Fresh off the Boeing production line, ‘VH-EBU’ entered service with a major Australian airline in 1985.
The Qantas Boeing 747-338 VH-EBU was repainted as Nalanji Dreaming in late 1995 and was unveiled in November 1995 to celebrate the Qantas 75th anniversary in that year.
'Nalanji' is the aboriginal word for 'our place'. Nalanji Dreaming is a celebration of the balance and harmony of nature in 'our place' Australia. Inspired by Australia's ancient cultural traditions dating back 40,000 years, the contemporary artwork 'Nalanji Dreaming' reflects the lush colour palette of tropical Australia.
During her 30-year career, ‘EBU’ carried scores of travellers to faraway destinations in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Since 2005, ‘EBU’ has enjoyed a quiet retirement at Avalon Airport, occasionally appearing in TV and film productions, and as an attraction for spotters, travelers, air show attendees and enthusiasts.
History of VH-EBU
The following history of VH-EBU is provided by Aussie Airliners.
- This aircraft was the second of three Boeing 747-338s ordered new by Qantas Airways - November 18, 1983
- It was allocated the Boeing Block Number 'RS272'
- Rolled off the Boeing production line at Everett (Paine Field) - December 06, 1984
- Powered by Rolls Royce RB211-524D4 engines
- First flown as N5573P - December 21, 1984
- Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-EBU - January 24, 1985
- This was the 60th Boeing airliner delivered new to Qantas Airways
- Ferried Everett (Paine Field) - Los Angeles (Captains C. Viertal, A. Bones) as QF501P - January 25, 1985
- The aircraft named 'City of Sydney' at Sydney in a special ceremony - February 1985
- It operated its first revenue service Sydney (Kingsford Smith) - Melbourne (Tullamarine) as QF28 - February 02, 1985
- Operated its first international service Melbourne - Sydney - Singapore - Bahrain - London as QF1 - February 03, 1985
- Entered maintenance at Sydney for repainting into the special Aboriginal livery - October 19, 1995
- Rolled out at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) in 'Nalanji Dreaming' livery - November 14, 1995
- The aircraft was renamed 'Nalanji Dreaming'
- Returned to service to mark Qantas 75th Anniversary Sydney (Kingsford Smith) - Tokyo as QF21 - November 16, 1995
- Ferried Sydney (Kingsford Smith) - Melbourne (Avalon) for long term storage as QF6195 - February 01, 2005
- Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - May 01, 2008
- Currently derelict at Melbourne (Avalon), Victoria minus engines and many parts
- Aircraft is in basic blue fuselage livery with red tail
- The aircraft has been painted all-white and now carries 'Avalon Airport' titles - 2016
The Inevitable Scrap Decision
In 2023, the inevitable decision to scrap ‘EBU’ came. Airline Artifacts embarked on a project to save a range of elements from the complete destruction of the aircraft. This range is now available to live on in the collections of EBU’s former passengers, crew, enthusiasts, and admirers.
Among the items saved include windows, cabin entry doors, cabin furnishings, cockpit items, and restored fuselage sections that celebrate the jet's spectacular and unique livery.
Airline Artifacts, is delighted to announce the release of a range of meticulously restored parts from the last Australian non museum 747, VH-EBU. The range includes windows, entry doors, cabin furnishings, cockpit items, and restored fuselage sections celebrating the jet’s spectacular and unique livery. This special collection will be available via their website on Friday, 13th October 2023, until sold out.
"It is our hope that through the preservation of these items, ‘EBU’ might “travel on” in the homes of former passengers, crew, and aircraft lovers."
Airline Artifacts
About Airline Artifacts
Airline Artifacts seeks to preserve the legacy of our aviation, flying and travel memories by saving iconic aircraft from demolition. Airline Artifacts has completed several projects in Australia and overseas, including saving significant sections of (Boeing 747-438 VH-OEB) in 2021.
Cover Image: Airline Artifacts