VH-EBP has returned to service today (08/05) operating QF431 SYD-MEL

undertheradar wrote:

MAY 8, A380 -OQJ ferry flight QF6021 SYD-PUS (S Korea), unconfirmed/guess it's going into paint shop there.

From an October 2018 article in USA today about Korean Airs Tech Center in the port city of Busan, South Korea

And on the team’s long "to do" list is a major contract inked with Qantas Airways to repaint four of its A380s between May 2019 and November 2020.
According to Korean Air, each A380 will take 15 days to repaint.

At 15 days OQJ should be back in service just before the May 26 flight to Europe that others have previously identified.

Thank you moa999 for the info re: remaining 4 A380 paints

vhqpa wrote:

VH-EBP has returned to service today (08/05) operating QF431 SYD-MEL

I read via pprune.org that the issue with -EBP occurred in the hanger when "engineering blew up the yellow hydraulic system with a new rig that had not been correctly set". so I'm guessing -EBP was damaged as a result of the 'stuff up' Note, this could be 'fake news' so don't shoot the messenger

danair380 wrote:

Also anyone got an update on OEB's retirement, thought she was meant to go around the end of April and yet she did a Tokyo run recently?

I noticed it still flying around today. It has spent the last week apparently chartering to HNL and back.

Edit: JQ3 and 4 have been cancelled for a few days. Jetstar is still down a 787 from the dual engine issue in Japan. I presume OEB has been operating these flights in its place (albeit to a different schedule). Can anyone confirm the dots I'm joining?

OEB has been operating JQ3/4 for most of the last week
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-oeb

The Jetstar aircraft has now positioned back to MEL
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-vkj

undertheradar wrote:

MAY 8, A380 -OQJ ferry flight QF6021 SYD-PUS (S Korea), unconfirmed/guess it's going into paint shop there.

moa999 wrote:

undertheradar wrote:

MAY 8, A380 -OQJ ferry flight QF6021 SYD-PUS (S Korea), unconfirmed/guess it's going into paint shop there.

From an October 2018 article in USA today about Korean Airs Tech Center in the port city of Busan, South Korea

And on the team’s long "to do" list is a major contract inked with Qantas Airways to repaint four of its A380s between May 2019 and November 2020.
According to Korean Air, each A380 will take 15 days to repaint.

At 15 days OQJ should be back in service just before the May 26 flight to Europe that others have previously identified.

Yes, repaint.

EK413 wrote:

Would appear next A380 for repaint will be -OQJ & sources have indicated the aircraft will position to PUS on the 8th of May.

EK413

moa999 wrote:

OEB has been operating JQ3/4 for most of the last week
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-oeb

The Jetstar aircraft has now positioned back to MEL
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-vkj

VHVKJ is scheduled to operate today’s JQ35 MEL- DPS

EK413

Apologies EK413, I missed your previous post re -OQJ PUS repaint

undertheradar wrote:

Apologies EK413, I missed your previous post re -OQJ PUS repaint

All good, the information very easily gets missed amongst all the posts.

VHOQB will be next bird to head off to AUH for heavy mx.

EK413

Looks like OEB is now leaving the fleet on 2 Jun.

undertheradar wrote:

undertheradar wrote:

undertheradar wrote:

Much of a muchness, -LQL out Sunday April 7 and -LQH in

-LQF in APRIL 18 and -LQH out April 19

-LQD in April 30 and -LQF out May 01

-LQB in May 12 and -LQD out May 13

Flyerqf wrote:

Looks like OEB is now leaving the fleet on 2 Jun.

Unless another frame goes kaput. ZNA, ZNG & OJU are currently grounded

Captdasbomb wrote:

Flyerqf wrote:

Looks like OEB is now leaving the fleet on 2 Jun.

Unless another frame goes kaput. ZNA, ZNG & OJU are currently grounded

ZNG is not grounded, it’s just landed at LHR

737 VH-VZH out of BNE maintenance today.

Assuming it's got Inflight Internet I think that makes the 80% point on the 737 fleet.

Looks like ZNA and OJU back online today.

With 380 OQB in AUH maintenance and OQJ in PUS for paint presumably the 380 fleet is pretty stretched.

Shame that OEB is going to Tupelo for scrapping and won't be joining her recent retired sisters OJM, OJT and OJS in Mojave. Tupelo chops them up pretty quickly.

I’m flying return to Perth from Sydney over the weekend. Can anyone here confirm how many of the A330s have now got wifi and how small my chance of getting one of those planes is? Thanks

On another note. Very sad to see the continued demise of the 747 fleet.

By my count EBB EBC EBD EBE EBL have the hump, with EBF likely returning to service any day.

But unsure if its actually active in all 5

moa999 wrote:

By my count EBB EBC EBD EBE EBL have the hump, with EBF likely returning to service any day.

But unsure if its actually active in all 5

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how much "the hump" affects the aircraft's performance?

Flyerqf wrote:

Looks like OEB is now leaving the fleet on 2 Jun.

& according to sources the GE power plants have already been sold.

EK413

VH-EBL is on its way to BNE as QF6134

DavidByrne wrote:

moa999 wrote:

By my count EBB EBC EBD EBE EBL have the hump, with EBF likely returning to service any day.

But unsure if its actually active in all 5

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how much "the hump" affects the aircraft's performance?

My guess it would be negligible due to the shape.

Reportedly the new A380 upstairs layout (posted on AFF)

Shows the new lounge in place of CSM station, the blocked off door 3R and an additional toilet behind 3R.



So the upstairs config has gone from
72J 32W to
64J 35W 30Y to
70J 60W

moa999 wrote:

Reportedly the new A380 upstairs layout (posted on AFF)

Shows the new lounge in place of CSM station, the blocked off door 3R and an additional toilet behind 3R.



So the upstairs config has gone from
72J 32W to
64J 35W 30Y to
70J 60W

Massive increase in premium is interesting. I imagine a combination of denser seats in premium and a more efficient business seat. They must have great faith in the W market. Wonder what the crew compliment will be?

Curious to see the finished layout of the lounge and colour scheme - initial photos were pretty ugly...

When’s the first one due back in the air?

moa999 wrote:

Reportedly the new A380 upstairs layout (posted on AFF)

Shows the new lounge in place of CSM station, the blocked off door 3R and an additional toilet behind 3R.



So the upstairs config has gone from
72J 32W to
64J 35W 30Y to
70J 60W

Is 3L not blocked off too/is it a lav there? Hard to tell.

First one isn't due to go in until July, probably back early-mid August.

From that diagram think 3L is still in place with a single toilet behind, although it's possibly got a false wall - maybe for self-serve refreshments

Just 3R seemingly plugged which adds room for 6 PE seats and a new toilet behind.

moa999 wrote:

First one isn't due to go in until July, probably back early-mid August.

From that diagram think 3L is still in place with a single toilet behind, although it's possibly got a false wall - maybe for self-serve refreshments

Just 3R seemingly plugged which adds room for 6 PE seats and a new toilet behind.

The first A380 for cabin refurbs is OQE which departs this coming Sunday as QF5 SYD-SIN-LHR, then positioning to DRS for the cabin works.

Even better then. So might be complete late June/ early July

I’m looking forward to seeing the enhanced First seat - I don’t think any visuals have been revealed yet? Nor many details. Just new padding, and larger screen. I suspect the finish of the seat, and control panel will also be refreshed.

Can anyone confirm the rumours that QF don’t have suits and doors in F and J - is due to CASA not certifying them?

B717 NXK is into paint this evening - positioning BNE-TSV as QF6200. I was just sent a photo of a very bedraggled looking NXO so hopefully now NXK is going in the 717s will keep rotating through.

A380 -OQJ flying QF6020 PUS-SYD with new roo

DeltaB717 wrote:

moa999 wrote:

First one isn't due to go in until July, probably back early-mid August.

From that diagram think 3L is still in place with a single toilet behind, although it's possibly got a false wall - maybe for self-serve refreshments

Just 3R seemingly plugged which adds room for 6 PE seats and a new toilet behind.

The first A380 for cabin refurbs is OQE which departs this coming Sunday as QF5 SYD-SIN-LHR, then positioning to DRS for the cabin works.

This aircraft is going in to DRS for maintenance only. Not refurb.

undertheradar wrote:

undertheradar wrote:

undertheradar wrote:

-LQF in APRIL 18 and -LQH out April 19

-LQD in April 30 and -LQF out May 01

-LQB in May 12 and -LQD out May 13

-LQB out May 25

ThomasCook wrote:

DeltaB717 wrote:

moa999 wrote:

First one isn't due to go in until July, probably back early-mid August.

From that diagram think 3L is still in place with a single toilet behind, although it's possibly got a false wall - maybe for self-serve refreshments

Just 3R seemingly plugged which adds room for 6 PE seats and a new toilet behind.

The first A380 for cabin refurbs is OQE which departs this coming Sunday as QF5 SYD-SIN-LHR, then positioning to DRS for the cabin works.

This aircraft is going in to DRS for maintenance only. Not refurb.

Sorry if it has been mentioned before, who is doing the refurb on these birds then?

ThomasCook wrote:

DeltaB717 wrote:

The first A380 for cabin refurbs is OQE which departs this coming Sunday as QF5 SYD-SIN-LHR, then positioning to DRS for the cabin works.

This aircraft is going in to DRS for maintenance only. Not refurb.

You sure? Makes relatively little sense to do heavy MX on that frame now without putting the new interior in at the same time.

mrkerr7474 wrote:

Sorry if it has been mentioned before, who is doing the refurb on these birds then?

Reportedly contract is with Airbus (possibly related to the A380 cancellation).

While I agree with the comments on maintenance v refurb, remember the refurb is mostly on the upper deck only,
And two aircraft have already had heavy maintenance at AUH this year.

OQE out on schedule as QF5 Sunday night

ThomasCook wrote:

DeltaB717 wrote:

moa999 wrote:

First one isn't due to go in until July, probably back early-mid August.

From that diagram think 3L is still in place with a single toilet behind, although it's possibly got a false wall - maybe for self-serve refreshments

Just 3R seemingly plugged which adds room for 6 PE seats and a new toilet behind.

The first A380 for cabin refurbs is OQE which departs this coming Sunday as QF5 SYD-SIN-LHR, then positioning to DRS for the cabin works.

This aircraft is going in to DRS for maintenance only. Not refurb.

On various sites/forums there seems to be many schools of thought on this..Some say maintenance and some say maintenance + refurb. After some research, a QF flight attendant has mentioned that ALL crew who are certified on the A380 are required to go through re certification/emergency/service procedures training because of the new layout and this crew training will be completed by AUG.
As this is the 1st aircraft being done, I expect a longer time frame to be completed and possibly including maintenance AND refurb AND repaint. Also, these steps might be completed in more than 1 port. So quite possible the 1st aircraft will be 'out of action' for 2months +
Only time will tell

ThomasCook wrote:

DeltaB717 wrote:

moa999 wrote:

First one isn't due to go in until July, probably back early-mid August.

From that diagram think 3L is still in place with a single toilet behind, although it's possibly got a false wall - maybe for self-serve refreshments

Just 3R seemingly plugged which adds room for 6 PE seats and a new toilet behind.

The first A380 for cabin refurbs is OQE which departs this coming Sunday as QF5 SYD-SIN-LHR, then positioning to DRS for the cabin works.

This aircraft is going in to DRS for maintenance only. Not refurb.

OQE is most certainly undergoing refurb with Airbus in DRS. I have had this confirmed from within QF.

DeltaB717 wrote:

ThomasCook wrote:

DeltaB717 wrote:

The first A380 for cabin refurbs is OQE which departs this coming Sunday as QF5 SYD-SIN-LHR, then positioning to DRS for the cabin works.

This aircraft is going in to DRS for maintenance only. Not refurb.

OQE is most certainly undergoing refurb with Airbus in DRS. I have had this confirmed from within QF.

From what I've heard, ThomasCook is correct, the first reconfig begins in a few weeks time.

It makes absolutely zero sense to put this frame into heavy maintenance now and not do the refurb at the same time then pull it out of service again a few weeks later to refurb. Zero.

VHZNE wrote:

DeltaB717 wrote:

ThomasCook wrote:

This aircraft is going in to DRS for maintenance only. Not refurb.

OQE is most certainly undergoing refurb with Airbus in DRS. I have had this confirmed from within QF.

From what I've heard, ThomasCook is correct, the first reconfig begins in a few weeks time.

Again, the information I have is from within QF. My source stated categorically that OQE is having cabin refurb in DRS, and that person has access to all QF mainline ops and mx plans. I don't know what you've heard, but if your information is correct it is a significant departure from what was in QF's own system only a little more than a week ago (BTW at that stage the same system was showing OQE operating QF5 departing Sunday just gone).

moa999 wrote:

OQE out on schedule as QF5 Sunday night

Are you sure that's the right flight number? I thought QF1/2 was the only A380 flight to London?

Yes.
Was a one-off. QF1 also operated that day.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-oqe

DeltaB717 wrote:

ThomasCook wrote:

DeltaB717 wrote:

The first A380 for cabin refurbs is OQE which departs this coming Sunday as QF5 SYD-SIN-LHR, then positioning to DRS for the cabin works.

This aircraft is going in to DRS for maintenance only. Not refurb.

OQE is most certainly undergoing refurb with Airbus in DRS. I have had this confirmed from within QF.

Your source is incorrect. OQE will be out of DRS in around 12 days, followed by heavy maintainance on a frame in AUH followed by the first refurb. Your source is correct in that OQE will undergo refurb in DRS, but not for some time.

I am hoping to catch a ride on OEE (74ER) before retirement. Have QF released a retirement schedule for the 747 family?

moa999 wrote:

Reportedly the new A380 upstairs layout (posted on AFF)

Shows the new lounge in place of CSM station, the blocked off door 3R and an additional toilet behind 3R.

So the upstairs config has gone from
72J 32W to
64J 35W 30Y to
70J 60W

Interesting that QF are persevering with the lounge at the front of the upstairs cabin, and in fact are increasing it by adding more lounge seating on the other side where the Purser's station currently is. It's a pity QF aren't taking a leaf from BA's book and putting massive lavatories in this space. In my experience, the existing lounge area is very infrequently used by pax. BA's massive loos are fantastic, e.g. for changing into and out of PJs.

vhtje wrote:

Interesting that QF are persevering with the lounge at the front of the upstairs cabin, and in fact are increasing it by adding more lounge seating on the other side where the Purser's station currently is. It's a pity QF aren't taking a leaf from BA's book and putting massive lavatories in this space. In my experience, the existing lounge area is very infrequently used by pax. BA's massive loos are fantastic, e.g. for changing into and out of PJs.

They would also be superb for those wishing to join the mile high club, which was one of my first thoughts when I used one of them on a BA flight. Definitely spacious enough for good times on an overnight sector

744 VH-OEB once again penciled/penned? in for final revenue flight QF73 SYD-SFO Sunday June 02. -OEB is currently flying QF4 arrival SYD 5pm ish..QF73 departure has been pushed out to 7pm ish...presumably to give -OEB sufficient turnaround time. There is no return QF74 scheduled. 2nd time's a charm?...time will tell

VH-EBG has just arrived into BNE from AKL, usually it’d be towed to domestic and operate QF767 to PER but that’s op by a 737 tonight. There’s no QF A332 flights from BNE tomorrow could it be there to get refitted?

Definitely possible. EBF has been there since early-April so must be due out soon, and EBG has been circling BNE last 48hrs.

With OEB also on its retirement flight would save them having to do a June video update for Rockwell Collins as well.