A few people are asking why masks weren't being worn and the simple answer is that they weren't required. Both at the time and even now, the ACT government and health authorities were saying masks were unnecessary in public places. They were provided in the fly well packs if people wished to wear them. Otherwise thanks for the comments everyone!
#SafetyCard. The best moment on the 747 was when the crew was kind enough to let me visit the cockpit during the flight and on the ground. I had a great moment and the pilots where amazing. They even let me stay in the cockpit for 5 minutes on the ground showing how they are preparing for the next flight😁✈️🙂
#safty card, I have never got the chance to fly the Qantas 747 because I'm only a kid with I dream to be a pilot for Qantas but my mum got to sit in the cockpit for landing in a 747! it would mean the world to me if I got the giveaway. btw I love ur vids and keep up the good work, by griffin
True story: I am an American citizen married to an Australian. I got my permanent residency in 2016 and have been living in Perth. My 24 year old American grandson was diagnosed with glioblastoma, terminal brain cancer. On his bucket list was to come visit me in Australia. So I flew to Arizona to fly back to Perth with him. We almost didn't get to fly because upon checking in, when they discovered he had cancer, they pulled us aside, looked at all his medical papers he was carrying, and then they called their medical staff. The last bit was they put Justin on the phone and asked him if he was actively dying. He said no, because he wasn't at that time, and then Qantas went into full gear in the best flight experience I've ever had. They escorted us to the lounge - I've only flown economy so I had no idea what that was like - it was amazing. Then when we were seated in our economy seats, one of the crew came up and told us there was a mix up in our seats and we had to move. We were fine with that. I was thinking we were just being moved to another seat in economy but no, they surprised us and gave us seats in business! Beds and all! This was on the 747 LAX to Sydney long haul. And around the last hour of the flight they took us upstairs to FIRST CLASS for that experience. When we landed they brought Justin and I into the cockpit! We got to sit in the pilot's seats and meet the Captain. I have photos of it all. And when Justin's 10 days in Australia were done, when we took him to the Perth airport, the check in crew told me he had been earmarked for special treatment and he was treated with extreme kindness his whole journey back. I can NEVER thank them enough for what they did. Sadly he passed away 6 months later, but he talked about that trip always. Thank you Qantas. Thank you for what you did for my precious grandson, Justin Boley. I will never fly any other airline.
I’ve been where you have been since my dad passed from the same thing. This may be the worst diagnosis. The trip was a blessing to you as only some with compassion could do. Kudos to Quantas!
@@eyeglasslady9266 I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. It's a very hard journey to go through with someone you love so dearly. I wish you healing and peace.
I know this was posted 2 years ago, but it still makes me cry. Not getting the opportunity EVER, to fly in the Qantas 747. My favourite memory of the 747 though, is when I was flying from Sydney - San Fransisco, entering the international terminal, looking for the United 787 that we were flying on, and seeing the Qantas 747 parked next to our aircraft. An exceptional aircraft it is and it's sad to see it go. Thank you SO much for sharing your experience to some people, like me, who have never flown on the Queen Of The Skies before. We will all always keep you in our hearts!
I was an aircraft refueller in Cairns for 14 years, and the child of an airline captain since 1968. I have flown on every version of the 747 over the last 47 years and I will miss the Queen of the skies. There will never be another like her. This video left me in tears.
i was on that flight at january 1990 from SYDNEY to JAKARTA, indonesia thank you QANTAS for your service and also mr.paul stewart for upload this memorable moment for this queen of skies last flying on australia sky
There’s never going to be any other aircraft like Qantas 747, it’s not just an icon of aviation of the world and Australia, when you step in the 747 it makes you feel like home, that’s why this giant will always be special.
I'm in tears, lm so sad to see our grand lady go into retirement she took me as a young 19 year old overseas in the mid 70s then many trips to the States in later life. I always remember the most reassuring feeling l got when l entered the cabin it felt like the womb of Australia. The staff were always welcoming and kind and l wish our grand lady could have retired in our desert so l could easily go visit her. Miss you 747
Great video! Hope, but doubt BA will offer flights for av geeks! Remember flying to Oz on a Qantas 747-300!to see my girlfriend who is now my wife. Would love to get my son onto one before they go.
#safetycard - This video made me cry, hearing and feeling that takeoff thrust as she so majestically lifted off for the last time in commercial service, I felt a great deal of emotion in that moment. Hearing the Captain say he will be retiring himself along side the Queen, is bittersweet... • The Qantas 747 has a particularly special place in my heart, I was born in Adelaide and moved to Canada when I was just 6 years old, I spent those very early years surrounded by family and friends and a familiar country, but even at that age a lot of things are blurry and hard to recall, it was my first aviation experience, the reason I fell in love with aviation... A Qantas 747 took me from one side of the world to the other and it's the only childhood memory I can recall in vivid detail, back then it was the SYD - LAX - JFK route, I remember disembarking at LAX to refuel in the middle of the night and returning to our exact seats after stretching our legs, an exhausted mother was contrasted by the sheer excitement of a young boy staring at the Queen of the Skies through the terminal's large glass window parked and illuminated by the bright apron lights. She's the airline and the aircraft that took me to a new life, I am now 20 years old and although I am now a dual citizen with a rather thick & noticeable Canadian accent, the Qantas 747 will forever be that link between my origins and the life I have today and the root reason for what started my passion for aviation and pursuing my pilot's license. I'm sure, for many, like myself- the Qantas 747 was and will always be a symbol of pride and patriotism for Australians, even as an Aussie overseas. ~Thank you so much for sharing this experience Paul- for all us who won't be able to fly the Queen with Qantas again, you really did her justice!
Girls dont know what life is then..Life is the sky and beyond!!! WE LOST A QUEEN!!! Sorry I'm an aviation Professional and it hurts when people dont understand the sentimental value of such things..
I never got the chance to fly on Qantas' 747s but I feel fortunate to have flown on an ANZ flight from AKL-SFO when I visited the US years ago. Sad to see this gorgeous girl getting retired to Mojave, the flying kangaroo 747s are going to be missed in Aussie skies. Great video mate. Sad to see these gorgeous birds retired but you gave her one great send off. As did the crew and all the staff. Just recalled a favorite memory and had to edit. When I was planning on going into commericial aviation as a career, on my first nav flight out of Essendon I saw one of these gorgeous birds airborne from a few thousand feet above. Leg plan was Essendon-Bacchus Marsh-Ballarat-Colac-Avalon-Essendon. Coming back through Avalon I got to catch one of the 747s in the circuit area, seeing this bird from 2000 feet above is a special memory. Gorgeous afternoon sun glinting off her panels. I honestly wanted to stick around the Avalon pattern just to watch.
I was on this flight with you and just want to say thank you for producing a great video capturing the memories of the day. My wife and I were in 50 A & C and we feel so fortunate to have been able to experience the last ever passenger flight. Have to admit a few tears were shed both on the day and just now watching your video. I have to agree with your comments, whenever i have been overseas and arrived at the airport and seen the Qantas 747 I always felt like I was home, a feeling of safety and security. To me the 747 is and always will be the symbol of Qantas.
My first flight was on a TWA 747, with my Dad, in the Summer of 1971. I was 10 years old and it so! changed my life, to an infatuation with the plane. I remember there was written on the divider between classes, AMBASSADOR SERVICE, which, for whatever reason, put me in a state of wonder. Well, 49 years later, I'm still NUTS about the 747 and truly wish that more airlines had bought the 747-8 passenger model, so there would be more opportunity to fly them. I DID, on Friday morning, drive to LAX to watch the final take off of the QANTAS 747, for Mojave. LOVED seeing it, though what a sad day. CHEERS to the QUEEN.
As someone who remembers when Boeing first announced there plans for the 747 as 707’s still ruled the skies, it saddens me to see these great queens of the skies retiring. As a retired corporate pilot I know it’s just part of life, but still sad. I recall flying in a Pan Am 747 back in 1970 ish?? And still remember thinking what a wonderful aircraft it was. Now there all disappearing. BA just announced they are parking all there 747 fleet, for good. Guess now is the time if you haven’t had a chance to fly in one of these marvelous aircraft you best hurry up before there all gone. #safetycard
Me too, I flew in a PanAm 747 before Qantas had one, and have revered them ever since. Waste of a perfectly good aircraft. But yes it's life and the bottom line.
So sad to see so many airlines dropping the 747.. the real queen of the sky’s and such a ground breaking airline. We flew a Qantas 747 when we emigrated to Australia and I have loved this aircraft ever since.
I have only flown twice on a 747-400. The very first time was 2006 on Cathay Pacific and my second was in 2014 on Virgin Atlantic's "Cosmic Girl". A big and beatiful machine. Sadly my national airline "Air New Zealand" retired their 747-400's a few years back.
What a wonderful video! It brought tears to my eyes. The music, your narration... was perfect. So bittersweet. Watching her shadow across the ground was like watching her kiss her homeland goodbye, for the last time. I would have loved to have sat in your seat, but if not me, then so happy it was you, who shared this experience with the rest of us. Americans love Australia and her people. Thanks again for the great video!
What a tribute, it’s so fantastic that Qantas allowed for this to take place, to mark what the 747 has done for the world and for Qantas. I will be sad to look up into the sky and not see a 747 here in London as Virgin Atlantic and BA have gone ahead with retiring them all. Although all the way over here in London unable to even visit Australia, I can’t thank you enough for documenting this extremely poignant flight. Will always remember my very first Qantas 747 flight! 👏👏👏
Thank-you!! The Qantas 747 was my home in the Skies. It helped to bridge the hole in my heart of living away from my country. Your video and recounting were awesome. I could feel the takeoff and landing, recall the smells unique to long-haul air travel, and felt the air on my face in the cabin. My family missed her last year...surprised actually at the smaller aircraft (NY-LA-SYD) & had hoped we could fly Longreach on the return leg. Walking around the cabin and stretching our legs (now post 911 frowned upon) whilst making new friends was part of the experience. Fair thee well!
Sydney to San Fran return and Sydney to Vancouver return, two awesome flights on the 747 in recent years, i have spent the last few years watching the 747 fly over my house in Sydney i try to never miss it if i'm home....my family think i'm crazy but it just never gets old, i love it every time. Thank you for this great review, i will miss this aircraft.
When you walked onboard she looked so beautiful and ready to fly on for eternity. Such a majestic aircraft to look at and a wonderful one to fly on. The Queen certainly changed the face of aviation. This is your best video yet Paul and the accompanying music was spot on (almost a tear in my eye!) Keep up the great work!
Yes I too am an American citizen married to an Australian the only flights I've been on have been on Qantas. All flights experience have been great. On one of those flights I had an stress allergic reaction on my lips, I was taken back with the flight crew, was asked question given a claratin. I thought I was going back to my seat, but to my surprise I was seated in the business flight! That was so kind of the crew. I enjoyed the rest of my flight to Perth on my bed seat. Thank you Qantas #sateycard!
I spent my 18th birthday onboard Qantas 747 on my 1st ever trip to Australia from the UK. This was my 1st long haul flight and I loved it. Because of this experience, I travel to Australia every year now....this year is an exception. This video was excellent. You're so lucky to have been aboard her last flight.
#safteycard As an Aussie citizen growing up in New York I would travel between New York and Melbourne twice a year. Fortunately, I have flown on the Qantas 747 more times than I can count and I am so incredibly grateful for that. The Qantas 747 is the true reason I fell in love with aviation, the feeling of stepping on board a Qantas 747 at JFK after months away from home is indescribable. There is a real sense of pride taxiing around JFK with the big red kangaroo on the tail, surrounded by bland Delta and American aircraft. I feel that when I am on a Qantas 747 in New York we are representing Australia in an amazing way. Keep in mind that we were the only Australian aircraft on the East Coast of the United States. There is a lot of pride that comes with that. My favorite memory on the Qantas 747 was in 2014 on VH-OEE. We were flying from JFK-LAX as QF108 (Yes it used to be QF108/107 to NY) We got upgraded to business class and we were sat in the last row of the biz cabin. The highlight of this was the amazing engine view that I had. I remember taking-off and just seeing the engines shaking with the wing as if they were ready to snap off. But that's what's so magical about the 747, all of its beautiful features. The bell, the long flags, the galleys, the upper deck, the overhead bins. It's sad to know that we have to say goodbye to the best plane in the world. It's weird... Qantas fly their Dreamliner to JFK but the feeling of stepping on board is just not the same anymore. I suppose that all good things must come to an end. In a way its good, I will always be able to look back at the 747 with a smile on my face and be entertained with hours of positive, happy memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.
We all have a story probably for who's on this site. I also have lot's as well. But they all revolve around walking on that aircraft. Had a few on DC10's as well , but still. She's the best. Nice one
This Video made me tear up I don’t regret crying. And a message to the queen of the skies, you flew us to places we didn’t know was possible you made the first international non stop flight to Australia ever, your our hero thanks to you we are in the position we are in today you will be missed.
Thank you Paul for always doing such a great job with your videos. I had the pleasure of serving you on a flight to London in first class on the A380. I worked on the 747 for many years and have some great memories. What an exciting experience to be part of. Thanks for sharing. Emmy
Great video Paul . My lasting memory of the Qantas 747 was being in Sydney at the Jet Base when the first 747 400 ER arrived after the record breaking flight direct from London. We were allowed on board and the seats were all covered in plastic. I went into the cockpit and there was a Pilot from Boeing looking at the fuel used on the flight and from memory there was still 10 tonnes left. It was a pretty miserable day in Sydney at the time and they were concerned the aircraft may have to divert to Melbourne !! I also recall there was a lot of ice between the wings and the body of the aircraft as it flew over much of Australia at 41000 feet !! I met some of the Tech crew who were senior captains with Qantas and they could not speak highly enough of the aircraft. My other fond memory was doing an Antarctic flight in a 747 400 ER...one of the best days I have ever had !! Great to see Dennis also made it !! Spectacular scenery Paul !! I would reckon the pilots would love doing this !! Great work by Qantas to allow you to get those shots at the end !! I understand what you mean when you see a Qantas 747 at any airport around the world !! My last flight on a 747 400 ER was to Santiago in Chile on my way to work at the Games in Rio...Premium economy which was excellent. Sad day all round but time marches on as the Captain said !! Thanks mate again !!
This is truly a heartwarming story in amongst all the chaos in the world at the moment. May your grandson rest in peace, and Quantas have set an example of how we should all try to live our lives. With kindness.
#safetycard my favourite memory of the 747 is listening to my grandfather talk about his time being a Qantas 747 pilot. He had flow for Qantas for 47 years and been a 747 pilot for 30years when I see him he always has a new story of all of the memories and achievements he got out of it by flying the Qantas 747 for 30years plus taking delivery of the first 747 for Qantas in 1971 later on he was the general manager for the 747 qantas fleet not only that but he also flew the queen from LHR-SYD. So if I was to win this prize it will go straight to my grandfather for his upcoming birthday and it would mean the world to me and him because when I grow up I want to become a pilot. My brother made a video of his final flight. The video title is Captain Ross McDonald’s final landing @lets drive reviews channel
Ohh wow great story! I can certainly relate! My grandfather who passed away 16 years ago was a Swissair pilot and he started on the dc-3 and finished on the 747! He was one of the first to educate and fly the 747 for Swissair because no one wanted to fly this new type of aircraft... so he eventually flew the whole evolution of aircraft and my grandma who was a stewardess told me many iconic storys... my biggest wish would have been to become a pilot too but to my bad luck an illness keeps me away from it😢 still my biggest wish is to fly a 747 one day to have flown the same aircraft type my grandfather had flown 35 years ago😢
@@anthonyholloway246 Immediately envisioned a cheeky kangaroo and koala with crew uniforms on and a bunch of wombats, platypuses, bilbies and wallabies all waiting impatiently for departure. Oh look, here comes some bandicoot flight attendants. Okay, getting carried away. Though I could see a cute kiddie's book in the making.
Paul thank you so much for an amazing and touching farewell. The Boeing 747 played an important part of my life as my dad moved to Australia for work in 1985 and my 1st flight was 1986 with British airways and Qantas on the 200 ,SP and even a combi. I heard Qantas has ordered the 747-8 freighter hope this goes ahead so can still see her flying in the Qantas livery’s. love the 70's flying roo personally. Flying from Melbourne to carins as 3 separates flight. Luck to be our family of 4 on the upper deck was amazing.
I live in Sydney and witnessed the 747 fly around the harbour. It had caught me off guard as it flew over my apartment at a very low altitude because I was unaware of the farewell flight, so I scrambled my camera gear and made a dash to the roof. I stand in awe, admiring the size and beauty of the aircraft as it slowly disappears into the blue on its way to Canberra. She will be forever the Queen of the Sky.
What can I say...I think it is reasonable to say that you cant help but feel a sadness particularly since our QANTAS has been so badly impacted by the response to COVID-19 as it grounded much of the International airline services. I have also been a passenger on the 747-400 from Perth, WA on four flights including once with British airways and three times with QANTAS with each time sitting upstairs. The service has always been marvellous. QANTAS is the second oldest commercial airline in the world. To see this video of this spectacular aircraft, one of Boeing's most successful planes make its final flight with all tickets sold out and being flown by a crew who likewise, are also going into retirement makes this a memorable event and one that sticks in the throat with emotions. Thank you QANTAS and also a big thank you to Paul Stewart for making this video and sharing it with us! :)
I flew in her, to Antarctica for the New Year's Eve 2019/2020 trip. The top cabin views were fabulous for an all-night sunny trip. Almost zero sleep as it was too exciting - amazing staff service.
Great video, Paul. I am not ashamed to say I cried. The 747 represents my worldwide travels. Growing up near Heathrow, we would stop our game in the streets in complete awe, just staring up whenever Concorde or a 747 flew over. I never got tired of watching these graceful and majestic 'metal birds' in flight. Aviation is changing, and I am so sad that we here in London won't have a British Airways 747 final goodbye flight. Beautifully done Qantas (I flew a Qantas 747 from London to Thailand in 2008, great memories) Thank you for sharing this memory Paul, I will be returning to this video many times in the coming years. Regards, Evie
Awesome I remember being at Sydney airport when the first 747 landed, back when you could stand on the outdoor deck which is above departures check in and I have been lucky to fly extensively for my career on all versions of 747 over the last 50yrs.....economy, business and first class. And yep when you get on a Qantas jet in another country you already feel home..
A fantastic tribute to the Queen of the Skies Paul Stewart! It's an end of an era and you could see the emotion in your face. :) Many thanks for all of your fantastic videos!
Thanks from an Aussie living in the UK. Lost count of the number of times a QF 744 or 744ER have taken me back home. It's testimony to QF that they managed to put on this farewell tour.
I get what you mean about the Qantas 747 being the first feeling of "home" in a foreign country. VH-OEJ was the exact same aircraft that took me back from America after a very tiring business trip - including a 30 hour transit from Washington to LA - delayed by tornadoes around Dallas. Just seeing the flying kangaroo and hearing Aussie accents at LAX was enough to restore normality. You even took some footage of the same seat I occupied (in business - the starboard-side aisle seat right before the first bulkhead!). I watched QF747 depart CBR and return again, from the Fairbairn carpark which you can see on your video right before rotate. Also FWIW, the photo-bombing C-27 did say to ATC that it was happy to go #2 to the 747, although I think that was because the RAAF pilots wanted to watch the show. Thanks for posting the video.
Fantastic! I am an aviation geek and pilot. You gave the old girl a fitting tribute. Goodbye and farewell you good thing. I will miss you as like so many others you have been with me right through my life to now.
When I was a kid, Dad used to take me to the airport , and I'd love watching the Qantas 747s from the viewing deck. Years passed and I became an avionics engineer and had the privilege to work on 747s in hangar 5 Avalon. Now the roles reversed and I took Dad to work to show him the 747. Coincidentally it was OEJ that was in the hangar that day. I'll never forget the look on my father's face when we were standing underneath OEJ. Dads passed on now but your video made me remember that day. Thankyou.
Returning home from a business trip late one Friday evening in the late 90’s I boarded QF6 (I believe that was the flight number from memory) - Frankfurt FRA to Singapore SIN, then on to Sydney SYD. It was a Qantas B747-438, and I was seated in Business Class on the upper deck. Once again on boarding, I asked and this time I was allowed onto to the flight deck as soon as I boarded. I was seated on the jump seat behind the Captain as the crew did their final checks and waited for their final paperwork and authorities before push-back and engine start. We were departing Frankfurt late at night at maximum take-off weight and all seats on the flight deck were now occupied. The Captain (non-flying for this departure) was in his left-hand seat; the First Officer (flying for this departure) was in the right-hand seat; the Second Officer was in the middle seat looking after the comms and the centre console; the Third Officer (as it was the long leg to Singapore and therefore carried four flight crew) was in the right-hand jump seat, and I was in the jump seat behind the Captain. I had a headset plugged in to the comms, so I could hear the radio traffic in one ear and the flight deck conversations in the other. The mic was turned up out of the way, as I didn't need it, but in any case I knew all about observing strict sterile cockpit protocols until we were up in the flight levels and the Captain then gave me permission to speak. My job was to watch, listen, and to keep silent. We departed on a wet runway between rain showers which had been fairly heavy while we started engines, ran them up, and taxied to the eastern end of the runway. She seemed to take an age, a lot of a 4,000 metre long runway, and the little strip of red lights marking the far end seemed awfully wide before she finally rotated. Then within a few hundred feet at most we were into the clouds - full IMC. Just then, a very bright lightning flash occurred immediately in front of us. The Captain immediately reached over to one of the centre MFD's, touched a button, and the screen instantly turned bright yellow with flashes of orange - but with a huge red-purple mass immediately in front of us. The next few minutes were calm on the flight deck, but sheer pandemonium from air traffic controls below us as the Captain said, "My aircraft", took the controls and immediately turned left! Then he announced, "Qantas 6 turning left to avoid a thunderstorm directly ahead”. Controllers immediately cleared a path for us, redirecting any conflicting traffic, and because of the compact nature of Europe, passed us on to the next controller who went through the same process. In the middle of all of this every window around the flight deck lit up for about half a minute or so with rivers of lightning - "St Elmo's Fire" - so that the inside of the flight deck looked like it was being permanent illuminated by dozens of flashguns. Wow! After some ten minutes or so of the most fantastic sound and light show I have ever seen we finally emerged in front of the line of thunderstorms into smooth, clear air with clear skies and a carpet of stars above, and the clusters of the street-lights of towns and cities scattered like a patchwork quilt below us for as far as the eye could see. The Captain then handed the aircraft back to the First Officer who turned off the seatbelt signs for the passengers behind us, and proceeded to give me probably the greatest practical geography lesson I have ever had. I believe he named somewhere between 20 and 25 cities across half a dozen countries straight off the bat - just by their lights and their positions relative to ours - and without a single map or chart to assist him. Then he pushed his seat back, asked if I had any questions (after an experience like that - where do you start?), and for over an hour or so all five of us discussed crew resource management, European air traffic control, the responsibilities and duties of each member on the flight deck, the route we would be following that night and into the next day, the dangers of thunderstorms, and the science of "St Elmo's Fire" which was really interesting as the Captain had seen it a number of times in his career, the First Officer twice before, but it was the first time for the other three of us on that flight deck. We went on to discuss quite a number of other topics, and all five of us joined in - what a fantastic learning experience! And all because we avoided a thunderstorm cell!
Great story! I was allowed on a 747 flight deck just before landing at Sydney from LAX when I was a child, an unforgettable experience. It's such a shame children (or anyone) these days are barred from the flight deck.
Beautiful video and the music scoring was great. I have flown in many 747 from US to Asia in the past and every trip was a treat to fly with the queen of the skies.
#safetyycard seeing my uncle arrive home into melbourne on the 747. he got me into aviation and unfounately he died back in 2013 due to cancer #fuckcancer, but was just amazing seeing the 747 fly over head on short final just amazed me!
It was soo emotional for me to see this on utube, I wash this over and over with tears running down my face, I did live in Canberra since 1973 for 20 years, and my 2 younger children where born in Woden (Canberra) Hospital, I live now in Sydney but, over the years I did fly to Canberra and loved the view from above, this video bring back soo many happy memories. Thank you for it.
#safetycard My favourite 747 memory was flying SYD-MEL on the upper deck with my wife and two kids on OEJ on 31/12/19, and returning the next day locking out Row 1. There's nothing better than sitting in front of the pilots on a 747. We drove up from Tasmania especially to do it. We also went to Dallas on OEJ on 27/3/14 in 69A&B and 70A&B, so OEJ is only 747 the kids have been on. Would have loved to have gone on this flight but couldn't get out of Tassy due to Covid. 😥 Thank you so much for you video.
#safetycard my favourite memory is sitting in McCarren airport, waiting to return to Blighty, and seeing the Virgin Atlantic 747 turn on the apron and roll up. She looked so majestic with the 4 engines and massive wingspan. Barbarella was her name (loved the VA names) but she's also been retired now.
The 747 has so many important memories for me. My uncle (an American astronaut) gave me a Braniff 747 model in 1978. My first trip from the US to Europe was on a United 747. Then for years my wife and I traveled back and forth to The Netherlands while we lived there, on the blue KLM 747 Combis. I will miss this special plane. Thank you for the video, and for a proper send off for the Queen of the Skies.
Really, really nice Paul. Thanks very much for making this video. Very touched watching this. I remember as a teenager driving under the nose of one of these at T4 at Heathrow, in a bus taking me to my BA flight to Accra. I remember looking up in wonder at the aircraft, marveling at how it had flown all the way from Australia to London. It seemed so so exotic then. I remember resolving one day in my life to travel to Oz on one of these. Took me 30 years but I made it to Oz - a couple of times now. Amazing how one look at an aircraft when you’re a kid can spark a life-long dream and direct a person’s path many decades later. Life affirming. Thanks for filming this final commercial journey of a true ambassador for Australia.
#safetycard My best memory of the Queen was when I got to see the Qantas Jumbo land at the Gold Coast after diverting from Brisbane due to poor conditions. It doesn’t seem like an airport such as OOL can accomodate such a large aircraft. The roar of the Jumbo was satisfying as it arrived and seeing it rocket out of the Gold Coast was astonishing knowing how much weight the aircraft has. We all now have to say goodbye to such an elegant aircraft. Farewell Queen of the skies, you have served Qantas proud!
Paul, thank you for the production and sharing of this video. I recall having a tour of of a 747 named Captain Cook when it was at the Avalon Airport in 1971. I will never forget the immensity of this aircraft at that time. I have flown in a few on holidays over the years. As an avid flight simmer for the past 20 years I have been in the captain's seat on the virtual flight deck numerous times. I must confess there was a tear in the eye when I saw the flying kangaroo as you alighted the aircraft. Greg Whiley, Flight Simulation Australia
It's bittersweet watching these 747 farewell videos. I flew on a QF 747-400 from SYD to SFO in 2008. At the time, it was my longest international flight. I graduated high school in 1970 and the Queen of the Skies has been apart of my World travels all my adult life. I still remember when I first saw her. It was the summer of 69, and my cousins took me to a deactivated USAF base in Kansas to watch TWA train their pilots, doing touch and goes. I don't think there has ever been an aircraft so loved by so many. I am really going to miss her.
Fantastic last flight. I’m so sad to see the demise of the 747. Since my first 747 flight on BA from London to Nairobi when I was a child in 1977, the jumbo has taken me all over world, for so many years. It felt like an old friend. Apart from many 747 flights with BA I was also lucky enough to fly on the jumbos of Qantas, Air New Zealand, South African, Virgin, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Kuwait Airlines, Pan Am, United and Air Canada. I thought they’d go on forever. I was planning to book on a BA 747 flight next year, but I hear they are now retiring them with immediate effect 😟
In 1998 I flew to Australia on a Qantas 747 from England at the young age of 9. I have lived in Australia ever since and am now 31. This aircraft started my passion for aviation and to never stop following my dreams. With out this Aircraft I wouldn’t have the life I have now. #safetycard Keep up the great Videos. 🤙🏼
As a Canberra boy who has now lived in the UK for 25 years now,this was such an emotional video to watch. #safetycard...I have many memories of the flying kangaroo taking me back and forth from Oz, but my outstanding memory is that every time I flew into London, during the last 25 years,even though I may have not have been travelling further, seeing a Qantas 747 at Heathrow was enough to let me know that home wasn't really that far away. Farewell old girl
I missed out on this flight, my son was being born just across the border in Queanbeyan, my favourite memory is the first time I saw a 747 in Hong Kong many years ago. I had just had an awful flight with S7 airlines and saw the 747 as I was boarding my Qantas flight. The sight of the flying kangaroo made me feel so so much safer and already like I was home #SAFETYCARD
Thank you for making this video and sharing it. A Qantas 747 was the first flight I ever made way back many many years ago. Your video brought a tear to my eye.
#safetycard. Great video, Paul - I was crying by the end. I knew that the days of the Queen of the Skies was coming to an end, but the ending is so bittersweet right now; I feel like it’s being prematurely rushed to the exit, mostly due to Covid-19. I have so many memories of flying on The Queen, but I think my most memorable trip was flying economy from Melbourne too LAX to get married. That particular version of the plane had an economy section upstairs, and it felt like I was in my own little private cabin, with much more room than in “regular” economy downstairs. The flight attendants seemed more attentive, too. It was always a pleasure to fly on board Qantas’ 747. Vale Queen of the Skies.
#saftycard my favorite memory of the 747 is arriving in Australia in 1990 as a 3 year old, always had a special place in my heart for the 747 for bringing me here for a better life
Thanks, Paul, this was the video that let the floodgates open for me. She was, Is & will always be the queen fo the skies. My Fond Memory of the Qantas 747 was leaving India for good and Coming to Australia. Upon reaching WSSS (Singapore), I hopped on a 747-400 (QF9) to YMML (Melbourne).That was 1989 at the age of 5, could still remember it like yesterday, this brought back a lot of memories.
Hats off to you Marilyn Chilese Hatch and so sorry for your loss. To me the 747 meant the start of the many journeys home California bound to see my family. The Jumbo bridged the gap to SFO from SYD. After 22 years in Melbourne, it never got old to fly her home. That airplane will be missed. Thank you Paul that was a very moving video.
As a kid growing up in Auckland I'd often see the qf 747 flying overhead walking home from school. I was always in awe of the 747....but in qantas colours it was something else. I would look up and wish I was onboard! Luckily for me the first time on a plane was on a qf 747 to LAX in 1995 on wunula dreaming! It was such a beautiful livery! The qf 747 was for so many the first experience of air travel....despite the advances of modern efficient aircraft they will never have the wonder and excitement that the 747 has. Thanks for sharing this flight with us Paul!
This was a great video, clear skies and fantastic pictures. My first flight in a Qantas 747 was to Hawaii in 1992, a great flight and so much room. My next flight was in 2017, with my wife to visit friends in Vegas, flying into LA. Leaving Melbourne was very special as it was our overdue honeymoon, we flew premium and the service was exceptional. I must admit I felt emotional as we taxied out to the runway, for a number of reasons. On the return flight, Qantas A-380, as we entered the cabin, we were greeted with "Welcome home Mr White". That in itself was such a welcoming experience. Watching the video I felt I was there, feeling the push back in the seat as the power came on and the Queen gathered speed. A very lucky ride that is for sure, thank you for sharing.
#safetycard I still remember the first time I looked at the Wunala Dreaming Boeing 747. I was born in 2008 so when the livery was retired in 2012, I was only 4 years old. It's sad to be seeing the iconic Boeing 747 retire from Qantas' fleet as it has served them through their greatest highs. I wish VH-OEJ stays in good condition in the Mojave desert and I wish that in the future, a potential buyer will salvage the aircraft and take it to the skies once again. I'm only 12 but I hope that sometime in the future, that I, myself will be able to experience such a memorable flight.
#safetycard The best moment would be when you hear the engines spool up at takeoff and the feeling that you are safe on this beautiful Qantas Aircraft. Farewell The Queen Of The Skies ✈️.
#safetycard So sad to see the Queen depart the Qantas fleet after all these years... 😭 My favourite memory of the 747 was my first time ever going overseas, which was on a Qantas 747 to London, and while I was so young that the particular aircraft wasn't significant to me at the time, it still holds a special place within me and it created many fond memories. Long live the Queen, you will be missed ❤️
#safetycard. My favourite 747 memory was back in 2001 flying VH-NLH (G-BNLH) between Sydney and Hong Kong. This is because it was one of the World liveried 747s British Airways had. Plus it was on loan from British Airways to Qantas between 2000 and 2003.
#safetycard I don't have many 747 memories as the time difference between my last 747 and the flight before that was around 12 years! And I remember very little that long ago! However, the last time I was on a 747 was on the last day 2019 to Melbourne. The aircraft on that flight was in fact also VH-OEJ! However, that flight was a memorable one as they let us into the Crew Rest Bunk at the back and into the flight-deck at the end! The queue to enter the flight-deck after was one that I've never seen before! It went from the door, down the famous stairwell to the Economy class! An unique flight to sum it up! Thank you Qantas for this experience! :)
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing. It's sad to see the QANTAS 747 retired, because for me this plane has been a part of my history. In 1994, I moved from Australia to Canada, and it was a QANTAS 747 that took me away. I can still remember the pullback and the tears that were pouring out of the eyes of this then 23 year-old. My first opportunity to return home was in about 2002, on the LAX-BNE (direct flights from Canada would come many years later). I was fine all through the flight, looking forward to getting to see family and friends again, when as part of the pre-arrival video, they played the kids' choral version of "I still Call Australia Home". DAMMIT! Tears again, because I do still call Australia home. I've had a couple of other opportunities to get home over the years on the QANTAS 747, and each has given me memories. From meeting Andy Serkis ("Gollum") one one flight, being bumped up to premium economy on another, and (almost) getting the whole middle seats to myself on one more. It's funny how a something like a plane can trigger emotional responses, but I am very sad to know that I will never again have the opportunity to fly on a QANTAS 747. A beautiful plane, and definitely the Spirit of Australia. Funny thing is that I've never thought of taking a #safetycard so maybe now is my opportunity to get one.
#safetycard ive flown on 13 different qantas 747s and my favourite memory was when i was flying VH-OJU and the plane was emty and i was able to walk around the whole plane and sit in all the seats even though i was flighing buissness class that day i still went and sat in all the seats
Hi Paul You never fail to deliver great flight reports. On this occasion your camera skills were amazing, you did the Queen of the skies a great honour on her last commercial flight. The crew served her as a real Queen, she will be missed all around the world. Looking forward to your next video. Kind regards DS
A few people are asking why masks weren't being worn and the simple answer is that they weren't required. Both at the time and even now, the ACT government and health authorities were saying masks were unnecessary in public places. They were provided in the fly well packs if people wished to wear them.
Otherwise thanks for the comments everyone!
#SafetyCard. The best moment on the 747 was when the crew was kind enough to let me visit the cockpit during the flight and on the ground. I had a great moment and the pilots where amazing. They even let me stay in the cockpit for 5 minutes on the ground showing how they are preparing for the next flight😁✈️🙂
:')
Thanks for da hart mate!
#safty card, I have never got the chance to fly the Qantas 747 because I'm only a kid with I dream to be a pilot for Qantas but my mum got to sit in the cockpit for landing in a 747! it would mean the world to me if I got the giveaway.
btw I love ur vids and keep up the good work,
by griffin
Hey Paul! I am waiting to hear any news on the giveaway, as I really want to read the top story of all the memories! When is it being announced?
True story: I am an American citizen married to an Australian. I got my permanent residency in 2016 and have been living in Perth. My 24 year old American grandson was diagnosed with glioblastoma, terminal brain cancer. On his bucket list was to come visit me in Australia. So I flew to Arizona to fly back to Perth with him. We almost didn't get to fly because upon checking in, when they discovered he had cancer, they pulled us aside, looked at all his medical papers he was carrying, and then they called their medical staff. The last bit was they put Justin on the phone and asked him if he was actively dying. He said no, because he wasn't at that time, and then Qantas went into full gear in the best flight experience I've ever had. They escorted us to the lounge - I've only flown economy so I had no idea what that was like - it was amazing. Then when we were seated in our economy seats, one of the crew came up and told us there was a mix up in our seats and we had to move. We were fine with that. I was thinking we were just being moved to another seat in economy but no, they surprised us and gave us seats in business! Beds and all! This was on the 747 LAX to Sydney long haul. And around the last hour of the flight they took us upstairs to FIRST CLASS for that experience. When we landed they brought Justin and I into the cockpit! We got to sit in the pilot's seats and meet the Captain. I have photos of it all. And when Justin's 10 days in Australia were done, when we took him to the Perth airport, the check in crew told me he had been earmarked for special treatment and he was treated with extreme kindness his whole journey back. I can NEVER thank them enough for what they did. Sadly he passed away 6 months later, but he talked about that trip always. Thank you Qantas. Thank you for what you did for my precious grandson, Justin Boley. I will never fly any other airline.
@Too Much-Online thank you. He was an amazing young man. And Qantas are absolute legends for what they did for him.
I’ve been where you have been since my dad passed from the same thing. This may be the worst diagnosis. The trip was a blessing to you as only some with compassion could do. Kudos to Quantas!
Absolutely heartwarming story. My prayers go out for Justin and his wonderful grandmother.
@@eyeglasslady9266 I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. It's a very hard journey to go through with someone you love so dearly. I wish you healing and peace.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story.
Anyone who loves flying will be teared up watching this
I'm not crying, you are!
@TheLatiosnlatias02 ii
What an absolute privilege and honour it was be on that last flight - you've captured it beautifully mate, well done. Long live the Queen.
Man I missed out 😢 what a pity
More of your wife Dennis ;) Get Paul involved too and Wingin it! Q suite it up
Agree Dennis absolutely awesome, currently watching her final voguer on Flight radar. This video brought a tear to my eyes.
Are you doing a video on the flight as well Dennis?
At 3:48 i think I see u
I know this was posted 2 years ago, but it still makes me cry. Not getting the opportunity EVER, to fly in the Qantas 747.
My favourite memory of the 747 though, is when I was flying from Sydney - San Fransisco, entering the international terminal, looking for the United 787 that we were flying on, and seeing the Qantas 747 parked next to our aircraft.
An exceptional aircraft it is and it's sad to see it go.
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience to some people, like me, who have never flown on the Queen Of The Skies before. We will all always keep you in our hearts!
Same bro.
I was an aircraft refueller in Cairns for 14 years, and the child of an airline captain since 1968. I have flown on every version of the 747 over the last 47 years and I will miss the Queen of the skies. There will never be another like her. This video left me in tears.
Yep there weren't many dry eyes when we landed again in CBR. :(
What a beautiful bird, she carries thousands of memories with her. The plane that changed the world.
It absolutely did! And end of an era.
I feel like the 747 has always been “alive” and I think she’d appreciate the respect and show in her final flight.
i was on that flight at january 1990 from SYDNEY to JAKARTA, indonesia thank you QANTAS for your service and also mr.paul stewart for upload this memorable moment for this queen of skies last flying on australia sky
There’s never going to be any other aircraft like Qantas 747, it’s not just an icon of aviation of the world and Australia, when you step in the 747 it makes you feel like home, that’s why this giant will always be special.
Sure did
yes but BA 747 was the queen of all
brandon mcgahee the Qantas one always felt more prestigious though.
Couldn’t have said it better 😭
I'm in tears, lm so sad to see our grand lady go into retirement she took me as a young 19 year old overseas in the mid 70s then many trips to the States in later life. I always remember the most reassuring feeling l got when l entered the cabin it felt like the womb of Australia. The staff were always welcoming and kind and l wish our grand lady could have retired in our desert so l could easily go visit her. Miss you 747
Beautifully worded Janet!
Nicely said.
The Queen may be gone from Australian skies, but it's legacy in crafting Australian Aviation will live on... Forever
Great video! Hope, but doubt BA will offer flights for av geeks! Remember flying to Oz on a Qantas 747-300!to see my girlfriend who is now my wife. Would love to get my son onto one before they go.
Ff
Gosh. I cried through this video. The Flight Managers speech was very emotional. Farewell Queen of the skies xxx
#safetycard - This video made me cry, hearing and feeling that takeoff thrust as she so majestically lifted off for the last time in commercial service, I felt a great deal of emotion in that moment. Hearing the Captain say he will be retiring himself along side the Queen, is bittersweet...
• The Qantas 747 has a particularly special place in my heart, I was born in Adelaide and moved to Canada when I was just 6 years old, I spent those very early years surrounded by family and friends and a familiar country, but even at that age a lot of things are blurry and hard to recall, it was my first aviation experience, the reason I fell in love with aviation... A Qantas 747 took me from one side of the world to the other and it's the only childhood memory I can recall in vivid detail, back then it was the SYD - LAX - JFK route, I remember disembarking at LAX to refuel in the middle of the night and returning to our exact seats after stretching our legs, an exhausted mother was contrasted by the sheer excitement of a young boy staring at the Queen of the Skies through the terminal's large glass window parked and illuminated by the bright apron lights. She's the airline and the aircraft that took me to a new life, I am now 20 years old and although I am now a dual citizen with a rather thick & noticeable Canadian accent, the Qantas 747 will forever be that link between my origins and the life I have today and the root reason for what started my passion for aviation and pursuing my pilot's license. I'm sure, for many, like myself- the Qantas 747 was and will always be a symbol of pride and patriotism for Australians, even as an Aussie overseas.
~Thank you so much for sharing this experience Paul- for all us who won't be able to fly the Queen with Qantas again, you really did her justice!
19:21 - Hearing the Customer Service Manager / Flight Attendant choke up when saying farewell to our Wunala Kangaroo made me tear up...
Same here
Girls: ‘Boys don’t know what real sadness is’
Boys: Onboard the LAST EVER Qantas Boeing 747 flight - QF0747 ‘Jumbo farewell flight’
This girl gets it!
@@emjaynie2 hey me too!
omg so true
im gonna cry if a380 retires! imma girl
Girls dont know what life is then..Life is the sky and beyond!!! WE LOST A QUEEN!!!
Sorry I'm an aviation Professional and it hurts when people dont understand the sentimental value of such things..
What a shame that corona stop us from travelling, eyes are a little watery watching this video, fare well and thank you....
I never got the chance to fly on Qantas' 747s but I feel fortunate to have flown on an ANZ flight from AKL-SFO when I visited the US years ago. Sad to see this gorgeous girl getting retired to Mojave, the flying kangaroo 747s are going to be missed in Aussie skies. Great video mate. Sad to see these gorgeous birds retired but you gave her one great send off. As did the crew and all the staff.
Just recalled a favorite memory and had to edit. When I was planning on going into commericial aviation as a career, on my first nav flight out of Essendon I saw one of these gorgeous birds airborne from a few thousand feet above. Leg plan was Essendon-Bacchus Marsh-Ballarat-Colac-Avalon-Essendon. Coming back through Avalon I got to catch one of the 747s in the circuit area, seeing this bird from 2000 feet above is a special memory. Gorgeous afternoon sun glinting off her panels. I honestly wanted to stick around the Avalon pattern just to watch.
I was on this flight with you and just want to say thank you for producing a great video capturing the memories of the day. My wife and I were in 50 A & C and we feel so fortunate to have been able to experience the last ever passenger flight. Have to admit a few tears were shed both on the day and just now watching your video. I have to agree with your comments, whenever i have been overseas and arrived at the airport and seen the Qantas 747 I always felt like I was home, a feeling of safety and security. To me the 747 is and always will be the symbol of Qantas.
My first flight was on a TWA 747, with my Dad, in the Summer of 1971. I was 10 years old and it so! changed my life, to an infatuation with the plane. I remember there was written on the divider between classes, AMBASSADOR SERVICE, which, for whatever reason, put me in a state of wonder. Well, 49 years later, I'm still NUTS about the 747 and truly wish that more airlines had bought the 747-8 passenger model, so there would be more opportunity to fly them. I DID, on Friday morning, drive to LAX to watch the final take off of the QANTAS 747, for Mojave. LOVED seeing it, though what a sad day. CHEERS to the QUEEN.
There never be another 747, what a speculator plane.
As someone who remembers when Boeing first announced there plans for the 747 as 707’s still ruled the skies, it saddens me to see these great queens of the skies retiring. As a retired corporate pilot I know it’s just part of life, but still sad.
I recall flying in a Pan Am 747 back in 1970 ish?? And still remember thinking what a wonderful aircraft it was. Now there all disappearing. BA just announced they are parking all there 747 fleet, for good.
Guess now is the time if you haven’t had a chance to fly in one of these marvelous aircraft you best hurry up before there all gone.
#safetycard
Me too, I flew in a PanAm 747 before Qantas had one, and have revered them ever since. Waste of a perfectly good aircraft. But yes it's life and the bottom line.
So sad to see so many airlines dropping the 747.. the real queen of the sky’s and such a ground breaking airline. We flew a Qantas 747 when we emigrated to Australia and I have loved this aircraft ever since.
I'm not going to lie: I'm wiping away a few tears
iliterati I think we all are
I have only flown twice on a 747-400. The very first time was 2006 on Cathay Pacific and my second was in 2014 on Virgin Atlantic's "Cosmic Girl". A big and beatiful machine. Sadly my national airline "Air New Zealand" retired their 747-400's a few years back.
Not the only one mate. I also had the waterworks going.
same
I most definitely did
What a wonderful video! It brought tears to my eyes. The music, your narration... was perfect. So bittersweet. Watching her shadow across the ground was like watching her kiss her homeland goodbye, for the last time. I would have loved to have sat in your seat, but if not me, then so happy it was you, who shared this experience with the rest of us. Americans love Australia and her people. Thanks again for the great video!
What a tribute, it’s so fantastic that Qantas allowed for this to take place, to mark what the 747 has done for the world and for Qantas. I will be sad to look up into the sky and not see a 747 here in London as Virgin Atlantic and BA have gone ahead with retiring them all. Although all the way over here in London unable to even visit Australia, I can’t thank you enough for documenting this extremely poignant flight. Will always remember my very first Qantas 747 flight! 👏👏👏
Thank-you!! The Qantas 747 was my home in the Skies. It helped to bridge the hole in my heart of living away from my country. Your video and recounting were awesome. I could feel the takeoff and landing, recall the smells unique to long-haul air travel, and felt the air on my face in the cabin. My family missed her last year...surprised actually at the smaller aircraft (NY-LA-SYD) & had hoped we could fly Longreach on the return leg. Walking around the cabin and stretching our legs (now post 911 frowned upon) whilst making new friends was part of the experience. Fair thee well!
Sydney to San Fran return and Sydney to Vancouver return, two awesome flights on the 747 in recent years, i have spent the last few years watching the 747 fly over my house in Sydney i try to never miss it if i'm home....my family think i'm crazy but it just never gets old, i love it every time. Thank you for this great review, i will miss this aircraft.
When you walked onboard she looked so beautiful and ready to fly on for eternity. Such a majestic aircraft to look at and a wonderful one to fly on. The Queen certainly changed the face of aviation. This is your best video yet Paul and the accompanying music was spot on (almost a tear in my eye!) Keep up the great work!
Yes I too am an American citizen married to an Australian the only flights I've been on have been on Qantas. All flights experience have been great. On one of those flights I had an stress allergic reaction on my lips, I was taken back with the flight crew, was asked question given a claratin. I thought I was going back to my seat, but to my surprise I was seated in the business flight! That was so kind of the crew. I enjoyed the rest of my flight to Perth on my bed seat. Thank you Qantas
#sateycard!
I spent my 18th birthday onboard Qantas 747 on my 1st ever trip to Australia from the UK. This was my 1st long haul flight and I loved it. Because of this experience, I travel to Australia every year now....this year is an exception.
This video was excellent. You're so lucky to have been aboard her last flight.
#safteycard As an Aussie citizen growing up in New York I would travel between New York and Melbourne twice a year. Fortunately, I have flown on the Qantas 747 more times than I can count and I am so incredibly grateful for that. The Qantas 747 is the true reason I fell in love with aviation, the feeling of stepping on board a Qantas 747 at JFK after months away from home is indescribable. There is a real sense of pride taxiing around JFK with the big red kangaroo on the tail, surrounded by bland Delta and American aircraft. I feel that when I am on a Qantas 747 in New York we are representing Australia in an amazing way. Keep in mind that we were the only Australian aircraft on the East Coast of the United States. There is a lot of pride that comes with that. My favorite memory on the Qantas 747 was in 2014 on VH-OEE. We were flying from JFK-LAX as QF108 (Yes it used to be QF108/107 to NY) We got upgraded to business class and we were sat in the last row of the biz cabin. The highlight of this was the amazing engine view that I had. I remember taking-off and just seeing the engines shaking with the wing as if they were ready to snap off. But that's what's so magical about the 747, all of its beautiful features. The bell, the long flags, the galleys, the upper deck, the overhead bins. It's sad to know that we have to say goodbye to the best plane in the world. It's weird... Qantas fly their Dreamliner to JFK but the feeling of stepping on board is just not the same anymore. I suppose that all good things must come to an end. In a way its good, I will always be able to look back at the 747 with a smile on my face and be entertained with hours of positive, happy memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.
We all have a story probably for who's on this site. I also have lot's as well. But they all revolve around walking on that aircraft. Had a few on DC10's as well , but still. She's the best. Nice one
This Video made me tear up I don’t regret crying. And a message to the queen of the skies, you flew us to places we didn’t know was possible you made the first international non stop flight to Australia ever, your our hero thanks to you we are in the position we are in today you will be missed.
Wow! Breathtaking! The 747 is the most beautiful bird in the sky. Thanks for this. It was like savoring a very special single malt.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Paul for always doing such a great job with your videos. I had the pleasure of serving you on a flight to London in first class on the A380. I worked on the 747 for many years and have some great memories. What an exciting experience to be part of. Thanks for sharing. Emmy
Great video Paul . My lasting memory of the Qantas 747 was being in Sydney at the Jet Base when the first 747 400 ER arrived after the record breaking flight direct from London. We were allowed on board and the seats were all covered in plastic. I went into the cockpit and there was a Pilot from Boeing looking at the fuel used on the flight and from memory there was still 10 tonnes left. It was a pretty miserable day in Sydney at the time and they were concerned the aircraft may have to divert to Melbourne !! I also recall there was a lot of ice between the wings and the body of the aircraft as it flew over much of Australia at 41000 feet !! I met some of the Tech crew who were senior captains with Qantas and they could not speak highly enough of the aircraft. My other fond memory was doing an Antarctic flight in a 747 400 ER...one of the best days I have ever had !! Great to see Dennis also made it !! Spectacular scenery Paul !! I would reckon the pilots would love doing this !! Great work by Qantas to allow you to get those shots at the end !! I understand what you mean when you see a Qantas 747 at any airport around the world !! My last flight on a 747 400 ER was to Santiago in Chile on my way to work at the Games in Rio...Premium economy which was excellent. Sad day all round but time marches on as the Captain said !! Thanks mate again !!
This is truly a heartwarming story in amongst all the chaos in the world at the moment. May your grandson rest in peace, and Quantas have set an example of how we should all try to live our lives. With kindness.
#safetycard my favourite memory of the 747 is listening to my grandfather talk about his time being a Qantas 747 pilot. He had flow for Qantas for 47 years and been a 747 pilot for 30years when I see him he always has a new story of all of the memories and achievements he got out of it by flying the Qantas 747 for 30years plus taking delivery of the first 747 for Qantas in 1971 later on he was the general manager for the 747 qantas fleet not only that but he also flew the queen from LHR-SYD. So if I was to win this prize it will go straight to my grandfather for his upcoming birthday and it would mean the world to me and him because when I grow up I want to become a pilot. My brother made a video of his final flight. The video title is Captain Ross McDonald’s final landing @lets drive reviews channel
Thanks so much.
Ohh wow great story! I can certainly relate! My grandfather who passed away 16 years ago was a Swissair pilot and he started on the dc-3 and finished on the 747! He was one of the first to educate and fly the 747 for Swissair because no one wanted to fly this new type of aircraft... so he eventually flew the whole evolution of aircraft and my grandma who was a stewardess told me many iconic storys... my biggest wish would have been to become a pilot too but to my bad luck an illness keeps me away from it😢 still my biggest wish is to fly a 747 one day to have flown the same aircraft type my grandfather had flown 35 years ago😢
Is ok for a man to shed a couple of tears watching this video? Farewell 747 you will be very missed. Thank you for making and sharing this video.
Ive been on her twice. Why couldn't she be retired here in Australia? Would have made an amazing tourist attraction! I'll miss the big 7s.
I agree there,. . . shame they couldn't have found a space at Longreach.
The final flight to the boneyard flew over Wollongong Airport where the second QANTAS Jumbo is preserved by HARS
I agree
Because the kangaroos would hop on and fly around australia. lol
@@anthonyholloway246
Immediately envisioned a cheeky kangaroo and koala with crew uniforms on and a bunch of wombats, platypuses, bilbies and wallabies all waiting impatiently for departure. Oh look, here comes some bandicoot flight attendants. Okay, getting carried away. Though I could see a cute kiddie's book in the making.
Paul thank you so much for an amazing and touching farewell. The Boeing 747 played an important part of my life as my dad moved to Australia for work in 1985 and my 1st flight was 1986 with British airways and Qantas on the 200 ,SP and even a combi. I heard Qantas has ordered the 747-8 freighter hope this goes ahead so can still see her flying in the Qantas livery’s. love the 70's flying roo personally. Flying from Melbourne to carins as 3 separates flight. Luck to be our family of 4 on the upper deck was amazing.
I live in Sydney and witnessed the 747 fly around the harbour. It had caught me off guard as it flew over my apartment at a very low altitude because I was unaware of the farewell flight, so I scrambled my camera gear and made a dash to the roof. I stand in awe, admiring the size and beauty of the aircraft as it slowly disappears into the blue on its way to Canberra. She will be forever the Queen of the Sky.
What can I say...I think it is reasonable to say that you cant help but feel a sadness particularly since our QANTAS has been so badly impacted by the response to COVID-19 as it grounded much of the International airline services. I have also been a passenger on the 747-400 from Perth, WA on four flights including once with British airways and three times with QANTAS with each time sitting upstairs. The service has always been marvellous. QANTAS is the second oldest commercial airline in the world. To see this video of this spectacular aircraft, one of Boeing's most successful planes make its final flight with all tickets sold out and being flown by a crew who likewise, are also going into retirement makes this a memorable event and one that sticks in the throat with emotions. Thank you QANTAS and also a big thank you to Paul Stewart for making this video and sharing it with us! :)
I flew in her, to Antarctica for the New Year's Eve 2019/2020 trip. The top cabin views were fabulous for an all-night sunny trip. Almost zero sleep as it was too exciting - amazing staff service.
Great video, Paul. I am not ashamed to say I cried. The 747 represents my worldwide travels. Growing up near Heathrow, we would stop our game in the streets in complete awe, just staring up whenever Concorde or a 747 flew over. I never got tired of watching these graceful and majestic 'metal birds' in flight.
Aviation is changing, and I am so sad that we here in London won't have a British Airways 747 final goodbye flight. Beautifully done Qantas (I flew a Qantas 747 from London to Thailand in 2008, great memories) Thank you for sharing this memory Paul, I will be returning to this video many times in the coming years. Regards, Evie
Awesome I remember being at Sydney airport when the first 747 landed, back when you could stand on the outdoor deck which is above departures check in and I have been lucky to fly extensively for my career on all versions of 747 over the last 50yrs.....economy, business and first class. And yep when you get on a Qantas jet in another country you already feel home..
A fantastic tribute to the Queen of the Skies Paul Stewart! It's an end of an era and you could see the emotion in your face. :) Many thanks for all of your fantastic videos!
cheers mate
Qantas gave her a good send off. Rest well Queen of the sky's.
Thanks from an Aussie living in the UK. Lost count of the number of times a QF 744 or 744ER have taken me back home. It's testimony to QF that they managed to put on this farewell tour.
I get what you mean about the Qantas 747 being the first feeling of "home" in a foreign country. VH-OEJ was the exact same aircraft that took me back from America after a very tiring business trip - including a 30 hour transit from Washington to LA - delayed by tornadoes around Dallas. Just seeing the flying kangaroo and hearing Aussie accents at LAX was enough to restore normality. You even took some footage of the same seat I occupied (in business - the starboard-side aisle seat right before the first bulkhead!). I watched QF747 depart CBR and return again, from the Fairbairn carpark which you can see on your video right before rotate. Also FWIW, the photo-bombing C-27 did say to ATC that it was happy to go #2 to the 747, although I think that was because the RAAF pilots wanted to watch the show. Thanks for posting the video.
Fantastic! I am an aviation geek and pilot. You gave the old girl a fitting tribute. Goodbye and farewell you good thing. I will miss you as like so many others you have been with me right through my life to now.
I was a flight attendant for Pan Am and enjoyed flying on their 747's and 747SP's. #safetycard
When I was a kid, Dad used to take me to the airport , and I'd love watching the Qantas 747s from the viewing deck. Years passed and I became an avionics engineer and had the privilege to work on 747s in hangar 5 Avalon. Now the roles reversed and I took Dad to work to show him the 747. Coincidentally it was OEJ that was in the hangar that day. I'll never forget the look on my father's face when we were standing underneath OEJ. Dads passed on now but your video made me remember that day. Thankyou.
Returning home from a business trip late one Friday evening in the late 90’s I boarded QF6 (I believe that was the flight number from memory) - Frankfurt FRA to Singapore SIN, then on to Sydney SYD. It was a Qantas B747-438, and I was seated in Business Class on the upper deck. Once again on boarding, I asked and this time I was allowed onto to the flight deck as soon as I boarded.
I was seated on the jump seat behind the Captain as the crew did their final checks and waited for their final paperwork and authorities before push-back and engine start. We were departing Frankfurt late at night at maximum take-off weight and all seats on the flight deck were now occupied. The Captain (non-flying for this departure) was in his left-hand seat; the First Officer (flying for this departure) was in the right-hand seat; the Second Officer was in the middle seat looking after the comms and the centre console; the Third Officer (as it was the long leg to Singapore and therefore carried four flight crew) was in the right-hand jump seat, and I was in the jump seat behind the Captain. I had a headset plugged in to the comms, so I could hear the radio traffic in one ear and the flight deck conversations in the other. The mic was turned up out of the way, as I didn't need it, but in any case I knew all about observing strict sterile cockpit protocols until we were up in the flight levels and the Captain then gave me permission to speak. My job was to watch, listen, and to keep silent.
We departed on a wet runway between rain showers which had been fairly heavy while we started engines, ran them up, and taxied to the eastern end of the runway. She seemed to take an age, a lot of a 4,000 metre long runway, and the little strip of red lights marking the far end seemed awfully wide before she finally rotated. Then within a few hundred feet at most we were into the clouds - full IMC. Just then, a very bright lightning flash occurred immediately in front of us. The Captain immediately reached over to one of the centre MFD's, touched a button, and the screen instantly turned bright yellow with flashes of orange - but with a huge red-purple mass immediately in front of us. The next few minutes were calm on the flight deck, but sheer pandemonium from air traffic controls below us as the Captain said, "My aircraft", took the controls and immediately turned left! Then he announced, "Qantas 6 turning left to avoid a thunderstorm directly ahead”. Controllers immediately cleared a path for us, redirecting any conflicting traffic, and because of the compact nature of Europe, passed us on to the next controller who went through the same process.
In the middle of all of this every window around the flight deck lit up for about half a minute or so with rivers of lightning - "St Elmo's Fire" - so that the inside of the flight deck looked like it was being permanent illuminated by dozens of flashguns. Wow!
After some ten minutes or so of the most fantastic sound and light show I have ever seen we finally emerged in front of the line of thunderstorms into smooth, clear air with clear skies and a carpet of stars above, and the clusters of the street-lights of towns and cities scattered like a patchwork quilt below us for as far as the eye could see. The Captain then handed the aircraft back to the First Officer who turned off the seatbelt signs for the passengers behind us, and proceeded to give me probably the greatest practical geography lesson I have ever had. I believe he named somewhere between 20 and 25 cities across half a dozen countries straight off the bat - just by their lights and their positions relative to ours - and without a single map or chart to assist him.
Then he pushed his seat back, asked if I had any questions (after an experience like that - where do you start?), and for over an hour or so all five of us discussed crew resource management, European air traffic control, the responsibilities and duties of each member on the flight deck, the route we would be following that night and into the next day, the dangers of thunderstorms, and the science of "St Elmo's Fire" which was really interesting as the Captain had seen it a number of times in his career, the First Officer twice before, but it was the first time for the other three of us on that flight deck. We went on to discuss quite a number of other topics, and all five of us joined in - what a fantastic learning experience! And all because we avoided a thunderstorm cell!
Great story! I was allowed on a 747 flight deck just before landing at Sydney from LAX when I was a child, an unforgettable experience.
It's such a shame children (or anyone) these days are barred from the flight deck.
Beautiful video and the music scoring was great. I have flown in many 747 from US to Asia in the past and every trip was a treat to fly with the queen of the skies.
#safetyycard seeing my uncle arrive home into melbourne on the 747. he got me into aviation and unfounately he died back in 2013 due to cancer #fuckcancer, but was just amazing seeing the 747 fly over head on short final just amazed me!
Yes. #fuckCancer
It was soo emotional for me to see this on utube, I wash this over and over with tears running down my face, I did live in Canberra since 1973 for 20 years, and my 2 younger children where born in Woden (Canberra) Hospital, I live now in Sydney but, over the years I did fly to Canberra and loved the view from above, this video bring back soo many happy memories. Thank you for it.
#safetycard My favourite 747 memory was flying SYD-MEL on the upper deck with my wife and two kids on OEJ on 31/12/19, and returning the next day locking out Row 1. There's nothing better than sitting in front of the pilots on a 747. We drove up from Tasmania especially to do it.
We also went to Dallas on OEJ on 27/3/14 in 69A&B and 70A&B, so OEJ is only 747 the kids have been on.
Would have loved to have gone on this flight but couldn't get out of Tassy due to Covid. 😥
Thank you so much for you video.
I live by San Francisco airport sfo and loved hearing this plane taking off. It’s the loudest and most exciting.
Kinda reminds me of the last space shuttle mission- everyone was emotional
A great video Paul, thank you for sharing it with us. A very moving and emotional tribute to "The Queen". Rest in peace old girl.
#safetycard my favourite memory is sitting in McCarren airport, waiting to return to Blighty, and seeing the Virgin Atlantic 747 turn on the apron and roll up. She looked so majestic with the 4 engines and massive wingspan. Barbarella was her name (loved the VA names) but she's also been retired now.
The 747 has so many important memories for me. My uncle (an American astronaut) gave me a Braniff 747 model in 1978. My first trip from the US to Europe was on a United 747. Then for years my wife and I traveled back and forth to The Netherlands while we lived there, on the blue KLM 747 Combis. I will miss this special plane. Thank you for the video, and for a proper send off for the Queen of the Skies.
I've only been on a 747 once but the memories will stay with me forever
Great video! Thanks for sharing, mate. Got to admit I got chills from the flight attendant's final retirement call
It's going to be weird not seeing the Queen of the Sky flying around any more. This was beautiful to watch!
Really, really nice Paul. Thanks very much for making this video. Very touched watching this. I remember as a teenager driving under the nose of one of these at T4 at Heathrow, in a bus taking me to my BA flight to Accra. I remember looking up in wonder at the aircraft, marveling at how it had flown all the way from Australia to London. It seemed so so exotic then. I remember resolving one day in my life to travel to Oz on one of these. Took me 30 years but I made it to Oz - a couple of times now. Amazing how one look at an aircraft when you’re a kid can spark a life-long dream and direct a person’s path many decades later. Life affirming. Thanks for filming this final commercial journey of a true ambassador for Australia.
Cheers - glad you enjoyed it!
#safetycard My best memory of the Queen was when I got to see the Qantas Jumbo land at the Gold Coast after diverting from Brisbane due to poor conditions. It doesn’t seem like an airport such as OOL can accomodate such a large aircraft. The roar of the Jumbo was satisfying as it arrived and seeing it rocket out of the Gold Coast was astonishing knowing how much weight the aircraft has. We all now have to say goodbye to such an elegant aircraft. Farewell Queen of the skies, you have served Qantas proud!
Paul, thank you for the production and sharing of this video. I recall having a tour of of a 747 named Captain Cook when it was at the Avalon Airport in 1971. I will never forget the immensity of this aircraft at that time. I have flown in a few on holidays over the years. As an avid flight simmer for the past 20 years I have been in the captain's seat on the virtual flight deck numerous times. I must confess there was a tear in the eye when I saw the flying kangaroo as you alighted the aircraft.
Greg Whiley, Flight Simulation Australia
2:15AM and I’m crying remembering my first ever flight on a Qantas 747
It's bittersweet watching these 747 farewell videos. I flew on a QF 747-400 from SYD to SFO in 2008. At the time, it was my longest international flight. I graduated high school in 1970 and the Queen of the Skies has been apart of my World travels all my adult life. I still remember when I first saw her. It was the summer of 69, and my cousins took me to a deactivated USAF base in Kansas to watch TWA train their pilots, doing touch and goes. I don't think there has ever been an aircraft so loved by so many. I am really going to miss her.
Fantastic last flight. I’m so sad to see the demise of the 747. Since my first 747 flight on BA from London to Nairobi when I was a child in 1977, the jumbo has taken me all over world, for so many years. It felt like an old friend. Apart from many 747 flights with BA I was also lucky enough to fly on the jumbos of Qantas, Air New Zealand, South African, Virgin, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Kuwait Airlines, Pan Am, United and Air Canada. I thought they’d go on forever. I was planning to book on a BA 747 flight next year, but I hear they are now retiring them with immediate effect 😟
In 1998 I flew to Australia on a Qantas 747 from England at the young age of 9. I have lived in Australia ever since and am now 31. This aircraft started my passion for aviation and to never stop following my dreams. With out this Aircraft I wouldn’t have the life I have now. #safetycard
Keep up the great Videos. 🤙🏼
1:15 Even wild animals came out to watch this.
As a Canberra boy who has now lived in the UK for 25 years now,this was such an emotional video to watch. #safetycard...I have many memories of the flying kangaroo taking me back and forth from Oz, but my outstanding memory is that every time I flew into London, during the last 25 years,even though I may have not have been travelling further, seeing a Qantas 747 at Heathrow was enough to let me know that home wasn't really that far away. Farewell old girl
I missed out on this flight, my son was being born just across the border in Queanbeyan, my favourite memory is the first time I saw a 747 in Hong Kong many years ago. I had just had an awful flight with S7 airlines and saw the 747 as I was boarding my Qantas flight. The sight of the flying kangaroo made me feel so so much safer and already like I was home #SAFETYCARD
Thank you for making this video and sharing it. A Qantas 747 was the first flight I ever made way back many many years ago. Your video brought a tear to my eye.
Aww, I am sorry about your country's plane.
All the best Shaun of NYC
#safetycard.
Great video, Paul - I was crying by the end. I knew that the days of the Queen of the Skies was coming to an end, but the ending is so bittersweet right now; I feel like it’s being prematurely rushed to the exit, mostly due to Covid-19.
I have so many memories of flying on The Queen, but I think my most memorable trip was flying economy from Melbourne too LAX to get married. That particular version of the plane had an economy section upstairs, and it felt like I was in my own little private cabin, with much more room than in “regular” economy downstairs. The flight attendants seemed more attentive, too.
It was always a pleasure to fly on board Qantas’ 747. Vale Queen of the Skies.
#saftycard my favorite memory of the 747 is arriving in Australia in 1990 as a 3 year old, always had a special place in my heart for the 747 for bringing me here for a better life
Thanks, Paul, this was the video that let the floodgates open for me. She was, Is & will always be the queen fo the skies. My Fond Memory of the Qantas 747 was leaving India for good and Coming to Australia. Upon reaching WSSS (Singapore), I hopped on a 747-400 (QF9) to YMML (Melbourne).That was 1989 at the age of 5, could still remember it like yesterday, this brought back a lot of memories.
Glad you enjoyed it
I’m so happy youtube recommend this to me!😃
I'm happy you enjoyed it :) Many more similar avgeek videos on my channel :)
Hats off to you Marilyn Chilese Hatch and so sorry for your loss.
To me the 747 meant the start of the many journeys home California bound to see my family. The Jumbo bridged the gap to SFO from SYD. After 22 years in Melbourne, it never got old to fly her home. That airplane will be missed. Thank you Paul that was a very moving video.
I Can't Help But Believe The Water Streaming Down The Windows Was The Tears Of Qantas Employees Who Lost A Friend.
What a wonderful and poignant comment.
As a kid growing up in Auckland I'd often see the qf 747 flying overhead walking home from school. I was always in awe of the 747....but in qantas colours it was something else. I would look up and wish I was onboard! Luckily for me the first time on a plane was on a qf 747 to LAX in 1995 on wunula dreaming!
It was such a beautiful livery!
The qf 747 was for so many the first experience of air travel....despite the advances of modern efficient aircraft they will never have the wonder and excitement that the 747 has.
Thanks for sharing this flight with us Paul!
One of the first planes that got me into aviation. The classic queen of the skies, B747. #safetycard
This was a great video, clear skies and fantastic pictures. My first flight in a Qantas 747 was to Hawaii in 1992, a great flight and so much room. My next flight was in 2017, with my wife to visit friends in Vegas, flying into LA. Leaving Melbourne was very special as it was our overdue honeymoon, we flew premium and the service was exceptional. I must admit I felt emotional as we taxied out to the runway, for a number of reasons. On the return flight, Qantas A-380, as we entered the cabin, we were greeted with "Welcome home Mr White". That in itself was such a welcoming experience. Watching the video I felt I was there, feeling the push back in the seat as the power came on and the Queen gathered speed. A very lucky ride that is for sure, thank you for sharing.
#safetycard
I still remember the first time I looked at the Wunala Dreaming Boeing 747. I was born in 2008 so when the livery was retired in 2012, I was only 4 years old. It's sad to be seeing the iconic Boeing 747 retire from Qantas' fleet as it has served them through their greatest highs. I wish VH-OEJ stays in good condition in the Mojave desert and I wish that in the future, a potential buyer will salvage the aircraft and take it to the skies once again. I'm only 12 but I hope that sometime in the future, that I, myself will be able to experience such a memorable flight.
Great video Paul! The music choices was fantastic and really accentuated the sadness of the whole day. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
#safetycard The best moment would be when you hear the engines spool up at takeoff and the feeling that you are safe on this beautiful Qantas Aircraft.
Farewell The Queen Of The Skies ✈️.
This is why I would love the safety card , it would be special to me. I LOVE QANTAS Goodbye Queen Of The Skies. #safetycard
This made me tear up! What a farewell worthy of its iconic stature! I can tell the crew and the captain were legitimately sad.
#safetycard So sad to see the Queen depart the Qantas fleet after all these years... 😭 My favourite memory of the 747 was my first time ever going overseas, which was on a Qantas 747 to London, and while I was so young that the particular aircraft wasn't significant to me at the time, it still holds a special place within me and it created many fond memories. Long live the Queen, you will be missed ❤️
Paul, what a beautiful video of her amazing flight over Canberra! Thank you so much for sharing .
#safetycard. My favourite 747 memory was back in 2001 flying VH-NLH (G-BNLH) between Sydney and Hong Kong. This is because it was one of the World liveried 747s British Airways had. Plus it was on loan from British Airways to Qantas between 2000 and 2003.
I'm not crying i just cut some imaginary onions. Great video again Mr Paul
Dad: Why are you crying so damn loud?
#safetycard I don't have many 747 memories as the time difference between my last 747 and the flight before that was around 12 years! And I remember very little that long ago! However, the last time I was on a 747 was on the last day 2019 to Melbourne. The aircraft on that flight was in fact also VH-OEJ! However, that flight was a memorable one as they let us into the Crew Rest Bunk at the back and into the flight-deck at the end! The queue to enter the flight-deck after was one that I've never seen before! It went from the door, down the famous stairwell to the Economy class! An unique flight to sum it up! Thank you Qantas for this experience! :)
Yep those domestic 747 flights were pretty awesome! i'm glad i was able to get onboard a few of them! :)
The Boeing 747 in my opinion is the best looking airplane to have ever been built and it's sad that Boeing's discontinued the Boeing 747 program
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.
It's sad to see the QANTAS 747 retired, because for me this plane has been a part of my history.
In 1994, I moved from Australia to Canada, and it was a QANTAS 747 that took me away. I can still remember the pullback and the tears that were pouring out of the eyes of this then 23 year-old.
My first opportunity to return home was in about 2002, on the LAX-BNE (direct flights from Canada would come many years later). I was fine all through the flight, looking forward to getting to see family and friends again, when as part of the pre-arrival video, they played the kids' choral version of "I still Call Australia Home". DAMMIT! Tears again, because I do still call Australia home.
I've had a couple of other opportunities to get home over the years on the QANTAS 747, and each has given me memories. From meeting Andy Serkis ("Gollum") one one flight, being bumped up to premium economy on another, and (almost) getting the whole middle seats to myself on one more.
It's funny how a something like a plane can trigger emotional responses, but I am very sad to know that I will never again have the opportunity to fly on a QANTAS 747. A beautiful plane, and definitely the Spirit of Australia.
Funny thing is that I've never thought of taking a #safetycard so maybe now is my opportunity to get one.
#safetycard ive flown on 13 different qantas 747s and my favourite memory was when i was flying VH-OJU and the plane was emty and i was able to walk around the whole plane and sit in all the seats even though i was flighing buissness class that day i still went and sat in all the seats
Ive also flown Air Pacific 747 to nadi
The 747 is what started my love for aviation
Hi Paul
You never fail to deliver great flight reports. On this occasion your camera skills were amazing, you did the Queen of the skies a great honour on her last commercial flight. The crew served her as a real Queen, she will be missed all around the world.
Looking forward to your next video.
Kind regards
DS