Traffic #386 | Qantas 747’s surprise final flight

Despite the exciting prospect that this all-747 cargo carrier could bring the iconic ex-Qantas airframe back into regular use, Australian Aviation later confirmed that Kalitta Air, unfortunately, has no intention to do so. What was once VH-OEJ will instead be used as a spares ship to service the rest of Kalitta’s 747 fleet, and will remain stored at Oscoda for the remainder of its life.

A Bonza first jet for budget carrier

We finally caught a glimpse of the very first 737 MAX bound for Aussie budget startup Bonza, painted in the airline’s signature purple livery. The aircraft took to the skies just after 12:30pm local time on Wednesday, 6 July, as BOE977, to be ferried from Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville — where it was painted in Bonza’s emblematic purple — back to Boeing Field in Seattle.

The MAX wears the Australian registration VH-UJT, which was added to the aircraft register on 22 July. The jet was previously headed for LOT Polish Airlines and sported the registration SP-LVO. Evidence of the aircraft’s previous venture could still be spotted on its wingtips. While it was painted, it was never delivered to LOT. VH-UJT is one of two leased 737 MAX jets on its way to Bonza this month as the startup continues its AOC application process. Bonza could begin flying its 27 routes across 17 destinations as early as September.

Antonov AN-124 spotted at Amberley

In June, a 31-year-old Antonov An-124 was spotted by eagle-eyed Australian Aviation photographer Craig Murray at RAAF Base Amberley. The jet, UR-82029, appeared to be on its way to the US territory of Guam in the North Pacific Ocean. The iconic four-engine jet is among the world’s heaviest aircraft, alongside larger sister aircraft, the six-engine and one-of-a-kind An-225.

Dubbed ‘Mriya’, or ‘dream’ in Ukrainian, the An-225 was the world’s largest cargo plane and a favourite of enthusiasts worldwide. It was destroyed earlier this year during a Russian attack on Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has pledged to rebuild the aircraft.

Bogged Boeing 717 in Rockhampton

As the Flying Kangaroo continues to battle its ongoing PR troubles, efforts weren’t helped when the crew of a QantasLink Boeing 717 found themselves bogged in the mud near the terminal at Rockhampton Airport. VH-NXH landed at the airport from Brisbane as QF1798 when the pilots “inadvertently” rolled the plane’s wheels across “soft ground” en route to the gate, according to Qantas.

Photos show the aircraft’s wheels firmly sunk into the muddy ground. The plane remained stuck in the mud for five days before it was finally freed by engineers, after many days of effort. VH-NXH has since been returned to passenger service.

To infinity and beyond

A Jetstar A320-200 has been given a brand-new look after being painted in a special Buzz Lightyear livery to advertise the new Toy Story spinoff film. First-look photos were snapped in Melbourne by Australian Aviation photographer Victor Pody of the Jetstar jet sporting the unusual advertisement. The 16-year-old narrowbody, VH-VQM, is one of the airline’s most-utilised jets, often performing up to six flights per day between Sydney and Melbourne — making it a fitting choice.

Bidding adieu to a Qantas A380

It’s official — the first of Qantas’ 12 Airbus A380s to be scrapped is VH-OQF. Photos have emerged of the aircraft already having been partially dismantled in the Victorville ‘boneyard’, confirming that OQF is one of the two Qantas superjumbos pegged to see an early retirement.

That said, Qantas is keeping OQF in the family, as Australian Aviation understands that its parts will be stored across the airline’s dedicated A380 facilities at LAX and Sydney Airport to support the upkeep of its remaining 10 jets.

Named after famous early Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, VH-OQF was delivered to Qantas on 8 January 2010 and became the sixth A380 to enter into the fleet. In July 2020, Charles Kingsford Smith was ferried directly to Victorville and has remained there since.

Meanwhile, VH-OQE, named after British-born Australian engineer, inventor, and aeronautical pioneer Lawrence Hargrave, is expected to be the second and final A380 to be retired.