Howdee fellow transport fans.
Just like, what seemed to be half of Sydney, I went out on Wednesday to witness the departure of our final QANTAS 747.
Before a certain NSW far north coast twit starts throwing ill informed hate and accusations around again, I was well within current Covid19 guidelines.
While I've been a railfan for some 45 years, the increasingly dull rail scene has seen me gravitate more towards the aviation hobby since 2017. While I did take plane shots over the years prior, they were, regretfully, been few and far between.
During most of this time, I have eagerly sought out the 747, knowing full well that a time would come when they become a much less common part of our skies.
Still, you don't have to be a Plunzel to feel some pretty strong emotions as you watched our final 'Queen Of The Skies', VH-OEJ, taking off over Botany Bay for the very last time.
VH-EBC - Sydney Airport - Photo: Phyll Cockle - Brad Peadon Collection
Living right next to the airport, with a balcony that lets me watch them all day long, I am used to looking up and seeing our beloved 747 pass by multiple times a day.
To be honest, I don't think it has really sunk in that I shall never see our greatest aviation icon fly by ever again.
Anyway, with little else better to do with my life, I set out to get the last couple of commercial flights arriving home in Sydney, eventually followed by the last two as they left Aussie soil for the last time.
I've decided to chuck it altogether here on the blog.
I am none too knowledgeable about things aviation, so please tolerate my mediocre tribute to an amazing plane.
Please enjoy, or hate, even be indifferent, whatever you choose to feel about the below.
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Just like, what seemed to be half of Sydney, I went out on Wednesday to witness the departure of our final QANTAS 747.
Before a certain NSW far north coast twit starts throwing ill informed hate and accusations around again, I was well within current Covid19 guidelines.
While I've been a railfan for some 45 years, the increasingly dull rail scene has seen me gravitate more towards the aviation hobby since 2017. While I did take plane shots over the years prior, they were, regretfully, been few and far between.
During most of this time, I have eagerly sought out the 747, knowing full well that a time would come when they become a much less common part of our skies.
Still, you don't have to be a Plunzel to feel some pretty strong emotions as you watched our final 'Queen Of The Skies', VH-OEJ, taking off over Botany Bay for the very last time.
Living right next to the airport, with a balcony that lets me watch them all day long, I am used to looking up and seeing our beloved 747 pass by multiple times a day.
To be honest, I don't think it has really sunk in that I shall never see our greatest aviation icon fly by ever again.
Anyway, with little else better to do with my life, I set out to get the last couple of commercial flights arriving home in Sydney, eventually followed by the last two as they left Aussie soil for the last time.
I've decided to chuck it altogether here on the blog.
I am none too knowledgeable about things aviation, so please tolerate my mediocre tribute to an amazing plane.
Please enjoy, or hate, even be indifferent, whatever you choose to feel about the below.
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Second last arrival in regular (if that's the term) service.
VH-OEI From Johannesburg.
27-03-2020
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Last arrival in regular service.
Last arrival in regular service.
VH-OEE From Santiago
29-03-2020
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Second last 747 to depart Australia
Second last 747 to depart Australia
VH-OEE To Los Angeles and into the desert
16-06-2020
Video
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Sydney Joy Flight - Final time a QANTAS 747 will take off and land in Sydney on the same flight.
Sydney Joy Flight - Final time a QANTAS 747 will take off and land in Sydney on the same flight.
VH-OEJ - Joy flight around Sydney Harbour and back
13-07-2020
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All Good Things!
Last 747 to depart Australia, thus ending an era.
All Good Things!
Last 747 to depart Australia, thus ending an era.
VH-OEJ To Los Angeles for two days and into the desert
22-07-2020
Following takeoff, she circled round and back over the airport, as she headed to the city for one final flight down the harbour.
From there, it was down to HARS at Albion Park to fly over their preserved 747, before heading out to sea.
But there was one last surprise in store, before she continued on to Los Angeles and subsequent retirement in the desert.
Beautiful touch.
| Rego | Status - Time Of Posting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| VH-OEE | Stored - To Be Scrapped | Nullabor |
| VH-OEI | Stored - To Be Scrapped | Ceduna |
| VH-OEJ | Stored - Future Unknown | Wunala |
| Via airfleets.net |
In closing.
Just before OEJ left, we were treated to the arrival of UPS N609UP from Honolulu, which was a much needed reminder that, while our beloved QANTAS birds have all now flown the nest, the 'Queen' will still be around for us to enjoy for some years to come.
Just before OEJ left, we were treated to the arrival of UPS N609UP from Honolulu, which was a much needed reminder that, while our beloved QANTAS birds have all now flown the nest, the 'Queen' will still be around for us to enjoy for some years to come.
In a second installment, I shall drag out some older 747 shots taken around Sydney, and perhaps even Manila.
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