QF 744 retirement. Where is it at?

[MarkR]

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

Victorville is a CBP airport meaning costs are minimal (up to $300) for clearance, you can request customs and immigration at Mojave or Marana but it will be much more expensive and more difficult to arrange. Hawaii makes sense as it takes the hassle away and requires minimal crew. With OJI already running late I would imagine crewing is becoming more of an issue with the finite resources in place.

[Neil L]

Thanks Mark.

[Neil Hogbin]

Things don't seem to be going well for the A380 fleet at the moment. OQG went tech in LHR Sunday and was unable to operate the QF2 2125 departure. British Airways Engineering were on site and it was taken over to there base. OQL arrived Monday off the QF1 and was turned around to operate Sundays QF2 some 14 hours late. BA hope to have OQG ready for a late departure of todays afternoon QF10 departure.

[Dennis McLean]

I suppose you could say, what do you expect, when the 11 A.380's available for service (OQE in Manila in maintenance) are being flogged 7 days a week except for 2 days each week when DFW does not go on a Tuesday. With YVR flights also on at the moment the 11 744's are in use each day. No spares in the fleet with OJI gone.

[Ryan K]

Flogging the fleet to death like they are is causing issues. Last night's Tokyo service also cancelled - or pushed back to 10am today! No 747's available apparently. All this as OJI jets off to the desert for one last time. They need more aircraft pronto. One plane goes u/s and the whole network suffers.

[Tom Cleary]

Hi everyone.

You may be wondering what happened to the old QF 744's which were/still are at Victorville.
Late last year Qantas sold all their 744's in storage, this is what happened to them according to AussieAirliners:

OJB: Scrapped
OJC: Scrapped
OJD: Scrapped
OJE: In storage
OJF: Scrapped
OJL: In Storage
OJN: In Storage
OJO: Scrapped
OJP: In Storage
OJQ: In Storage

Also, I'm certain that OJM is going to go next, then OEB. OJM has been kept because it is in the new livery, and OEB is the youngest of all the QF 744's to be retired.

[Zac M]

Believe it or not, aircraft retirement is not based on age. You may be right that OJM will be next to go, however it may be OEB. It will be based on when the aircraft are due for maintenance checks, as OJM has just had a heavy check I would be more inclined to say that unless it goes for one soon OEB will be next to go, however it also depends on cycles, etc. Also remember that OEB has a shorter range (or so I'm told) than the Rolls Royce birds.

[Christopher Campbell]

So when could we expect the next 747 to be retired? I imagine SYD-HKG will swap from 747 to A330 within this FY. With SYD-JNB cutting back from 3rd January next year from Daily to 6 frequencies a week also help the 747 retirement. It's also interesting because apart from one retiring in FY16 it's unclear how many more will retire between now and the 787 delivery. Is it possible SYD-HND could also change from 747 too A330?

[Christopher Campbell]

If Qantas also changed SYD-HND from 747 to A330 that would retire another two 747s am i correct. However Im guessing SYD-HKG will be the first to change the A330 with SYD-HND in FY17.

[Brad Myer]

OJI was retired at the end of June so thats probably the FY 16 retirement?

JNB was only cut back to allow for the new SFO flights.

I cant see the B744 fleet being reduced any further based on the current schedule.

[Christopher Campbell]

Ok , but the document definitely states that the reduction from 12-11 747s with the OJI retirement was done in FY15. And it definitely states that a 747 is being retired in FY16.

http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/about/investors/2015InvestorPresentationSupplementary.pdf

On page 15

[MarkR]

OJI was retired at the end of June so thats probably the FY 16 retirement?

JNB was only cut back to allow for the new SFO flights.

I cant see the B744 fleet being reduced any further based on the current schedule.

The SFO flight needs were taken from the cessation of 744 services ex SYD/ MEL to LAX with AA taking over according to the qantas release at the time. Any JNB reductions would have been the result of the cessation of the codeshare with SAA and subsequent reduction in bookings.

"Qantas’ flights to San Francisco are made possible by American Airlines starting a direct daily Sydney to Los Angeles service from 19 December 2015. This will replace four Qantas’ B747 Sydney to Los Angeles services per week and one Qantas B747 Melbourne to Los Angeles service per week"

[Christopher Campbell]

Ok so yeah you are are right about SYD-JNB but that document from Qantas clearly states another 747 is retiring this FY. SYD-HKG most likely replaced by A330, possibly double daily A330 to retire another 747

[Christopher Campbell]

Since Alan Joyce a few weeks said that with reduction of some A330 east west services that we would put more A330s or international routes and he was particularly interested in Hong Kong especially to increase capacity.

[Brad Myer]

Mark,

You will find the Wednesday JNB flight that was dropped is the 6th weekly frequency for SFO.

[MarkR]

That makes sense, I missed the recent announcement.

[MarkR]

Ok , but the document definitely states that the reduction from 12-11 747s with the OJI retirement was done in FY15. And it definitely states that a 747 is being retired in FY16.

http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/about/investors/2015InvestorPresentationSupplementary.pdf

On page 15

Looking at that slide again, they are counting OJI as retiring this financial year, so there is no more retirements soon for the 744s. How do I come to that conclusion, well the same slide says one retirement in FY14 and FY15, yet two aircraft had their last flights in FY15, with OJA heading to the gong.

[Patrick M]

Is VH-OJM the next to go? It hasn't flown since 23rd December.

[Fred C]

OJM is not due to go until the end 2016. It is in for maintenance at the moment.

[MarkR]

OJM is not due to go until the end 2016. It is in for maintenance at the moment.

Not surprising given current fuel costs, I note QF have not had any new for sale listings for a while.

[Brad Myer]

I doubt if QF will be retiring any B744s before the B789s arrive.

The international fleet is stretched at the moment and delivering record results.

Infact Im guessing QF wish they had held onto 1 or 2 additional B744s and had them all refurbished so routes like YVR etc could be year round, and additional frequencies added to SCL, SFO etc

[Fred C]

Here is a short QF video about fitting a V-Pod to a 747.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWfA3I_cALs&feature=youtu.be

[Alex Lui]

According to flightradar24.com, VH-OJM is back in action,

Flew January 7 to HND as QF25 as it flew January 8 back as QF26 and is now enroute to JNB as QF63.

[Dennis McLean]

OEB went to HKG for maintenance on 10 March, not due out till mid May. I guess it will be getting its cabin refresh done at the same time. Any bets it will come out with no First Class like the 9 which have been done?

If so then I suppose OJM will be done. OJM has been to HKG for maintenance a few months ago so only the cabin refresh will be needed.

[Steve S... 2]

By the time OJM is retired, it will be the longest serving 747-400 to have flown for QF. Am I correct?

[MarkR]

OEB went to HKG for maintenance on 10 March, not due out till mid May. I guess it will be getting its cabin refresh done at the same time. Any bets it will come out with no First Class like the 9 which have been done?

If so then I suppose OJM will be done. OJM has been to HKG for maintenance a few months ago so only the cabin refresh will be needed.

I don't think it will get its cabin refreshed at the same time, I still think they will have a look at what might be available re a newer product than the Skybed Mk2 which is now quite dated.

[Dennis McLean]

But remember that OJM and OEB will be the first 2 744's to leave the fleet after I guess 3 789's are in service. My thoughts are 2 x 789 -1 744 and the
3rd 789 - 2nd 744. Then when nos 4-8 of the 789s are delivered, OJS, T & U will be gone. I read the 6 x 744ER's will be here into the early2020's.

5x 744s = approximately 1800 seats and 8 x 789s at the "heresay" figure of 250 = 2000. So there is not much room for expansion??????

[Christopher Campbell]

they need to order another 16 787-9 for delivery between FY2020-FY2022 for a total of 24 787-9s for real expansion. this would mean an extra 2000 seats or 8 aircraft.

[Brad Myer]

Wouldn't be surprised to see OJM/OEB as the only B744s retired when the first B789s arrive. The international division is performing well and will need the initial B789s for expansion rather then replacement. I see OJS/T/U sticking around for a little while longer.

As for the refurb of OJM/OEB… Its only cosmetic, they are not replacing any of the seats, they simply refurbing them with new cushions and seat covers to match the rest of the B744/A380 fleets. Carpets and curtains will also be replaced. Bulk heads and toilets will get a minor refresh.

Both OJM/OEB will be retired as soon as the first few B789s are in service. Leaving only the 9 fully refitted B744s in service.

[Christopher Campbell]

Do you think QF will confirm more orders late next year for the replacement of the last B747s?

[MarkR]

Wouldn't be surprised if they firm up some options, maybe not next year though. I would expect the ERs to last a while, oil price dependant.

[Christopher Campbell]

so maybe the first 8 for replacement then another 6-8 for expansion with ERs retiring by 2022/23 being replaced by 787-9 and 777-8 possibly. when would be the last chance they have to confirm another the next group of options into firm orders? late last year QF it was the last chance they could confirm the first options for the 787. it was two before years the first delivery. Does that mean the last chance to firm for the next options of 787s would be late next year?

[MarkR]

when would be the last chance they have to confirm another the next group of options into firm orders? late last year QF it was the last chance they could confirm the first options for the 787. it was two before years the first delivery. Does that mean the last chance to firm for the next options of 787s would be late next year?

Qantas had some slots reserved during the initial rush of orders. That rush has now subsided so I doubt there is much pressure on slots further down the line, after all they have sold a massive 1 787 this year so far. Qantas will probably firm orders when the 787-10 is closer, after a comparison with the A350. They may also decide to take up the remaining A380s, depending on CASAs stance on longer ETOPS ops.

[MarkR]

ERs retiring by 2022/23 being replaced by 787-9 and 777-8 possibly.

Or they could be replaced by 747-8s, someone just placed an order for 4.

[David Knudsen]

Sadly those 4 announced orders are for freighters according to CNBC (http://www.cnbc.com/2016/04/07/reuters-america-boeing-lands-four-orders-for-747-8-freighter-first-of-the-year.html), but at least it keeps the line moving.

I've read in a few different places that Qantas would be revisiting the 747-8 once project ozark's targets were reached. Wishful thinking perhaps.

[Christopher Campbell]

Could Qantas ever order B747-8F to replace the -400F?

[Oliver Gigacz]

Qantas don't own any B744Fs they wet lease them off Atlas Air, so I doubt that they will order any large freighters in the near future.

[Christopher Campbell]

Oh yeah I forgot about that!

[Dennis McLean]

I think you will find that QF will NOT buy any more 4 engine long range aircraft again. The rest of the 380's will not happen and neither will 747-8's. look at what will be available soon, 787-10, 777-8, long range which it has been quoted will do SYD to Chicago easily, and would also do PER/LHR, etc, etc.

[MarkR]

I expect they will, simply because two engines is not viable on some of their routes, such as South Africa and Chile etc. Qantas does not have the luxury other airlines experience of getting approval for ETOPS beyond 180. As an example, look at SYD-JNB, ETOPS180 comes with a four hour penalty as VA discovered, which makes it not viable.

The range quotes you often see in the press don't take into account the regulations Qantas is forced to operate under, so they will never happen under QF ops.

[Dennis McLean]

OEB is on its way back from HKG to SYD, after almost 2 months maintenance, on QFA128, due at 06.38am. It appears that OEG has taken its place in HKG maintenance as it did QFA127 yesterday. So when is OJM's turn for the "cabin refresh etc.?? OJM arrived from JNB yesterday at 2.40pm on QFA64 and has not moved yet.

[Alex Lui]

Scheduled to do QF25 tonight 10 May 2016.

I would be assuming OJM will go in maybe after OEG comes back?

[MarkR]

It will go when it's due for a major, not before, as it does not make sense $$$ wise.

[James Smith]

Does anyone know if QANTAS 744 VH-OJT is in Hong Kong for maintenance? It's last recorded flight on Flightaware was QF127 to HKG on 26 September, 2016.

Also, is VH-OEG stuck in LAX? It's last flight looks to have been QF12 from JFK - LAX on 11 October, 2016.

I'm doing a roll call of the 11 QANTAS 744s.

[Fred C]

OJT is indeed in HKG for maintenance for another 5 days.
OEG is also stuck in LAX at the moment as you have suggested.

[James Smith]

Thank you Fred for the confirmation. This makes it tight for Qantas with only nine serviceable 744s. Yesterday's QF127 to HKG, returning this morning as QF128 was operated by A333 VH-QPC. Also an A333 today with VH-QPA operating QF127.

I guess this shows the flexibility and adaptability of the Qantas fleet, especially with two services each day from SYD - HKG.

[James Smith]

B747-400ER VH-OEG returned to Sydney this morning as a positional flight from LAX - QF6005.

[C Patters]

Any update on OEG's situation? She hasn't flown again since arriving back in Sydney from LAX. Maybe an engine change??

[Greg Hyde]

From QF Source

QANTAS B747-400ER VH-OEG Los Angeles Technical Issue.
October 11, 2016
QANTAS Boeing 747-438ER VH-OEG operated QF12 New York JFK – Los Angeles this evening, however its next scheduled flight as QF16 Los Angeles – Brisbane was cancelled due to a technical issue.

QANTAS B747-400ER VH-OEG Returns from Los Angeles.
October 15, 2016
Following the technical issue it encountered on 11th October, QANTAS Boeing 747-438ER VH-OEG positioned Los Angeles – Sydney in the early hours of this morning as QF6005.

[James Smith]

VH-OEG is operating QF11 to LAX today so is back in service.

[James Smith]

VH-OJT returned to service operating QF128 from HKG this morning. Possibly replaced in maintenance by VH-OEI which operated QF127 to HKG yesterday.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know what is wrong with VH-OEE? It arrived into MEL from HKG on 23/10 but hasn't flown since & QF127 was cancelled today perhaps indicating a shortage of 747's.

[James Smith]

From the ACARS logs it looks as though VH-OEE operated QF30 from HKG - MEL arriving yesterday 24/10/16. Normally the aircraft then operates two return flights to LAX on Monday and Wednesday before returning to the HKG route on Friday, Saturday and Sunday ex MEL. The timetable of arrivals and departures for QF29/30 and QF127/128 into HKG does allow for a changeover of 744s to occur in HKG on either of these three nights.

According to the QANTAS timetable it looks as though QF95 was not scheduled to operate yesterday and the same with the return QF96. Probably VH-OEE will operate QF95 tomorrow 26/10/16 as normal.

I can't see that this has a bearing on the cancellation of QF127/128 today and the return flight tomorrow. If there was a shortage of 744s often an A330 is substituted. However, QF117 did operate to HKG as scheduled today.

There maybe some other contributions to this post.

[Rowan McKeever]

A QF B744 was noted at MEL conducting engine runs today (Tuesday) - given scheduling etc I've no doubt this aircraft was OEE.

Agree with James, unlikely it's anything more than a coincidence that today's 127 was cancelled, and it sounds like Monday's 95 was a scheduled non-ops. OEE could not have been scheduled to operate Monday's 95 and Tuesday's 127, it's not physically possible without positioning the aircraft empty LAX-SYD... and even then it'd be quite tight.

[James Smith]

VH-OEE is operating QF95 from MEL to LAX today. It flew over close to SYD about 20 minutes ago. So, the aircraft is fully serviceable after a two days rest when QF95/96 did not operate.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know why VH-OEF hasn't flown since arriving into MEL from HKG? Technical issues? Seemed weird that OEI positioned to MEL instead of SYD after returning from maintenance.

[Christopher Campbell]

How many B747s could we expect to leave at the end of 2017 with the introduction of the 787 replacing the B747 on MEL-LAX?

[Rowan McKeever]

Pretty much only one. If that.

The B744 operating out of MEL currently does 2 LAX flights a week, plus 3x MEL-HKG. This only requires one aircraft.

If, say, the other 4x MEL-HKG per week went to he B744, that would free up 4/7 of a line of A330 flying for something else. So it's not necessarily that a B744 is out just because the B789 takes over MEL-LAX.

[Greg Hyde]

Also, late 2017 is the peak travel season (Dec 2017 to Aus Day 2018) so they may keep extra aircraft in the fleet until the peak as passed.

Meaning, the first aircraft may now go until Feb 2018.

[MarkR]

It may be peak, but by that stage oil pricing could also see ops by 744s as very expensive, which may be a significant factor.

[Phil Stevens]

OEJ is apparently due to spend 2 hours on the ground at Stansted on 15 Dec, then head straight back to Australia. Seems a long way to come just for a full English breakfast!

[Martin Buzzell]

Why's OEJ at Stansted?

[MarkR]

Charter for the usual religious group perhaps?

[Martin Buzzell]

Blessed are the Cheese Makers?

[Adrian B]

the meek???

[Greg Hyde]

From this months Airliner World

United Accelerates 747 Retirement UNITED AIRLINES will retire its Boeing
747 fleet in the fourth quarter, a year earlier than planned.

Company President Scott Kirby revealed on January 11 that the carrier
will bring forward the retirement of the 20-strong fleet in a message to
employees, saying: “As deeply connected as we all are to this iconic
aircraft, the time has come to retire our 747 fleet from scheduled service.

“It’s a bittersweet milestone – this jumbo jet with its unmistakable
silhouette once represented the stateof-the-art in air travel. Today, there
are more fuel-efficient, cost-effective and reliable widebody aircraft that
provide an updated in-flight experience for our customers travelling on longhaul
flights.”

United introduced the 747 in 1970, flying between California and Hawaii but,
with a major overhaul of its long-haul fleet under way, the jumbo’s time is up.
The airline has 32 Boeing 787Dreamliners in service and has just
taken delivery of its first 777-300ERs: N2331U (c/n 62642) and N2332U (c/n
62643). It also has 35 Airbus A350-1000s on order, with deliveries due to
begin next year.

Kirby said the airline would ensure a “smooth transition” to other fleets for
staff who work on the 747, adding that the airline was planning an “unforgettable”
retirement celebration.

[Zac M]

What does that have to do with the retirement of QF 747s? Maybe worth its own thread rather than posting it somewhere that its somewhat irrelevant???

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[Dennis McLean]

If we look at the 744 flights that will still occur?? after the retirement of 2x744's at 30 June 2018, easy to guess OEB and OJM, we have the following:-

BNE/LAX/JFK Daily = 2
SYD/SFO Daily x 2 and SYD/LAX 2 = 2
SYD/HND Daily and SYD/JNB Daily ex 3/ex 4 = 3
SYD/SCL 2357/3461, with the 3/4 flights being the 3/4 that does NOT go to JNB = 1
That is 8 aircraft without considering YVR in the holiday periods. If the 380 goes on SYD/HKG daily that leaves one 744 spare presumably for Vancouver.

Any comments??

[James Smith]

Dennis, I presume that when QF9/10 becomes a 787-9 that QF11/12 will become a daily service with the Tue 744 no longer needed, which could be placed on QF73/74, which doesn't operate on Tuesday ex SYD, apart from peak periods. They may redeploy 787-9 when aircraft 5 & 6 are delivered to SFO, start ORD or open YVR to 787-9, either daily or 3 pw - 1 or 2 787-9s. Another option is to make QF15/16 a 787-9 service which gives 2 744 when aircraft 5 & 6 are delivered (I don't have a date or month for these deliveries apart from 2017/18). QANTAS may not want to do this as the LAX-JFK leg would be operated by a smaller aircraft than present but the only other option is with an A380 as the MEL to LAX 787-9 will be too late to hub with the other LAX connections? HKG would be one retirement but also remember that MEL-HKG is operated by a 744, 3 times a week, I think, with A333 on the other days. They may only retire one 744 after March, 2018. Lots of permutations to ponder.

[Dennis McLean]

James, the QF schedules for the 2nd week of April still show a 744 on 11/12 and SFO x2. I forgot about the MEL/HKG 744, but that could be a candidate for the 2nd freed up 380. Remember the 380's are going in for "half life" maintenance from late 2018 so if each aircraft takes say 2 months?? that accounts for 2 years when an A 380 will be OOS.
It is probably all speculation at the moment as there are so many thoughts about as to where Aircraft 5-8 will be used.. I believe that the 789 deliveries are July 18 - 5, August 18 - 6, November/December 18 - 7 and April 19 - 8.

There is also a round the world trip with a 744 from 22 April to 18 May 2018 I think with all 4 classes for sale. That would be OEB or OJM

[Dennis McLean]

I meant a 744 on 2 for 11/12

[MarkR]

They may only retire one 744 after March, 2018. Lots of permutations to ponder.

The investor update mentioned the fleet changes:

First 4 dreamliners to enable two 747s to be retired.
Next 4 (JUly-Nov 2018) will enable three more 747s to go.

Dec 2018 will see widebody fleet 50% twin 50% quad.

[Greg Hyde]

The Qantas Boeing 787-9 will support the airline's cost reduction efforts. (Qantas)

The Boeing 787-9 will support Qantas’s cost reduction efforts. (Qantas)
Qantas is aiming for cost savings of $400 million a year for the three years to 2019/20 as the Boeing 787-9 replaces older 747-400s and the use of new technology and innovation supports a more efficient operation both on the ground and in the air.
The airline group spelled out the target at its investor day presentation to the financial community on Friday.

The $400 million in “gross annual benefits” would “more than offset expected annual inflation of $250 million” in the three financial years to June 30 2020, Qantas said.

“This is driven around a lot of new technology, a lot of existing changes to our businesses and how we operate them,” Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said during the company’s investor day held at its Mascot headquarters.

“There are revenue benefits to this as well as costs.

“I think this plan is supported by our people.”

The company reaches the end of its three-and-a-half-year transformation program on June 30 2017 that it says has reduced costs by $2.1 billion and improved operating efficiencies in the business through higher aircraft utilisation, a 5,067 reduction in staff, withdrawal of older aircraft such as the Boeing 767 and other measures.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/05/qantas-targeting-400-million-in-annual-savings-over-next-three-years/

[Fred C]

VH-OJM will be gone by the beginning of August.

[Christopher Campbell]

So what services will be cut when it leaves?

[Dennis McLean]

Fred, I presume you mean 2018??

[Neil L]

No...2017 is correct....will be retired this year

[Fred C]

So what services will be cut when it leaves?

Alas that is not my department thus I do not know.

[Stefan Perkas]

So what services will be cut when it leaves?

Other forums state that Melbourne-Hong Kong goes to an A330-300.

[Shaal L]

mel-hkg showing on QF website timetables page as A333 from 30/8

[MarkR]

Obviously some people are unhappy with the 747s going

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_WNzY2VwAAH85-.jpg

[James Smith]

I can't get the pop up "View Flight Details" to work after 29/8/17. Is that the screen on the QANTAS website that you were using to show the A333 on QF 29/30 from 30/8/17, Shaal?

[Fred C]

When a 747 goes off for heavy maintenance for a month or three they don't usually "drop any services" The slack is taken up by flying the other aircraft harder. I suspect having OJM gone will be like this.

[Shaal L]

I can't get the pop up "View Flight Details" to work after 29/8/17. Is that the screen on the QANTAS website that you were using to show the A333 on QF 29/30 from 30/8/17, Shaal?

yes that's right James ,view flight details screen is the one , although it seems to be not working atm . but if you hold the cursor on the red triangle , at the bottom of my screen it shows a line of a whole bunch of text with the aircraft type right at the end .

[James Smith]

Thank you for that tip, Shaal. I will no longer have to take my frustration out on the pop ups!

As QF29/30 is currently a daily service with a 744 this is the first retirement, presumably VH-OJM after 30/8/17.

I wonder from which route QANTAS will reallocate the A333 for QF 29/30?

[Alex Lui]

I think what you will find is the A330-200 fleet having increased utilization on International routes. A majority of Singapore flights from Melbourne / Sydney / Brisbane are operated by the A330 fleet. It is a mix between the -200 and -300 fleet. I would expect that is where you get the A330-300 from.

Alex.

[MarkR]

Both airlines have been shedding capacity on the transcon legs, VA to allow for HKG intro and QF are following. Makes sense, QF 747 product would struggle against VA 330.

[Greg Hyde]

Obviously some people are unhappy with the 747s going

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_WNzY2VwAAH85-.jpg

Pie man charged with providing false details, and Mr Joyce told reporters today he intended to press assault charges.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce to press charges against pie-thrower opposed to same-sex marriage

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-10/qantas-boss-alan-joyce-to-press-charges-against-pie-thrower/8513596

[MarkR]

OT but you don't press charges in Australia, at least not in a criminal sense. Maybe the pie thrower should spend some time with Alan, I have, and have to say it changed my opinions on the man, through gentleman.

[NathanJ]

VH-OJM will be gone by the beginning of August.

Is there any word on OJM's final sectors and departure date?

[Neil L]

Expected final flight to Victorville will be 30 July. Final flights to be confirmed

[NathanJ]

Any news on OJM?

[Neil L]

Still expected the 30 July

[Fred C]

Just doing a last trip to JNB. Then stays in SYD until its final departure on the 30th Jul as the QF73 and then on to MHV. :(

[Sarah C]

Fred's post is correct. Will any spotters be out there on Sunday for the final departure?

[Nigel C]

Just doing a last trip to JNB. Then stays in SYD until its final departure on the 30th Jul as the QF73 and then on to MHV. :(

So it's now completed its final revenue flight?

[Neil L]

Nigel. QF73 should be operating a normal passenger flight from what I have been told hence that would be its final revenue flight. Sad to see another one going

[Nigel C]

Sorry, misread Fred's post....so it's the last landing in Sydney completed?

[NathanJ]

Any ideas how many hours / cycles OJM has travelled?

[Reece perram]

Does anyone know any rough times for departure?

[NathanJ]

QF73 normally departs @ 1300.

[Fred C]

Yes, OJM has completed its last landing in SYD. One more revenue flight to SFO at 1300 on Sun 30th July.

Thanks for the photos on SYD Airport Facebook Nigel.

OJM has accumulated around 13750 Landings and 117280 Hours. I think the hours are a record for a QF aircraft, certainly the highest on the 747 fleet.

[Reece perram]

Thanks, might be @ the beach to see her go

[Nigel C]

Yes, OJM has completed its last landing in SYD. One more revenue flight to SFO at 1300 on Sun 30th July.

Thanks for the photos on SYD Airport Facebook Nigel.

OJM has accumulated around 13750 Landings and 117280 Hours. I think the hours are a record for a QF aircraft, certainly the highest on the 747 fleet.

Thanks Fred. I'm glad you, and around 1900+ others 'liked' them!

That's a pretty impressive number of landings and hours!
Out of interest, what would the landings totals be for the high frequency domestic B737's once they retire?

[James Smith]

Is VH-OEB the next QF 744 to retire or will one of the S,T,U's be next?

[Zac M]

OEB is due for retirement next, I believe when the first 787 is delivered but dont quote me on that!

[NathanJ]

OEB isn't expected to leave til mid next year as far as these articles are concerned...

https://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-refreshes-boeing-747-first-class

http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/04/tour-company-to-use-qantas-boeing-747-for-inaugural-private-around-the-world-charter/

[MarkR]

I doubt it will change the schedule but with OQCs woes in Dubai there is a bit of a hole in the schedule at present, with OQK in Manilla.

[Fred C]

Out of interest, what would the landings totals be for the high frequency domestic B737's once they retire?
The 300 freighters have about 45000 landings on them.
The early 800's have exceeded OJM's total landings by 10000, however only half the hours.:D

[MarkR]

Another data point is ZXE when she left, 55124 hours and 33764 cycles.

[Kent Broadhead]

VH-OJM rotated at around 1.30pm today on its flight to SFO. Plenty of people at the beach and the fence, and an enthusistiv flight crew waving :)

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OJM may of completed it's final flight when it ferried from SFO to MHV on the 30/07.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHOJM

[Greg Hyde]

Oldest Qantas 747 retires to the desert

http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/07/oldest-qantas-747-retires-to-the-desert/

[Dave Dale]

A nice little article about VH-OJM in the Daily Telegraph

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/gosford-747-aircraft-retired-after-26-years-in-service-for-qantas/news-story/1ca4097e3dabd52ddc13134aba4adf89

[Greg Hyde]

From skyliners

Boeing 747 -438 25067 857 5N-HMB MaxAir ferried 04/10-11aug17 CBG-CTN-YQX-MZJ ex VH-OJK

[Peter H.]

Thinking ahead but will Qantas still be flying 747 to San Francisco late 2018 early 2019 or are there plans to use another type

[Christopher Campbell]

When is the next B747 due to retire?

[Dennis McLean]

OEB is doing a 1 month world tour in April/May 2018. I guess sometime not long after that???

[MarkR]

All non ER aircraft will now be retired by end of 2019 according to todays financial results.

[James Smith]

The QANTAS round the world charter with Constellation Journeys departs Sydney on Sunday 22 April, 2018 for 21 days visiting Hanoi, Delhi, Kilimanjaro, Marrakech, New York, Havana, Tahiti returning to Sydney on Saturday 12 May, 2018.

I understand that VH-OEB will be operating this charter as it is the only QANTAS 744 still with first class and at $78k or $20k more than business plus you wouldn't settle for anything less!

Is it still anticipated that OEB will be retired as soon as this charter is completed?

[Radi K]

An extra 20K for this seat - more money than sense - or is that cents ;)

https://i.imgur.com/3rSD6DB.jpg

[Mike W]

Although we all know, first class is much more than a 'seat'

[James Smith]

Does anyone know what time the Constellation Journeys QANTAS B744 charter on OEB departs Sydney for Hanoi tomorrow. There are no details listed on the Sydney Airport International departures site.

OEB arrived from Santiago late on Thursday afternoon and hasn't flown since in readiness for its 21 day adventure.

[James Smith]

I can now answer my own question. Flightaware is showing OEB as operating QF6031 to Hanoi which is scheduled to depart from Sydney at 10:30 this morning.

[Conor M]

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-orders-more-dreamliners-sets-date-to-farewell-jumbos/

So all Jumbos will be out of the fleet by end of 2020. :( I would have liked to see a few of them stick around for routes like YVR, HNL, etc

[MarkR]

The rising fuel prices must have accelerated plans for the 747 demise.

[Kent Broadhead]

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-orders-more-dreamliners-sets-date-to-farewell-jumbos/

I would have liked to see a few of them stick around for routes like YVR, HNL, etc

Do they need the extra capacity on those routes? By 2020 the newest 744ER will be 18YO, so it's not too much of an early retirement, from a QF perspective

[Greg Hyde]

From todays announcement

Qantas has 10 747-400s currently in service, comprising six GE-powered 747-400ERs (VH-OEE thru OEJ) delivered between 2002 and 2003, a single GE-powered 747-48E (VH-OEB, built for Asiana in 1993 and acquired by Qantas in 1998) and three RR-powered 747-438s (VH-OJS, OJT and OJU) delivered in 1999-2000. The airline says it will “steadily” retire the 747 “between July this year and the end of 2020”.

[James Smith]

In yesterday Airline Routes Online posting on QANTAS services to Hong Kong it stated that the last 744 service to HKG was tentatively scheduled for 12 December, 2018. This will allow a further non ER 744 to be retired after one is retired in July, 2018, possibly OEB which is 25 years old.

The full post follows with the last sentence applicable:

QANTAS in recent schedule update filed preliminary operation on Sydney – Hong Kong route for Northern summer 2019 season, effective 31MAR19. For NS19, QF127/128 service will be operated by a mix of Airbus A330 and A380, compared to Boeing 747 and A380 in NS18.

Operational aircraft from 31MAR19, up to 06JUN19, as follows.

31MAR19 – 26APR19 A380
27APR19 – 08MAY19 A330-300
09MAY19 – 06JUN19 A330-200

Schedule on/after 07JUN19 will be gradually filed in on weekly basis.

QF127 SYD1020 – 1800HKG EQV D
QF117 SYD1420 – 2200HKG 332 D

QF128 HKG2000 – 0725+1SYD EQV D
QF118 HKG2325 – 1050+1SYD 332 D

With the recently updated schedule, QANTAS tentatively schedules last 747-400 service to Hong Kong on 12DEC18, although further changes remain likely.

[Joseph Saragozza.]

Silly question. Is there any particular reason as to why OEB has not flow to LAX for quite some time?

[MarkR]

Silly question. Is there any particular reason as to why OEB has not flow to LAX for quite some time?

OEB is doing odd jobs before she retires next month. Putting her on routes where F is not sold gives QF good flexibility.

[Dennis McLean]

I think while OEG is in maintenance in HKG, A.380's OQI in maintenance in SYD and OQG being painted in DXB there will be no retirements just yet. Wait till the new 789's take over QF15/16 at the beginning of September and see what happens.

[MarkR]

I think while OEG is in maintenance in HKG, A.380's OQI in maintenance in SYD and OQG being painted in DXB there will be no retirements just yet. Wait till the new 789's take over QF15/16 at the beginning of September and see what happens.

The regular maintenance was known when the retirement in July was scheduled, only way I can see it delayed is a couple of unexpected issues, ie OQB out of action for five days with a nose wheel issue

[James Smith]

According to Flightaware VH-OEG did a 3 hour 21 minute test flight from Hong Kong so she should be headed back from there in the next few days.

[Dennis McLean]

Will she be replaced by another in maintenance, probably??

[James Smith]

Maybe not until after 30/7/18 as QF74/75 is operating to Vancouver during July, although QF127/128 is an A380 during July, so one 744 can be redirected from HKG to YVR.

Maybe, it will be determined on when OEB is retired, due for sometime in July. OEB for the last two weeks has been operating exclusively on the JNB/HND rotation.

[Fred C]

OEH will be heading up to HKG for a D check on the 30th Jun.

OEB will not be retired until the first quarter of new year.

[Zac M]

OEH will ops 127 tomorrow going into maintenance with OEG operating the return.

OEB will also be operating to SFO this afternoon

[MarkR]

OEB will not be retired until the first quarter of new year.

Financial or calendar?If that is the latter its quite a change from previous info released on market, which I suppose is bound to happen from time to time.

[Fred C]

Calendar. One of the Rolls Royce powered aircraft will be the first to go later this year.

[MarkR]

Calendar. One of the Rolls Royce powered aircraft will be the first to go later this year.

Thanks, makes sense to get rid of the rollers first.

[James Smith]

One 744 will be available for retirement when QF15/16 is operated by 789s from 1/9/18; a second when QF55/56 is operated by 789s from 1/12/18 and a third when QF127/128 is operated exclusively by A380s seasonally and A330s at other times from 13/12/18. Also, it was announced that 744s would be retired from July, 2018 which could be one of the rollers, if OEB is remaining until 2019.

With OEB to be retired in the first quarter of 2019, OJS, OJT and OJU could all be retired in 2018, although it will be a tight fit with six 744s operating QF25/26, 27/28, 63/64, 73/74 and 75/76 seasonally, with current timings.

A look at the QANTAS timetables in April 2019 indicates that all these flights, apart from QF75/76 which is seasonal, will be operated by 744s. It will be interesting to watch developments. With SFO services commencing from MEL I thought it was a good opportunity to schedule services from SFO to SYD and return from the MEL services on some days of the week to free up some 744 capacity.

Fred, do you know the schedule of 744 retirements for the remainder of 2018?

[NathanJ]

744 will also be used SYD - HNL from December...

"There were also adjustments to Qantas’s North American network, with Sydney-Honolulu to receive a capacity boost over the summer months when a Boeing 747-400 replaces the A330 that normally serves the route.
The use of the 747-400 between December 7 2018 and Easter 2019 means Qantas will be able to offer premium economy to Honolulu, given its 747s are configured in three classes (business, premium economy and economy) while the A330s have just business and economy"

[James Smith]

I forgot about QF3/4 being a 744 from 7/12/18 to Easter 2019. That will one 744 exit by 5 months.

[Fred C]

It would seem that there will only be one 747 retirement this calendar year. They will not be retired as you may think they will be i.e.: Rollers first then ER's. It will be based on when heavy checks are required amongst other things.

[Max C]

There's also some more 747 flying to be announced shortly.

Most likely SYD-PER to free up some 737's due to staffing issues.

[James Smith]

OEG did return to service operating QF128 from HKG overnight and has just departed SYD for JNB.

[Dennis McLean]

It has been replaced by OEH in maintenance in HKG

[Max C]

https://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-to-fly-boeing-747-sydney-perth-airbus-a330-perth-singapore?utm_source=hero

[Brenden S]

I have heard along the grapevine that OJU followed by one of the ER's are going. Like all things, who knows what is going to happen.

[Tom PER]

It looks like OEE, OEF, OEG and OEH have all undergone heavy checks in the last 18 months so would imagine these 4 ER's are safe.

Whilst OJT, OEI, OJS, OEJ, OJU and OEB (in that order, with OEB being the most recent) have all undergone C checks.

As Fred C has posted other factors are taken into consideration but my money is on OEI and OJT as the next for withdrawal as neither of these 2 have had an extended hangar visit since 2016, that said it all depends of whether OEI is put through another D check as it can't be too far off.

I believe the B744's on QF3/4 to HNL have been bought forward to August also.

[James Smith]

QF3/4 will be operated by 744s from 20/8/18 - 5pw.

[MarkR]

I have heard along the grapevine that OJU followed by one of the ER's are going. Like all things, who knows what is going to happen.

Today’s results indicate a retirement this month so it must be close.

[Zac M]

OJT will be first to go it seems, possibly as soon as next week as mentioned in the previous post

[MarkR]

Thanks Zac, I will be sad to see each one go!

[Brenden S]

OJT was the first Jumbo I ever flew on.

[Dennis McLean]

Well OJT ferried BNE/SYD after its last QF16 on Sunday and then went to HNL last night, on the way back now. Wonder when it will be withdrawn???

[Dave Dale]

I came across this article about Qantas and the 747 on the route to New York. It's quite interesting I thought.

https://airlinegeeks.com/2018/09/01/a-changing-of-the-guard-qantas-retires-legendary-boeing-747-from-iconic-new-york-to-los-angeles-route/

[MarkR]

Well OJT ferried BNE/SYD after its last QF16 on Sunday and then went to HNL last night, on the way back now. Wonder when it will be withdrawn???

If she doesn’t go anywhere today I think it will be soon

[Dennis McLean]

OJT has not moved since arrival in SYD from HNL Monday afternoon. OEF still in BNE since Monday presumably for QF55 Thursday. OEH currently on QF575 SYD/PER domestic.

[Zac M]

I read on facebook that OJT will depart on the 22nd as QF11 and will not return. It will operate a few services between now and then.

[MarkR]

Could well be the case, I note you cannot buy a ticket SYD LAX that day and the daily timetable shows an A380 op that flight number.

[Jarden S]

I see OJT did a SYD to SFO flight yesterday 10 Sep and has not returned.
Will they keep the other 9 as they seem to be very busy at the moment, until the next 2 787s come it may have room to retire another one.

[MarkR]

She is coming back QF74 is not due to depart for another 5 odd hours!

[Dennis McLean]

According to OAG, QF is operating Flt 17 on 22 September by 744 at 11.25am arriving in LAX at 08.10am. There is no return to Australia, so presumably it is OJT on its way to the desert.

[Dennis McLean]

Another change for OJT. OEF and OJT swapped in LAX on Tuesday USA time with OEF returning to SYD on QF12 this morning and OJT arriving in BNE at 05.41am today on QF55. I now understand that OJT will do QF55/56 BNE/LAX/BNE arriving on 22 September. It will then go QF55 on Sat 22/9 to LAX for its last pass. flight as there is no QF56 on that day. Then to its final resting place.
Can anyone confirm?

[Rowan McKeever]

Another change for OJT. OEF and OJT swapped in LAX on Tuesday USA time with OEF returning to SYD on QF12 this morning and OJT arriving in BNE at 05.41am today on QF55. I now understand that OJT will do QF55/56 BNE/LAX/BNE arriving on 22 September. It will then go QF55 on Sat 22/9 to LAX for its last pass. flight as there is no QF56 on that day. Then to its final resting place.
Can anyone confirm?



That’s the info I have - off to LAX this evening as QF55, then one final rotation through BNE on Saturday, then positioning from LAX into storage.

[Chris Z]

Positioning from LAX to storage to be broken up. OJT will be parted out, and chopped. No further flying for this one.

[MarkR]

Positioning from LAX to storage to be broken up. OJT will be parted out, and chopped. No further flying for this one.

Qantas have it for sale as a complete unit.

[Chris Z]

...yeah she’s sold. As a complete unit. To the choppers. QF6019 to MHV on the 25th.

[Chris Z]

OJT was de branded yesterday at LAX for her trip to the boneyard.

[MarkR]

OJT was de branded yesterday at LAX for her trip to the boneyard.

Am I the only one who thinks "why bother"?

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas Boeing 747-400 VH-OJT retired

And then there were nine.

The Qantas Boeing 747-400/400ER fleet is down to single digits after the retirement of VH-OJT.

The aircraft named Fraser Island operated its last revenue service in Qantas colours on Saturday September 22, when it took off from Brisbane as QF55.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/09/qantas-boeing-747-400-vh-ojt-retired/

[Greg Hyde]

Am I the only one who thinks "why bother"?

Airlines don't seem to like vision (pics/video) of their branded aircraft being ripped apart during scrapping.

[Greg Hyde]

OJT has made her final flight to the desert.

[MarkR]

Airlines don't seem to like vision (pics/video) of their branded aircraft being ripped apart during scrapping.

You mean airline (Qantas) dont seem to like vision, given pretty much every other aircraft is branded at Mojave!

[Greg Hyde]

This might be of interest

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

[Zac M]

Contrary to my previous posts regarding B747 retirement, it appears that OEI will in fact be going for a D-Check in October at some point!

[Dennis McLean]

QF55/56 (744) BNE/LAX/BNE operate 4/10 to 8/10, 2 return flights with the aircraft terminating in SYD on the morning of 8/10. So a 744 could go for maintenance then. QF55/56 (744) recommence on 12 November 2-3 days a week till end of November with 789 operations starting on 1 December. ZNG due for delivery on 13/11 and ZNH 26/11.

[Mackenzie Davis]

OEI looks to be heading for heavy maintenance in HKG, positioning SYD-HKG as QFA6015 this afternoon.

[Greg Hyde]

OJT was deleted from Oz Reg on 03/10

[Robert Zweck]

A few B747-400 questions....

When did the B744 type replace the A333 on QF 3/4...early 2018?

Since when has the B744 operated QF 73/74.....forever?

What are the other current destinations for the B744?

Has a date been pencilled in for the final revenue flight of type?

[James Smith]

Robert, the 744 commenced operations to Honolulu on 20/8/18; has operated the 744 to San Francisco since QF resumed services there; QF currently operate the 744 internationally to Hong Kong, Tokyo Haneda, Santiago, San Francisco, Johannesburg, Los Angeles and Honolulu. Also Vancouver seasonally with Hong Kong and Los Angeles to cease 744 operations in December, 2018; all QF operated 744s will be retired by the end of 2020.

[Dennis McLean]

OEI due to ferry back to SYD from HKG today after maintenance at 07.25am HKG time, due at 6.41pm, QF6016.
Will OEJ replace it in HKG as I think this is the next for maintenance??

[James Smith]

It looks as though OEI did a 3:30 hour test flight from Hong Kong yesterday. I think that they have done maintenance on the 744ERs in registration sequence with OEJ the last to be done.

It will be interesting to see if OEJ goes into maintenance before Christmas as the work is taking 6 weeks or more to perform. Also, with excess 744 capacity with the last Tuesday Sydney to LA 744 service on 27 November, 2018; Sydney to LA additional seasonal 2 pw service from 14 December, 2018 to be operated by A380s; Brisbane to LA operated completely by 789s from 1 December, 2018 and the last 744 service to Hong Kong on 30 November, 2018, OEJ may be able to be spared before or even with another 744 retirement. There are at least two 744s involved with these services.

[MarkR]

Two more retirements
OJS on Feb 17 and OEB April 4.

[MarkR]

Two more retirements
OJS on Feb 17 and OEB April 4.

Looks like OJS has been stuck in HNL for two days!

[C Patters]

Does anyone know what’s wrong with OJS?

[Sarah C]

I would like to be stuck in HNL for two days :p

Enroute now to Sydney,.should arrive tonight unless there are more storm related diversions

[Nigel C]

OJS is due to operate her final flight out of Sydney this Sunday as QF73 to SFO.
She'll then ferry to Mojave for scrapping I believe.

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas Boeing 747-400 VH-OJS retired

And then there were eight.

The Qantas Boeing 747-400/400ER fleet is down to eight aircraft after the retirement of VH-OJS.

The aircraft, named Hamilton Island, operated its last revenue service in Qantas colours on Sunday February 17, when it took off from Sydney bound for San Francisco as the QF73.

Full Story

http://australianaviation.com.au/2019/02/qantas-boeing-747-400-vh-ojs-retired/

[James Smith]

Checking QANTAS schedules the last 744 QF3/4 service to HNL is on 28 August, 2019 ex SYD. A333 operates from 30 August, 2019.

[Christopher Campbell]

and 787 Tuesdays and Thursdays from the 29th August. A330 other days

[James Smith]

That is a Jetstar 787 showing on Tue and Thu - the days QANTAS doesn't fly to HNL with it's own aircraft. QANTAS will fly daily ex Tue and Thu with A333s.

[Christopher Campbell]

That is a Jetstar 787 showing on Tue and Thu - the days QANTAS doesn't fly to HNL with it's own aircraft. QANTAS will fly daily ex Tue and Thu with A333s.

At yeah I missed that

[Greg Hyde]

OJS was deleted from the Oz register on 01/03

[James Smith]

I have just noticed in the NRMA Open Road magazine that Constellation Journeys is advertising a 20 day around the world trip on a chartered QANTAS 744. The dates are from 30 September to 19 October, 2019 with the 744 advertised as having an "A380 interior" with 2nd generation fully flat business class seats, upgraded premium economy and economy seats. With OEB being retired in April there is no first class offered on this trip.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know if OEB is still scheduled for retirement tomorrow April 4 as previously reported?

[Fred C]

OEB will be around until the end of April.

[James Smith]

OEB is operating QF27 to Santiago today so wont be back in Sydney until late tomorrow.

[C Patters]

Any update on when OEB will head to the desert for retirement?

[Rowan McKeever]

Last I heard, her last departure from Australia is early next week (Tuesday?). That may have changed, as these things do but particularly with JQ down a 787 and one of the 747s in mx in HKG.

[Erik H. Bakke]

So after this, there's only OJU and the ERs left, then?

[Fred C]

OEB will now be staying until at least the end of May. (Information subject to many variables)

[Dennis McLean]

I have just worked out the 744 fleet requirements for the first week of July (1st-7th) from the QF Schedules. 6 aircraft are required Daily with a seventh required every day except Tuesday. SYD/JNB Dly, SYD/SFO Dly, SYD/HND Dly, SYD/HNL 13567 and SYD/SCL 2357. On 5 nights an aircraft is on the ground overnight in SYD. The Monday aircraft stays till Wednesday, the 2 Thursday aircraft stay till Friday and the Saturday aircraft stays till Sunday.

Dennis

[James Smith]

Thanks for your research, Dennis.

One aircraft will be freed up when HNL 744 services cease from the end of August. However, an aircraft is required for the 20 day around the world 744 charter from 30 September to 19 October, 2019 and YVR services from 12 December, 2019.

Seven aircraft will therefore be needed until the end of January, 2020. Maybe the eighth aircraft will be retired when OEJ returns from maintenance around the end of May.

On the other hand, three 789s are due for delivery late this year and could free up more 744s for retirement. At this stage there is no change to any of the aircraft operating the current 744 routes in the QANTAS timetable through to April, 2020.

[Dennis McLean]

Hi James, thanks. I did look at the week of 16-22/12 and found 7 aircraft were needed. Dennis

[Kent Broadhead]

It's almost a pity that OEB is unlikely to see its 30th birthday. It must bump up the fleet age average noticeably on its own.

[Steve S... 2]

Am I correct to say that OEB will be the oldest Qantas 747 (at retirement date) ? ie nearly 30 years old.

[Dave Dale]

Unlikely, she’s currently 25 years young. I think OJM was the oldest at 26 years.

[Steve S... 2]

I just checked the PlaneSpotters fleets as I was curious - OJM (the oldest at retirement) got to 25 yrs 10 mths and OEB is currently 25 yrs 9 mths - OEB may well exceed OJM, which is kind of a shame as OJM served with Qantas the entire time and OEB only since 1998.

[Kent Broadhead]

For some reason I had 91 rather than 93 in my head for OEB. She is an oldie.

[James Smith]

The following item is from the Aviation Herald about OJUs engine shut down and diversion to Cairns. The aircraft still looks to be in Cairns over 2 days later. I love the use of the word "drifted" in describing the slow descent. It looks to be the number 2 engine.

A Qantas Boeing 747-400, registration VH-OJU performing flight QF26 (dep May 11th) from Tokyo Haneda (Japan) to Sydney (Australia), was enroute at FL350 over the Pacific Ocean north of Papua New Guinea when an engine (RB211) emitted a loud bang, streaks of flame followed by sparks and was subsequently shut down by the crew. The crew drifted the aircraft down to FL290, later FL250 and diverted to Cairns (Australia) where the aircraft landed safely about 135 minutes after the engine went bang.

The airline confirmed the crew shut an engine down.


Source: http://avherald.com/h?article=4c7dda0b&opt=0

[Rowan McKeever]

‘Drifted’ is a great term, but personally I can’t go past “landed safely... after the engine went bang”. Technical term right there, priceless!

[Yusef D]

Drift down is a technical and yes prosaic term, for descending gently using remaining power on good engines after an engine failure.

[Rowan McKeever]

Drift down is a technical and yes prosaic term, for descending gently using remaining power on good engines after an engine failure.



I was referring, sarcastically, to the phrase “the engine went bang” being a technical term. Agree with you re ‘drift down’.

[James Smith]

Interestingly, according to Flightaware, OJU took 8 hours 24 minutes to reach Cairns and on its last flight from Haneda to Sydney took 8 hours and 41 minutes.

Apart from drifting down in altitude she drifted down in speed on three engines for over 2 hours as the flight time from Cairns to Sydney is nearly 2.5 hours. OJU is still in Cairns.

There is an account on the Aviation Herald website of what was experienced on the plane by a passenger on the flight. Vibrations were experienced on the plane until it landed in Cairns.

[James Smith]

B744 OJU positioned from CNS to SYD late yesterday afternoon, 16 May, 2019 arriving around 18:00.

[James Smith]

B744 OJU returned to service operating QF73 from SYD to SFO yesterday evening, 17 May, 2019.

[C Patters]

Any update on when OEB will be heading to the desert for retirement?

[Chris Z]

OEB is reported to be headed to Mississippi and she won’t be retiring as such.... to be chopped up into coke cans.

[Greg Hyde]

From Qantas source

QANTAS B747-400 VH-OEB Operates Final Passenger Flight.

Jun 2, 2019

QANTAS Boeing 747-48E VH-OEB operated it’s final passenger service this evening as QF73 Sydney – San Francisco.

[MarkR]

OEB is reported to be headed to Mississippi and she won’t be retiring as such.... to be chopped up into coke cans.

Strangely enough she is at LAX at present

[James Smith]

After arriving in SFO, OEB flew QF6021 to LAX where, as Mark says, she is at present, possibly being prepared for a more sedentary life in the desert.

And then there was seven, U and the ERs.

[Rowan McKeever]

Strangely enough she is at LAX at present



QF has a maintenance facility at LAX where no doubt OEB is being stripped of usable parts before moving on to the next phase of her ‘life’.

[MarkR]

I’m well aware of the LAX facility, however it’s the first time I have see it used on a retiring aircraft. Perhaps due to the smaller fleet it has been thought prudent to locate spares at LAX off the aircraft or maybe this was previously done at Pinal and trucked across, if she is going straight to the scrappers that’s obviously not an option with her.

[James Smith]

OEJ did a 3 hour test flight yesterday after the completion of maintenance in HKT, so if all went as it should she will be on her way back to SYD shortly. The retirement of OEB and the return of OEJ after over a month and a half away is probably not coincidental to keep the number of operational 744s at seven.

[Greg Hyde]

OEB is more obvious since it did not terminate its service in LAX.

Most will spend some time (days) at LAX having useful (low time) parts removed and replaced with older parts.

They normally paint over the Roo on the tail.

Also, I expect they remove any QF specific IP (reset to factory settings)

[James Smith]

OEJ is scheduled to depart HKT shortly for its return to SYD after maintenance as QF6024 and is due to arrive at 6:20 tomorrow, Thursday morning.

[James Smith]

QANTAS is operating some one-off domestic 744 services late this year and early next year. These flights look to be scheduled services to position the aircraft for Antarctic flights from the respective cities and may be the last flights there before the retirement of the 744s in late 2020.

Qantas Airways in Northern winter 2019/20 season schedules limited-time Boeing 747-400 service on selected domestic routes, to/from Sydney. Planned operational schedule as follows. Note planned 747 operation remains subject to change.

Sydney – Adelaide
QF743 SYD1840 – 2015ADL 744 23NOV19
QF736 ADL1235 – 1500SYD 744 25NOV19

Sydney – Brisbane
QF524 SYD1200 – 1230BNE 744 09NOV19
QF529 BNE1205 – 1440SYD 744 11NOV19

Sydney – Melbourne
QF417 SYD0830 – 1005MEL 744 31DEC19
QF439 SYD1400 – 1535MEL 744 15FEB20

QF438 MEL1400 – 1525SYD 744 01JAN20
QF400 MEL0600 – 0725SYD 744 17FEB20

Source: https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/284681/qantas-schedules-boeing-747-domestic-service-in-nw19/

Checking Antarctic flights website there are 744 flights scheduled from Adelaide on 24/11/19 and Brisbane on 10/11/19 which coordinate with the domestic positioning services. One Melbourne service is the New Year's Eve/Day Antarctic flight.

[Greg Hyde]

OEB has made its final flight from LAX to Tupelo

[MarkR]

Bye Bye OEB, did GE buy her for the engines?

I see OEG has been busy with charter work into ROK

https://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/2019/06/qantas-airways-boeing-b747-438er-vh-oeg.html

[Greg Hyde]

New series Inside Mighty Machines

An episode called "Jumbo Jet" shows the breakup of the 747 at a MS facility.

This may be the final home of VH-OEB

Find via your favourite search engine.

[MarkR]

Pretty sure Tupelo is her final destination, previous Air Pacific jumbos have been dismantled there including the former VH- ANA

[Nigel C]

Yep, she went to Tupelo, and cruised there at FL450.

[Dave Dale]

OEB has made its final flight from LAX to Tupelo

It had a last hurrah on display...

https://www.wtva.com/content/news/Aviation-Experience-features-Boeing-747-400-Aircraft-511354291.html

[Greg Hyde]

OEB was deleted from the register on 14/6

[James Smith]

Looking at the QANTAS timetable into mid 2020 the last flights of 744s on various routes and other 744 services are:

The last 744 service to HNL departs SYD on Wednesday 28/8/19.
The last 744 service to SFO departs SYD on Tuesday 3/12/19.
QANTAS will operate a 20 day around the world 744 charter from 30/9/19 to 19/10/19.
They will also operate 744 services to YVR from 12/12/19 to 25/1/20 and from 25/6/20 to 30/7/20 ex SYD.
There are also four one-off Antarctic flights between November, 2019 and February, 2020 coupled with return domestic re-positioning 744 services to various cities in order to operate these flights.
The last 744 service to SCL departs SYD on Tuesday 23/6/20.

This leaves services to JNB and HND as the only regular 744 flights until replaced by 789s or other aircraft in late 2020.

[Dennis McLean]

VH-OEE has been in HKG since 14/8, presumably for maintenance??

[Fred C]

Thats correct Dennis.

[Christopher Campbell]

‘Lord Howe Island‘ VH-OJU last commercial flight (SYD-LAX) will be on the 13th of October. An email from Qantas has confirmed that this will be a points flight.

[Dennis McLean]

The round the world trip needs 1 aircraft from 30/9 to 19/10, so presume that OEE will be out of maintenance before that. The last HNL service ends on 29/8. SCL runs 2357 from 24/9 to end of S19 season. I guess they will be able to "shuffle" the fleet around

[James Smith]

OEE returned from maintenance in HKG just before curfew on Sunday night 1/9/19.

[James Smith]

The Constellation Journeys' QANTAS 20 day around the world 744 charter from 30/9/19 to 19/10/19 departed Sydney last Monday for Seoul. VH-OEE is operating the charter and the places visited are:

Seoul - 3 nights; Jerusalem - 3 nights; Valletta (Malta) - 2 nights; Barcelona - 3 nights; Cartagena (Colombia) - 3 nights; Lima (Cusco/Machu Picchu) - 3 nights; and Easter Island - 1 night.

There is another Constellation Journeys around the world charter scheduled for 2020 using a QANTAS 744 between 29 April, 2020 and 16 May, 2020.

[James Smith]

I have just found an article on a website called Oz Traveller dated 12 September, 2019 on QANTAS pushing back the 744 retirement date into 2021.

The article in part states that:

Despite Qantas announcing they would be retiring their final seven 747s by the end of 2020, the retirement date has apparently been pushed back to 2021.

A memo to Qantas Operations staff has gone out saying this.

It is speculated that new slots opening up at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport have something to do with this.

Japan has recently allocated four slot pairs, including two for Australian carriers, at Haneda.

Qantas already has overnight 747-400 Sydney-Haneda-Sydney flights. There is speculation Qantas will add daytime flights to their Haneda roster, keeping a couple more 747’s busy.

And that would only account for one slot pair of the two available.

Pushing the 747 retirement back to 2021 would allow Qantas to maximize opportunities at Haneda at a time when Australia-Japan air traffic is growing rapidly.

To date, Qantas has not publicly confirmed pushing back the retirement date of their 747s.

Source: https://oztraveller.com.au/2019/09/12/qantas-747-retire-2021/

This was written before Virgin Australia applied for one of the slots allocated to Australian airlines.

Is there any likelihood that QANTAS will keep their 744s operating just for the Japan route into 2021? The article does not say for how long into 2021 the 744 flights would continue. It may just be until the start of NS schedules in March 2021.

The inference of two 744 flights per day operating from Sydney to Haneda seems to be capacity overkill when two A330 size aircraft per day would achieve the two flights per day more economically, if two aircraft are available.

Is there any truth to the claim that a QANTAS memo has been sent to Operations staff confirming this?

It is a pity that an A380 can't operate to Haneda as there will be spare capacity after the aircraft refurbishments have been completed in 2020.

I doubt that QANTAS would split the Tokyo services with an A380 operating to Narita and an A330 to Haneda from Sydney when the new slots are approved and diverting one of the existing Narita flights from Melbourne or Brisbane to Haneda.

[MarkR]

Doubt the change has got anything to do with Haneda, QF may have decided to use the capacity for seasonal flights and hence end of 2020 becomes early 2021 if in fact it’s true. Unlikely to use A330 on the new slot ex Syd, more likely ex JQ 787 equipment as they phase out the type for A321LR, although they could use the ex JQ 788s to free up A330s.The other slot of they get it will see the MEL NRT A330 rerouted to HND as a daytime flight.

[Greg Hyde]

Is there life after QF for OJU

https://twitter.com/Qantas/status/1183170556121747456

[Dennis McLean]

At the very moment 14.45 - OEE in CTG, OEF in SYD, OEG on the way to SCL, OEH in SFO, OEI on the way to HND at 13.24, OEJ on the way from JNB 13 mins to go.

[James Smith]

OJU has departed SYD for LAX as QF99 on its last flight for QANTAS with passengers. And then there were six 744s.

This week will see QANTAS with only five 744s with OEE on the Constellation RTW charter until Saturday. To get by there is no QF63 today, no QF73 tomorrow and added to the usual no QF63 on Wednesdays and no QF73 on Thursdays will see them through until the six are available.

[Sean L]

Btw, I'm pretty sure that OJU the last of the Rolls Royce powered QF 744s right?