Qantas has organised three special flights so that customers and employees can personally bid farewell to the much loved ‘Queen of the Skies’ ahead of its retirement from the national carrier’s fleet. The three one-hour ‘farewell jumbo joy flights’ depart from Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane.

“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,” Captain Weaver said. “Since the first 747 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 offer the final opportunity to fly on the Qantas 747 before it retires. The first of the three one-hour ‘farewell jumbo joy flights’ will depart on 13 July (Sydney), 15 July (Brisbane) and 17 July (Canberra).

The flights will be operated on a cost-recovery basis and profits will be donated to the HARS Aviation Museum at Albion Park (Wollongong) and the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach to support their efforts to preserve and promote the 747 legacy for future generations. Both museums have a Qantas 747 on public display.