Qantas Airways Boeing B747-400(ER) VH-OEF Departs Australian Shores for the Final Time!

On Sunday 9 February, the first of the final six Qantas Airways Boeing B747-400(ER) jumbo jets registered VH-OEF departed Australian shores for good leaving just five examples in the country.

Named 'Sydney', VH-OEF departed Sydney as QFA99 direct to Los Angeles on what is its final ever revenue service.

At just over 17 years old, VH-OEF was delivered to Qantas in October/November 2002.  Like the other B747-400ER jumbo jets, VH-OEF is powered by General Electric (GE) CF6 engines.

Of interest, VH-OEF was the airlines first B747-400ER variant to be delivered to the airline and the second of its kind to be built.  It is the first of its kind to be retired.  Moreover, Qantas was the only airline to order a passenger version of this aircraft.

VH-OEF at Sydney Airport in 2012  (File photo)

VH-OEF was re-painted into the 'New Roo' Qantas livery with 'One World' titles and logo in 2012.

VH-OEF at Brisbane Airport in 2018  (File photo)

Central Queensland plane spotters sadly never had the pleasure of photographing VH-OEF.  It is sad to see another jumbo jet leave Australian (and international) skies.

It is believed that after a lay-up at Los Angeles, VH-OEF will soon after ferry to be stored at the Mojave Desert in the United States of America.

UPDATE!  In the time since arriving into Los Angeles, VH-OEF ferried to San Bernardino where the engines were removed from the aircraft.  The aircraft and engines have reportedly been sold to GE Aviation Materials.

Photos taken by Grahame Hutchison and Lloyd Fox  ©