Points Plane to LAX: Final flight for VH-OJU 747

[Dr Ralph]

Ozbargained now!

Fly to LAX O/W on a Qantas Points Plane - from 41,900 (Plus $205) Points to Fly on The Last Flight of 747 VH-OJU (Early Access)

Deal: Fly to LAX O/W on a Qantas Points Plane - from 41,900 (Plus $205) Points to Fly on The Last Flight of 747 VH-OJU (Early Access), Store: Qantas, Category: Travel

www.ozbargain.com.au

 

[ozfflyer]

It's on its way to another operator. So I guess fill it with Frequent Flyers rather than fly it empty.

another operator ? Thought it was on it's way to aircraft graveyard at Victorville near LA.

If it's going to Victorville, why would they fly it empty & not use it for regular revenue flight ?

 

[ozfflyer]

It'll be opened up for cash sales in another week, so won't be empty in any case.

They're just giving first dibs for FF redemptions in premium seats which is a nice thing of them, to be fair.

Qantas & nice are oxzmorons. There's an angle. Bet if you book one of these, you'll be bombarded with emails from Qantas about not so special one way fares LAX back to OZ, for flights back to OZ a week or 3 after the flight arrives in LAX. They'd have all the info about average stays in USA.

 

[jpp42]

The angle is simply that they can get revenue from what would otherwise be an expensive ferry flight. Everyone redeeming points brings revenue to the airline side from the FF program, or from the view of the overall company, it reduces liabilities. Either way you look at it, it's positive, even before you start thinking about how people will get back.

 

[ozfflyer]

The angle is simply that they can get revenue from what would otherwise be an expensive ferry flight. Everyone redeeming points brings revenue to the airline side from the FF program, or from the view of the overall company, it reduces liabilities. Either way you look at it, it's positive, even before you start thinking about how people will get back.

why would it have to be a ferry flight ? It's certainly not now.

 

[albatross710]

Just did a few searches and plenty of availability for return awards. Departing on the QF99 with many return options for BNE and SYD. Didnt check other ports.

Seems J awards on Qf99 are no gone.

 

[BAM1748]

Last 747 to SFO on Dec 3 for those wanting a last hurrah.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Last 747 to SFO on Dec 3 for those wanting a last hurrah.

Hmmm. Is it worth droopy skybeds for the final QF 747? Can still fly them TATL on BA, and of course the nice new ones with LH/CA/KE

 

[DC3]

Hmmm. Is it worth droopy skybeds ...

... that’s where the wheeled carry-on goes. No more droop.

 

[Matt_01]

So did anybody on this site make a points booking on this flight?

 

[jpp42]

why would it have to be a ferry flight ? It's certainly not now.

It obviously doesn't have to be, but might be in other situations to save money. Ferry flights require only flight crew, so paying a whole 747 cabin crew and accounting for their return to Australia isn't a negligible cost. They could also possibly fly directly to the destination in the US without the stop in LAX (might not be possible due to customs - not sure).

 

[DC3]

It obviously doesn't have to be, but might be in other situations to save money. Ferry flights require only flight crew, so paying a whole 747 cabin crew and accounting for their return to Australia isn't a negligible cost. They could also possibly fly directly to the destination in the US without the stop in LAX (might not be possible due to customs - not sure).

… and $$$$ for most pax to get home?

 

[moa999]

Today's the day

 

[Quickstatus]

Apparently VH-OJU has been purchased by another party

 

[jb747]

OJU is a nice aeroplane. The last of the QF RR engined aircraft, and the last of the classic version of the -400. Of course the ERs are even nicer, but they haven’t been given the respect that such a nice upgrade deserves.

 

[Quickstatus]

19 years and >90k hours for OJU. That’s a relatively young retirement. OJM retired after 26 years and maybe 118k hours. So by at least that measure still got some hours up the sleeve. I wonder who bought it?​

 

[moa999]

Qantas Insta says:
We're sad to see her go but she's off to a new owner who will take excellent care of her. We'll reveal more later in the week.

So guessing it's not a normal 3rd world airline or freighter conversion purchase.
Maybe a 2nd 747 for Virgin Galactic, or someone like SpaceX

 

[DC3]

So, not the final flight for this 747 at all. Just being ferried to a new owner, as a (essentially) revenue flight?

 

[Quickstatus]

So, not the final flight for this 747 at all. Just being ferried to a new owner, as a (essentially) revenue flight?

I like it like this - without all the hyperbole.

 

[moa999]

Still the last regular 747-400 flight for Qantas.
This represents the most significant type that Qantas has owned - 23 aircraft over the years.