10/31/2023. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "While on the production line as a model 1049E-55 for Northwest Orient Airlines, it was eventually finished as a model 1049E-55-118 for Qantas Empire Airways. While still on the production line it was registered VH-EAK on September 24, 1954, and named Southern Moon. The aircraft first flew on January 4, 1955, was handed over to Qantas eight day later, while the name was changed to Southern Mist on January 14. Flown to Sydney on January 15-17, it went into service on February 2, 1955.

A year later it was modified to a model 1049E/01-55, with stronger main landing gear, high-strength side-struts and drag damper on main landing gear, speed kit, reinforced inner-wing beam, new propeller spinner after-bodies, trailing-edge fairings on Curtiss propellers. Maximum take off weight raised to 135,400 lb (61,416 kg). The following year, during an overhaul between April 4 and May 5, 1957, this aircraft was fitted with a radar nose.

In March 1960 it was leased to Malayan Airways, headquartered in Raffles Place, Singapore, December 23, 1960 it was leased to Tasman Empire Airways Limited (also known as TEAL) of Auckland, New Zealand, until March 1961.

Last service with Qantas was on January 15, 1963, the following February 2, the aircraft was sold to Boeing as a trade-in on ordered model 707-338s. Two day later, possibly registered N9712C, the aircraft arrived at Burbank, California, USA. Subsequently Boeing sold the aircraft to Airmotive Inc. at Burbank for spares. Its remains were still there in late 1969, but it disappeared shortly thereafter, most likely scrapped. Airmotive cancelled the registration on July 12, 1970."