VH-OJA: City of Canberra

City of Canberra was Qantas's first 747-400 and the twelfth 747-400 built. It links the type's new long-range capability with the later effort to preserve an Australian aviation landmark.

VH-OJA making its final landing at Illawarra for preservation in March 2015.
VH-OJA making its final landing at Illawarra for preservation in March 2015.YSSYguySource · CC BY-SA 3.0

City of Canberra was Qantas's first 747-400 and the twelfth 747-400 built. It links the type's new long-range capability with the later effort to preserve an Australian aviation landmark.

Aircraft identity

  • Registration: VH-OJA
  • Variant: Boeing 747-438
  • Serial number: 24354
  • Operator history: Qantas 1989 - 2015
  • Record status: Preserved

Aircraft history

Date or periodMilestone
11 August 1989Accepted by Qantas and named City of Canberra. Source
August 1989Flew London to Sydney nonstop in 20 hours 9 minutes, carrying just 23 passengers and crew. Source
1989 - 2015Served Qantas for more than 25 years. Source
8 March 2015Made the short final flight from Sydney to Illawarra and was donated to HARS. Source

What makes this aircraft important

The record flight used a small load and special high-density fuel. It should not be read as the range of a normally loaded scheduled flight. HARS offers several aircraft experiences; use its current booking information to confirm access.

Status and access

The official collection or venue record lists this aircraft at HARS Aviation Museum, Illawarra, Australia. Interior access, tours and opening arrangements can change. Check the venue information before visiting.

Sources checked: 3 October 2026. Dates are as specific as the confirming source; an undated milestone is labelled as a period rather than given an invented day.

Key specifications
ManufacturerBoeing
Variant747-438
First flight3 July 1989
StatusPreserved
Engines4× Rolls-Royce RB211-524G

Sources

Facts on this page are checked against the primary and institutional references below.

  1. VH-OJA City of Canberra airframe history - HARS Aviation Museum