50 years ago, on 9 February 1969, at 11:34 am, the prototype Boeing 747, N7470 (RA001) ‘City of Everett’ took off from Paine Field, Everett, Washington, on a 1 hour 15 minute test flight, flown by Boeing Chief Test Pilot Jack Waddell, with Engineering Test Pilots Brien Wygle as co-pilot, and Jesse Wallick as flight engineer.
The 747 revolutionised air travel and the aircraft is still in low-rate production today, with 1,548 having been built by the end of 2018.
A history of the Boeing 747 is available on Wikipedia .
To celebrate this significant historical milestone, we present photos of Boeing 747s which have visited Perth, Western Australia, over the years.
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First Boeing 747 to visit Perth – 3 September 1971
VH-EBA Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20009/147) of Qantas, named ‘City of Canberra’, at Perth Airport – 3 September 1971. Photo © Ted Drake.
**First Boeing 747 to visit Perth, and the first 747 for Qantas**
Is carrying a spare 5th engine under the left wing. It was on a route-proving flight from Sydney via Perth to Singapore, and remained on the ground for a few hours. About 8,000 people turned up to see this aircraft. The public was allowed a close-up look before it departed to Singapore.
VH-EBA operated Qantas’ first Boeing 747 revenue service on 17 September 1971, as flight QF727 Sydney – Perth – Singapore.
Qantas ordered four 747-100 in October 1967, but changed the order to the 747-200B in June 1969. VH-EBA first flew on 8 July 1971 and was named ‘City of Canberra’, then delivered to Qantas on 13-16 Aug 1971.
Later changed registrations and owners, as 4R-ULF, VH-EBA, N614AR, N307TW, LV-WYT, N307TW, HI-756CA, SE-RBP, 3D-NED XT-DMS. Retired at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2010 and reported scrapped in 2012. VH-EBA Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20009/147) of Qantas, named ‘City of Canberra’, at Perth Airport – 3 September 1971. Photo © Ted Drake.
**First Boeing 747 to visit Perth, and the first 747 for Qantas**
Is carrying a spare 5th engine under the left wing. It was on a route-proving flight from Sydney via Perth to Singapore, and remained on the ground for a few hours. About 8,000 people turned up to see this aircraft. The public was allowed a close-up look before it departed to Singapore.
VH-EBA operated Qantas’ first Boeing 747 revenue service on 17 September 1971, as flight QF727 Sydney – Perth – Singapore.
Qantas ordered four 747-100 in October 1967, but changed the order to the 747-200B in June 1969. VH-EBA first flew on 8 July 1971 and was named ‘City of Canberra’, then delivered to Qantas on 13-16 Aug 1971.
Later changed registrations and owners, as 4R-ULF, VH-EBA, N614AR, N307TW, LV-WYT, N307TW, HI-756CA, SE-RBP, 3D-NED XT-DMS. Retired at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2010 and reported scrapped in 2012. VH-EBA Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20009/147) of Qantas, named ‘City of Canberra’, at Perth Airport – 3 September 1971. Photo © Ted Drake.
**First Boeing 747 to visit Perth, and the first 747 for Qantas**
Is carrying a spare 5th engine under the left wing. It was on a route-proving flight from Sydney via Perth to Singapore, and remained on the ground for a few hours. About 8,000 people turned up to see this aircraft. The public was allowed a close-up look before it departed to Singapore.
VH-EBA operated Qantas’ first Boeing 747 revenue service on 17 September 1971, as flight QF727 Sydney – Perth – Singapore.
Qantas ordered four 747-100 in October 1967, but changed the order to the 747-200B in June 1969. VH-EBA first flew on 8 July 1971 and was named ‘City of Canberra’, then delivered to Qantas on 13-16 Aug 1971.
Later changed registrations and owners, as 4R-ULF, VH-EBA, N614AR, N307TW, LV-WYT, N307TW, HI-756CA, SE-RBP, 3D-NED XT-DMS. Retired at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2010 and reported scrapped in 2012. Other 747s which visited Perth
VH-EBH Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20842/238) of Qantas, named ‘City of Newcastle’, at Perth Airport – 1 August 1978. Photo © Peter Eyre.
Taken on the west side of the airport, in front of what is now Terminal 3, eight years before the International Terminal was built on the east side.
First flight 13 May 1974, delivered 24 May 1974 to Qantas, named “City of Newcastle”, later renamed “City of Parramatta”. In Feb 1991, became G-VJFK with Virgin Atlantic, named “Boston Belle”. To 5N-PDP Kabo Air July 2001. Withdrawn from use sometime between 2007-2012, possibly scrapped. 1980s
VH-EBI Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20921/241) of Qantas, named ‘City of Dubbo’, at Perth Airport – 31 March 1986. Photo © David Eyre. Taken on the west side of the airport, in front of what is now Terminal 3, prior to the International Terminal opening later than year. First flight 28 June 1974 as VH-EBI, delivered to Qantas 10 Oct 1974. To G-VLAX Virgin Atlantic in 1991, then 5N-PPP Kabo Air in 2001. Withdrawn from use at Kano, Nigeria by 2002 and scrapped in 2005. VH-EBJ Boeing 747-238B (MSN 21054/260) of Qantas, named ‘City of Newcastle’, at Perth Airport – 3 April 1986. Photo © David Eyre.
Taken on the west side of the airport, in front of what is now Terminal 3, prior to the International Terminal opening later than year.
This was the first aircraft to be fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks and the 10th Boeing 747 delivered to Qantas. First flight as N1785B on 21 April 1975, delivered to Qantas
31 May – 1 June 1975. Named ‘City of Geelong’, later renamed ‘City of Newcastle’.
Leased to Air Pacific from May 1989 to May 1991. To United as N158UA June 1991, made the last United Airlines 747-200 flight on 15 Dec 2000 to Marana, Arizona for storage. To YA-EAH Ariana Afghan Airlines Jan 2003, 3D-BOX Libyan Arab Airlines Dec 2003, EK-74702 IRS Airlines Feb 2004. Stored at Jakarta Feb 2006. To J2-KCD Grand Comoros in Dec 2006. Reregistered J2-LBB and leased to Iran Air in 2007. Stored at Tehran as ‘J2-KCD’ May 2009. To XT-DMT Jan 2010, leased to Kallat El-Sakar Air Company (DES), Libya. Stored at Fujairah (UAE) in 2010 and auctioned off for scrap – in June 2015, reportedly sold for US$146,000.
VR-HID Boeing 747-267B (MSN 22530/531) of Cathay Pacific Airways, at Perth Airport – 5 April 1986. Photo © David Eyre.
Taken at 6:30am, on the west side of the airport, in front of what is now Terminal 4, prior to the International Terminal opening later than year.
First flight 15 June 1981 as VR-HID, delivered to Cathay on 25 June 1981. Reregistered B-HID on 21 Aug 1997 when Hong Kong was handed back to China. To TF-ABA Air Atlanta Icelandic Nov 1998, and leased to Virgin Atlantic, Nigeria Airways, Garuda, Air Algerie, Saudi Arabian Airlines, TravelCityDirect.com, Malaysia Airlines, Air Atlanta Europe. Retired at Sharjah, UAE and later scrapped. International Terminal (later Terminal 1 International) under construction at Perth Airport – early August 1986.
Note that the aerobridges have not yet been constructed. Seen from the old international apron, where Terminal 3 is now located. In the foreground is the tail and wing of VH-EBG Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20841/233) of Qantas, named ‘City of Fremantle’ – by coincidence, this was the aircraft which operated the first service to the International Termin, on 27 October 1986, two months after this photo. T1 opened on 25 October 1986 and started operations on 27 October 1986. Photo © Peter Eyre First 747 to taxying onto the Perth International Terminal apron and *almost* use the International Terminal (G-BDXG Boeing 747-236B of British Airways): 27 October 1986
G-BDXG Boeing 747-236B (MSN 21536/328) of British Airways, named ‘City of Oxford’ at Perth Airport – Monday 27 October 1986.
The aircraft was operating flight BA9 and was delayed departing London-Heathrow and didn’t arrive at Perth until 4:20am. It taxied onto the new International Apron by mistake, but was instructed to go to the old international terminal on the west side of the airport, because Qantas wanted to be the first to use the new terminal. G-BDXG therefore operated the last international flight to use the old international terminal. This delayed arrival caused a problem, as some of the ground staff had to remain at the old terminal to handle this flight, whilst the rest relocated to the new terminal to await the first aircraft to use that terminal. G-BDXG departed as BA9 to Brisbane and Auckland at 5:40am. Photo © Peter Eyre First aircraft and first 747 to use Perth International Terminal (VH-EBG Boeing 747-238B of Qantas): 27 October 1986
VH-EBG Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20841/233) of Qantas, named ‘City of Fremantle’, – first flight to arrive at the new International Terminal at Perth Airport – Mon 27 October 1986.
Flight QF78 from Hong Kong, taxying in after landing at 6:20am. It parked at Gate 3 (Bay 53, later Bay 153). The 382 passengers aboard only took 20 minutes to pass through Customs and collect their baggage.
This same aircraft then operated the first departure from the new Terminal, flight QF75 to Denpasar (Bali) at 9:30am. Photo © Peter Eyre VH-EBG Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20841/233) of Qantas, named ‘City of Fremantle’, – first flight to arrive at the new International Terminal at Perth Airport – Mon 27 October 1986. Flight QF78 from Hong Kong, taxying in after landing at 6:20am. It parked at Gate 3 (Bay 53, later Bay 153). The 382 passengers aboard only took 20 minutes to pass through Customs and collect their baggage. This same aircraft then operated the first departure from the new Terminal, flight QF75 to Denpasar (Bali) at 9:30am. Photo © Peter Eyre VH-EBG Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20841/233) of Qantas, named ‘City of Fremantle’, – first flight to arrive and depart at the new International Terminal at Perth Airport – Mon 27 October 1986. This aircraft operated the first arrival and departure from the new terminal. It arrived as flight QF78 from Hong Kong, at 6:20am with 382 passengers. It parked at Gate 3 (Bay 53, later Bay 153), and is seen here being prepared to operate the first departure from the new Terminal, flight QF75 to Denpasar (Bali), which departed at 9:30am. Photo © Peter Eyre VH-EBG Boeing 747-238B (MSN 20841/233) of Qantas, named ‘City of Fremantle’, – first flight to arrive and depart at the new International Terminal at Perth Airport – Mon 27 October 1986. This aircraft operated the first arrival and departure from the new terminal. It arrived as flight QF78 from Hong Kong, at 6:20am with 382 passengers. It parked at Gate 3 (Bay 53, later Bay 153), and is seen here being prepared to operate the first departure from the new Terminal, flight QF75 to Denpasar (Bali), which departed at 9:30am. Photo © Peter Eyre Late 1980s
Perth Airport International Terminal (Terminal 1) in 1986. In this view are three Boeing 747-200B aircraft of Singapore Airlines on Bay 54, Cathay Pacific on Bay 53 and Qantas on Bay 52, with a Qantas 747-300 on Bay 51.
Photo © Aviation Institute Journal via Perth Airport N117KC Boeing 747-312 (MSN 23028/584) of Singapore Airlines, at Perth Airport – 14 June 1987.
Delivered to Singapore Airlines as N117KC in June 1983. To Ansett as VH-INK in Nov 1995; Wilmington Trust Company Dec 1998 as N117KC; F-GSEX Corsair Oct 1999; TF-AMK Air Atlanta Icelandic Oct 2005. Leased to a number of airlines then retired at Kuala Lumpur in 2009 and scrapped in 2011.
Photo © David Eyre. VR-HIA Boeing 747-267B (MSN 21966/446) of Cathay Pacific, at Perth Airport – 12 September 1987.
Parked at bay 53 (later bay 153). Departed to Hong Kong (Kai Tak) at 12.30pm as CX170.
Delivered in 1980 to Cathay. Reregistered B-HIA October 1997. To TF-ATD Air Atlanta Icelandic, then N787RR ‘Spirit of Excellence’ for Rolls-Royce North America – converted to Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 (Boeing 787) engine testbed from June 2005, tests started in 2007 and the aircraft is still used on test flights in February 2019.
Photo © David Eyre. N121KG Boeing 747-312 (MSN 23032/603) of Singapore Airlines, at Perth Airport – 11 October 1987.
At bay 54 (later bay 154), being prepared for departure back to Singapore. First flight 17 October 1984, delivered 30 Oct 1994 as N121KG (9V-SQZ and 9V-SKG not used). Ansett leased this aircraft in June 1995 and again from July – Sep 1996. Stored McCarran Field, Las Vegas Jan 1997. To F-GSEA Corsair in August 1997. To TF-AME Air Atlanta Icelandic in Dec 2004. Leased to a number of airlines then retired in October 2013 and stored at Kemble, UK, later scrapped.
Photo © David Eyre. N121KG Boeing 747-312 (MSN 23032/603) of Singapore Airlines, at Perth Airport – 11 October 1987.
Departing back to Singapore. First flight 17 October 1984, delivered 30 Oct 1994 as N121KG (9V-SQZ and 9V-SKG not used). Ansett leased this aircraft in June 1995 and again from July – Sep 1996. Stored McCarran Field, Las Vegas Jan 1997. To F-GSEA Corsair in August 1997. To TF-AME Air Atlanta Icelandic in Dec 2004. Leased to a number of airlines then retired in October 2013 and stored at Kemble, UK, later scrapped.
Photo © David Eyre. VH-EBK Boeing 747-238B (MSN 21140/267) of Qantas, leased to Air Pacific, at Perth Airport – November 1987.
This aircraft was nicknamed “The Fruit Tingle”, after a local confectionery product which has similar coloured stripes on its wrapping.
Qantas leased it to Air Pacific, but it also operated Qantas services, as seen here at Bay 51 (later bay 151), taking a full load of tourists to the island of Bali (Indonesia).
First flew with Boeing test registration N8295V on 15 Aug 1975, was delivered as VH-EBK ‘City of Wollongong’ to Qantas 7 Nov 1975. Leased to Air Pacific (Fiji) Mar 1985 – May 1989, but also used for Qantas services. Sold to United as N159UA Jan 1991, retired in May 2001 and broken up at Roswell, New Mexico, USA.
Photo © David Eyre. VH-EBK Boeing 747-238B (MSN 21140/267) of Qantas, leased to Air Pacific, at Perth Airport – November 1987.
This aircraft was nicknamed “The Fruit Tingle”, after a local confectionery product which has similar coloured stripes on its wrapping.
Qantas leased it to Air Pacific, but it also operated Qantas services, as seen here during pushback and start, with a full load of tourists heading to the island of Bali (Indonesia).
First flew with Boeing test registration N8295V on 15 Aug 1975, was delivered as VH-EBK ‘City of Wollongong’ to Qantas 7 Nov 1975. Leased to Air Pacific (Fiji) Mar 1985 – May 1989, but also used for Qantas services. Sold to United as N159UA Jan 1991, retired in May 2001 and broken up at Roswell, New Mexico, USA.
Photo © David Eyre. VH-EBS Boeing 747-238B (MSN 22616/543) of Qantas, named ‘Longreach’, at Perth Airport – 14 April 1988. Photo © David Eyre.
First Qantas 747 powered by Rolls-Royce RB211-524D4 engines and the 24th Boeing 747 delivered to Qantas. First flown as N1785B on 25 Sep 1981, but in Oct 1981 was test flown as N5700T and N6005C. Delivered as VH-EBS on 2-3 Dec 1981. Renamed ‘City of Broken Hill’ 7 Dec 1990. Leased to Air Pacific in Qantas livery with Air Pacific titles several times from 1997 – 2002. It operated its final Qantas revenue service Perth – Sydney as QF566 on 22 Dec 2002. Stored at Marana, Arizona in Jan 2003, having flown 85,178 hours and 17,175 cycles. Later scrapped. G-AWNC Boeing 747-136 (MSN 19763/48) of British Airways, named ‘City of Belfast’, at Perth Airport – 3 September 1988. Photo © David Eyre.
Departing at 4:30pm as “Speedbird 12” on the then-regular service to Singapore, Bombay, Bahrain and London-Heathrow. British Airways later acquired a stake in Qantas and BA later ceased Perth services.
Originally delivered to BOAC in June 1970 as G-AWNC, which became part of British Airways in 1974. This aircraft was named ‘City of Belfast’ and later ‘Lake Windermere’. Withdrawn from BA service on 31 Oct 1998, with total flight time of 105,198 hours, 21,776 cycles. To Air Gulf Falcon 29 Nov 1999 as P4-GFA, later reregistered 3D-GFA. Stored at Marana, Arizona 29 May 2000 and scrapped in 2005. PH-MCF Boeing 747-21AC/SCD Combi (MSN 24134/712) of Qantas (leased from Martinair Holland), named ‘Santa Claus’, at Perth Airport – 29 December 1988. Photo © David Eyre.
Taxying in to park at Bay 562 (later Bay 152) at 5:15pm. Temporarily wore name “Santa Claus” from late 1988, but later changed back to “Prins Claus”.
This is a 747 Combi (combined passenger/freight on main deck) with side cargo door on the rear left side (not visible on this side).
First flown 15 Sep 1988 as N6009F, delivered to Martinair 26 Sep 1988 (three months prior to this photo), and was immediately leased to Qantas (from 1 Oct 1988 until 30 May 1989. Had Martinair technical crews and Qantas cabin crews. It had GE CF6-50E2 engines, whereas all Qantas-owned 747s had Pratt & Whitney JT9D or Rolls-Royce RB211-524 engines. Leased again to Qantas as a freighter from 2 Oct 1989-20 Apr 1990. Martinair later leased it to Singapore Airlines 7 Nov 1991- 6 Feb 1992. To N134AP the TC-AKZ with Ankair/World Focus Airlines (Turkey) in 2008, but onsold immediately to Iran Air Cargo and registered EP-ICD. Still in service in Sep 2018. 9V-SQS Boeing 747-212B (MSN 21944/510) of Singapore Airlines, at Perth Airport – 4 April 1989. Photo © David Eyre.
Parked at Bay 53.
First flt 18 Feb 1981, delivered 19 Mar 1981. To N521UP with United Parcel Service in 1996 and converted to freighter by Bedek. Painted in “Olympic Games” special colours 1997-2003. Retired at Roswell, USA on 30 Dec 2008 and scrapped in 2010. First Boeing 747-400 to visit Perth (9V-SMA Boeing 747-412 of Singapore Airlines): 14 April 1989
9V-SMA Boeing 747-412 (MSN 24061/717) of Singapore Airlines, at Perth Airport – 14 April 1989. Photo © David Eyre.
**First visit to Perth by a Boeing 747-400** Also first visit of an aircraft in the then-new Singapore Airlines livery. This was the 6th 747-400 built by Boeing. SIA ordered 33 B747-400s, to replace their fleet of B747-200 & 747-300.
Parked at Bay 53 (later bay 153). Pushed back 40 mins late at 3:10pm, but had engine problems and didn’t depart until 5am the next morning.
First flight 15 Mar 1989 as N5573B, delivered 29 Mar 1989 (16 days prior to this photo). Withdrawn from service and stored at Victorville, California on 11 Oct 2004. Registered N733BA to Boeing in Aug 2005, then to PH-MPP with Martinair Cargo Nov 2005. Converted to freighter at Xiamen in Feb 2006. Leased to Air Cargo Germany as D-ADCG 2010-2013, then returned to Martinair Cargo (still with ACG titles) as PH-MPP and stored at Frankfurt, then Teruel (Spain) from Aug 2013 and still there in 2017. 9V-SMA Boeing 747-412 (MSN 24061/717) of Singapore Airlines, at Perth Airport – 14 April 1989. Photo © David Eyre.
**First visit to Perth by a Boeing 747-400** Also first visit of an aircraft in the then-new Singapore Airlines livery. This was the 6th 747-400 built by Boeing. SIA ordered 33 B747-400s, to replace their fleet of B747-200 & 747-300.
Parked at Bay 53 (later bay 153). Pushed back 40 mins late at 3:10pm, but had engine problems and didn’t depart until 5am the next morning.
First flight 15 Mar 1989 as N5573B, delivered 29 Mar 1989 (16 days prior to this photo). Withdrawn from service and stored at Victorville, California on 11 Oct 2004. Registered N733BA to Boeing in Aug 2005, then to PH-MPP with Martinair Cargo Nov 2005. Converted to freighter at Xiamen in Feb 2006. Leased to Air Cargo Germany as D-ADCG 2010-2013, then returned to Martinair Cargo (still with ACG titles) as PH-MPP and stored at Frankfurt, then Teruel (Spain) from Aug 2013 and still there in 2017. 9V-SMA Boeing 747-412 (MSN 24061/717) of Singapore Airlines, at Perth Airport – 14 April 1989. Photo © David Eyre.
**First visit to Perth by a Boeing 747-400** Also first visit of an aircraft in the then-new Singapore Airlines livery. This was the 6th 747-400 built by Boeing. SIA ordered 33 B747-400s, to replace their fleet of B747-200 & 747-300.
Pushing back from Bay 53 (later bay 153) 40 mins late at 3:10pm, but had engine problems and didn’t depart until 5am the next morning.
First flight 15 Mar 1989 as N5573B, delivered 29 Mar 1989 (16 days prior to this photo). Withdrawn from service and stored at Victorville, California on 11 Oct 2004. Registered N733BA to Boeing in Aug 2005, then to PH-MPP with Martinair Cargo Nov 2005. Converted to freighter at Xiamen in Feb 2006. Leased to Air Cargo Germany as D-ADCG 2010-2013, then returned to Martinair Cargo (still with ACG titles) as PH-MPP and stored at Frankfurt, then Teruel (Spain) from Aug 2013 and still there in 2017. More from the late 1980s
G-BNLE Boeing 747-436 (MSN 24047/753) of British Airways, named ‘City of Newcastle’, at Perth Airport – 30 December 1989. Photo © David Eyre.
Taking off from runway 21 on the then-regular service to London-Heathrow.
This aircraft first flew on 2 Oct 1989 and was delivered 15 Nov 1989, 6 weeks before this photo. It served with BA until 30 October 2014 when it was retired to Cardiff, then flown to Victorville, USA and stored on 27 Nov 2014. It was still there in January 2018, minus engines and nosecone. C-FTOC Boeing 747-133 (MSN 20015/144) of Air Canada, at Perth Airport – late 1980s.
Parked at bay 55 (later bay 155). No details available – please contact AviationWA@gmail.com if you have more info. Photo © Steve Jaksic. C-FTOC Boeing 747-133 (MSN 20015/144) of Air Canada, at Perth Airport – late 1980s.
Parked at bay 55 (later bay 155). No details available – please contact AviationWA@gmail.com if you have more info. Photo © Steve Jaksic. 1990s
G-AWNF Boeing 747-136 (MSN 19766/111) of British Airways, named ‘City of Westminster’, at Perth Airport – 16 February 1990. Photo © David Eyre.
Taxying out from the International Terminal.
First flown 13 Feb 1971 and delivered to BOAC 14 Mar 1971, which later became part of British Airways in 1974. To 5N-JJJ Kabo Air in 2001. Retired at Kano, Nigeria by 2005, in poor condition. G-BNLC Boeing 747-436 (MSN 23910/734) of British Airways, named ‘City of Cardiff’, at Perth Airport – 16 February 1990. Photo © David Eyre.
Taxying in to the International Terminal.
First flight 28 June 1989, delivered 21 July 1989. Retired at Cardiff 29 Oct 2008 and scrapped in Nov 2011. EI-CAI Boeing 747-123 (MSN 20108/87) of Qantas (sub-leased from Aer Lingus), in Air Pacific livery, named ‘Island of Viti Levu’, at Perth Airport – 1 March 1990. Photo © David Eyre.
Operating the Bali service and taxying out from the International Terminal.
First flight 28 Oct 1970 as N9669, delivered to American Airlines 27 Nov 1970. Sold to Citicorp in 1984 and leased to National Airlines July 1984 – Sep 1985, then stored at Phoenix. Reregistered N14939 to Citibank in Aug 1986. Lease to Cargolux as LX-NCV was not taken up. Leased to Highland Express in June 1987 and registered as G-HIHO ‘Highlander’ until they ceased operations in Dec 1987. Stored at Brussels in Jan 1988.
Citibank leased it to Qantas from March 1988 and painted in Air Pacific livery as VH-EEI ‘Island of Viti Levu’, operated for Air Pacific (Fiji).
Leased to Aer Lingus as EI-CAI and sub-leased to Qantas, only wore this registration for 4 months, from Nov 1989 to March 1990, then was again registered VH-EEI.
To G-VMIA ‘Miami Maiden’ Virgin Atlantic Airways in May 1990, later renamed ‘Spirit of Sir Freddie’ in July 1993.
Retired at Kemble, UK in January 2000, having flown 84,293 hours with 18,397 cycles.
Scrapped 16-20 March 2000. VH-OJB Boeing 747-438 (MSN 24373) “Wunala Dreaming” of Qantas Airways at Perth Airport. This was the 32nd 747 delivered to Qantas in 1989 and wore this special aboriginal scheme between Sept, 1994 and March 2003. The first of two 747’s to be painted in this scheme, the second aircraft, VH-OEJ carried the same scheme (apart from the engine cowls) between 2003 and 2011. © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) 9V-SPL Boeing 747-412BCF (MSN 26557) of Singapore Airlines in the very spectacular “Tropical Megatop” livery at Perth Airport. Sadly, this 747 was quickly repainted into the standard scheme following the tragic crash of 9V-SPK (painted in an identical scheme) in Taipei in 2000.Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) 9V-SPL Boeing 747-412BCF (MSN 26557) of Singapore Airlines in the very spectacular “Tropical Megatop” livery at Perth Airport. Sadly, this 747 was quickly repainted into the standard scheme following the tragic crash of 9V-SPK (painted in an identical scheme) in Taipei in 2000.Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) PH-MCE Boeing 747-21AC(SCD) (MSN 23652) of Martinair at Perth Airport – January 1993
© Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
G-CIVA Boeing 747-436 (MSN 27092) of British Asia Airways at Perth Airport. This was a subsidiary of British Airways, formed in 1993, based in Taiwan, to operate the London to Taipei route. National airlines were not permitted to fly to Taiwan, so British Asia was formed to get around the problem.
© Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
VH-EAA Boeing 747SP-38 (MSN 22495-505) named “City of Gold Coast Tweed” of Qantas Airways at Perth Airport. This was Qantas’s first 747SP and made its first flight as VH-EAA January 11, 1981. Carried “Sydney 2000” Olympic decal in December 1993 to promote Sydney’s bid for the 2000 Olympic Games. Leased to Australia Asia Airlines March 25, 1994, broken up July 25th 2002 . © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) VH-EAA Boeing 747SP-38 (MSN 22495-505) named “City of Gold Coast Tweed” of Qantas Airways at Perth Airport. This was Qantas’s first 747SP and made its first flight as VH-EAA January 11, 1981. Carried “Sydney 2000” Olympic decal in December 1993 to promote Sydney’s bid for the 2000 Olympic Games. Leased to Australia Asia Airlines March 25, 1994, broken up July 25th 2002 . © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) VH-EAB Boeing 747SP-38 (MSN 22672/537) named “City of Traralgon” of Qantas, at Perth Airport – late 1993/early 1994.
Carried “Sydney 2000” Olympic decal in December 1993 to promote Sydney’s bid for the 2000 Olympic Games. Leased to Australia Asia Airlines April 1994 – June 1996. Retired at Marana, Arizona in 2001 and scrapped in April 2002. It had flown 69,469 hours with 15,098 cycles. Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) VH-EBX Boeing 747-338 (MSN 23688-662) named “City of Perth” (later renamed “City of Wadonga”) at Perth Airport. Operated first revenue service, Perth – Sydney November 18, 1986. Leased to Japan Airlines (JAL) for joint JAL / Qantas services to Japan April 01, 1992, where it was operated in standard JAL livery with Qantas titles on the rear fuselage for two years. EBX was later leased to Air Pacific, then Garuda and was finally sold to Evergreen International for spares in 2008. © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) 2000 onwards
ZS-SAJ Boeing 747-312 (MSN 23027) “Ndizani” of South African Airways at Perth Airport. Painted in the bright colours of the South African flag, to take the country’s sports men and women to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Ndizani visted Perth on several occasions over quite a few years, until it was retired in 2004. © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) ZS-SAJ Boeing 747-312 (MSN 23027) “Ndizani” of South African Airways at Perth Airport. Painted in the bright colours of the South African flag, to take the country’s sports men and women to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Ndizani visted Perth on several occasions over quite a few years, until it was retired in 2004. © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) ZS-SAJ Boeing 747-312 (MSN 23027) “Ndizani” of South African Airways at Perth Airport. Painted in the bright colours of the South African flag, to take the country’s sports men and women to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Ndizani visted Perth on several occasions over quite a few years, until it was retired in 2004. © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) VH-OJB Boeing 747-438 (MSN 24373) “Wunala Dreaming” of Qantas Airways at Perth Airport. This was the 32nd 747 delivered to Qantas in 1989 and wore this special aboriginal scheme between Sept, 1994 and March 2003. The first of two 747’s to be painted in this scheme, the second aircraft, VH-OEJ carried the same scheme (apart from the engine cowls) between 2003 and 2011. © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) VH-EBU Boeing 747-338 (MSN 23223-606) “Nalanji Dreaming” of Qantas Airways at Perth Airport. Entered service in Feb, 1985, it was the 26th Boeing 747 delivered new to Qantas. It rolled out in the Nalanji Dreaming livery on November 14, 1995. As at January 2015, it was derelict and stored at Avalon Airport, used for security training. © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) VH-EBU Boeing 747-338 (MSN 23223-606) “Nalanji Dreaming” of Qantas Airways at Perth Airport. Entered service in Feb, 1985, it was the 26th Boeing 747 delivered new to Qantas. It rolled out in the Nalanji Dreaming livery on November 14, 1995. As at January 2015, it was derelict and stored at Avalon Airport, used for security training. © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) 9M-MPS Boeing 747-4H6F (MSN 29902) of Malaysia Airlines, in a unique “Hibiscus” scheme at Perth Airport. On final approach to runway 21. © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses) B-2445 Boeing 747-4J6 (MSN 25882) of Air China at Perth Airport
Taxying for a runway 21 departure.
© Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
B-2445 Boeing 747-4J6 (MSN 25882) of Air China at Perth Airport
Taxying for a runway 21 departure.
© Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
VH-EBY Boeing 747-338 (MSN 23823/678) of Qantas, named “City of Mildura”, at Perth Airport – 25 September 2005.
Taxying from the domestic terminal 4 to runway 21, on an extra flight QF6108 to Melbourme, taking football fans to the AFL Grand Final at 3.58pm. Photo © David Eyre. VH-EBX Boeing 747-338 (MSN 23668/602) of Qantas, named “City of Wodonga”, at Perth Airport – 25 July 2008.
Seen after landing on runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight QF575 from Sydney at 11:16am. Later departed back to Sydney as QF580 at 12:56pm. VH-EBX Boeing 747-338 (MSN 23668/602) of Qantas, named “City of Wodonga”, over Caversham – 6 August 2008.
Seen after take-off from runway 03 at Perth Airport as flight QF580 to Sydney at 12:53pm. Photo © David Eyre. 9V-SFG Boeing 747-412F (MSN 26558/1173) of Singapore Airlines Cargo, at Perth Airport – 16 September 2008.
Taking off from runway 21 at Perth Airport as flight SQ7215 to Singapore at 14:25.
It brought in the Red Bull Air Race aircraft and equipment, arrived at 10:59am from Singapore as SQ7216. The Red Bull race aircraft were trucked to Jandakot and re-assembled at Fighter Combat International, and then flew to Langley Park on Wed 31 October 2008. First flight 26.8.98 as 9V-SFG, delivered to Singapore Airlines Cargo 3.9.98. To ER-BBJ Aerotranscargo in April 2017. Photo © David Eyre. 2010 onwards
China’s ‘Air Force One’
B-2472 Boeing 747-4J6 (MSN 30158/1243) of Air China, at Perth Airport – 6 April 2011.
Parked at Bay 50 in the early morning sunlight. This arrived the previous night using the callsign “Air China 003”. It arrived from Yangon in Myanmar, and departed to Canberra at 0900 on 7th April.
The aircraft brought China’s fourth highest ranking leader, Jia Qinglin – Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). This was to start an official visit to Australia, intended to increase cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations. 70% of all of Australia’s exports to China came from WA, while more than 80% of Chinese investment in Australia was in WA.
The aircraft is nicknamed by enthusiasts as “China Air Force One”, since it is used as a VIP and Presidential aircraft by the Chinese Government. On the rear fuselage it is marked as a “Boeing 747-400P”.
First flight 11.4.2000 as B-2472, delivered 2.5.2000 to Air China. Photo © David Eyre. B-2472 Boeing 747-4J6 (MSN 30158/1243) of Air China, at Perth Airport – 6 April 2011.
Parked at Bay 50 in the early morning. This arrived the previous night using the callsign “Air China 003”. It arrived from Yangon in Myanmar, and departed to Canberra at 0900 on 7th April.
The aircraft brought China’s fourth highest ranking leader, Jia Qinglin – Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). This was to start an official visit to Australia, intended to increase cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations. 70% of all of Australia’s exports to China came from WA, while more than 80% of Chinese investment in Australia was in WA.
The aircraft is nicknamed by enthusiasts as “China Air Force One”, since it is used as a VIP and Presidential aircraft by the Chinese Government. On the rear fuselage it is marked as a “Boeing 747-400P”.
First flight 11.4.2000 as B-2472, delivered 2.5.2000 to Air China. Photo © David Eyre. 9V-SFM Boeing 747-412F (MSN 32898/1333) of Singapore Cargo, at Perth Airport – 6 April 2011.
Bringing the Cirque du Soleil circus equipment. Taxying in to park at Bay 56 at 7:28am, as flight SQ7343 from Cape Town (South Africa), via a tech stop at Mauritius.
First flight 11.8.2003 as 9V-SFM, delivered 21.8.2003 to Singapore Cargo, still in service. Photo © David Eyre. TF-ALF Boeing 747-428M(BCF) (MSN 25302/884) of National Airlines (leased from Air Atlanta Icelandic) at Perth Airport – 28 May 2011.
Seen arriving at 11:20am after landing on runway 06, arriving from Avalon with a heavy load of equipment, en route to Diego Garcia, using callsign “AUSY 86”.
The 747 was told by Melbourne Centre air traffic controllers to use runway 06 for arrival, but the 747 crew said that due to their heavy weight, they needed the longer runway 03. Melbourne Centre said runway 03 was closed for maintenance, and they had to use runway 06.
The 747 crew had to burn (or dump) fuel to get the aircraft’s weight down sufficiently to land on the shorter runway 06, so they held at 19,000 feet over the BEVLY waypoint (50nm from Perth Airport) for and it took nearly an hour to bring the aircraft weight down and it finally landed on runway 06 at 11:20am.
After refuelling, they needed to depart urgently, and around 2pm, the Tower instructed workers on runway 21 to cease work and finish for the day. Safety Officers in vehicles checked the runway re-opened. The 747 freighter took off from runway 21 at 2:04pm, headed for Diego Garcia. National Airlines is based at Willow Run Airport, Michigan, USA (near Detroit). Photo © Michael Davis.
VH-OJQ Boeing 747-438 (MSN 25546/924) of Qantas, named “Mandurah”, at Perth Airport – 3 June 2011.
Taxying in to park at Terminal 4 at 13:19 as flight QF581 from Sydney.
First flown as N6046P on 15 June 1992. This was the 100th Boeing jetliner delivered to Qantas. Delivered 18 September 1992. Stored at Victorville in 2012 and registered N951JM in 2014. Still stored. Photo © David Eyre. VH-OJU Boeing 747-438 (MSN 25566/1239) of Qantas, named “Lord Howe Island”, with “Boxing Kangaroo” and “Spirit of the Australian Team” decals, at Perth Airport – 17 August 2012. Photo © David Eyre.
VH-OJU formerly wore Oneworld titles. The aircraft completed a cabin refubishment at Avalon, to give it a similar cabin to the Airbus A380, then flew to Sydney on 9 July 2012. It was rolled out at Sydney on 16 July 2012 with Boxing Kangaroo decals on the tail and forward fuselage and “Spirit of the Australian Team” titles.
On 13 August 2012, VH-OJU brought the Australian Olympic team home, flying London Stansted – Bangkok – Sydney. Seen landing on runway 03 at 13:09 as flight QF581 from Sydney. VH-OJU Boeing 747-438 (MSN 25566/1239) of Qantas, named “Lord Howe Island”, with “Boxing Kangaroo” and “Spirit of the Australian Team” decals, at Perth Airport – 17 August 2012. Photo © David Eyre.
VH-OJU formerly wore Oneworld titles. The aircraft completed a cabin refubishment at Avalon, to give it a similar cabin to the Airbus A380, then flew to Sydney on 9 July 2012. It was rolled out at Sydney on 16 July 2012 with Boxing Kangaroo decals on the tail and forward fuselage and “Spirit of the Australian Team” titles.
On 13 August 2012, VH-OJU brought the Australian Olympic team home, flying London Stansted – Bangkok – Sydney. Seen taxying out to runway 03, headed back to Sydney as QF582 at 14:58. VH-OJD Boeing 747-438 (MSN 24481/764) of Qantas, named ‘Brisbane’, at Perth Airport – 30 August 2012.
Taxying out to runway 03 at 3:09pm. This aircraft was often allocated to do the daily Sydney – Perth domestic services, and was unofficially nicknamed ‘Oscar Juliet Domestic’.
First flight 13 Dec 1989, delivered 16 Jan 1990. Stored at Victorville, USA 7 Mar 2013. Photo © David Eyre. The ‘Doomsday Plane’ – Boeing E-4B
The Boeing E-4 aircraft is a military version of the Boeing 747-200, designed as a survivable platform to conduct war operations in the event of a nuclear attack, so the media nicknamed them “the Doomsday planes”.
They were originally based at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, so that the U.S. President and Secretary of Defense could access them quickly in the event of an emergency. Later, they were based at Offutt Air Force Base where they would be safer from attack.
Until 1994, one E-4B was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base at all times so the President could easily board it in times of world crisis. One E-4B is kept “on alert” at all times, manned 24 hours a day with a watch crew on board guarding all communications systems, awaiting a launch order.
The E-4B is designed to survive an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (such as that caused by a nuclear bomb) with systems intact, and uses analog instruments because they are less susceptible to an EMP. The aircraft has state-of-the-art direct fire countermeasures.
It operates with a crew of 48 to 112 people, the largest crew of any aircraft in US Air Force history.
With in-flight refueling, it is capable of remaining airborne for lengthy periods, limited only by consumption of the engines’ lubricants and crew requirements). In one test, it remained airborne for 35.4 hours.
73-1677 Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (747-200B) (MSN 20683/204) of US Air Force 1st Airborne Command Control Squadron (1st ACCS), 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA, at Perth Airport – Tue 13 Nov 2012. On approach to runway 21 at 15:27, using callsign “GRIM 42”, arriving from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, USA. US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta was aboard for annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) talks, focused on increasing US Marine presence in Australia; improved US Air Force access to northern Australia bases, and a significant increase in US warships using the HMAS Stirling naval base south of Perth. Mr Panetta arrived amid tight security and was met on the tarmac by Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith, before being taken into the city to begin two days of AUSMIN talks with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Mr Smith and Foreign Minister Bob Carr, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. This aircraft was built as an E-4A, and first flew in September 1973, and was converted to an E-4B in the early 1980s, with the addition of a large satellite antenna hump behind the upper deck. Photo © David Eyre. 73-1677 Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (747-200B) (MSN 20683/204) of US Air Force 1st Airborne Command Control Squadron (1st ACCS), 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA, at Perth Airport – Tue 13 Nov 2012. On approach to runway 21 at 15:27, using callsign “GRIM 42”, arriving from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, USA. US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta was aboard for annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) talks, focused on increasing US Marine presence in Australia; improved US Air Force access to northern Australia bases, and a significant increase in US warships using the HMAS Stirling naval base south of Perth. Mr Panetta arrived amid tight security and was met on the tarmac by Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith, before being taken into the city to begin two days of AUSMIN talks with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Mr Smith and Foreign Minister Bob Carr, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Photo © David Eyre. 73-1677 Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (747-200B) (MSN 20683/204) of US Air Force 1st Airborne Command Control Squadron (1st ACCS), 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA, at Perth Airport – Tue 13 Nov 2012. Pushing back from bay 156 for engine start at 7:46am using callsign ‘GRIM 42’, with US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta aboard after the annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) talks, focused on increasing US Marine presence in Australia; improved US Air Force access to northern Australia bases, and a significant increase in US warships using the HMAS Stirling naval base south of Perth. This aircraft was built as an E-4A, and first flew in September 1973, and was converted to an E-4B in the early 1980s, with the addition of a large satellite antenna hump behind the upper deck. Photo © David Eyre. 73-1677 Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (747-200B) (MSN 20683/204) of US Air Force 1st Airborne Command Control Squadron (1st ACCS), 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA, at Perth Airport – Tue 13 Nov 2012. Taking off from runway 21 at 7:59am using callsign ‘GRIM 42’, with US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta aboard after the annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) talks, focused on increasing US Marine presence in Australia; improved US Air Force access to northern Australia bases, and a significant increase in US warships using the HMAS Stirling naval base south of Perth. This aircraft was built as an E-4A, and first flew in September 1973, and was converted to an E-4B in the early 1980s, with the addition of a large satellite antenna hump behind the upper deck. Photo © David Eyre. 73-1677 Boeing E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (747-200B) (MSN 20683/204) of US Air Force 1st Airborne Command Control Squadron (1st ACCS), 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA, at Perth Airport – Tue 13 Nov 2012. Taxying out to runway 21 at 7:51am using callsign ‘GRIM 42’, with US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta aboard after the annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) talks, focused on increasing US Marine presence in Australia; improved US Air Force access to northern Australia bases, and a significant increase in US warships using the HMAS Stirling naval base south of Perth. This aircraft was built as an E-4A, and first flew in September 1973, and was converted to an E-4B in the early 1980s, with the addition of a large satellite antenna hump behind the upper deck. Photo © David Eyre. OO-THD Boeing 747-4HAF(ER) (MSN 35236 / 1399) of Emirates SkyCargo at Perth Airport – Wed 23 April 2014 The aircraft arrived the previous day at 11:42am as EK9820 from Sydney, to collect cars for the Sydney-London 2014 Rally. It was loaded with rally cars at Bay 60, from 7am -10am. At 10:45 it was towed to Bay 55 for refuelling (as seen here), and it took off at 11:56 as EK4850 to Dubai World Central. OO-THD was built in 2008 and is operated by TNT Airways. Photo © John Sumner OO-THD Boeing 747-4HAF(ER) (MSN 35236 / 1399) of Emirates SkyCargo at Perth Airport – Wed 23 April 2014 The aircraft arrived the previous day at 11:42am as EK9820 from Sydney, to collect cars for the Sydney-London 2014 Rally. It is seen here being loaded with rally cars at Bay 60, from 7am -10am. At 10:45 it was towed to Bay 55 for refuelling, and it took off at 11:56 as EK4850 to Dubai World Central. OO-THD was built in 2008 and is operated by TNT Airways. Photo © John Sumner 20-1101 Boeing 747-47C (MSN 24730) of Japan Air Self Defence Force at Perth Airport – 9 July 2014
On short finals to runway 21 at 2:07 pm after a flight from Canberra to pick up Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who spent the day in the Pilbara region with Prime Minister Tony Abbott and
WA Premier Colin Barnett
Photo © Keith Anderson
20-1102 Boeing 747-47C (MSN 24731) of Japan Air Self Defence Force at Perth Airport – 10 July 2014
Departing off runway 03 at 9:29 am
Photo © Keith Anderson
20-1102 Boeing 747-47C (MSN 24731) of Japan Air Self Defence Force at Perth Airport – 10 July 2014
Departing off runway 03 at 9:29 am
Photo © Keith Anderson
*** 1st Visit to Perth **
HL-7438 Boeing 747-4B5FER Korean Air Cargo (MSN 33515) at Perth Airport – Sun 17 Aug 2014
Landing on runway 03 at 4:36 pm after a flight from Seoul Incheon Airport with equipment for Lady Gaga’s show in Perth on Wednesday 20th Aug.
Photo © Keith Anderson
HS-TGJ Boeing 747-4D7 (MSN 24459) of Thai airways Cargo at Perth Airport – Sun 16 Oct 2014.
Climbing out after taking off from runway 21 at 3:13 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson.
JA07KZ Boeing 747-4KZF (MSN 36134) of Nippon Cargo Airlines at Perth Airport 20 Feb 2015.
Taxying to its parking bay at 8:39 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson.
VH-OEI Boeing 747-438ER (MSN 32913/ 1330), named ‘Fysh-McGuinness’, of Qantas, at Perth Airport – Wed 22 April 2015
The aircraft was formerly named ‘Ceduna’, but has been renamed ‘Fysh-McGuinness’ in honour of Qantas co-founders Hudson Fysh and Paul McGinness, who both served in Gallipoli. It also carries special titles on the forward fuselage: ‘100 YEARS OF ANZAC / THE SPIRIT LIVES 2014 – 2018 / QANTAS – Proud Supporter of the ANZAC Centenary’. Special charter flight QF100 from Sydney landing on runway 21 at 12:31am with passengers including ten widows of World War One veterans headed to Gallipoli to mark the centenary of Anzac Day. The aircraft parked at Bay 51 to refuel and collect more passengers, and departed as QF100 at 3:26am from runway 03, to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Intl Airport, Turkey – a flight time of 13 hours 45 mins.
Photo © Marcus Graff N492MC Boeing 747-47UF (MSN 29253) of Atlas Air Cargo at Perth Airport – 23 June 2015.
Operating flight QF7591 seen here landing on runway 03 at 1:24 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson.
9M-MPS Boeing 747-4H6F (cn 29902 / 1374) of MASKargo at Perth Airport – 22 Dec 2015.
This aircraft now wears a new all white scheme and is seen here on final approach to runway 21 at 12:55 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson. (Photographed using Canon Camera and Lens)
TF-AAK Boeing 747-428 (MSN 32868) of Air Atlanta Icelandic at Perth Airport – 13 May 2016.
Flying English heavy metal band, Iron Maiden, around the world for their “Book of Souls World Tour and named Ed Force One, after a competition on the bands website, she is seen here on finals for runway 24 at 3:42 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
TF-AAK Boeing 747-428 (MSN 32868) of Air Atlanta Icelandic at Perth Airport – 13 May 2016.
Flying English heavy metal band, Iron Maiden, around the world for their “Book of Souls World Tour and named Ed Force One, after a competition on the bands website, she is seen here on finals for runway 24 at 3:42 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
TF-AAK Boeing 747-428 (MSN 32868/1325) leased by Iron Maiden from Air Atlanta Icelandic, named ‘Ed Force One’ at Perth Airport – Sun 15 May 2016.
Being used by the band Iron Maiden on their ‘Book of Souls’ World Tour, taking off from runway 21 with the callsign ‘ATLANTA 666’ departing direct to Cape Town, South Africa at 2:46pm. The aircraft arrived from Adelaide on 13 May and the band performed a concert in Perth on 14 May. On the nose it lists the 47 cities where the band is performing. The lead singer Bruce Dickinson is an airline pilot and was trained to fly this aircraft. Ex F-GITH of Air France.
Photo © Marcus Graff 9V-SFP Boeing 747-412F (MSN 32902/1364) of Singapore Airlines Cargo at Perth Airport – Sun 25 September 2016.
This aircraft last visited Perth only two weeks earlier. Taking off from runway 21 at 3:13pm as SQ7106 to Johor Bahru. It had arrived in Perth from Auckland via Melbourne at 12:27pm. Photo © David Eyre OO-THD Boeing 747-4HAF(ER) (MSN 35236 / 1399) of Emirates SkyCargo at Perth Airport – 3 Jan 2017
OO-THD was built in 2008 and is operated by TNT Airways.
Photo © Dylan Thomas.
N419MC Boeing 747-48EF (MSN 28367) of Atlas Air Cargo at Perth airport – 14 January 2017.
Unloading cargo on Bay 161A at 11:20pm having arrived from New Delhi, India.
Photo © Marcus Graff. N477MC Boeing 747-47UF (MSN 29255/1184) of Atlas Air, at Perth Airport – Sat 3 May 2014.
Arrived from Guam at 08:19am using callsign ‘GIANT 5446’. Seen here taxying to runway 03 at 11.18am. It took off to Hong Kong at 11:22 using callsign ‘GIANT 5446’.
Photo © Keith Anderson OO-THD Boeing 747-4HAF(ER) (MSN 35236 / 1399) of Emirates SkyCargo at Perth Airport – Wed 23 April 2014.
Taking off from runway 21 at 11:56 as EK4850 to Dubai World Central. The aircraft arrived the previous day at 11:42am as EK9820 from Sydney, to collect cars for the Sydney-London 2014 Rally. OO-THD was built in 2008 and is operated by TNT Airways.
Photo © Keith Anderson 9M-MPS Boeing 747-4H6F (MSN 29902 / 1374) of MAS Kargo at Perth Airport – Sat 24 August 2013.
Taking off from runway 03 at 14:31 to Kuala Lumpur as flight MH6424. It had arrived at 10:58 as MH6208 from Sydney, reportedly with its cargo hold full of live sheep.
Photo © David Eyre N794CK Boeing 747-222B(SF) (MSN 23737/675) of Kalitta Air, at Perth Airport – Wed 26 March 2014.
Landing on runway 03, arriving from Hong Kong as ‘CONNIE 562’ at 09:44. Delivered the US Navy’s Bluefin-21 autonomous underwater vehicle and the TPL-25 Towed Pinger Locater from New York JFK via Anchorage (Alaska) and Hong Kong. These will be used underwater to listen for the beacon on the Flight Data Recorder of missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, Boeing 777-2H6ER, 9M-MRO, which disappeared on 8 March 2014. N794CK departed 27 March 2014 to Hong Kong, Khabarovsk, Anchorage and Chicago. This aircraft was built in 1987 in passenger configuration for United Airlines as N152UA. It was converted to a freighter in 2000 and delivered to Northwest Airlines (later Delta Airlines) as N646NW. It was stored at Marana, Arizona from June 2009 to Oct 2010 before being acquired by Kalitta Air, and was then registered as N794CK.
Photo © Keith Anderson VH-OJS Boeing 747-438 (MSN 25564/1230) of Qantas, named “Hamilton Island” at Perth Airport – Fri 27 September 2013.
Arriving at 13:16 as QF6101, a positioning flight from Sydney, in order to operate a special additional flight to take hundreds of Fremantle Dockers football team supporters to see their team play in the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne the next day. It parked at Bay 12A, and departed with a full load of Dockers fans as QF1258 to Melbourne at 14:36.
Photo © David Eyre VH-OJS Boeing 747-438 (MSN 25564/1230) of Qantas, named “Hamilton Island” at Perth Airport – Fri 27 September 2013.
A special multiple exposure photo, showing the aircraft taking off from runway 21 at 14:36 with a full load of Dockers fans as QF1258 to Melbourne, a special additional flight to take hundreds of Fremantle Dockers football team supporters to see their team play in the AFL Grand Final the next day. The aircraft had arrived at 13:16 as QF6101, a positioning flight from Sydney.
Photo © Mir Zafriz VH-OJS Boeing 747-438 (MSN 25564/1230) of Qantas, named “Hamilton Island” at Perth Airport – 6 Jan 2016.
Operating Flight QF63, Sydney to Johannesburg, after making a fuel stop at Perth, carrying a spare engine on a fifth pod under the port wing as a replacement for B747-438 VH-OJU which had a problem with her #1 engine while operating QF64 on 5 Jan 2016. Seen here taking off from runway 21 at 4:43pm.
Photo © Ben Cambridge. VH-OJS Boeing 747-438 (MSN 25564/1230) of Qantas, named “Hamilton Island” at Perth Airport – 6 Jan 2016.
Operating Flight QF-63, Sydney to Johannesburg, South Africa, making a fuel stop at Perth, carrying a spare engine on a fifth pod under the port wing as a replacement for B747-438 VH-OJU which lost her #1 engine while operating QF 64 on Jan 5th. Seen here departing off runway 21 at 4:43 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson. (Photographed using Canon camera and lenses)
OO-THD Boeing 747-4HAF(ER) (MSN 35236 / 1399) of Emirates SkyCargo on final approach to runway 03 at 3:09AM – 3 Jan 2017
OO-THD was built in 2008 and is operated by TNT Airways.
Photo © Marcus Graff. N419MC Boeing 747-48EF (MSN 28367) of Atlas Air Cargo at Perth airport – 14 January 2017.
Taxying in 10:57 pm having arrived from New Delhi, India.
Photo © Marcus Graff. VH-OEF Boeing 747-438(ER) (MSN 32910/1313) of Qantas Airways at Perth Airport – 26 Jan 2017
On finals for runway 21 at 9:15pm following a scenic flight over Antarctica.
Photo © Marcus Graff 9V-SFQ Boeing 747-412F (MSN 32901/1369) of Singapore Airlines Cargo at Perth Airport – 22 February 2017
On approach to runway 24 at 4:15pm as SQ7297 from Auckland. Photo © David Eyre 9V-SFP Boeing 747-412F (MSN 32902/1364) of Singapore Airlines Cargo at Perth Airport – 2 March 2018. Photo © Ben Cambridge.
Taxying in to park at bay 156, Terminal 1 International at 12:22pm as SQ7291 from Auckland. TF-AMN Boeing 747-4F6(BDSF) (MSN 27602/1161) of Air Atlanta Icelantic (operated by Magma Aviation) at Perth Airport – 24 Jul 2018. Seen here taxying for departure to Kuala Lumpur as ‘Atlanta 381P’. ©Ben Cambridge TF-AMN Boeing 747-4F6(BDSF) (MSN 27602/1161) of Air Atlanta Icelantic (operated by Magma Aviation) at Perth Airport – 24 Jul 2018. ‘Atlanta 381P’ departing Perth Airport for Kuala Lumpur. © Ben Cambridge VH-OEF Boeing 747-438ER (MSN 32910/1313) of Qantas, named ‘Sydney’, with Oneworld titles, at Perth Airport – 30 July 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
Arriving on runway 21 at 2:11pm as QF581 from Sydney. This marks the temporary return of Qantas’ Boeing 747s to Perth, operating domestic flights between Sydney and Perth for crew training purposes, prior to the gradual retirement of the Boeing 747 from Qantas’ fleet by 2020. Taken during an Aviation Association of WA Inc (AAWA) airside visit. VH-OEF Boeing 747-438ER (MSN 32910/1313) of Qantas, named ‘Sydney’, with Oneworld titles, at Perth Airport – 30 July 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
Arriving on runway 21 at 2:11pm as QF581 from Sydney. This marks the temporary return of Qantas’ Boeing 747s to Perth, operating domestic flights between Sydney and Perth for crew training purposes, prior to the gradual retirement of the Boeing 747 from Qantas’ fleet by 2020. Taken during an Aviation Association of WA Inc (AAWA) airside visit. VH-OEF Boeing 747-438ER (MSN 32910/1313) of Qantas, named ‘Sydney’, with Oneworld titles, at Perth Airport – 30 July 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
QF582 to Sydney parked at bay 13, Terminal 4 at 3:33pm, prior to departure. This marked the temporary return of Qantas’ Boeing 747s to Perth, operating domestic flights between Sydney and Perth for crew training purposes, prior to the gradual retirement of the Boeing 747 from Qantas’ fleet by 2020. VH-OEF Boeing 747-438ER (MSN 32910/1313) of Qantas, named ‘Sydney’, with Oneworld titles, at Perth Airport – 30 July 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
QF582 to Sydney parked at bay 13, Terminal 4 at 3:37pm, prior to departure. This marked the temporary return of Qantas’ Boeing 747s to Perth, operating domestic flights between Sydney and Perth for crew training purposes, prior to the gradual retirement of the Boeing 747 from Qantas’ fleet by 2020. VH-OEG Boeing 747-438ER (MSN 32911/1320) of Qantas, named ‘Parkes’, over the southern suburbs of Perth – 13 August 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
Taken when Qantas’ Boeing 747s temporarily operated domestic flights between Sydney and Perth, to allow training of Boeing 737 crews, during 30 July to 10 October 2018. The Boeing 747 will be gradually retired from Qantas’ fleet by 2020. VH-OEG was delivered in 2002 as one of six Boeing 747-438ER aircraft in the fleet. QF581 from Sydney, on approach to Perth Airport’s runway 03 at 2:04pm. VH-OEH Boeing 747-438ER (MSN 32912/1321) of Qantas, named ‘Hervey Bay’, over the southern suburbs of Perth – 5 September 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
QF580 to Sydney, turning east after take-off from runway 21 at 1:10pm. Taken when Qantas’ Boeing 747s temporarily operated domestic flights between Sydney and Perth, to allow training of Boeing 737 crews, during 30 July to 10 October 2018. The Boeing 747 will be gradually retired from Qantas’ fleet by 2020. VH-OEI Boeing 747-438ER (MSN 32913/1330) of Qantas, named ‘Ceduna’, over the southern suburbs of Perth – 18 September 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
Producing an aerodynamic contrail and cloud, caused by low pressure over the wings cooling the air and condensing moisture. QF580 to Sydney, climbing through 5,000 feet and heading eastwards after take-off from runway 24 at 1:17pm. VH-OEI Boeing 747-438 (MSN 32913) of Qantas at Perth Airport – 22 Sept 2018.
Touching down on runway 21 and taxying to the domestic terminal at 1:19 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
9V-SFK Boeing 747-412F (MSN 28030/1298) of Singapore Airlines Cargo, at Perth Airport – 3 October 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
Flight SQ7121 to Singapore, taxying to runway 03 on taxiway C at 6:37am. 9V-SFK Boeing 747-412F (MSN 28030/1298) of Singapore Airlines Cargo, at Perth Airport – 3 October 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
Flight SQ7121 to Singapore, lining up on runway 03 at 6:39am. 9V-SFK Boeing 747-412F (MSN 28030/1298) of Singapore Airlines Cargo and VH-NXM Boeing 717-231 (MSN 55094/5084) of QantasLink, at Perth Airport – 3 October 2018.
9V-SFK is operating flight SQ7121 to Singapore, taking off from runway 03 at 6:40am.
VH-NXM is on taxiway A9, about to line-up for take-off as QF1802 to Paraburdoo. Photo © David Eyre. VH-OEH Boeing 747-438 (MSN 32912) of Qantas Airways at Perth Airport – 10 Oct 2018.
Taxying for departure off runway 03 at 3:08 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
B-LJD Boeing 747-867F (MSN 39241) of Cathay Pacific Cargo at Perth Airport – 10 Oct 2018.
Taking off from runway 21 at 1:54 pm
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
B-LJD Boeing 747-867F (MSN 39241) of Cathay Pacific Cargo at Perth Airport – 10 Oct 2018.
Taking off from runway 21 at 1:54 pm
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
HL7609 Boeing 747-8HTF (MSN 37132/1425) of Korean Air Cargo, at Perth Airport – 11 October 2018. Photo © Ben Cambridge.
Brought concert gear for Taylor Swift. This was only the second Boeing 747-8 to visit Perth, the first being an Atlas Air 747-8F a few years prior.
Arrived 10 Oct 2018 at 8:54am as flight KE9857 from Incheon. Seen here at 1:40pm, being refuelled on Bay 151, prior to departing as KE2988 back to Incheon at 2:47pm.
This aircraft was delivered in 2012. HL-7609 Boeing 747-8HTF (MSN 37132) of Korean Air Cargo at Perth Airport – 11 Oct 2018.
Taking off from runway 21 at 2:43 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
HL-7609 Boeing 747-8HTF (MSN 37132) of Korean Air Cargo at Perth Airport – 11 Oct 2018.
Taking off from runway 21 at 2:43 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
N476MC Boeing 747-47UF (MSN 29256/1213) of Atlas Air, at Perth Airport – 16 October 2018. Photo © Ben Cambridge.
Brought concert gear for Taylor Swift, arrived the previous day from Los Angeles via Honolulu and Cairns. ‘GIANT 8506’ to Hong Kong is seen lining up for take-off from runway 03 at 1:36pm.
It was first delivered new to Atlas Air as N495MC in 1999, then was leased to Global Supply Systems as G-GSSA and operated for British Airways Cargo during 2002 – 2011. It returned to Atlas Air as N476MC and was leased to Etihad Cargo from Feb 2015-Jan 2017, and still has their basic livery, minus titles. B-LJF Boeing 747-8F (MSN 39243/1447) of Cathay Pacific Cargo, at Perth Airport – 23 October 2018. Photo © David Eyre.
First visit to Perth. Bringing a new thrust reverser C-duct and other parts to repair Cathay’s Airbus A330-343X B-LAE, which suffered damage at Perth on 21 October 2018. CX022 from Melbourne, on final approach to runway 21 at 5:14pm. N356KD Boeing 747-446BCF (MSN 26356) of Western Global Airlines at Perth Airport – 5 Dec 2018.
First visit to Perth, Taxying in to the international terminal at 10: 59 am.
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
N356KD Boeing 747-446BCF (MSN 26356/1026) of Western Global Airlines, at Perth Airport – 6 December 2018. Photo © Ben Cambridge.
Brought concert gear for the band ’21 Pilots’. Flight KD2541 to Los Angeles via Hong Kong, and Anchorage. departing at 1:26am.
First visit to Perth as N356KD, though it has visited before as N458MC with Atlas Air.
Originally delivered in 1994 as a passenger aircraft to Japan Air Lines as JA8911, it was converted to a freighter at Xiamen, China in 2007. Stored at Victorville, California in November 2010 and registered N356NA. A couple of months later, it was leased to Atlas Air and reregistered N458MC – it visited Perth in August 2013. In 2015, it was sold to Western Global Airlines as N356KD. VH-OEB Boeing 747-48E (MSN 25778/983), named ‘Phillip Island’, of Qantas at Perth Airport – 20 December 2018. Photo © Ben Cambridge.
Pushing back from bay 14, Terminal 4 at 2:26pm as QF582 to Sydney.
This 1993 GE-powered aircraft was originally HL7416 with Asiana Airlines (Korea), and was acquired by Qantas in 1998. A6-GGP Boeing 747-412GSCD (MSN 28032) of Dubai Air Wing at Perth Airport – 23 January 2019.
Making a fuel stop at Perth Airport on a trip from Sydney to Dubai, carrying 41 horses.
Photographed here departing off runway 21 at 4:42 pm.
Photo © Keith Anderson (Photographed using Canon cameras and lenses)
VH-OEE Boeing 747-438ER (MSN 32909/1308) of Qantas, named ‘Nullarbor’, at Perth Airport – 26 January 2019. Photo © Ben Cambridge.
Returning after operating what may be the last of the special Australia Day Qantas 747 sightseeing flights over Antarctica. QF2906 is seen taxying in to Bay 13 at Terminal 4 at 8:40pm after 12.5 hours in the air – it departed at 8:05am that morning from Bay 13. The flight is operated as a domestic service, since it does not actually land in Antarctica, only overflying.
This was the first Boeing 747-438ER (Extended Range) built by Boeing and the first of six ER versions ordered new by Qantas, also the first new 747 delivered with General Electric GE CF6-80C2B5 engines.
It was rolled out in Boeing’s company livery as N6018N, but first flown as N747ER on 31 July 2002. Following flight tests, it was repainted in Qantas livery as VH-OEE and delivered 6-7 Dec 2002. It operated the first Sydney – Dallas Fort Worth service on 16 May 2011.
