Few aircraft have captured the imagination and hearts of aviation enthusiasts like the Boeing 747, affectionately known as the "Queen of the Skies." For nearly 50 years, the Boeing 747 was a cornerstone of Qantas’ international fleet, symbolizing innovation, reliability, and a commitment to connecting the world. In 2020, the last of Qantas' 747s retired, marking the end of an era in Australian aviation history. Today, we are proud to honor these legendary aircraft in a way that lets their legacy live on. Read about it then grab a set of Qantas 747 Coasters by PlaneTags.
Qantas 747 Fleet History
The Qantas Boeing 747 fleet played a pivotal role in shaping the airline's global reach and reputation for nearly five decades. The first Qantas 747, a 747-200 series, entered service in 1971, marking the beginning of a new era in long-haul travel with its increased capacity and range. Over the years, Qantas operated a total of 65 Boeing 747 aircraft across various models, including the 747-200, 747-300, and 747-400, flying iconic routes to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Known for connecting Australia to the world, Qantas 747s became synonymous with long-haul travel and the airline's signature commitment to excellence. By 2020, the final chapter of the Qantas 747 story unfolded as the airline retired the last six 747-400 aircraft. The final flight, VH-OEJ “Wunala,” in July 2020, signaled the end of an extraordinary era, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and adventure.
Meet the Legends: The Aircraft Behind the Coasters
Our exclusive Qantas 747 coaster sets celebrate the remarkable journeys of four iconic Boeing 747-400s that carried millions of passengers to destinations around the globe. In collaboration with Qantas, we’ve crafted these unique coasters from the skin of four retired 747 aircraft. These coasters are not just practical—they’re authentic pieces of aviation history.
VH-OJB – “City of Sydney” / “Mt Isa”
- Delivery Year: 1989
- Flight Hours: 94,509
- Cycles: 12,749
VH-OJB, the 32nd Boeing 747 delivered to Qantas, began its illustrious career in 1989 as the City of Sydney, proudly bearing the name of one of Australia's most iconic cities. Renamed Mt Isa in 2003, this aircraft carried passengers across continents, connecting people and destinations with Qantas’ renowned service. Over 25 years, VH-OJB accumulated an impressive 94,509 flight hours and 12,749 cycles, a testament to its durability and reliability. Retiring in 2014, this remarkable aircraft left behind a legacy of precision, endurance, and a pivotal role in Qantas' history, contributing to the airline's reputation for safety and innovation. Today, its story continues as its skin becomes a part of our exclusive PlaneTags Coasters, offering aviation enthusiasts a chance to preserve a tangible piece of this legendary aircraft.
VH-OJF – “City of Perth”
- Delivery Year: 1990
- Flight Hours: 86,641
- Cycles: 11,215
VH-OJF, proudly christened the City of Perth, joined the Qantas fleet in 1990 as the 36th Boeing 747 delivered to the airline. For over two decades, this aircraft served as a workhorse of Qantas' long-haul operations, flying passengers to destinations around the globe with the comfort and reliability that defined the 747 era. Over its 22 years of service, VH-OJF clocked more than 86,641 flight hours and 11,215 cycles, exemplifying the enduring strength and engineering excellence of the Boeing 747. Retired in 2012, the City of Perth left an indelible mark on Qantas’ history, reflecting the aircraft's pivotal role in expanding international travel. Its story now lives on through our PlaneTags Coasters collection, crafted to celebrate the legacy of this aviation icon.
VH-OJM – “City of Gosford” / “Gosford”
- Delivery Year: 1991
- Flight Hours: 117,323.46
- Cycles: 13,756
VH-OJM, a true standout in the Qantas fleet, holds the remarkable distinction of being the highest-time aircraft in the airline's history. Delivered in 1991, it was initially christened the City of Gosford and later shortened to Gosford in 2003. This exceptional Boeing 747 spent 26 years connecting passengers to destinations worldwide, accumulating an unparalleled 117,323 flight hours and 13,756 cycles during its storied career. Known for its reliability and dedication, VH-OJM became a symbol of the enduring excellence of the Boeing 747 and Qantas’ commitment to global travel. Retired in 2017, this legendary aircraft’s legacy is preserved through our exclusive PlaneTags Coasters, ensuring its incredible history continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts everywhere.
VH-OJQ – “City of Mandurah” / “Mandurah”
Photo by Robert Starling, used with permission
- Delivery Year: 1992
- Flight Hours: N/A
- Cycles: N/A
VH-OJQ holds a special place in Qantas' history as both the 47th Boeing 747 and the 100th Boeing aircraft delivered to the airline. This milestone aircraft was christened the City of Mandurah upon its delivery in 1992 and later renamed Mandurah in 2003. Throughout its two decades of service, VH-OJQ was a vital part of Qantas' long-haul operations, connecting Australia to destinations worldwide. After a distinguished career, VH-OJQ was retired in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of reliability and excellence. Today, its story continues through our exclusive PlaneTags Coasters, allowing aviation enthusiasts to own a tangible piece of this iconic aircraft's history.
MotoArt Gets A Fleet of Queens
Dave Hall, founder of MotoArt, had toyed with the idea of crafting coasters from the fuselage skin of a commercial aircraft for years, envisioning a way to bring aviation history into people's everyday lives in a practical, artistic form. In 2024, he decided it was time to turn that vision into reality. Partnering with Qantas, MotoArt embarked on an ambitious project to transform the legacy of retired Qantas 747s into unique coaster sets. The team headed to Mojave Air and Space Port & Victorville Airport, well-known resting places for retired aircraft, to harvest the skins of these iconic planes. The process was no small feat, requiring precision, expertise, and dedication to preserve the integrity of the material while honoring the rich history of these legendary aircraft.
Aviation Collectibles: Qantas Coaster Set
Qantas Coaster Sets are made from the fuselage skin of four retired Qantas 747 aircraft: VH-OJB, City of Sydney/Mt Isa; VH-OJF, City of Perth; VH-OJM, City of Gosford/Gosford; and VH-OJQ, City of Mandurah/Mandurah. Each coaster measures 3.75” inches in diameter and is laser-etched on the front, with a cork backing.
With the vibrant hues and textures of the 747s’ skins, every coaster is a unique piece, showcasing the wear, color, and stories of its time in the air. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening drink, these coasters bring a touch of aviation heritage to your everyday moments.
Qantas PlaneTags
Don’t miss your chance to own a genuine piece of aviation history with our Qantas PlaneTags. Made from the authentic fuselage skin of retired Qantas jetliners, these tags are more than collectibles—they're a tribute to the iconic aircraft that shaped air travel for decades. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts or anyone who loves unique keepsakes, Qantas PlaneTags let you carry a piece of the sky with you wherever you go. Grab your PlaneTags from VH-OJP, a Boeing 747; or VH-OQE, an Airbus A380 before they are all gone.
A special thank you to the photographers who have allowed us to use their photos in our blog and packaging.
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4th Annual PlaneTags Festival: A Celebration of Aviation, Community, and Collecting