From passenger jet to cargo star: Qantas auctions off aircraft parts to enthusiasts
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For aviation enthusiasts who live and breathe the thrill of flight, there's nothing quite as exhilarating as owning a piece of an actual aircraft.
And when it comes to owning a piece of aviation history, it doesn't get much better than owning a part of an outgoing Airbus A330-200 from the prestigious Australian flag carrier Qantas.
This particular aircraft, registered as VH-EBE and affectionately nicknamed Kangaroo Valley, has a storied past, starting its career as a passenger plane with Jetstar in 2007 before joining the mainline carrier in 2015.
But now, with the soaring demand for airfreight, Qantas has decided to convert Kangaroo Valley for cargo operations. And that means that aviation enthusiasts were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a piece of this iconic aircraft.
To make it even more special, Qantas opened the doors of its Sydney Airport Hangar 96 for an exclusive open house event, inviting frequent flyers and other enthusiasts to get up close and personal with Kangaroo Valley before it embarks on its new chapter as a cargo jet.
The excitement was palpable as aviation enthusiasts eagerly bid on their favourite pieces of Kangaroo Valley, from its iconic Qantas livery to its unique interior features.
And the best part? The auction was for a great cause. The proceeds, totalling an impressive AU$16,300 (approximately US$11,330), were donated to Qantas Pathfinders, a group of former airline employees who dedicate their time to helping children with hearing or sight impairments and their families.
The transformation of the outgoing Airbus A330-200, Kangaroo Valley, into a cargo jet was no ordinary feat. It was a collaboration between EFW, an aerospace manufacturer based in Dresden, Germany, and a specialist joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering, known for their pioneering work in the aviation industry.
The process involved meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology — the entire cabin of Kangaroo Valley was stripped out to make room for the cargo operations.
Cargo doors and handling systems were also installed, turning this once-passenger plane into a state-of-the-art freighter.
Selling off parts of the cabin before the conversion was not only about making space for the cargo operations, but it also had the added benefit of making the aircraft lighter, saving precious fuel on its way to Europe, where the conversion took place.
This is the list of the items that were auctioned off:
Qantas Executive Manager of Freight, Catriona Larritt, was thrilled about the unique opportunity the auction presents for aviation enthusiasts to own a piece of Qantas history.
Not only was it an exciting way for fans to connect with the airline's legacy, but it also aligned with Qantas' commitment to sustainability by minimising waste.
By repurposing the aircraft for cargo operations, Qantas gave it a new lease on life and reduced waste in the process. It's a win-win situation where aviation enthusiasts can own a piece of history while supporting Qantas' sustainability efforts.
Larritt also shared her pride in Kangaroo Valley's impressive track record as a passenger plane, carrying millions of passengers safely across Australia, Asia, and the Pacific for 15 years.
As a dedicated freighter, VH-EBE will have a new mission, carrying a whopping 50 tonnes of freight. From fresh flowers to live seafood, and from e-commerce parcels to packages, Kangaroo Valley's new adventure in the world of cargo operations promises to be nothing short of thrilling.
As aviation enthusiasts, we understand the thrill of owning a piece of history, and Qantas' auction of Kangaroo Valley memorabilia provided a rare opportunity to do just that. From passenger seats to safety cards and exit signs, this auction allowed aviation aficionados to acquire a tangible piece of Qantas' legacy.
Members, have you ever dreamed of owning a part of an aircraft, such as a piece of the cockpit or a section of the fuselage? Or perhaps you have a specific item from the A330 in mind that you would love to add to your aviation collection? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
And when it comes to owning a piece of aviation history, it doesn't get much better than owning a part of an outgoing Airbus A330-200 from the prestigious Australian flag carrier Qantas.
This particular aircraft, registered as VH-EBE and affectionately nicknamed Kangaroo Valley, has a storied past, starting its career as a passenger plane with Jetstar in 2007 before joining the mainline carrier in 2015.
Qantas stripped one of its Airbus A330 planes bare before sending it overseas to be converted into an air freighter. Credit: Tony Hisgett/Wikimedia Commons.
But now, with the soaring demand for airfreight, Qantas has decided to convert Kangaroo Valley for cargo operations. And that means that aviation enthusiasts were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a piece of this iconic aircraft.
To make it even more special, Qantas opened the doors of its Sydney Airport Hangar 96 for an exclusive open house event, inviting frequent flyers and other enthusiasts to get up close and personal with Kangaroo Valley before it embarks on its new chapter as a cargo jet.
The excitement was palpable as aviation enthusiasts eagerly bid on their favourite pieces of Kangaroo Valley, from its iconic Qantas livery to its unique interior features.
And the best part? The auction was for a great cause. The proceeds, totalling an impressive AU$16,300 (approximately US$11,330), were donated to Qantas Pathfinders, a group of former airline employees who dedicate their time to helping children with hearing or sight impairments and their families.
The airline is modernising its widebody fleet with incoming Airbus A350-900s while also addressing increased demand for air freight. Credit: Twitter/Sudipthapa530.
The transformation of the outgoing Airbus A330-200, Kangaroo Valley, into a cargo jet was no ordinary feat. It was a collaboration between EFW, an aerospace manufacturer based in Dresden, Germany, and a specialist joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering, known for their pioneering work in the aviation industry.
The process involved meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology — the entire cabin of Kangaroo Valley was stripped out to make room for the cargo operations.
Cargo doors and handling systems were also installed, turning this once-passenger plane into a state-of-the-art freighter.
Selling off parts of the cabin before the conversion was not only about making space for the cargo operations, but it also had the added benefit of making the aircraft lighter, saving precious fuel on its way to Europe, where the conversion took place.
This is the list of the items that were auctioned off:
- 2x business class seats – $3600
- 2x economy seats – $750
- 3x economy seats – $1100
- 4x economy seats – $850
- 1x cabin crew jump seat – $900
- Bar cart filled with alcohol and other onboard memorabilia – $2000
- PA Phone – $450
- Bathroom vanity and mirror – $450
- Exit sign $550
- Seat and row number 1A tag – $800
- Backpack made from recycled lifejacket – $600
- Satchel also made of lifejacket material – $550
- Lifejacket apron – $500
- Lifejacket oven gloves – $350
- 6x Safety cards – $50 each
- Premium economy A380 seats $1400
Qantas held an auction for various items from the aircraft's interior, raising $16,300 for the charity Qantas Pathfinders. Credit: Twitter/Sudipthapa530.
Qantas Executive Manager of Freight, Catriona Larritt, was thrilled about the unique opportunity the auction presents for aviation enthusiasts to own a piece of Qantas history.
Not only was it an exciting way for fans to connect with the airline's legacy, but it also aligned with Qantas' commitment to sustainability by minimising waste.
By repurposing the aircraft for cargo operations, Qantas gave it a new lease on life and reduced waste in the process. It's a win-win situation where aviation enthusiasts can own a piece of history while supporting Qantas' sustainability efforts.
Larritt also shared her pride in Kangaroo Valley's impressive track record as a passenger plane, carrying millions of passengers safely across Australia, Asia, and the Pacific for 15 years.
As a dedicated freighter, VH-EBE will have a new mission, carrying a whopping 50 tonnes of freight. From fresh flowers to live seafood, and from e-commerce parcels to packages, Kangaroo Valley's new adventure in the world of cargo operations promises to be nothing short of thrilling.
As aviation enthusiasts, we understand the thrill of owning a piece of history, and Qantas' auction of Kangaroo Valley memorabilia provided a rare opportunity to do just that. From passenger seats to safety cards and exit signs, this auction allowed aviation aficionados to acquire a tangible piece of Qantas' legacy.
Members, have you ever dreamed of owning a part of an aircraft, such as a piece of the cockpit or a section of the fuselage? Or perhaps you have a specific item from the A330 in mind that you would love to add to your aviation collection? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
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