CP Air's fourth and last 747-217 was delivered December 2, 1974 as restrictions on the airline and others that protected Air Canada were gradually lifted. CP Air traded it's 747s to Pakistan International Airlines for DC-10-30s and this one was the first to go in December 1985. Registered AP-BCL, it would be sold to Orange Air Sierra Leone in November 2005 to become 9L-LOR. It was withdrawn from use January 2, 2006 and stored at Tel Aviv. Sold a year later to the USA, the jumbo became N899TJ, was flown to Helena, MT and broken up for parts.

Empress 81 lifts off on the daily Toronto to Vancouver 747 flight. CP Air's second 747-217, it would be traded to Pakistan International Airlines in May 1986 for DC-10 AP-AXD. Becoming AP-BCM, the 747 would be withdrawn in 2002 and broken up at Karachi.

Originally the "Empress of Australia" when delivered October 4, 1974, C-FCRD is photographed wearing titles promoting Vancouver's Expo 86 World's Fair. To Pakistan International Airlines in November 1986 which saw CP Air trade their four 747-217s for DC-10-30s. This one was later broken up in Karachi.

Of all the PIA livery incarnations we've had over the years, this one was my favorite. Taxying out to rw18 for departure.

The Empress of Australia will carry a fifth engine back to Vancouver for repair.

The "Empress of Australia" taxiing for departure.

The "Empress of Italy" ready to taxi for departure with the "Empress of Australia" ready to roll in the background. Other regns include AP-BCL.

The "Empress of Australia" seen ready to taxi for departure with a Wardair 747 under tow behind. Later became AP-BCO.

The "Empress of Canada" taxies for departure. Sold to PIA in 1986 as AP-BCM.

The "Empress of Japan" had the factory regn of N1794B, and after leaving CP Air became AP-BCN.

"Empress of Japan" was delivered to CP Air in November 1973 and served until sale in September 1986 as AP-BCN. A CP Air Boeing 727 and 737 share the pier with the 'Jumbo'.

Was delivered as Empress of Italy in December 1974. Sold to Pakistan International in December 1985.

The scene on the 1962 terminal's pier C on the airport's 40th anniversary. C-FCRD has arrived on CP818 from Toronto as BA's 747-136 G-AWNI prepares to depart to JFK via Prestwick on BA185.

C-FCRD promotes Expo 86, which was still two years away.