The 1:50 scale master branding model of the Qantas Airbus A380 VH-OQA Nancy-Bird Walton—the aircraft at the centre of the QF32 incident—has been consigned for auction by Captain Richard Champion de Crespigny AM, who has owned the piece for fifteen years.
The maquette was originally presented to design firm Hulsbosch Communication by Design by Airbus during the A380 launch programme, and was acquired directly from Hans Hulsbosch by de Crespigny in 2011. It is one of the few such master branding models in existence and was not produced as a commercial souvenir or display item.
VH-OQA was the first A380 delivered to Qantas and the aircraft involved in the QF32 incident on 4 November 2010, when an uncontained engine failure shortly after departure from Singapore Changi created one of the most demanding emergencies in modern commercial aviation. De Crespigny led the crew that returned the aircraft safely to Changi with all 469 people on board uninjured. The aircraft was subsequently repaired in what became the longest and most expensive repair in aviation history, and continues to fly.
The Hulsbosch identity programme depicted on the model was named one of the ten best corporate identities in the world at the Cannes Design Lion Awards and won gold in London. The Qantas logo was later voted the second-best Australian logo of all time by Marketing Magazine.
The lot also includes a signed first edition of de Crespigny's book QF32, a copy of his more recent book FLY! The Elements of Resilience, and a comprehensive documentation package including brand identity materials, photographs and a recorded interview with de Crespigny. Both books will be personally inscribed to the successful buyer.
Bidding opens at 10am AEST today through Henleys Auctions in Melbourne, with lots closing from 28 July. The lot is estimated at AUD$20,000 to $30,000.
Further information at https://www.henleysauctions.com.au/