CraigAnderson wrote:

Does anybody know which particular A380s have been refurbished? If Qantas sticks to its previous statement that two of the 12 A380s will be retired, it'd hopefully be the most problematic ones.

mrkerr7474 wrote:

CraigAnderson wrote:

Does anybody know which particular A380s have been refurbished? If Qantas sticks to its previous statement that two of the 12 A380s will be retired, it'd hopefully be the most problematic ones.

Having a look on QF website and the seat map for the A380, it looks like the following birds have had a refurbishment:

VH-OQD, OQG, OQH, OQI, OQJ and OQK

Doesn't look like OQB has had a refurbishment yet so that's still in the old layout.

I agree with the comment that OQC is a bit of a lemon. Ended up being on it a few times pre covid and never was in a good shape so wouldn't be surprised to see that and OQA put out

smi0006 wrote:

mrkerr7474 wrote:

CraigAnderson wrote:

Does anybody know which particular A380s have been refurbished? If Qantas sticks to its previous statement that two of the 12 A380s will be retired, it'd hopefully be the most problematic ones.

Having a look on QF website and the seat map for the A380, it looks like the following birds have had a refurbishment:

VH-OQD, OQG, OQH, OQI, OQJ and OQK

Doesn't look like OQB has had a refurbishment yet so that's still in the old layout.

I agree with the comment that OQC is a bit of a lemon. Ended up being on it a few times pre covid and never was in a good shape so wouldn't be surprised to see that and OQA put out

So just one to refit? Looking forward to trying the new bar/cafe space one day!

What makes OQC a lemon? Just the gremlins? Or was there poor production quality?

moa999 wrote:

OQB has had the landing gear work and probably a major check done in DRS.
OQC has been in AUH for 6+ months now, presumably getting landing gear and checks (and possibly Refurb done)
So you'd think both will be kept given the $$s recently invested.

OQL being one of the youngest you'd expect to be returbed.

So that leaves OQA (Nancy Bird Walton, oldest and with its repair history)
OQE (which is also still in the old paint)
OQF

So my money would be on OQE and OQA

Will also be interesting to see if QF parts out the aircraft internally to create a spare parts pool to support the other 10, given there doesn't seem to be much value elsewhere.

ASOSpotter wrote:

Have heard that one of the QANTAS A380s is hoping to be preserved at Albion Park with HARS. So maybe OQA might find a home there and be used as a christmas tree?

mrkerr7474 wrote:

CraigAnderson wrote:

Does anybody know which particular A380s have been refurbished? If Qantas sticks to its previous statement that two of the 12 A380s will be retired, it'd hopefully be the most problematic ones.

Having a look on QF website and the seat map for the A380, it looks like the following birds have had a refurbishment:

VH-OQD, OQG, OQH, OQI, OQJ and OQK

Doesn't look like OQB has had a refurbishment yet so that's still in the old layout.

I agree with the comment that OQC is a bit of a lemon. Ended up being on it a few times pre covid and never was in a good shape so wouldn't be surprised to see that and OQA put out

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

mrkerr7474 wrote:

CraigAnderson wrote:

Does anybody know which particular A380s have been refurbished? If Qantas sticks to its previous statement that two of the 12 A380s will be retired, it'd hopefully be the most problematic ones.

Having a look on QF website and the seat map for the A380, it looks like the following birds have had a refurbishment:

VH-OQD, OQG, OQH, OQI, OQJ and OQK

Doesn't look like OQB has had a refurbishment yet so that's still in the old layout.

I agree with the comment that OQC is a bit of a lemon. Ended up being on it a few times pre covid and never was in a good shape so wouldn't be surprised to see that and OQA put out

Those aren't necessarily accurate: I know my scavenging may not be accurate either, but apparently OQB is coming back refurb'd.

redroo wrote:

Poor production quality. If I recall correctly (and this was a long time ago now) it was rushed into delivery by airbus. Ended up with loads of issues. QF weren’t happy and went over OQD with a fine toothcomb. OQC has been a problem child from engineering perspective ever since.

ASOSpotter wrote:

Have heard that one of the QANTAS A380s is hoping to be preserved at Albion Park with HARS. So maybe OQA might find a home there and be used as a christmas tree?

sierrakilo44 wrote:

ASOSpotter wrote:

Have heard that one of the QANTAS A380s is hoping to be preserved at Albion Park with HARS. So maybe OQA might find a home there and be used as a christmas tree?

HARS should be about aircraft that have a bit of legendary history, a bit of character, a bit of soul, and a real impactful history behind it. HARS website states they have a “love affair” with aircraft, like the “Queen of the skies”, the 747, the original and the best. The A380 is a soulless computer driven behemoth, a product of technocrats that really hasn’t inspired much, except for airlines to discard them at record pace. A love affair with a 380 is a like an arranged marriage, only because you’re forced into enjoy it.

And it’s hideously ugly too, how can anyone like such a dumpy aircraft with such a large forehead? The only part of a 380 on display at a museum should be in the soft drink cans at the vending machine.

hk144 wrote:

Ugly it may be; however, OQA does have a bit of noteworthy history don't you think?

qf2220 wrote:

redroo wrote:

Poor production quality. If I recall correctly (and this was a long time ago now) it was rushed into delivery by airbus. Ended up with loads of issues. QF weren’t happy and went over OQD with a fine toothcomb. OQC has been a problem child from engineering perspective ever since.

What in particular do you know?

hk144 wrote:

sierrakilo44 wrote:

ASOSpotter wrote:

Have heard that one of the QANTAS A380s is hoping to be preserved at Albion Park with HARS. So maybe OQA might find a home there and be used as a christmas tree?

HARS should be about aircraft that have a bit of legendary history, a bit of character, a bit of soul, and a real impactful history behind it. HARS website states they have a “love affair” with aircraft, like the “Queen of the skies”, the 747, the original and the best. The A380 is a soulless computer driven behemoth, a product of technocrats that really hasn’t inspired much, except for airlines to discard them at record pace. A love affair with a 380 is a like an arranged marriage, only because you’re forced into enjoy it.

And it’s hideously ugly too, how can anyone like such a dumpy aircraft with such a large forehead? The only part of a 380 on display at a museum should be in the soft drink cans at the vending machine.

Ugly it may be; however, OQA does have a bit of noteworthy history don't you think?

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

Yeah it does, though I'm not sure anybody would want to celebrate a exploding engine...

ClassicLover wrote:

hk144 wrote:

Ugly it may be; however, OQA does have a bit of noteworthy history don't you think?

Just a bit! That would be the one I would expect to be preserved at somewhere like HARS. Or even Longreach. With such a small production run and relatively short history, I can't see too many of them being preserved, so one in Australia would be nice.

Kent350787 wrote:

ClassicLover wrote:

hk144 wrote:

Ugly it may be; however, OQA does have a bit of noteworthy history don't you think?

Just a bit! That would be the one I would expect to be preserved at somewhere like HARS. Or even Longreach. With such a small production run and relatively short history, I can't see too many of them being preserved, so one in Australia would be nice.

I revisited HARS over the break and the guide commented that they "can't resist anything we're offered". It would be fun seeing an A380 there but I do wonder about the logistics.

yachty wrote:

I was browsing FR24 last night and was surprised to see two Nauru Airlines 733Fs (ONU, YNU) doing domestic freight runs under QF callsigns. ONU started on the 10th, and YNU since early Jan (maybe earlier). Pionair had a few BAe 146s doing the same.

Does anyone know how long this has been going on for, and if it's a permanent arrangement? I would have guessed QF would rather use their own aircraft/pilots than wet lease to these kind of operators. Or is demand just so high right now that they need all the capacity they can get?

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

Kent350787 wrote:

ClassicLover wrote:

Just a bit! That would be the one I would expect to be preserved at somewhere like HARS. Or even Longreach. With such a small production run and relatively short history, I can't see too many of them being preserved, so one in Australia would be nice.

I revisited HARS over the break and the guide commented that they "can't resist anything we're offered". It would be fun seeing an A380 there but I do wonder about the logistics.

Curious, what do you mean 'logistics'? Sure, it's quite a bit smaller, but they can fit the 747 in HARS. I agree, it would be great to see an A380 there. I would presume a lot of people who wouldn't normally visit HARS would visit.

bunumuring wrote:

Hey guys,
I know HARS would love VH-OQA but I fear it may be too much for Albion Park to handle physically unless serious $$$ were spent on a new apron.
There is however a MUCH more appropriate place to preserve VH-OQA, in its own special ‘area’ …. It’s namesake airport, conveniently being built right now. No worries about space being taken up, accessibility nor it not being a tourist attraction in its own right.
Imagine the last ever flight of QF’s ‘NBW’ into retirement being the first flight into Sydney West’s brand new ‘NBW’ airport.
The publicity!!! What a way to christen a new airport!
Come in Dom, ScoMo, Alan… make it happen!
Take care everyone,
Bunumuring

yachty wrote:

I was browsing FR24 last night and was surprised to see two Nauru Airlines 733Fs (ONU, YNU) doing domestic freight runs under QF callsigns. ONU started on the 10th, and YNU since early Jan (maybe earlier). Pionair had a few BAe 146s doing the same.

Does anyone know how long this has been going on for, and if it's a permanent arrangement? I would have guessed QF would rather use their own aircraft/pilots than wet lease to these kind of operators. Or is demand just so high right now that they need all the capacity they can get?

RyanairGuru wrote:

It might be on-again-off-again, not sure, but both Nauru Airlines and Pionair have being operating for Qantas Freight for several years. Certainly since March 2020 if not earlier. At one point there was even a Greek 757 flying under the QFA code as well.

yachty wrote:

RyanairGuru wrote:

It might be on-again-off-again, not sure, but both Nauru Airlines and Pionair have being operating for Qantas Freight for several years. Certainly since March 2020 if not earlier. At one point there was even a Greek 757 flying under the QFA code as well.

Thanks mate, I had no idea. I'd never seen the QF code on another airline other than Atlas before yesterday!

tullamarine wrote:

I stress this is no more than a rumour but I saw on another site that VA were investigating the possibility of acquiring up to 7 73Gs from KLM. In some respects, this isn't a stupid move providing the price is right.

The trip costs of the 73G are a little bit less than the 73H providing you don't need the extra seats and it does preserve the single fleet type which is obviously super important to VA as it models itself on the successful WN business model.

KL will be retiring its 73Gs as the new A220s arrive so I'm sure the purchase price could be pretty good and, were it to happen, it would be similar to Alliance's bargain acquisition of pre-owned E90s as a way of growing your fleet without paying the significant upfront cost of an all-new fleet.

tullamarine wrote:

QF do this with wet-leased Alliance E190s every day.

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

I was just browsing FlightRadar, and found a JQ 788 on the MEL-PER route.
https://i.imgur.com/kjlHPll.png
I've never seen a JQ 788 anywhere in WA before.

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

I was just browsing FlightRadar, and found a JQ 788 on the MEL-PER route.
https://i.imgur.com/kjlHPll.png
I've never seen a JQ 788 anywhere in WA before.

RyanairGuru wrote:

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

I was just browsing FlightRadar, and found a JQ 788 on the MEL-PER route.
https://i.imgur.com/kjlHPll.png
I've never seen a JQ 788 anywhere in WA before.

Weekly 788 operating MEL-PER-SIN. Going for a few months, maybe October?

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

RyanairGuru wrote:

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

I was just browsing FlightRadar, and found a JQ 788 on the MEL-PER route.
https://i.imgur.com/kjlHPll.png
I've never seen a JQ 788 anywhere in WA before.

Weekly 788 operating MEL-PER-SIN. Going for a few months, maybe October?

Those usually are 320s, not 788s. In fact, a JQ 320 bound for SIN just flew over my head.

qf789 wrote:

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

RyanairGuru wrote:

Weekly 788 operating MEL-PER-SIN. Going for a few months, maybe October?

Those usually are 320s, not 788s. In fact, a JQ 320 bound for SIN just flew over my head.

The A320 you refer to is operated by 3K not JQ and is operating a one off flight. 3K will resume passengers flights in PER-SIN next month

As already pointed out the 788 weekly cargo run on MEL-PER-SIN has been operating for several months now and the flight is replacing the weekly QF cargo run in that route

tullamarine wrote:

qf789 wrote:

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

Those usually are 320s, not 788s. In fact, a JQ 320 bound for SIN just flew over my head.

The A320 you refer to is operated by 3K not JQ and is operating a one off flight. 3K will resume passengers flights in PER-SIN next month

As already pointed out the 788 weekly cargo run on MEL-PER-SIN has been operating for several months now and the flight is replacing the weekly QF cargo run in that route

Correct, there is plenty of slack in the JQ788 schedules at the moment so using them in a freighter role makes some sense. The only int'l pax route they are doing in MEL-SIN 3 times a week and there are some daily services from MEL and SYD to CNS and OOL but realistically only 3 or 4 of the fleet of 10 are currently active at any one time.

tullamarine wrote:

qf789 wrote:

AdvancedBikkie wrote:

Those usually are 320s, not 788s. In fact, a JQ 320 bound for SIN just flew over my head.

The A320 you refer to is operated by 3K not JQ and is operating a one off flight. 3K will resume passengers flights in PER-SIN next month

As already pointed out the 788 weekly cargo run on MEL-PER-SIN has been operating for several months now and the flight is replacing the weekly QF cargo run in that route

Correct, there is plenty of slack in the JQ788 schedules at the moment so using them in a freighter role makes some sense. The only int'l pax route they are doing in MEL-SIN 3 times a week and there are some daily services from MEL and SYD to CNS and OOL but realistically only 3 or 4 of the fleet of 10 are currently active at any one time.

a320fan wrote:

All the discussion about which QF A380 could be preserved and displayed but no one actually mentioned she successfully entered pax service this week after nearly 2 years. LAX posted this pic of her touching down on the inaugural.



https://www.facebook.com/LAInternationa ... 25/?type=3

EK413 wrote:

-OQB was the 1st to be be activated, whilst -OQD the 2nd A380 returning to revenue service (wasn’t sent off to the Mojave desert) & spent the last 18 months or so at LAX.
-OQK is currently being prepped and will be the 3rd A380 returning to our shores.

CraigAnderson wrote:

EK413 wrote:

-OQB was the 1st to be be activated, whilst -OQD the 2nd A380 returning to revenue service (wasn’t sent off to the Mojave desert) & spent the last 18 months or so at LAX.
-OQK is currently being prepped and will be the 3rd A380 returning to our shores.

Yes, would make sense to first return the A380s from Dresden maintenance and LAX hangar before Qantas embarks on what you'd have to think would be a somewhat expensive process of bringing an A380 out of 'hibernation' at Victorville, when you look at all the work put into prepping them for that Victorville 'deep sleep'. Was OQK at Victorville or also at LAX?

tullamarine wrote:

Following VA's announcement of capacity reductions during the Omicron peak, Qantas has now followed suit and advised that rather than being at 102% of pre-Covid domestic capacity by March, it and Jetstar will now be aiming for 70%. Obviously this will mean a number of cancellations but no staff will be stood down as there are natural staff shortages occurring due to isolation requirements.
https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20220113/pdf/454z5w0hbbvdyq.pdf

Operated by Boeing 787-8 aircraft, the flights from Sydney* will operate three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and twice weekly from Melbourne on Thursdays and Sundays.