In 2016, Qantas needed to get a new replacement engine to Johannesburg, South Africa, at short notice. While aircraft parts are often transported on cargo planes, the Australian flag carrier took a different approach. In this case, the quickest way to get the engine there was to catch a lift on the wing of a Boeing 747. //

Thanks to the design of the Boeing 747, there are anchor points under the wing to attach various objects. One of these can be a spare engine. This engine is not connected to the aircraft’s systems. As such, it cannot be used to provide additional power to the aircraft.