Mike Madden photo

Qantas Dc4 VH-EDA seen during maintenance at Sydney Airport.

Qantas retained two immaculate DC-4s for services to Norfolk Island. It was in theory an international destination and Qantas protected its international monopoly vigorously. But for an airline with ambitions to become all 747 they were an expensive luxury. Runway restricts on the island stopped jets and limits on overwater operations prevented twin props. The dilemma was resolved when an exemption was given to allow F27s with long-range tanks to replace the DC-4s. Longer, stronger runways later opened the airport to 737 and A320 aircraft.

Qantas' last two DC-4s were maintained in top condition.

VH-EDA in its initial livery with two red stripes on the tail. Later updated to a single stripe with the flag removed and the Qantas logo added. Later still received Qantas' 747 era red tail and ochre cheat line.

Resting on the Eagle Farm International tarmac on one of her rare visits to Brisbane.

This registration was previously used on a Qantas DC-4. Scanned from a Kodak slide.

VH-EDA climbs away on a hazy day bound for Norfolk Island. Its days were numbered, with Qantas finally prepared to hand over the route to another operator. VH-EDA was sold in 1977.

Taxying for take-off to Norfolk Island.