It will be a sad and for some a very emotional day when the 747 finally departs from Qantas. The 747 really epitomizes the "real" Qantas. I sort of see the future departure of the 744 as the end of what once was a great and respected airline throughout the world into one that really has no soul,and is no different from any other offering out there. That's no reflection on my fantastic workmates but a direct reflection on how the company is run, which unfortunately is the way of the world these days.
There is nothing that compared to arriving at LHR or LAX or even SIN and seeing a line up of those magnificent 747 tails with that big roo standing proud, you felt special to be part of it. Unfortunately a little single 787 red tail in the middle if a sea of ugly Middle East A380 tails doesn't really produce the same pride.
The Spirit of Australia is nearly no more.