifically the 777-300ER simple fact is they made other fleet decisions that they felt were right at the time, repeat AT THE TIME. Of course even now Qantas may be able to use a couple of 777-300ER's, the fact is they would only need a couple for niche routes, so hardly worth introducing a new type into the fleet for just a few a/c is it? More so when you think there are now aircraft available in the 789, and even the A350-900 or -1000's that would better suit Qantas.

[Mark Grima]

Its great that this has been confirmed. The OJA deserves to be preserved and have many stories told and many youngsters learn many lessons. Being so accessible is an added bonus.

That article has a heap of factual errors.

You can say that again! My head hurts from trying to read it..:rolleyes:

The "no more than about ten minutes" comment hurts too!

I'm by no means a grammar expert, far far from it and guilty of many errors, but if that was published that's embarrassing!!

Cheers

M

[Robert.M]

Worst kept secret really. Going to see if I can fit in a trip to the Gong (depending on time and money).

[Thomas Collins]

Actually, the fleet renewal back in 2000, was for A380's and B787's. Due to the B787 delay, Qantas took A330's as a stop-gap, hence the introduction of a new type into the fleet. These were offered by Airbus for a very good price, as Airbus's plans were to convert A330's to A350's down the track. Airbus wanted to move QF across to an all Airbus fleet.

Qantas went as far as evaluating the A320 when the B737 renewal program commenced with the -800's. At one stage both aircraft (A320 / B738) were in Sydney for Qantas evaluation, however QF continued with the B737 for various reasons.

[Patrick M]

Out of OJI, OJM and OEB, who will be the NEXT TO GO?

[Zac M]

I would expect OJI as it is the only one in the old livery, however it could be any of the three, will all depend on cycles, when maintenance is due, etc.

[Brad Myer]

OJI is next to go.

Then no further retirements with OJM and OEB hanging around.

QF can't afford to drop any more B744s if they still plan to operate the existing schedule plus the seasonal extras etc.

[Patrick M]

This is going to be very interesting to watch as the old 744s go, there may not be enough. I wonder if they'll decide to take at least some of the remaining 8 a380s and / or b789s. Would QF be interested in the two Skymarks a380 frames that they cancelled?

[Nigel C]

Apparently Shellharbour Council has just formally approved OJA to come to Albion Park. Great news!

[Robert.M]

Now to wait for the date!

[Matthew Chisholm]

Fingers crossed for either 8th or 9th of March.

[Rowan McKeever]

Ditto to that Matthew!

[Robert.M]

Looking like mid-March going by http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2015/01/30/4171125.htm

[Alex T]

March 8 will be the date when OJA positions to YWOL:

http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-first-boeing-747-400-makes-final-flight-on-march-8?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=flipper&utm_campaign=home-flipper

[Kent Broadhead]

Although I'm pleased it's happening, I'm not entirely pleased - I have to drive through Albion Park on my way to Nowra and back.

Will have to keep my eyes wide open on traffic arrangements along the highway.

[Greg Hyde]

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/02/qantas-confirms-vh-oja-final-flight-for-march-8/

Nice overhead shop of final location.

[Nigel C]

Although I'm pleased it's happening, I'm not entirely pleased - I have to drive through Albion Park on my way to Nowra and back.

Will have to keep my eyes wide open on traffic arrangements along the highway.

You can either go via Warilla, or if you know the back roads, through the back of Dapto and Marshall Mount which then brings you out in Albion Park - from there you can go via the scenic Jamberoo run to Kiama http://goo.gl/maps/o4WU8, or take the East-West link and rejoin the highway at the south end of Albion Park Rail http://goo.gl/maps/MGoHw

[NathanJ]

Any news on the next 747 retirement?

[Patrick M]

Yeah, I'm also wonder who's next. Maybe it's OJI leaving only TWO non-refitted 744s. OJM which I flew on nearly 3 years ago and OEB which I saw when I went planespotting last January.
I bet they're thinking 'Please D Check us and refit our cabins like our younger sisters' Lol!

[Dennis McLean]

If we look at the 744 flight requirements with 12 in the fleet it is:

SYD/NRT(HND from 1 August) and SYD/JNB = 3 if they just turn around each day.
SYD/HKG = 1
SYD/LAX = 2
SYD/SCL = 1 plus Sat (spare days 6)
BNE/LAX/JFK = 2
MEL/LAX = 1 (spare day 1 in LAX)

That requires 10 Aircraft daily plus Sat = 11

When the Vancouver flights are running on 146/361, it is I more aircraft = 12. There is little fat in the fleet.

So how can any 744s leave the fleet till something new arrives?????

[Ash W]

So how can any 744s leave the fleet till something new arrives?????

That has been the question many have had since the retirement plan was first announced. Number just don't add up.

[Fred C]

VH-OJI will be the next to go. Probably sometime in May.

VH-OJM is due to go for heavy maint shortly, so one can presume they will be keeping that for longer. It also has the new roo on it.

[Dennis McLean]

Thanks Fred. So if OJI leaves and OJM goes in for perhaps 6 weeks D check that leaves 10. They cannot run the current flights with 10. ???? Unless the 2extra 380's miraculously turn up out of the blue????? who knows. There have also been some rumours about new 747-8's, for Dubai/Berlin. Dreams again.

[Dave Dale]

I'd love to know where the rumours of 747-8s came from?

[MarkR]

Boeing would need to get Project Ozark completed first before there is the possibility of any QF 747-8s in pax config.

[Alex Ch]

They cannot run the current flights with 10. ????

Not to mention charter flights like -OJI last week operating for the RAAF to the Middle East and -OEI this week doing the flight to Gallipoli.

And that's before you factor in the cover the 744s need to do for the u/s dugongs (-OQF out until June)

[C Patters]

What's happened to OQF? Why is she out until June?

[Wenglock M]

Apparently because a jack (or jacks) supporting one of the stabilisers failed while she was in the hangar...

[Patrick M]

If VH-OJM is going to be D Checked, will they refit her cabins to A380 standard like OJS, OJT, OJU, OEE, OEF, OEG, OEH, OEI and OEJ?

[Jacob L]

They May, but after a D Check, it may not happen. Don't Quote me on it though????

[Ash W]

Doubt it. The announced plan sees the remaining non refurbished 747's going by the 2nd half of next year. Once can but assume when they announced the retirement plan they knew some would come up for major checks before retirement, so don't see why they would have changed their plan.

That said, still no idea what will fill the role that these aircraft are fulfilling, its not like any new a/c are due by the end of next year. Qantas has increased utilisation of the fleet as much as they can, and some new routes (and two A330-200's to be retired), so a big unknown I guess.

[Dennis McLean]

I cannot see anything leaving the fleet at the moment as A380's OQD and OQF are in maintenance or repairs and 744 OJM is in HKG for maintenance.

A380 VH-OQD positioned SYD/MNL as QFA6009 on 1 May at 10.40pm. No return flight shown.

A380 VH-OQF is in SYD having not moved since 14 April.

744 VH-OJM (353 seats) positioned SYD/HKG as QFA6023 on 1 May at 2.03pm. A 353 seater, is scheduled on QFA 128 HKG/SYD, arr SYD at 07.20am on 27 May, presumably OJM.

The QFA 127 flight on 26 May is shown as a 364 seater but it does not return on the 27th so another one in for maintenance replacing OJM.

So at the moment QF only has 10 x 380 and 11 x 744 available. The normal 744 schedule needs 10 daily plus Saturday and the A380 schedule needs 10 Daily plus 1 Daily ex Wednesday.

In addition there are 19 flights by 744's replacing A380's on QFA93/94 MEL/LAX/MEL from 5 May to 28 June. There are 12 flights by 744's replacing A380's on QFA11/12 SYD/LAX/SYD from 1 May to 25 June. Also OJI (371 seats) is on QFA 17 SYD/LAX on 28 June returning on QFA 12 on 30 June.

BAC also shows 2 x ASY Flights 10 and 11 on 12 May and 26 May from BNE to the Middle East at 16.05 returning on 14 and 28 May at 05.15 by 744's.

Then there is QFA 75/76 SYD/YVR/SYD commencing Mon, Thu, Sat on 20 June.

Talk about tight as the proverbial?? Hope nothing else goes US.

[Adam W]

I think Qantas needs to seriously consider at least some of the MH A380s that are for sale/lease.

[Dave Dale]

If they haven't taken up their own deferred A380s, I can't see them taking on someone else's. I have no doubt it will all work out nicely, even with the stretch in the fleet. Besides, if they were to look at other capacity options short term, they could always bring back a 747 from the graveyard. However I highly doubt that to occur also.

[Adrian B]

What do they have in storage verses retired, and how long would it take to bring it / them up to air worthiness?

[Emil C]

What do they have in storage verses retired, and how long would it take to bring it / them up to air worthiness?

I believe that the 747's at Victorville are still airworthy. All have full interior with no parts removed (I think).

On the 60 Minutes story the 747's were still able to be turned on.

https://youtu.be/We7qdE4pMtk?t=10m30s

[Zac M]

I don't think theres that many left at VCV. Didn't a heap of them recently get sold and flown to Mojave for parting out?

[Emil C]

Looking on google maps from images taken in January 2015 there are:
9x Qantas 763's
5x Qantas 734's
12x Qantas 744 have gone to VCV, 7x remain, 2x scrapped and one entered service with Max Air. That means two may of gone to Mojave then?

[Zac M]

A lot has happened since then, at least two of those 763s would be gone, possibly three or four depending on when in Jan it was taken, all but one 734 would have departed. Im sure there was mention of the sale of 744s somewhere in this thread.

[Greg Hyde]

Isn't there some B763 closer to home.

Namely, Alice Springs.

Also OJA just needs some engines and a longer runway.

[Adrian B]

A longer runway will take too long Greg, Why not just use EBU - plenty of runway at YMAV :)

[Greg Hyde]

Adrian,

I don't known, EBU might need a little more work than OJA.

Pump the tyres, close the Princes Highway, ....

[Nigel C]

OJA doesn't need a longer runway. 1800m is plenty to get her out.

The airport might need wider runway shoulders though.....

[Dennis McLean]

VH OEJ is 40 minutes out of SYD on its return from maintenance in HKG, due at 08.05. It is coming in as QFA6020 so obviously nothing has replaced it in HKG.

[Brad Myer]

VH-OJI will be retired at the end of the month apparently.

Then Im guessing no more B744 retirements as the fleet can't drop below 11 to maintain the current network.

[Kent Broadhead]

Then Im guessing no more B744 retirements as the fleet can't drop below 11 to maintain the current network.

But they must be increasingly looking at getting rid of the last 4 RB211 birds

[Rowan McKeever]

They've said many times that the fleet will reduce to 9 (although I agree it can't go below 11 with the current network, and I'd assume when the A330 refurb is complete SYD-HND will switch to 333?) so at least 3 of the RRs have to stay.

[Matthew Arnaoutis]

So, theoretically, after VH-OJI gets retired, would that mean VH-OEB is next as it is a pre-owned and un-refurbished (I believe)? I know this may be a little further down the track (possibly), but I thought I'd throw up the question.
Any answers would be appreciated!

[Ash W]

Pre-owned wouldn't make a difference. What will is when its next major check is due and of course how many 747's Qantas needs with its expanded network.

[Rowan McKeever]

Once OJI is gone there's only OJM & OEB left out of 'not-the-lucky-9'. Both are non-refurbished & I think are in the same config. As Ash says it'll come down to which of those is more expensive to keep and/or which one has higher resale.

[Wenglock M]

OJM went for a heavy check in HKG earlier in May so we can presume it will stay for a while yet?

[Dennis McLean]

OJM arrived back in SYD on 27 May and was replaced by OEJ in HKG. OEJ arrived back in SYD this morning on ferry flight QFA6020. So all 12 are available for service

[Matthew Arnaoutis]

Hi all,
Has there been any other word on the date of VH-OJI's retirement? Apparently its retirement had actually been deferred due to OQF's incident.

[Astewart]

VH-OJI retired, titles already painted out, due to fly to Mojave on the 27th with a stopover in Honolulu

[Matthew Arnaoutis]

Thanks for the update.
So it's not doing a revenue flight then, as some of the earlier ones did. Its last revenue flight was a return trip from Narita on the 21st.

[Greg Hyde]

Is it going straight to the chopping block (Mojave) rather than storage at Victorville ?

[Zac M]

I believe she is off to Mojave.

[Astewart]

Would appear it is meeting the axe, all 4 engines to be removed on arrival at MHV...

[Matthew Arnaoutis]

Hi all,
Would anyone have any information on the departure time of VH-OJI tomorrow?
Any information would be appreciated.

[Emil C]

VH-OJI is scheduled out at 0700 as QF6021 to Honolulu.

http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/flights/flight-arrivals-and-departures/airport-visit-planner/honolulu/qf6021/1

[Matthew Arnaoutis]

Thanks for the update Emil.
Another sad day for 744 'lovers'

[Matthew Arnaoutis]

Hi all,
VH-OJI has finally left our shores :(
It's departure was delayed by about 50mins this morning

[Sarah C]

OJI departed at 7:47 according to Flightaware - fitting timing

[Neil L]

Any idea why OJI going and stopping over in HNL instead of direct to Mojave ?

[Emil C]

Here's a fantastic video of VH-OJI leaving Sydney for the last time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrZg_mwWqt0

[Paul Hunter]

OJI had a team of engineers on board that will remove the engines once it gets to the desert. The Honolulu stop was to clear customs.

Regards.

[Terence W]

Thanks for posting that video Emil C.

[MarkR]

OJI had a team of engineers on board that will remove the engines once it gets to the desert. The Honolulu stop was to clear customs.

Regards.

Think you will find it was done using two crew ops, so a rest stop was needed.

[Neil L]

OJI is the first B744 that has been delivered via Honolulu as all others were either positioned ex LAX or ferried non-stop from Aust to USA.

eg OJG & OJJ ferried Sydney to Marana direct
OJR ferried Avalon-Marana direct
whilst some others ferried direct to Victorville.

Hence query why OJI ferried via HNL where it still sits at time of writing.

Obviously some other reason applies in this case and I do not think it was just for Customs. Maybe I am wrong.

Anybody have DEFINATE REASON why via HNL

Thanks

[Tom PER]

Are the engines off -OJI going to be installed on -OJA?

If not, QF are building up quite a stock of RB211 engines.

[Anthony F]

Last 747 in the old livery.

Also 7 years since the first 747-400 got retired.

[MarkR]

They are probably wishing they had held on a little longer with OQD grounded in LAX.

[Sarah C]

In relation to the stop in HNL, mainly due to customs etc but also need a 4th operating crew to go direct

But it has more to do with the arrival to the airport itself and the officials processing the arrival. VCV, MHV etc don't have the US Customs and other officials at the airport for the arrival so they have to send people to do it....so what they want dictates it

[Dennis McLean]

What is the problem with OQD?

[MarkR]

OQD has been grounded at lax with contaminated hydraulics since the 24th.

[C Patters]

Really? It's just come back from lufthansa technik in Manila so wonder if it occurred while in there. No wonder Qantas International is loosing money having planes sitting on the ground not operating & flying empty A380's back from Lax without any passengers. Costing them millions.

[Neil L]

Thanks Sara,

Much appreciated your advice.

Have checked on Victorville and it is classified as a Port of Entry for USA
and has Custom facilities.

That allows for the direct flights of both the B744
and B767 that were ferried there direct from Australia.

Mojave & Marana do not have Customs according to theirs & FAA websites.

Regards

[Tom PER]

Read somewhere that -OQD is in a real bad way and might require extensive repairs including 4 engines.

Not sure if it's authentic info or not.