Final 743 flights.

[Bob C]

Hi Nigel

I misread my files ; I have VH-EBV operating its last service on 29/12 as LAX-AKL-MEL and then ferrying the same day to Sydney where it probably remains as you say.

Sorry for the mix up.

[Krzysztof M]

We've had a good weep together at the fence, so here we go for the very last time.


If you can't see it's the -300 approaching, you can certainly hear it.


The final wave.


That's it. No more.

[D Chan]

Here's a few from me. Have not enhanced these so excuse the graininess. Luckily the sun came out at the last moment and made things a little better I don't have stairs so I decided to stay in the car park.

1. changing of the guard (-400s are the only 747s left / no more F/E in QF)
2. nose gear off runway, they will never touch Australian soil again
3. Recognise yourselves?

[Sarah C]

Once again, lovely photos Krzysztof! Those shots really do show the beauty of the 300. Isn't it nice when the crew give you a wave like that!

[Krzysztof M]

Thanks Sarah. A word of explanation here on the wave from the cockpit. Full credit goes to fellow photographer Brianna McLaughlin whose gorgeous smile and enthusiastic wave undoubtedly softened the hearts of these pilots!

Also tremendous thanks to her dad and grandpa for an awesome day of spotting and all your help!!

Till next time,
K.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Originally Posted by Krzysztof M

Thanks Sarah. A word of explanation here on the wave from the cockpit. Full credit goes to fellow photographer Brianna McLaughlin whose gorgeous smile and enthusiastic wave undoubtedly softened the hearts of these pilots!

Also tremendous thanks to her dad and grandpa for an awesome day of spotting and all your help!!

Till next time,
K.

I think the fact that the F/O's parents were at the fence alongside us might have also had something to do with the wave too Krzysztof, but we all had a great time too.

Cheers

[NickN]

Awesome photos, and a sad day for Australian aviation, such a great aircraft to see.

[Radi K]

How come they didn’t remove the QF logo's etc like some previous retired birds?

Great shots, funny to think QF was a 747 Classic ONLY airline not that long ago.

How times change...

[Paul C.]

These 743's served their time very well. Great shots of EBW still in its 1980's paint job. I bet you its a very sad day for the QF staff and members too. Soon they will be just sitting there and fading away in the desert as getting slowly used for parts.

[Will T]

This notice has just been posted to crew:

The final 747-300 Classic aircraft, VH-EBV will depart Sydney on Tuesday 20th January 2009 at 1900.

The aircraft will be ferried via HNL to Marana in Arizona for storage, joining EBY and EBW. EBX is also at Marana but has been sold to Evergreen International.