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

On Wednesday 3 June, the fourth of six Qantas Airways Boeing B747-400(ER) jumbo jets registered VH-OEI departed Australian shores for good leaving just two examples in the country.

VH-OEI arrives into Sydney in late 2018

Named ‘Ceduna’, VH-OEI departed Sydney empty as QFA6001 direct to Los Angeles following a short period at Sydney Airport.

At just over 17 years old, VH-OEI was delivered to Qantas in late June 2003.  Like the other B747-400ER jumbo jets, VH-OEI is powered by General Electric (GE) CF6 engines.

VH-OEI was re-painted into the 'New Roo' Qantas livery in 2011.  In 2014 it wore special stickers supporting the 'Socceroos' Australian Soccer Team in the Football World Cup.  While in 2019, it wore specials stickers supporting the 'Wallabies' Australian Rugby Union Team in the Rugby World Cup - as shown below.

VH-OEI approaching Brisbane Airport in late 2019

Central Queensland plane spotters sadly never had the pleasure of photographing VH-OEI.  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-OEI will soon after ferry to be stored at the Mojave Desert in the United States of America.

UPDATE!  On Friday 5 June, VH-OEI continued from Los Angeles to Mojave again as QFA6001.

File photos taken by Bernie Proctor and Lloyd Fox  ©