![5 engine 747](https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56952854e6183efa428b5cb4-1370-685/screen%20shot%202016-01-12%20at%2011.20.21%20am.png)
Courtesy of Qantas
An unusual sight: Qantas used this 747 to transport a new engine to a stranded aircraft.
The airline patched a fifth engine onto the wing of the Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet. The engine was destined for another aircraft that became stranded after experiencing mechanical trouble.
The massive 747 was actually designed to transport an extra engine. In fact, this method was adopted decades ago, though it is rarely used. Qantas last transported a fifth engine in 2011.
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After transplanting the new engine, workers in South Africa were able to return the stranded aircraft to service in less than 24 hours.
The extra passenger did not go unnoticed, however; other, ticket-holding riders posted pictures on social media and the airline's official instagram featured the strange sight: