Qantas's last remaining Boeing 747 traced the outline of a kangaroo in the air around Sydney on its final flight.
The Australian airline closed the book on almost five decades of flying the jet on Wednesday, July 23, when the last 747-400 departed Sydney Airport.
But before it headed to the United States, the plane's flight path formed the airline's marsupial logo in the sky.
Flight QF7474 departed Sydney just after 3pm (9am UAE time) bound for Los Angeles. Captain Sharelle Quinn, the airline's first female captain, was in command.
After several photo opportunities at the airport, Quinn took the 747 on a flyby over Sydney Harbour, the city's Central Business District and the beaches of the northern and eastern suburbs.
Images of the flight path from FlightRadar24 show that the jet beautifully traced out the shape of a kangaroo – Australia's national animal – in the air.
"I have flown this aircraft for 36 years and it has been an absolute privilege," Quinn said.
“From the Pope to pop stars, our 747s have carried over 250 million people safely to their destinations."
The jet also did a low-level overfly of Hars Aviation Museum, dipping its wings in a final farewell to the very first Qantas 747-400, which is preserved there.
The crew took the 747 onwards to the US where it landed in Los Angeles just after 1pm (midnight UAE time).
On Friday, the jet will make the 30-minute flight to the Mojave Desert, where it will join hundreds of other jets in its final resting place, in one of the world’s biggest aircraft boneyards.
Qantas has grounded most international flights until at least July 2021 because of Australian government travel restrictions. Ahead of its grounding, the 747 registration VH-OEJ proved its worth on several rescue missions to bring hundreds of stranded Australians home from the Covid-19 epicentre of Wuhan, China.
Over the past few weeks, Qantas gave Australians the opportunity to take one last flight on the storied Boeing 747. The airline always planned to retire the aircraft because of its hungry four-engine design, but the coronavirus pandemic accelerated the decision.
The jet will join hundreds of other aircraft in its final resting place in one of the world's biggest aircraft boneyards in the Mojave Desert
The airline operated three one-hour flights dubbed "farewell jumbo joy flights". These departed from Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane, and gave aviation fans a low-level pleasure trip over each city.
Tickets for the flights cost $400 (Dh1,038) for economy and $747 for business class and sold out 10 minutes after going on sale.
Ross Corrigan was one of the lucky passengers who managed to get tickets for a farewell flight.
He captured this incredible footage of Sydney from the window of the pleasure flight:
Qantas also hosted a hangar farewell event for employees ahead of the final take off. Staff remembered the airline's first delivery of a 747 (a 200 series) in August 1971, the same year that Australia opened its first McDonald's.
With its sprawling wings – big enough to span the length of 50 parked cars – the jet made international travel possible for millions of people for the first time. Qantas 747s were also at the forefront of a number of important milestones for the airline, including the first business class cabin of any airline in the world.
British Airways retires its 747 fleet
In the same week as Qantas said goodbye to the Boeing 747 jumbo jet, British Airways announced it was accelerating retirement plans for its fleet of the same aircraft because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The British airline, which owns 31 of the planes, said it would retire the jets with immediate effect because aviation levels are not predicted to recover to 2019 numbers until at least 2023.
The announcement came four years premature for British Airways, which had recently repainted three 747s in heritage colours as part of its centenary celebrations.
British Airways has been slowly phasing out the jumbo jets, which use more fuel than newer aircraft, in a bid to reach its commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“This is not how we wanted or expected to have to say goodbye to our incredible fleet of 747 aircraft. It is a heart-breaking decision to have to make," said Alex Cruz, chief executive of British Airways.
“The retirement of the jumbo jet will be felt by many people across Britain, as well as by all of us at British Airways. It is sadly another difficult but necessary step as we prepare for a very different future.”
A legacy of flight
British Airways operated its first 747 flight on April 14, 1971, flying from London to New York.
In July 1989, the airline's first 747-400 – the same type that BA flies today – took to the skies, and in 1999, the airline took delivery of its last 747.
The 747 was the largest commercial aircraft in the world until the Airbus A380 came along in 2007 and set several records.
It was the first aircraft to have a flatbed seat, pioneered by British Airways in 1999. Qantas used the jet to fly the world's first non-stop commercial flight from London to Sydney in 20 hours and nine minutes. That 30-year record was only broken in 2019, when Qantas operated a 787 Dreamliner from London to Sydney direct in 19 hours and 19 minutes.
The pandemic has sparked an early end to the 747's lifespan. Virgin Atlantic and KLM are also hastening retirement plans for the jet owing to the lack of international travel demand. A dwindling number of airlines, including Air India and Korean Air, continue to fly the jumbo.
British Airways' 747s are currently grounded in the UK. They are expected to join Qantas' final Boeing 747 by reaching 35,000 feet one last time when they head to their final resting place.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The lowdown
Bohemian Rhapsody
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee
Rating: 3/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
'Falling%20for%20Christmas'
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The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela
Edited by Sahm Venter
Published by Liveright
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
More coverage from the Future Forum
More on Quran memorisation:
More on Quran memorisation:
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
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ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
It's Monty Python's Crashing Rocket Circus
To the theme tune of the famous zany British comedy TV show, SpaceX has shown exactly what can go wrong when you try to land a rocket.
The two minute video posted on YouTube is a compilation of crashes and explosion as the company, created by billionaire Elon Musk, refined the technique of reusable space flight.
SpaceX is able to land its rockets on land once they have completed the first stage of their mission, and is able to resuse them multiple times - a first for space flight.
But as the video, How Not to Land an Orbital Rocket Booster, demonstrates, it was a case if you fail, try and try again.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
RIVER%20SPIRIT
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Scoreline
Real Madrid 1
Ronaldo (53')
Atletico Madrid 1
Griezmann (57')
MATCH INFO
England 241-3 (20 ovs)
Malan 130 no, Morgan 91
New Zealand 165 all out (16.5ovs)
Southee 39, Parkinson 4-47
England win by 76 runs
Series level at 2-2
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Ultra processed foods
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam
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The years Ramadan fell in May
The years Ramadan fell in May
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
The five pillars of Islam
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
'Manmarziyaan' (Colour Yellow Productions, Phantom Films)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Rating: 3.5/5
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
