QF 744 retirement. Where is it at?

[MarkR]

It is the last non ER!

[Kent Broadhead]

It's the second time I've had an airport visit accidentally coincide with a 744 retirement flight. Wondered why there were so many people on L12!

[James Smith]

I'm pretty sure that OJU is the last of the Rolls Royce powered QF 744

Yes, it is Sean.

Did anyone get a photo of its final departure from Oz?

[Kent Broadhead]

There were at least 25 people with cameras where I was (I only had my phone). I'm sure many shots will turn up.

[Greg Hyde]

From QF Source

QANTAS B747-400 VH-OJU Operates Final Service.

Oct 13, 2019
QANTAS Boeing 747-438 VH-OJU operated its final passenger service early this evening as an additional Sydney – Los Angeles sector QF99 which was sold entirely to QANTAS Frequent Flyer members via points. This was the final QANTAS Boeing 747-400 service and leaves only the six Boeing 747-400ER aircraft in service.

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas Boeing 747-400 VH-OJU retired

Pictures, story video

https://australianaviation.com.au/2019/10/qantas-boeing-747-400-vh-oju-retired/

[Noel White]

According to FlightAware, VH-OJU has just flown to Grant County International Airport in Washington State not far from where she was built and took it's first flight 19 years ago. Anybody know what her future is?

[James Smith]

MWH is Moses Lake where the newly constructed Boeings fly to on their first flight from Everett. OJU may meet her 100th anniversary cousin there in a few days.

[Adrian B]

Looks like off to Rolls Royce for a testbed aircraft according to News.com.au article (https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/qantas-announces-new-life-for-boeing-747-aircraft-after-retirement/news-story/c4e5a7aa97324d84ebcefe930c4f43ad)


Australian airline Qantas has announced how their beloved 747 will enjoy retirement after 90,000 hours in the air as a commercial passenger plane and almost 100 return trips to the moon and back,

The Boeing 747-400, with the registration of VH-OJU Lord Howe Island, is the next of the airline’s now six remaining “original jumbo jets” to be phased out over the next 12 months.

But instead of being repurposed for parts, the 19-year-old plane will become a “testbed” for Rolls-Royce’s aerospace division to examine current engine technologies — paving the way for the future of how we fly by putting jet engines through their paces.

[Greg Hyde]

From QF Source

Withdrawn QANTAS B747-400 VH-OJU Positions to Moses Lake for Rolls Royce Test Bed Conversion.

Oct 15, 2019

Withdrawn QANTAS Boeing 747-438 VH-OJU positioned Los Angeles – Moses Lake as QF6021 this morning where it will undergo conversion into a flying testbed for Rolls Royce.

[Mick F]

What routes do the 747's fly with Qantas now?

[Christopher Campbell]

syd-hnd
syd-scl
syd-sfo
syd-jnb

[Dennis McLean]

syd/yvr - seasonal

[James Smith]

OEE returned from Easter Island on the last leg of its Constellation RTW charter on Saturday afternoon and resumed mainline QANTAS service operating QF27 to Santiago yesterday, 20/10/19.

[Mick F]

syd-hnd
syd-scl
syd-sfo
syd-jnb

Thanks. Nothing short unfortunately, was hoping to take my boys on one last QF 747 trip before they retired them. Might have to keep an eye out for some last domestic sectors on them instead.

[James Smith]

Mick, see post #730 of this thread for some domestic 744 flights on sale. These are positioning flights for scenic Antarctic flights with some in November, 2019 to Adelaide and Brisbane.

[Greg Hyde]

OJU was deleted from reg on 21/10 and is expected to become N747RR.

[James Smith]

QANTAS will operate B744s on QF127/128 from SYD to HKG and return from today until 14/12/19 with another on 16/12/19. OEI is operating the flight today and is just taxiing for departure. An A330 will operate the flights on 15/12/19 and 17/12/19 before A380s take over from 18/12/19.

As SFO services are being operated by B789s from today, will a 744 be retired shortly with another when seasonal 744 flights to YVR have ceased on 27/1/20? There is also another Constellation Journeys around the world charter scheduled for 2020 using a QANTAS 744 between 29/4/20 and 16/5/20.

[Dennis McLean]

The fleet as of 3.24pm BNE time.
OEE - SFO/SYD arr 5/12. OEF - JNB/SYD arr 4/12 16.04. OEG - in HND 4/12. OEH - SYD/SCL 4/12. OEI - SYD/HKG 4/12. OEJ - SCL/SYD due in 1 hour 4/12.

[James Smith]

It looks as though the first of the QANTAS 744ERs is to be retired in February after the following one way flight to LAX:

Qantas in February 2020 schedules another one-way Boeing 747-400ER service to the US, as it scheduled Sydney – Los Angeles one-way flight on 09FEB20. Planned operational schedule for QF099 as follows.

QF099 SYD1700 – 1150LAX 744

Source: Routes Online

Any thoughts as to the registration?

[Zac M]

A very quick search of the Qantas website will tell you it’s OEF


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jim M]

With OEF retiring tomorrow, just wondering whether anyone has any idea of the order that the remaining ERs will be retired in? I wonder which one will be the last QF 747 in service? That will always be a special aircraft, but we are fast approaching the end of the QF 747 days. Very sad 😔

[Sean L]

Vh-oef has taken off for the last time on the same runway it arrived from for the first time.

[Greg Hyde]

From QF Source

QANTAS B747-400ER VH-OEF Operates Final Passenger Flight.

Feb 9, 2020

QANTAS Boeing 747-438ER VH-OEF operated an additional Sydney – Los Angeles sector as QF99 this evening and was withdrawn from service on arrival at Los Angeles. The aircraft was in QANTAS New Roo/OneWorld livery and 58J/36W/270Y configuration on withdrawal.

[Sean L]

Oef has landed at LAX

[Greg Hyde]

OEF has made its final flight to San Bernardino, CA for scrapping

[Brenden S]

I believe that they are not being scrapped and have been purchased by a freight company for conversion to freighters. How true that is I do not know.

[Greg Hyde]

From Skyliners

Boeing 747 -438ER 32910 1313 VH-OEF Qantas ferried 13feb20 LAX-SBD, basic cs, for part-out & scrap

[James Smith]

QANTAS is operating additional flights to HNL as QF3/4 with a B744 on Sunday 15/3/20 and 22/3/20.

QANTAS is also operating additional flights to HNL as QF103/104 with a B744 on Tue 3/3/20; Thu 5/3/20; Mon 9/3/20; Thu 12/3/20; Sat 14/3/20; Tue 17/3/20; Thu 19/3/20; Sat 21/3/20 and Tue 24/3/20.

Source: Routes Online

[Greg Hyde]

OEF cancelled from reg on 24/02/2020

[James Smith]

The seasonal SYD - YVR flights will be operated by 787-9s instead of 744s for an extended Christmas/New Year period from 12/12/20 - 27/2/21.

This just leaves JNB and HND as the destinations that QANTAS are yet to announce replacement aircraft to fly these routes when the 744 is fully retired in 2020.

Source: Routes Online

[Dennis McLean]

Have heard a whisper that some 744's may stay on till early 2021, JNB and HND ????. They would need 3. So with SYD/YVR going to a 789 in December, that means that there would be only 1 x 789 now with no work. When L arrives in May????, June a 789 is needed for the daily SYD/SCL.

[Dennis McLean]

Just checked the QF Timetable site up to 22/2/21, at the moment JNB and HND are showing as 744. Of course that could change to ??? who knows.

[James Smith]

Yes, the timetable is easily changed once it is known what flights ZNM and ZNN will operate. Tokyo is the unknown. Will QANTAS continue to operate B744s there into 2021, if that is a correct rumour? It is a changing scene as demonstrated by the Coronavirus.

If QANTAS go to two services per day to Tokyo will that be with two B744 daily services or A330s or one each? One flight would have to fly to Narita. There is currently some spare A330 capacity with QF107/108 being permanently discontinued. Johannesburg and Tokyo could be decoupled when B789 services to JNB commence which could be more than daily or have an added service to Cape Town 3 or 4 times per week, to maintain current seat numbers to South Africa? Cape Town is a destination shown on the Project Sunrise map, so it must be figuring in QANTAS' plans.

Lots of various possible scenarios out there.

[MarkR]

With the stand down of into ops QF is retiring the 744s early, and by the looks of it the last ever QF 747 commercial arrival will be QF28 today at 1730???

[Sean L]

Yes. QF28 is supposed to be the last commercial QF B744 service.

[Sean L]

VH-OEE just landed. Did a flyover at my place. I missed the flyover but managed to capture it on final through my telescope.

[MarkR]

VH-OEE just landed. Did a flyover at my place. I missed the flyover but managed to capture it on final through my telescope.

Did a run down the harbour, fitting end to an era despite the current conditions.

[Bob C]

What a sad day in Australian aviation history and a great pity that the B747 could not have retired in better circumstances.

I was at Tullamarine with thousands of others on 28 September 1971 when VH-EBB made the first visit of a QF B747 to Melbourne.

I also have a 1:200 scale diecast model of VH-OEE which made the last flight today so that will have pride of place on my shelf.

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas To Park– Not Retire– The Boeing 747

Rumors and speculation swirled over the weekend that Qantas was operating its last ever 747-400 flight. The speculation centered on QF28, a flight between Santiago and Sydney that landed on Sunday afternoon, Sydney time. Contrary to media reports, Qantas has since confirmed to Simple Flying that this was not the last 747-400 flight.

https://simpleflying.com/qantas-747-parking/?fbclid=IwAR35nNrc-Ryw1SGtcfaFqsdBw0JNIGgmvPrGW1VFFYFudXZfNMXbiwVjolA

[Bob C]

Thanks Greg ; I read that article this morning and it's great to know that the B747s are "parked" and not "retired".

And a nephew in Sydney told me on Saturday that the B747 QF26 flight from Tokyo and its lap over the harbour on 27 March was reported by various media outlets as the last flight by a QF B747.

Why does the media get things so wrong ?

[Tony Chatham]

The media weren’t alone by wrongly reporting a premature retirement. There were a few 'experts' not being journalists just as guilty. Invented speculation presented as fact. :mad:

[Greg Hyde]

Guys, I heard that same rumor last week but whenever a source was requested the whole thing went quite.

I think the confusion was because it was announced as "the last QF B747 Flight"

The bit that was left off was "until COVID-19 was resolved"

They are parked in SYD in-case the government requires another rescue flight.

[Steve S... 2]

I personally don't believe they are definitely retired.

If they need them after the coronavirus is over, then what. You'll find that it is undecided but possible.

Imagine the boom in travel once this is over. The first thing I am doing myself is going on a trip.

[Fred C]

VH-OEG to leave our shores for the last time 0800 Monday 6th April 2020.

[James Smith]

The Constellation Journeys around the world charter using a QANTAS 744 between 29/4/20 and 16/5/20 has also been cancelled, which along with COVID-19 may have also contributed to the earlier retirement of OEG.

[Kent Broadhead]

VH-OEG to leave our shores for the last time 0800 Monday 6th April 2020.

They appear to have brought this forward - currently taxiing, FR showing departure for LAX.

[Greg Hyde]

from QF Source

Withdrawn QANTAS B747-400ER VH-OEG Leaves Australia.

Apr 5, 2020

Withdrawn QANTAS Boeing 747-438ER VH-OEG positioned Sydney – Los Angeles this morning as QF6001.

Expected to ferry to Mojave on the 06/04 (local time) without the Tail Roo painted over.

[MarkR]

Apparently four crew off QF28 that landed on the 29th have now tested positive to COVID19, not good.

[James Smith]

VH-OEG positioned from LAX to MHV (Mojave Air and Space Port) as QF6001 on 10/4/20 US local time.

[Sean L]

Qantas B744 VH-OEH departed Sydney for LAX as QF6001. Scrap I presume?

[Greg Hyde]

OEH ferried to LAX and eventually for Mojave for storage.

It should be noted the OEG is still on the Aus register unlike her sister ships which are normally deleted days after their arrival.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OEG stored at Mojave in full QF livery

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EX8LDbqUwAEypKv?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Todd Hendry]

With all the money they’re making with freight at the moment, maybe it’ll be converted to a freighter.

Tongue in cheek obviously.

[Kent Broadhead]

The QF 744ER are the 6 youngest 744 and the only ERs. You'd expect many others to be scrapped before these.

[MarkR]

Given they are scrapping A380s I am not so sure their age matters, and there is a surprising number of 744 cargo birds for sale at present despite the COVID19 demand. BTW they are not the youngest 744s, LN 1358 MSN 33737 would hold that honour by two years.

[Brenden S]

The aircraft have not been retired, they are currently in "Short term" storage. The conditions at MHV are better than SYD.

[Greg Hyde]

OEH completed its ferry to Mojave on 20/05

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OEI is scheduled to depart SYD this morning for LAX and Storage (QF6001)

[james baker]

Does that leave just VH-OEE and VH-OEJ in SYD awaiting their fate?


James

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OEI has completed her ferry to Mojave (04/06)

[Sean L]

I have been told that all remaining QF B744s have been sold to GE for engines and the airframes for scrap. Is this true?

[MarkR]

That rumour has been around for a while, if it was the case then the aircraft would be deregistered, I think they won’t be back but I am not sure of their future

[Max C]

I believe that officially they are being stored until a decision is made on their official retirement date.

Frees up room at SYD.

[Tom PER]

There’s a photo knocking around of -OEG at MHV now devoid of her titles....sadly I think these 744ER’s have met a premature fate.

I’m a little surprised as I’d thought these ER’s might’ve been retained and used in conjunction with the 787’s on the LAX and LHR routes, whilst the A380’s remained parked.

[MarkR]

This one https://stapico.ru/photos/2326518763085940324/info/CBJdH0VBMZk

I am not surprised, it will be a year or two before things really get going for international travel, the the meantime the newer aircraft with smaller capacity will shine. I enjoyed my last trip in an ER ex Haneda last year in 5K, but the newer product in the A330s and 787s leaves it for dead.
I see they are expecting the last bird July 1, a sad day.

[Greg Hyde]

OEG won't be coming back Deleted from Register on 11/06/2020

[bernard smith]

Looks like -OEE is on its way to Mojave. Departed as QF 6001 at 1025L.
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/QFA6001/history/20200615/2330Z/YSSY/KLAX
https://www.flightradar24.com/QFA6001/24b53616

[Sean L]

Just one more to go :(
Apparently it is scheduled to depart on the 30th of June.
Edit: If there are any changes to the schedule pls let me know asap, the current schedule is on a very inconvienient time. Thanks!

[Sean L]

Departed with a water cannon salute and a taxi by Sheps Mound.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OEE has completed her ferry to Mojave (17/06)

[bernard smith]

Is OEJ leaving in the next few days? There appears to have been some ground activity yesterday, maybe photographs?
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-oej#24c1734b

[Noel White]

Tug driver on his "Ls"?

[MarkR]

Is OEJ leaving in the next few days? There appears to have been some ground activity yesterday, maybe photographs?
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-oej#24c1734b

I believe next Tuesday she leaves

[Reece perram]

From what I've heard on Facebook supposedly the date is changed to the 22nd of July but i can't find any credible evidence for the change, possibly just rumours?

[Sean L]

Regardless of whether it departs in June or July, anyone know what time it is going to depart? 10AM?

[Reece perram]

It's going to depart at 0930l

[Kent Broadhead]

Announced this morning that all remaining QF 747s are being retired.

[Terence W]

Is OEJ’s departure date and time confirmed to be tomorrow 30/06 at 0930? Thanks!

[Sean L]

Delayed till 22nd of July.

[Terence W]

Thanks Sean. Read on FB today that Qantas is planning some sort of event. No details at the moment.

[Sean L]

Well they better change the date to a weekend :(

[Todd Hendry]

22nd of July at 2pm is departure time from SYD.
The 13th SYD
15th BNE
17th CBR
Are joyflights.
No idea about timings.

[Terence W]

Any of those joyflights open to the public? Cheers

[Adam W]

Yes, tickets to the public go on sale July 7 via qantas.com. $747 business class or $400 economy.

[Terence W]

Cheers Adam!

[MarkR]

What a nice way to send off the old girl, well done QF

[Sean L]

Still on a weekday :(
I might still be able to make it though. Wednesday is one of my schools "early leave" days.

[Tim Bowrey]

22nd of July at 2pm is departure time from SYD.
The 13th SYD
15th BNE
17th CBR
Are joyflights.
No idea about timings.

13th SYD 1015
15th BNE 1015
17th CBR 1200

[Greg Hyde]

For those who have everything

Boeing Qantas 747-400 Series PlaneTag Tail #VH-OJN

https://planetags.com/collections/commercial-aircraft/products/boeing-qantas-747?fbclid=IwAR1Jao-7UV_ht8dVwhx2VVE5nTZ9Uu80Xx4-M9Gpje_h41045sa3utEf7zw

[Sean L]

For those who have everything

Boeing Qantas 747-400 Series PlaneTag Tail #VH-OJN

https://planetags.com/collections/commercial-aircraft/products/boeing-qantas-747?fbclid=IwAR1Jao-7UV_ht8dVwhx2VVE5nTZ9Uu80Xx4-M9Gpje_h41045sa3utEf7zw
I got a VC-10 skin tag for half that price during my holiday in Malaysia. Was a great bargain.

[Alex Lui]

According to the press release, seats go on Sale Midday Wednesday 8 July 2020.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-to-give-final-747-jumbo-jet-a-farewell-fit-for-a-queen/

[Robert.M]

Midday and nothing on the website. :(

[Robert.M]

Was hidden on the site and just as I was booking, the Canberra flight got booked out as I was paying for it. :(

[Alex Lui]

No Business seats were on offer for the Canberra flight (no surprises there)... I managed to get a Economy Class seat. I think it sold out in like 8 minutes.

[Ross Corrigan]

Managed to get a seat on the Sydney flight! Anyone with inside information have any idea on the likely route (1 hour flight). Weather does not look great so I suppose that will limit things.

[Dave Dale]

Missed out on Brisbane flight. Thankfully I did two of the previous last domestic runs. Farewell Qantas 747

[Sean L]

My friend missed out because the site crashed. Sold out so quickly! I wasn't going to go in the first place because of financial issues.

[Joel D]

Was able to pick up a Sydney seat just now. Looks like some reservations being added back to the system. Very happy since I have never been able to snag a B744 flight. Plenty of A388, B738 and B77W time though.

Will see you there Ross!

[Steve S... 2]

You would think that Qantas would notice the demand and run another flight.

[Dave Dale]

Here’s hoping.

[Alex Lui]

My question would be how many seats did they eventually open for the Business class opportunity? I went in when I saw it and the Business seats were already gone...

[Brenden S]

I read in some online media today that there was only 160 seats in total being sold, however happy to be corrected.

[Dave Dale]

You are correct. The Qantas website said 160 economy seats.

[Greg Hyde]

It seems that any profits from the flights are going to be donated to HARS & QFM

[MarkR]

That’s what QF said! BTW the aircraft has been sold to South America.

[Sean L]

No confirmation yet on which company specifically?

[Ross Corrigan]

Just got an email from Qantas re the 747 farewell flight in Sydney this Monday. Pre-flight brunch in the Qantas Club and upon return the plane will go into a hanger where we will disembark and have the opportunity to see the aircraft up close and take photos. Wow! So pleased I was able to score a ticket. Hope the rather dire weather forecast doesn't stop the flight.

[MarkR]

Enjoy, sounds like a lot of fun. As it turns out my last 747 flight was 8 or so hours in 5b on VH-OJU in Sept last year from HND, great flight and glad she is carrying on as the RR test bed.

[bernard smith]

STD from gate 10 shortly. VH-TCN looks to be positioning to film the takeoff.

[Sean L]

That was awesome, OEJ banking over after takeoff. Got some great shots of it :)

[Sean L]

9 News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iflA0rjsVUE
ABC News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAPOlO0p8_k
Tim Bowrey26: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8gdDLLbv4A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMf7ut6UlvU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVJRA4k2OGg
NowGetThere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itQaxQMZfCk&t=472s
16Right_Media (Grahame Hutchison): https://www.instagram.com/p/CCkcY2pB5Yx/

[Chris Z]

Anyone know when/time OEJ ferries up to BNE for the joyflight?

[Alex Lui]

According to QF website:

QF6160 0730 (SYD) - 0900 (BNE)
QF747 1015 - 1130
QF6161 1630 (BNE) - 1800 (SYD)

Friday 17 July 2020:
QF6160 0930 (SYD) - 1020 (CBR)
QF747 1200 - 1315
QF6161 1700 (CBR) - 1750 (SYD)

22 July QF7474 1400 (SYD) - LAX

[lloyd fox]

My pics on flickr .So many people out there today.I have been lucky to have flown on 742,743 and 744.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/79487691@N07/50114206211/in/dateposted/

6 pics use right arrows Cheers.:)

[MarkR]

No confirmation yet on which company specifically?

Freighter conversion, South American.

[Ross Corrigan]

Was lucky enough to be on the Sydney flight of VH-OEJ. I created a short video of the last few minutes of the flight and put it on YouTube https://youtu.be/LoOlsWfr-rc

[Tom PER]

Freighter conversion, South American.

Was under the belief they’d been procured by GE for their CF6-80C2 for B767’s, can’t remember if they were for spares pool or installing on newly delivered factory aircraft. Could’ve been for FedEx planes??

Same as the engines coming off the KLM 744’s, those GE engines are in high demand for 76’s.

Not sure if that was the case with -OEF.

[MarkR]

Was under the belief they’d been procured by GE for their CF6-80C2 for B767’s, can’t remember if they were for spares pool or installing on newly delivered factory aircraft. Could’ve been for FedEx planes??

Same as the engines coming off the KLM 744’s, those GE engines are in high demand for 76’s.

Not sure if that was the case with -OEF.

They probably have different destinations for different aircraft, I note airfleets are
showing some as to be scrapped ( OEE, OEG & OEI) while OEJs fate was mentioned by the captain operating the BNE flight on radio.

[Greg Hyde]

What was the last QF 747 revenue service (excluding joyflights & pre-covid) ?

[Alex Lui]

QF 28 in March 2020.

It was operated by VH-OEE if I am not mistaken. It did a low fly of Sydney Harbour before landing.

[Greg Hyde]

thanks, Alex

29/03

[bernard smith]

And the helos are swarming for the pushback. 5 around the airport and 2 near the Bridge.

[bernard smith]

Info c. From 0400 to 0 6 0 0, expect delays due special event. Wind: 330/7, tw 6kts rwy 16. Rwy 34l for arrs & deps. Wx: Cavok. Tmp: 18. Qnh: 1024.

[bernard smith]

God speed!

[Sean L]

I got it from home. Made a magnificent flyover my place.

[Fred C]

I think she might be drawing a Roo on flight radar!

[Sean L]

I think she might be drawing a Roo on flight radar!

Mhmm, she is indeed.

[Laurent Sanhard]

2254

[Michael Mak]

The last revenue service looks to be QF28 SCL-SYD on 29/3 operated by VH-OEE.

[Greg Hyde]

From Skyliners

Boeing 747 -438ER 32914 1331 VH-OEJ Qantas posn / in svc on 747 farewell flight / ferried 17jul20 SYD-CBR-SYD, ferried 22-23jul20 SYD-LAX-VCV, for use as engine test-bed

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas sold its last 747, along with five others, to General Electric.

...Little has been reported as to exactly what General Electric Co plans to do with the Qantas 747s.

Full story

https://australianaviation.com.au/2020/07/qantas-last-747-prepares-for-final-flight-to-mojave/

[Yusef D]

well, they're not all going to be engine test beds.

[MarkR]

well, they're not all going to be engine test beds.

None of them I suspect, sold for the engines, GE already has a 744 test bed. Some news outlets are quoting Mr Joyce as saying only five are going to GE, which is interesting given the pilot of the joyflights said the last plane was going for a cargo conversion.

[Greg Hyde]

OEJ has made its final flight into retirement at MHV as QF7474 on 24/7

[Matthew Chisholm]

End of an era and very sad.

[Adrian B]

OEJ has made its final flight into retirement at MHV as QF7474 on 24/7

Article and video Here from 9 news (https://www.9news.com.au/national/qantas-last-747-arrives-mojave-desert-califonia-retired-sydney/e266f506-6aa0-45a3-9f64-17e32893a71d)

[Greg Hyde]

Video of last landing

https://australianaviation.com.au/2020/07/there-she-is-video-shows-very-last-747-landing-in-mojave/

[Jamie D]

The ex VH-OJL flew out of Victorville today for Nashville as N963JM, is this the first time its flown since retirement?

Found a video of the landing

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N1xb4-DsMig

[Greg Hyde]

From Skyliners

Boeing 747 -438 25151 865 N953JM Jet Midwest Group ferried 30jul20 VCV-MCI ex VH-OJL

Can't confirm if ff since retired ?

[Brenden S]

She was transported to be scrapped.

[MarkR]

At least some 747 history will remain in local hands, I will drink to that https://wine.qantas.com/p/Qantas-747-Full-Bar-Cart---including-delivery/QA747FBC_V

[Greg Hyde]

OEH was deleted from the register on 09/10 as exported to USA

[Greg Hyde]

The secrets behind the flying radar ‘Roo

As our national airline celebrates 100 years, here’s a special gift to avgeeks everywhere–the inside story of the famous ‘Roo in the sky

Many years from now, when the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic is over, we’ll still be talking about one of 2020’s aviation highlights—how, on a spectacularly sunny July day, people across the globe were transfixed by a Boeing 747’s final flight as it created a colossal, connect-the-dots ‘flying kangaroo’ over the Pacific Ocean.

It was a parting and nostalgic love letter of sorts, a farewell to all those aviation enthusiasts who followed its final journey online as it flew to the aircraft boneyards of the Mojave Desert.

Headlining this brilliant achievement was Qantas’ Boeing fleet manager, Captain Owen Weaver. The 25-year company veteran is unsurprisingly humble about his flying successes and acknowledges that the feat was ‘absolutely not achievable on my own’.

https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2020/11/the-secrets-behind-the-flying-radar-roo/

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OEI was deleted from the register on 15/02/21

[Greg Hyde]

OEE was deleted from the register on 13/04 as exported to USA

[Greg Hyde]

Exclusive: Inside Qantas 747 stored in boneyard for eight years

https://australianaviation.com.au/2021/05/exclusive-inside-qantas-747-stored-in-boneyard-for-eight-years/

[Greg Hyde]

OEJ was deleted from the reg on 02/06/21

[Greg Hyde]

Pictured! We find every Qantas 747 still in a boneyard

https://australianaviation.com.au/2021/07/pictured-we-find-every-qantas-747-still-in-a-boneyard/

[MarkR]

Pictured! We find every Qantas 747 still in a boneyard

https://australianaviation.com.au/2021/07/pictured-we-find-every-qantas-747-still-in-a-boneyard/

Bit of an inaccurate title, they didn’t find all of them!

[Brenden S]

Just trying to milk hits more like it.

[MarkR]

Good to see OJU getting a second life with RR, she’s in the background of this shot of an electric powered caravan.

https://aemo.com.au/newsroom/energy-live/largest-all-electric-commercial-flight

[MarkR]

Freighter conversion, South American.

Despite the rumours re GE my info turned out to be correct N329ZA (ex Wunala Dreaming VH-OEJ) is being converted to a freighter, owned by KALITTA AIR LLC which are not South American

[Kent Broadhead]

Despite the rumours re GE my info turned out to be correct N329ZA (ex Wunala Dreaming VH-OEJ) is being converted to a freighter, owned by KALITTA AIR LLC which are not South American

The pic linked here (http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=114316&postcount=193) suggests scrapping?

[MarkR]

The pic linked here (http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=114316&postcount=193) suggests scrapping?

Maybe I was wrong! Interesting, no doubt time will tell, I suppose flying her again saves posting the parts!

[Greg Hyde]

Resurrected! Qantas’ last 747 flies out of boneyard

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/06/resurrected-qantas-last-747-flies-out-of-boneyard/

[Brenden S]

What a poorly written article.....

[MarkR]

Was just looking at my past flights, last 747-400 flight was QF26 HND-SYD 1st Sept 2019, VH-OEJ !

[MarkR]

Maybe I was wrong! Interesting, no doubt time will tell, I suppose flying her again saves posting the parts!

Apparently Kalita have confirmed she a spares bird so my info was wrong, at least she was my last 744 flight and I got to see her off in style in 5b

[Brian Wilkes]

The cockpit has already been stripped clean according to those in the know!

[Greg Hyde]

Exclusive: Last Qantas 747 will never fly again

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/07/exclusive-last-qantas-747-will-never-fly-again/

[Tristan S]

End of the line for OJU as "Rolls-Royce axes testbed conversion plan for ex-Qantas 747-400"
https://www.flightglobal.com/engines/rolls-royce-axes-testbed-conversion-plan-for-ex-qantas-747-400/150039.article

[Steve S... 2]

It 'appears' the legendary ex QF 744 VH-OEJ will now fly again as a freighter with Kalitta Air as N784CK.

It was originally registered to Kalitta as N329ZA to be used as spares, but it has now been given fleet number 784 and due to enter the Kalitta active fleet according to planespotters.net

[Brian Wilkes]

It 'appears' the legendary ex QF 744 VH-OEJ will now fly again as a freighter with Kalitta Air as N784CK.

It was originally registered to Kalitta as N329ZA to be used as spares, but it has now been given fleet number 784 and due to enter the Kalitta active fleet according to planespotters.net

I doubt that. The aircraft has been gutted to the bone.

[Lauren J]

If true, that would make it the world's only converted 747-400ER to freighter!

[Mitchell M.]

It 'appears' the legendary ex QF 744 VH-OEJ will now fly again as a freighter with Kalitta Air as N784CK.

It was originally registered to Kalitta as N329ZA to be used as spares, but it has now been given fleet number 784 and due to enter the Kalitta active fleet according to planespotters.net

I wouldn't get my Hopes up as the previous aircraft to hold N784CK has been partially scrapped.

[Steve S... 2]

Stating how it 'appears' on planespotters.net

Time will tell if it is a mistake :)

[Rowan McKeever]

Planespotters also notes it as a spares ship under N329ZA and above that says it was owned by Zephyrus Aviation Capital. I suspect the most likely explanation is that it's reached the point in its parts donor life where ZAC is no longer interested in it and Kalitta has taken over ownership with a change of registration to go along with that.

[Zac M]

Just to put this all to bed….

Ain’t no way she’s flying again
https://www.planespotters.net/photo/1644223/n329za-kalitta-air-boeing-747-438er

Also of interest to some, plane tags has released some tags from VH-OEG

[MarkR]

Just to put this all to bed….

Ain’t no way she’s flying again
https://www.planespotters.net/photo/1644223/n329za-kalitta-air-boeing-747-438er

Also of interest to some, plane tags has released some tags from VH-OEG

Bit sad to see her go, OEJ was my last 744 ride when she took me from HND on QF26 1 sep 2019

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OJU which became N747RR as a flying test-bed for RR never took-off with the aircraft scrapped at MWH in Oct 2023 & deleted from N-Reg on 01/04/23