The Journey of VH-TAW: A Flying Legacy, Now Forever Yours
From bustling passenger terminals to quiet freight hangars, the Boeing 737 once known as VH-TAW has lived a life of transformation, endurance, and aviation heritage. Now reborn as unique aircrafttags, you can own a piece of this aircraft’s 36-year journey through the skies.
Born to Fly: The Early Years
VH-TAW began its life on February 5, 1987, rolling off the Boeing production line in Seattle. It was the ninth of twelve Boeing 737s ordered by Trans-Australia Airlines (T.A.A.), which by the time of delivery had already been renamed Australian Airlines.
With powerful CFM56-3C1 engines, the aircraft took its maiden flight on February 23, 1987, and was officially handed over on April 6, 1987. Named “Progress”, VH-TAW departed Boeing Field on a journey across the Pacific: Seattle – Hilo – Pago Pago – Noumea – Melbourne. It touched down at Melbourne Tullamarine on April 13, 1987, marking the start of an incredible career.
Changing Skies: From Australian Airlines to Qantas
VH-TAW entered Australian domestic service in April 1987, representing a new era of modern, fuel-efficient jets for the airline. After the formal renaming of the airline in July 1988, and its eventual acquisition by Qantas in 1992, the aircraft was re-registered under Qantas ownership.
For over 16 years, VH-TAW served faithfully on high-frequency routes, operating its final Qantas passenger flight as QF487 from Sydney to Melbourne on July 2, 2003.
Across the Tasman: Jetconnect Era
In July 2003, VH-TAW began a new chapter in New Zealand with Jetconnect, Qantas’ regional subsidiary. Re-registered as ZK-JNH, it operated trans-Tasman and domestic services for over two years, including the inaugural Jetconnect Christchurch–Brisbane service.
By October 2005, the aircraft had logged over 56,000 flight hours and 34,000 cycles—a true workhorse. It was retired from passenger duty and stored at Christchurch, later returning to Australia for a dramatic transformation.
The Freight Years: Reborn as VH-XMO
In April 2006, the aircraft was reborn as VH-XMO, a Boeing 737-376(SF) freighter. Outfitted for cargo, it served under Australian Air Express and later Qantas Freight, delivering mail, parcels, and goods across Australia.
From Melbourne to Launceston, Hobart to Perth, this converted freighter carried the spirit of its passenger past into the logistics future. It was repainted into the Qantas Freight livery in August 2014, continuing operations until December 22, 2023, when it flew its final leg: Brisbane to Melbourne as QF7362.
Finally this B737 reached its end in 2025 when it was scrapped.
