The Popes 747 Qantas Flight to Rome

[Robert Wood]

Hi,

The Popes flight number was QF6035 when it left Sydney, but internally within Qantas it had a flight number of QF155 via Bangkok.

A friend of mine within Qantas said only 4000 kg's of freight was onboard (very light) including some human remains?

Regards

Robbie

[Kelvin R]

I think there are two flights, QF155 was a 743 via BKK and left at 6:24pm and is on route to FCO (estimated arrival at 9:05 am). While the Pope left on a 744ER and landed at CIA last night.

I presume the human remains were the coffin (and remains) of Pier Giorgio Frassati who became a role model for young Catholics before he died in 1925 aged 24. His coffin was brought to Australia from Italy especially for WYD. Normally this would be an open coffin but this time had to be sealed.

[Grant Smith]

Originally Posted by Kelvin R

I presume the human remains were the coffin (and remains) of Pier Giorgio Frassati who became a role model for young Catholics before he died in 1925 aged 24. His coffin was brought to Australia from Italy especially for WYD. Normally this would be an open coffin but this time had to be sealed.

I find that somewhat morbid...

[D Chan]

Originally Posted by Robert Wood

Hi,

The Popes flight number was QF6035 when it left Sydney, but internally within Qantas it had a flight number of QF155 via Bangkok.

The Pope didn't fly via BKK. He flew SYD-DRW-CIA VH-OEE. Interior had special fittings, and of course the flags were fitted as well (to be shown probably through the cockpit emergency escape hatch upon arrival).

The flight you mentioned, as I recall, are for the pilgrims (special charters).

Open coffin is not permitted because human remains cannot be exposed inflight and classified a DG / bio hazard I believe.

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi All,

That explains why I saw OEE at Avalon last week, with more than normal ground crew / Maint. Crew working on her outside nearest hanger to Beach Rd.

They had the Engine Cowlings up and alot of action late at night.

Stuart

[Neil Hogbin]

Hi all, first post so dont shoot me if this is a dumb question.
Did OEE reposition up to Heathrow after arriving in Rome early Tuesday morning ?? I noticed that QF31 did not operate up from Sydney on Monday meaning there were only 3 arrivals here today, yet all 4 Qantas flights were scheduled to operate back southbound.

[Montague S]

Originally Posted by Neil Hogbin

Hi all, first post so dont shoot me if this is a dumb question.
Did OEE reposition up to Heathrow after arriving in Rome early Tuesday morning ?? I noticed that QF31 did not operate up from Sydney on Monday meaning there were only 3 arrivals here today, yet all 4 Qantas flights were scheduled to operate back southbound.

QF 6007 operated CIA-LHR yesterday morning then a/c turned around and operated QF 32 to SIN & SYD, should be in later this afternoon.

[Scott Lindsell]

Originally Posted by Grant Smith

I find that somewhat morbid...

Downright creepy. Not to mention just 'plane' weird!

[D Chan]

it's a pity QF couldn't send OEJ (Wunala) or OEB (new colours) on the mission. Certainly I feel it wouldve been better because of promotional purposes (OEB being new colour). Although OEB is one of the ugly sisters.

[Sarah C]

Originally Posted by D Chan

it's a pity QF couldn't send OEJ (Wunala) or OEB (new colours) on the mission. Certainly I feel it wouldve been better because of promotional purposes (OEB being new colour). Although OEB is one of the ugly sisters.

They couldn't use OEB because they needed an ER to do the second leg of the journey.