Where is qf10 now

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: QF10 is currently a retired Boeing 747-400 aircraft that operated its final commercial flight on October 28, 2020, as Qantas Flight 10 from Los Angeles to Sydney. The aircraft, registration VH-OJU, was subsequently stored at Mojave Air & Space Port in California, USA, where it remains as of 2024. Qantas officially retired its entire Boeing 747 fleet in July 2020, ending 49 years of service with the airline.

Key Facts

QF10's final commercial flight occurred on October 28, 2020
The aircraft registration was VH-OJU, a Boeing 747-400 delivered in 2003
QF10 operated the Los Angeles to Sydney route for its final flight
Qantas retired its entire 747 fleet in July 2020 after 49 years of service
The aircraft is stored at Mojave Air & Space Port in California, USA

Overview

QF10 refers to the flight number for Qantas Airways' service from Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia, which historically operated using Boeing 747 aircraft. This route represented one of the longest non-stop flights in commercial aviation, spanning approximately 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 kilometers) across the Pacific Ocean. The Boeing 747, particularly the -400 variant, became synonymous with Qantas' long-haul operations, serving as the flagship aircraft for decades. Qantas first introduced the 747 in 1971, revolutionizing air travel between Australia and international destinations.

The specific aircraft that operated as QF10 on its final flight was a Boeing 747-438, registration VH-OJU, delivered to Qantas in September 2003. This aircraft accumulated approximately 85,000 flight hours and completed over 10,000 flight cycles during its 17-year service life. Qantas operated 65 Boeing 747s throughout its history, with the -400 variant comprising the majority of the fleet in later years. The retirement of these aircraft marked the end of an era for both Qantas and commercial aviation's jumbo jet dominance.

How It Works

The retirement and storage process for large commercial aircraft like the Boeing 747 involves several systematic steps to preserve value and ensure environmental compliance.

Decommissioning Process: After its final flight on October 28, 2020, VH-OJU underwent a comprehensive decommissioning process at Los Angeles International Airport. This included removing all usable parts, draining fluids, and disabling systems, a process that typically takes 2-3 weeks for a 747. The aircraft's engines (four General Electric CF6-80C2B1F models) were preserved separately for potential reuse or sale.
Storage Location Selection: Mojave Air & Space Port was chosen for storage due to its ideal desert climate with low humidity (average 30-40%) and minimal rainfall (less than 6 inches annually). This environment significantly reduces corrosion risks. The facility spans over 3,300 acres and can accommodate hundreds of aircraft, with specific areas dedicated to long-term storage.
Preservation Procedures: The aircraft underwent extensive preservation including sealing openings, applying protective coatings to exposed surfaces, and installing desiccant bags throughout the cabin. Critical systems were treated with corrosion inhibitors, and the fuel tanks were filled with inert gas to prevent microbial growth. These procedures can extend an aircraft's preservation for 5-10 years without significant deterioration.
Future Options: Stored aircraft like VH-OJU typically have three potential futures: return to service (requiring approximately $5-10 million in reactivation costs), conversion to freighter configuration (costing $20-30 million), or dismantling for parts. The decision depends on market conditions, with part-out values for 747-400s ranging from $8-15 million depending on component condition.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Boeing 747-400 (QF10 Aircraft)	Modern Replacement (Boeing 787-9)
Maximum Range	7,260 nautical miles (13,450 km)	7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km)
Passenger Capacity	364 in typical Qantas configuration	236 in typical Qantas configuration
Fuel Efficiency	17,000 kg/hour at cruise	5,300 kg/hour at cruise
Operating Cost per Hour	Approximately $24,000	Approximately $8,500
Noise Footprint	95-100 EPNdB at takeoff	85-90 EPNdB at takeoff
Carbon Emissions per Seat	Approximately 1.2 kg CO2 per km	Approximately 0.6 kg CO2 per km

Why It Matters

Environmental Impact: The retirement of 747s like the QF10 aircraft represents significant environmental progress, with modern replacements offering 40-50% better fuel efficiency. Qantas' fleet modernization has reduced its carbon emissions by approximately 1.5 million tons annually across its long-haul operations. The airline has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, with aircraft retirement playing a crucial role in this transition.
Economic Efficiency: Modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 offer 20-30% lower operating costs per seat-mile compared to the 747. This efficiency enables airlines to maintain profitability on long-haul routes while offering competitive fares. For Qantas specifically, the fleet transition has contributed to annual operating cost savings exceeding $400 million across its international network.
Aviation Heritage: The 747's retirement marks the end of an iconic era in aviation history, with the aircraft having carried over 3.5 billion passengers worldwide since its 1970 introduction. Qantas' 747s alone transported approximately 150 million passengers during their 49-year service. These aircraft pioneered long-haul travel and made international destinations accessible to millions of Australians.

The storage of VH-OJU at Mojave represents both an end and a potential new beginning. While unlikely to return to passenger service, the aircraft could find new life as a freighter, museum exhibit, or source of valuable components. The aviation industry continues to evolve, with sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen-powered aircraft representing the next frontier. The lessons learned from operating and retiring aircraft like the QF10 747 will inform future aviation sustainability efforts for decades to come.