Qantas to farewell Boeing 747
The skies will never be the same without the Boeing 747. Whether you like it or not, you cannot deny that this aircraft changed the aerospace industry by providing airlines with a large, efficient, long range aircraft to connect families and businesses around the world.
Unfortunately Qantas has set 2020 – the year of their anniversary – as the final goodbye for the type.
Ever since Qantas exercised their options for six additional 787-9 Dreamliners, their plan to keep the Queen of the Skies in service beyond 2020 has gone down the drain.
Initially the airline considered upgrading the cabin to their 787-9 product but later turned down the idea as it would be too costly.
With Qantas’ 747s set to depart for the final time, Korean Airlines and Thai Airways will be the last remaining passenger 747 aircraft in Australia providing they keep them on the route.
Pilots currently flying the 747 have been given a deadline to decide whether they’ll take the A330 or 787 route. Select pilots from this group will also be on the panel to be the first to fly Qantas’ Project Sunrise aircraft as the A350 ULR and 777x offer commonality with the A330 and 787.
All good things come to an end but they’re not necessarily forgotten. The Qantas 747 will remain to be a worldwide icon for a long time to come.
