Qantas has announced plans for three “farewell jumbo joy flights”, ahead of the official retirement of the carrier’s remaining B747-400 fleet later this month.
The airline will operate three one-hour flights from Sydney (July 13), Brisbane (July 15) and Canberra (July 17).
The flights go on sale at midday local time on Wednesday July 8, and tickets will cost A$400 in economy. There will also be a “small number of business class tickets” available for A$747, with “additional extras included”.
Qantas had been planning to retire its five remaining B747-400s by the end of this year, but this was accelerated due to Covid-19.
The Australian flag carrier said the farewell flights had been added “in response to requests from employees and customers for one final chance to fly on the aircraft”.
Seats will be limited to “maximise passenger comfort”, and profits from the services will be donated to the HARS Aviation Museum at Albion Park (Wollongong) and the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach.
Both museums have a Qantas B747 on public display, and the funds will “support their efforts to preserve and promote the 747 legacy for future generations”.
The carrier’s final B747-400 will depart Sydney for retirement at around 1400 on July 22, following a farewell event for employees.
“The 747 has been a magnificent aircraft and it’s fitting that we celebrate the end of five decades of history-making moments for the national carrier and aviation in Australia,” Qantas B747 Fleet Captain Owen Weaver said.
“Since the first B747 joined the Qantas fleet in 1971, these aircraft have operated numerous rescue flights to bring Australians home during times of crisis and provided a safe passage for many travellers taking their first international flight to or from Australia.
“These three flights will offer the final opportunity to fly on the Qantas B747 before it leaves, with some of our frequent flyers and aviation enthusiasts as fond of the aircraft as we are, having spent thousands of hours onboard over the years.
“There is an enormous amount of nostalgia and affection associated with our B747 and for those who miss out on a seat on the flight, they will at least be able to catch a glimpse of the aircraft as it takes to Australian skies for the last time.”
