Onboard the LAST EVER Qantas Boeing 747 flight.

Final commercial Qantas Boeing 747 flight - Qantas 747 retirement - includes final Captain's speech and customer service manager's speech captured in 4K 60fps. Qantas Queen of the Skies.
Join me onboard the last ever commercial flight onboard a Qantas Boeing 747. This is a farewell joyflight from Canberra and the Snowy Mountains onboard 'Wunala' VH-OEJ, the last remaining Qantas Boeing 747-400 ER that is due to fly off to retirement in the desert next week.
My Qantas Boeing 747 videos:
My second last Qantas Boeing 747-400 ER flight - Sydney to Melbourne Economy Class Trip Report: • Onboard the Qantas Que...
Goodbye to the Qantas 'Queen of the Skies' - Boeing 747-400 ER - Sydney to Brisbane Trip Report: • Onboard the unique Boe...
My FAREWELL to the Qantas Boeing 747-400 ER - Sydney to Brisbane Trip Report: • My FAREWELL to the Qan...
Tour through the FIRST Boeing 747 at the Museum of Flight - the 'City of Everett' , RA001, N7470: • Video
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8i Business Class: • Lufthansa Business Cla...
Qantas Premium Economy Review - Boeing 747-400 - Sydney to Hong Kong (QF127): • Qantas Premium Economy...
Onboard the new Qantas 787-9 Dreamliner: • Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dr...
Full Qantas 747 takeoff video: • 4K 60fps Qantas Boeing...
Qantas 747-400 takeoff from Sydney: • Video
Windy Qantas 747-400 landing into Melbourne: • Video
Windy 747 landing into Brisbane airport: • Windy landing into Bri...
I have two KZbin channels:
Paul Stewart (aviation travel vlogs): / @paulstewartaviation
Paul Stewart EXTRA (unedited inflight aviation footage): / @paulstewart2ndchannel
Check out my Instagram account: @paulstewartaviation ( / paulstewartaviation )
and Facebook: / paulstewartaviation
If you enjoy this videos and want to see more, you can send me a donation via Paypal :) paypal.me/paulstewartaviation
#qantas #qantas747 #boeing747
Seat: 54K
Camera: gopro hero 8 and Sony handycam
Ticket: economy
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 ER. VH-OEJ 'Wunala'
Music: Epidemic Sound
Give-away details
To enter in my give-away of a 747 safety card and the farewell 747 headrest cover, you must (1) give the video a thumbs up, (2) be a subscriber and (3) comment with your favourite 747 memory and include the '# safetycard' text. On the 19th of August 2020, I will randomly select a winner and mail the prizes to them. If it's not claimed after 7 days, the prize is forfeit and I'll work something else. I will also announce the winners on my Instagram and Facebook pages.
0:00 intro
0:56 VH-OEJ arrives
2:18 goodie bag
3:13 corporate speech
4:37 boarding
07:50 CSM speech
09:12 captain's speech
11:25 takeoff
12:50 Snowy river scheme
13:30 Mount Kosciuszko
15:50 Lake Burley Griffin
16:20 Parliament House
17:10 final approach and landing
17:50 final CSM speech
20:05 water canon salute
22:50 tarmac walk
24:00 final chat with Dennis Bunnick

[@PaulStewartAviation]

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!

[@pilotsam004]

#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😁✈️🙂

[@AvarageMilkEnjoyer]

:')

[@AvarageMilkEnjoyer]

Thanks for da hart mate!

[@thereviewchannel9144]

#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

[@Chicken_3475]

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?

[@MarilynChileseHatch]

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.

[@MarilynChileseHatch]

@Too Much-Online thank you. He was an amazing young man. And Qantas are absolute legends for what they did for him.

[@eyeglasslady9266]

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!

[@jknapp6343]

Absolutely heartwarming story. My prayers go out for Justin and his wonderful grandmother.

[@MarilynChileseHatch]

@@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.

[@JohanAdam]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story.

[@scottgoodwin1073]

Anyone who loves flying will be teared up watching this

[@mthompson965]

I'm not crying, you are!

[@TheLatiosnlatias02]

Scott Goodwin Nothing pleases me more than a good flight. And you're right, I felt utterly saddened

[@samuelkaonga6937]

@@TheLatiosnlatias02 ii

[@Conradt1996]

I feel like the 747 has always been “alive” and I think she’d appreciate the respect and show in her final flight.

[@frankdedeugd5032]

Girls: ‘Boys don’t know what real sadness is’ Boys: Onboard the LAST EVER Qantas Boeing 747 flight - QF0747 ‘Jumbo farewell flight’

[@emjaynie2]

This girl gets it!

[@EmilyJaniceMusic]

@@emjaynie2 hey me too!

[@brandonmmmmmmmm3293]

omg so true

[@cchen-wq2nm]

im gonna cry if a380 retires! imma girl

[@AB-vt1cp]

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..

[@aussie_kadettv]

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!

[@Trainspottedatperth]

Same bro.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

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.

[@s.z.x.01]

Man I missed out 😢 what a pity

[@michaela7100]

More of your wife Dennis ;) Get Paul involved too and Wingin it! Q suite it up

[@timpetranoble7006]

Agree Dennis absolutely awesome, currently watching her final voguer on Flight radar. This video brought a tear to my eyes.

[@silverdrome1966]

Are you doing a video on the flight as well Dennis?

[@eddiep9353]

At 3:48 i think I see u

[@aolis14umbra2]

The 747 was my office for 26 years. Due to lockdown restrictions I was unable to attend the final farewell for staff in Sydney. I’ll be hanging up my wings along with this fine aircraft. Stay well and thank you. 🙏

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Matthew. Its very sad it ended this way. We were hoping for a proper farewell in March 2021 but alas... covid... 😔

[@alexmacklin5994]

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.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Yep there weren't many dry eyes when we landed again in CBR. :(

[@TridentGaming]

The Queen may be gone from Australian skies, but it's legacy in crafting Australian Aviation will live on... Forever

[@Islaharris.12405]

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.

[@michaelhayes5166]

Ff

[@patrickwassink2659]

What a shame that corona stop us from travelling, eyes are a little watery watching this video, fare well and thank you....

[@bytestream]

What a beautiful bird, she carries thousands of memories with her. The plane that changed the world.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

It absolutely did! And end of an era.

[@janetkolar5062]

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

[@robertp.wainman4094]

Beautifully worded Janet!

[@ubroberts5541]

Nicely said.

[@AQWorldsRay]

#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!

[@AQWorldsRay]

19:21 - Hearing the Customer Service Manager / Flight Attendant choke up when saying farewell to our Wunala Kangaroo made me tear up...

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Same here

[@s.z.x.01]

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.

[@robynwilkinson3361]

Sure did

[@brandonmmmmmmmm3293]

yes but BA 747 was the queen of all

[@tomburton410]

brandon mcgahee the Qantas one always felt more prestigious though.

[@matteomurphy7541]

Couldn’t have said it better 😭

[@amosmoses6038]

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.

[@enzedbrit]

I'm not going to lie: I'm wiping away a few tears

[@lukecook5801]

iliterati I think we all are

[@markcorry878]

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.

[@dash8brj]

Not the only one mate. I also had the waterworks going.

[@myvotedoesntcountyt5548]

same

[@roger_VK2VRK]

I most definitely did

[@sashas8168]

There never be another 747, what a speculator plane.

[@neilr6006]

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.

[@chowchillachuck]

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.

[@tuchapman2176]

Gosh. I cried through this video. The Flight Managers speech was very emotional. Farewell Queen of the skies xxx

[@richardschindler8822]

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

[@emjaynie2]

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.

[@render.d]

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.

[@lundimardi1975]

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.

[@billmaul319]

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

[@tramar8515]

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.

[@benlandry23]

#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!

[@MarilynChileseHatch]

Yes. #fuckCancer

[@KS-ce8hx]

2024/03. I missed this event in 2020. Just watched this episode and balwed my eyes out. An emotional farewell to our magnificent family friend. My 1st flight as a kid in 1974. Last flight in 2000. Sorry such a magnificent aircraft is now retired. Memories will live forever. 😢😊❤❤

[@DavidHamster88]

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.

[@markbromley9326]

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.

[@paulquigley6473]

Qantas gave her a good send off. Rest well Queen of the sky's.

[@andybaistow9368]

747 is the best aircraft ever to grace the skies, no other plane will ever beat this!!! So glad i also had the privilege to fly on this on many occasions and will miss it so much.

[@mwroysan]

My Wife, Grandson and myself flew on this very aircraft from Johannesburg to Sydney on Tuesday, 17 Sept 2019(VH-OEJ). This bird is the most beautiful plane to ever fly in our skies. An honour and privilege to have flown on this 747. Gonna miss this aircraft 😢

[@3800TURBO]

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.

[@burntoutaussie4005]

I agree there,. . . shame they couldn't have found a space at Longreach.

[@kymaustin6659]

The final flight to the boneyard flew over Wollongong Airport where the second QANTAS Jumbo is preserved by HARS

[@MonkeyDAxtro]

I agree

[@anthonyholloway246]

Because the kangaroos would hop on and fly around australia. lol

[@annakeye]

@@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.

[@chelsi227]

I was a flight attendant for Pan Am and enjoyed flying on their 747's and 747SP's. #safetycard

[@chongweiluo2237]

Nothing can beat a Boeing 747 with Qantas livery, such a beautiful plane! It was also the plane I first moved to Australia, good memory and I still have the boarding pass.

[@Mike-lh6vt]

My first 747 flight ever was with Qantas to Bali 30 years ago and made extra special as I was upgraded to upper deck business class. As a poor 22 year old experiencing such luxury was stuff dreams are made off. Farewell old friend, thanks for the memories, gone but not forgotten, Long live the Queen

[@warwickkinscher5986]

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!

[@phillxor]

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.

[@chocoholic832]

I've only been on a 747 once but the memories will stay with me forever

[@eileenaddison2400]

#safetycard November 1978. I was 10 years old and my family of 5 were going on our first overseas holiday from Melbourne to London. The holiday began the moment we walked onto the wonderful 747. I was mesmerised by the sheer size of it. 42 years later and I still recall watching Grease on the plane. I wouldn’t have been allowed to watch it otherwise. Thank you Queen of the Skies for some wonderful childhood memories.

[@11tomross]

It was my great privilege as a pilot to go up in the tower at San Juan International Airport in Puerto Rico in 1970 to witness the landing of Pan-American's first 747 flight from JFK in New York. No one in the tower cab had ever seen an aircraft so big. It looked so slow on approach that it appeared as if it were about to stall and slide backward out of the sky. The watch commander had his hand on the red crash phone as the 747 touched down. An audible sigh of relief wet up among those of us that witnessed that event.

[@lukegrevett2400]

#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

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Thanks so much.

[@jimi272]

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😢

[@NewYorkAviation]

#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.

[@SuperDad58458]

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

[@jantune]

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.

[@hdwporiginal8850]

Very bitter sweet seeing her fly over Sydney Harbour today. Flew on Q747 once, and will never forget that flight. Farewell, Queen of the Skies. 😢✈️

[@jessicalatin99]

2:15AM and I’m crying remembering my first ever flight on a Qantas 747

[@craigwillis3372]

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 !!

[@seannielsen6587]

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.

[@charlescampion9898]

In 1986, I was lucky enough to spend a couple of hours on the flight deck of a Qantas 747 from Perth to Sydney, and see Australia head on. A memory for life...

[@huntergill6477]

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.

[@julianlayton733]

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 😟

[@trevglider3490]

I am now 72 years old I have had 3 flights back to the UK , love the jumbo elegant lady of the skies

[@Blinkybills]

By Far my favorite Commercial Aircraft in Qantas colors. So sad to see the graceful old girl leave our skies. Farewell. You will be missed.. Just sad that I didn't get to fly on you!

[@Sanznachito]

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! 👏👏👏

[@MCPhantomX]

One of the first planes that got me into aviation. The classic queen of the skies, B747. #safetycard

[@jochentreitel7397]

During my round-the-world trip I had the pleasure of sitting on the upper deck in Business for 14,5 hours from Buenos Aires to Auckland back in 2001. What an experience - plane and service! Farewell, Queen!

[@weirdkid1237]

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.

[@sris007]

Wow! Breathtaking! The 747 is the most beautiful bird in the sky. Thanks for this. It was like savoring a very special single malt.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thehawkinscrew1681]

#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.

[@leoferrari1051]

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. 🤙🏼

[@lmacd2510]

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.

[@jamesedwards2483]

I Can't Help But Believe The Water Streaming Down The Windows Was The Tears Of Qantas Employees Who Lost A Friend.

[@iandunbar-reid6018]

What a wonderful and poignant comment.

[@music12998]

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!

[@PieterKaan1]

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! :)

[@TheAmerican1963]

My 2 partners and I built the pressure dome for this magnificent Lady......I have been building the tail section (empennage) for 35 years and will see the end in June of 2021........it was a wonderful ride as I am the only one left since 1986 who has built the "dome"......a very critical part.........tears roll down my face as with the exception of being a United States Marine, I know of no other endeavor in my life......Boeing has been very good to me as well as the LTV years........they helped me live a remarkable life and I am so very proud to have been a part of Joe Sutter, Jack Northrup and Joe Lings' dream.........LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!!!!!!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Long live the Queen!

[@McGubbins42]

#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.

[@DARJProductions]

#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.

[@tammywells-putz2108]

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!

[@pannuminator864]

There's a special place in heaven for this magnificent aircraft

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Absolutely! With Concorde!

[@TheLatiosnlatias02]

And the shuttle

[@spyro3412]

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

[@occyman]

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..

[@chengyoujiang6076]

As for me, 747 is the plane that I travel between Beijing and NYC (Air China B747-8) in each and every of my holidays as a Chinese university student. Each time when I sit on a 747 from Air China, I already feel like I'm at home. Long Live the Queens from Qantas and wish you Aussies never forget such a great icon of Aviation !!

[@Falkirion]

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.

[@boomerharris2965]

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

[@AluminumOxide]

Kinda reminds me of the last space shuttle mission- everyone was emotional

[@kjdensem1]

#safetycard I have had many memories from the Qantas 747 from watching her since a child! 2 years ago I finally got to fly on her and was able to sit in the cockpit with the captain after our arrival into Sydney! Was a special experience and will never forget! Long live the Queen!

[@hanscombe72]

Farewell darling girl. Bless your engines and wings. Rest now and we thank you.

[@Mitsuru14]

It's going to be weird not seeing the Queen of the Sky flying around any more. This was beautiful to watch!

[@_velocity_aviation_]

#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!

[@gcm747]

Thank you for your service. You will be missed beautiful girl.

[@HeartlandTuber]

#safetycard We first flew on 747 our first trip out of USA to Europe in 1971, headed as grad student for year study abroad in Germany. We already had a five year old son, who was with us. I still have the hard cardboard Lufthansa booklet given him as a gift by the stewardess. We were in our mid-twenties, and it was an adventure for the whole family. I still remember from my window seat watching the huge engines sway as we took off; landing to refuel in Amsterdam, and watching a tractor plow a field right by the runway, before heading on to Stuttgart. Wonderful memories.

[@aviation6921]

I’m so happy youtube recommend this to me!😃

[@PaulStewartAviation]

I'm happy you enjoyed it :) Many more similar avgeek videos on my channel :)

[@patriciatamihana7177]

Congratulations to all the Staff retiring with the beautiful Queen.. Well deserved retirement xxx God Bless you all.

[@emmyboa-colligan5798]

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

[@shauncampbell969]

Aww, I am sorry about your country's plane. All the best Shaun of NYC

[@questex4340]

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.

[@mikeculpan2756]

I joined QF in 1969 ( 30 years of service) and naturally was there when the 747 joined the fleet. Without doubt the greatest wide body jet ever and I am sure it will not be surpassed. I travelled many times on QF business trips and vacations and the feeling of being carried by a 747 gave one tremendous feelings of safety, comfort and good old fashioned QF customer Service. A beautiful and elegant looking aircraft that looked imposing at all times whether on a bay at an airport or watching takeoffs and landings. RIP Wunala Mike Culpan

[@PaulStewartAviation]

I completely agree - I never felt safer than in a Qantas Boeing 747. Especially on QF63/64 and 27/28!

[@flychrisso]

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.

[@veselinbigovic757]

#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

[@rowanevans4764]

#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 ✈️.

[@rowanevans4764]

This is why I would love the safety card , it would be special to me. I LOVE QANTAS Goodbye Queen Of The Skies. #safetycard

[@bluethoughts1]

blessed to have first flown the 747 in 1970 from Hong Kong to Honolulu and Los Angeles. My father booked us in first class so I experienced Pan Am's famed meal service . Wonderful experience for a child!

[@bronkdog]

I live by San Francisco airport sfo and loved hearing this plane taking off. It’s the loudest and most exciting.

[@james737]

Imagine BA going to this kind of effort. Wouldn't happen.

[@BarkingLondon]

Would have done 15 years ago... Not now though.

[@thomaswyly342]

#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 ❤️

[@goldapang3046]

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

[@nikashabestari9716]

#SafetyCard I remember my first 747 flight, and you could never forget the powerful roar of the engines powering you down the runway! #747WillBeMissed #GoodByToTheQueen!

[@avneeshawasthi5763]

Dad: Why are you crying so damn loud?

[@williambrandt9254]

My QANTAS 747 memory? Well, in the fall of 1986 I was fired from a job-no it was December-and decided to just tour the South Pacific with no end date. I ended up wandering around for almost 3 months And as it happened Qantas had a special of a ticket like a Eurail pass You could make up to 20 stops in the south pacific-just don’t backtrack. So I decided to see Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia-where I wandered around for six weeks-Fiji, and Hawaii. And my Qantas start was rather rocky. And it wasn’t any fault of Qantas My connecting flight to Burbank airport was late and we hurried Lee took a cab to Los Angeles international. I run up to the counter and they actually hold the 747 waiting for me to get on that night It was an eight hour flight to Papeete day, Tahiti We left about 2200 And because I was so late they left the luggage and my sunscreen So all my pictures of Tahiti show me as red as a lobster But Qantas was a valued partner all the way through the south pacific I will certainly miss the 747’s

[@belladass8298]

Such an emotional post. A 747 took me to a new life in the UK a little more than 20 years ago now.. Such magnificent birds. Long live the Queen ! #safetycard

[@charlienelson2002]

A beautiful tribute Paul, fitting for the Boeing 747. Couldn't help but pause and acknowledge the disappointment of the early 747 retirements at Qantas whilst keeping in mind how lucky the company & its people were to enjoy many planned farewells. For the almost forgotten people at Ansett who lost so much in 2001 & with their abrupt halt in the shadow of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it was a devastation. Congratulations Qantas & to the 747 however I will always remember Ansett Australia & the name that left our skies nearly two decades ago without a meaningfully deserved & gracious farewell.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Charlie.