Want a peek inside a Qantas Boeing 747SP?

The Qantas Boeing 747SP was a rare aircraft, with the Australian airline ordering just two examples. They were originally slated for services to Wellington, New Zealand due to that airports short runway.

The first aircraft was delivered on 23 January 1981. During that flight, Boeing gave out a brochure to the staff on board, and in it are some excellent pictures.

Qantas Boeing 747SP Interior

First thing to note is that some Boeing 747SP operators, including Qantas, opted for the longitudinal galley between doors one and two. This meant passengers on the other side had a wall next to them.

Crew loved working in the galley as it was spacious and of course had windows. In the forward cabin were the First Class seats, as well as the famous spiral staircase up to the upper deck. One thing that is very noticeable is the thicker seats and the trendy for the time busy patterns on the seats. Those wanting to see the seating plan can find the seat maps here.

Overall Thoughts

The Qantas Boeing 747SPs eventually started being used for non-stop flights from Sydney to Los Angeles from 7 April 1984. This is really what the aircraft was designed for, long range flights as opposed to a quick hop across the Tasman Sea to Wellington.

Both aircraft remained in service into the 2000s, with the final services in 2002. After that they were sent off to be scrapped in the United States.

What do you think of the Qantas Boeing 747SP interiors? Did you ever fly on board this type? What was it like? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

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Featured image via Aussieairliners.org.
Brochure images via Nick Stoner on the QANTAS AIRWAYS. 100+ Years of History Facebook group.