Australian Aviation Thread - May 2022

RyanairGuru · Wed May 11, 2022 4:15 am

qf789 wrote:
REX is considering acquiring Cobham and could put a bid for the airline in the coming weeks

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... um=twitter

That strikes me as a slightly odd decision. With NationalJet returning to Qantas, Cobham is a mish-mash of cargo, FIFO charter, and specialised SAR operations. Other than ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ with Qantas’ targeting of Alliance, I don’t see how this fits with the strategic direction of Rex, who are no doubt directing all of their resources and attention to their jet operation. It seems to be an unnecessary distraction when the company has other issues.

tullamarine · Wed May 11, 2022 4:27 am

RyanairGuru wrote:
qf789 wrote:
REX is considering acquiring Cobham and could put a bid for the airline in the coming weeks

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... um=twitter

That strikes me as a slightly odd decision. With NationalJet returning to Qantas, Cobham is a mish-mash of cargo, FIFO charter, and specialised SAR operations. Other than ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ with Qantas’ targeting of Alliance, I don’t see how this fits with the strategic direction of Rex, who are no doubt directing all of their resources and attention to their jet operation. It seems to be an unnecessary distraction when the company has other issues.

Providing they can get it at a fair price, which is possible given there doesn't appear to be a lot of other interested bidders, this probably makes more sense for REX than their doomed attempt at mainline jet operations which is a complete unmitigated disaster.

freshwater · Wed May 11, 2022 5:45 am

qf789 wrote:
REX is considering acquiring Cobham and could put a bid for the airline in the coming weeks

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... um=twitter

How will this affect Qantas branded ops?

SCFlyer · Wed May 11, 2022 5:48 am

freshwater wrote:
qf789 wrote:
REX is considering acquiring Cobham and could put a bid for the airline in the coming weeks

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... um=twitter

How will this affect Qantas branded ops?

Cobham has no Qantas branded (edit: Passenger) ops, they sold off the National Jet Systems subsidiary over 2 years ago and that subsidiary is now wholly owned by QF.

Edit: Cobham do have a subcontract for Australia Post and Qantas Freight using the Bae146s.

freshwater · Wed May 11, 2022 5:54 am

SCFlyer wrote:
freshwater wrote:
qf789 wrote:
REX is considering acquiring Cobham and could put a bid for the airline in the coming weeks

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... um=twitter

How will this affect Qantas branded ops?

Cobham has no Qantas branded (edit: Passenger) ops, they sold off the National Jet Systems subsidiary over 2 years ago and that subsidiary is now wholly owned by QF.

Edit: Cobham do have a subcontract for Australia Post and Qantas Freight using the Bae146s.

I should have clarified... is there any benefit in Qantas bidding for the branded Freight operations or would the 146s be too niche?

tullamarine · Wed May 11, 2022 6:10 am

freshwater wrote:
SCFlyer wrote:
freshwater wrote:

How will this affect Qantas branded ops?

Cobham has no Qantas branded (edit: Passenger) ops, they sold off the National Jet Systems subsidiary over 2 years ago and that subsidiary is now wholly owned by QF.

Edit: Cobham do have a subcontract for Australia Post and Qantas Freight using the Bae146s.

I should have clarified... is there any benefit in Qantas bidding for the branded Freight operations or would the 146s be too niche?

Given they are trying to get the Alliance purchase past the ACCC, I think putting up another acquisition at the same time lessening competition even further would be "crazy-brave."

NZ801 · Wed May 11, 2022 6:45 am

tullamarine wrote:
RyanairGuru wrote:
qf789 wrote:
REX is considering acquiring Cobham and could put a bid for the airline in the coming weeks

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... um=twitter

That strikes me as a slightly odd decision. With NationalJet returning to Qantas, Cobham is a mish-mash of cargo, FIFO charter, and specialised SAR operations. Other than ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ with Qantas’ targeting of Alliance, I don’t see how this fits with the strategic direction of Rex, who are no doubt directing all of their resources and attention to their jet operation. It seems to be an unnecessary distraction when the company has other issues.

Providing they can get it at a fair price, which is possible given there doesn't appear to be a lot of other interested bidders, this probably makes more sense for REX than their doomed attempt at mainline jet operations which is a complete unmitigated disaster.

“Compete and unmitigated disaster”, isn’t that a little over the top?

LTEN11 · Wed May 11, 2022 7:04 am

NZ801 wrote:
tullamarine wrote:
RyanairGuru wrote:

That strikes me as a slightly odd decision. With NationalJet returning to Qantas, Cobham is a mish-mash of cargo, FIFO charter, and specialised SAR operations. Other than ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ with Qantas’ targeting of Alliance, I don’t see how this fits with the strategic direction of Rex, who are no doubt directing all of their resources and attention to their jet operation. It seems to be an unnecessary distraction when the company has other issues.

Providing they can get it at a fair price, which is possible given there doesn't appear to be a lot of other interested bidders, this probably makes more sense for REX than their doomed attempt at mainline jet operations which is a complete unmitigated disaster.

“Compete and unmitigated disaster”, isn’t that a little over the top?

No not all, I'm sure he has the facts and figures to back it up.

IndianicWorld · Wed May 11, 2022 7:22 am

qf789 wrote:
Virgin to hold a hangar event late next week at BNE to celebrate “a new era of flying”

Any ideas what will be announced?

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news ... AkExZmg7b4

Is there a 787 on its way to BNE? Maybe part of an arrangement to increase QR flights

On a more serious suggestion, likely more related to cabin/product or rebranding than anything else.

Chipmunk1973 · Wed May 11, 2022 11:10 am

qf789 wrote:
REX is considering acquiring Cobham and could put a bid for the airline in the coming weeks

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... um=twitter

My first thought is the attraction the fleet, which would offer them some more flexibility with some of their routes?

Cheers.

QantasA333 · Thu May 12, 2022 12:49 am

Fiji Airways to return to Adelaide from the 4th of July, twice a week using the Boeing 737 Max 8.

NAN 0715 1120 ADL
ADL 1235 2015 NAN

https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-u ... 2357ef5b5a

Velocity7 · Thu May 12, 2022 2:49 am

Virgin 777 VH-VPE has been ferried from WTB to BNE just now. Could explain why it had no protective coverings on last month when I was at WTB. Wonder what she is up too? Where to next?

Velocity7 · Thu May 12, 2022 2:50 am

Velocity7 wrote:
Virgin 777 VH-VPE has been ferried from WTB to BNE just now. Could explain why it had no protective coverings on last month when I was at WTB. Wonder what she is up too? Where to next?

This wouldn't have anything to do with the 'hangar party' next week would it? :scratchchin:

SCFlyer · Thu May 12, 2022 2:54 am

Velocity7 wrote:
Velocity7 wrote:
Virgin 777 VH-VPE has been ferried from WTB to BNE just now. Could explain why it had no protective coverings on last month when I was at WTB. Wonder what she is up too? Where to next?

This wouldn't have anything to do with the 'hangar party' next week would it?

VPE has a filing from BNE to NAN, thus unlikely.

I suspect it's off to its financier (as it was formerly a outright owned aircraft that was mortgaged to the financiers prior to bankruptcy/administration) for storage

Velocity7 · Thu May 12, 2022 3:05 am

SCFlyer wrote:

VPE has a filing from BNE to NAN, thus unlikely.

I suspect it's off to its financier (as it was formerly a outright owned aircraft that was mortgaged to the financiers prior to bankruptcy/administration) for storage

One can dream I guess! They have parked her up on the end southern gate at the international terminal of which I've got a reasonable view of (between the heavy rain showers).

tullamarine · Thu May 12, 2022 3:47 am

SCFlyer wrote:
Velocity7 wrote:
Velocity7 wrote:
Virgin 777 VH-VPE has been ferried from WTB to BNE just now. Could explain why it had no protective coverings on last month when I was at WTB. Wonder what she is up too? Where to next?

This wouldn't have anything to do with the 'hangar party' next week would it?

VPE has a filing from BNE to NAN, thus unlikely.

I suspect it's off to its financier (as it was formerly a outright owned aircraft that was mortgaged to the financiers prior to bankruptcy/administration) for storage

Given the glut of used 77Ws on the market, unless this has been sold for freighter conversion, I would expect any return to US would mean scrapping is very likely.

Mistral1 · Thu May 12, 2022 5:25 am

Not sure if this was already posted… according to the booking system and aeronautical intelligence platform Cirium, Qantas is scheduled to restart services between Sydney and Santiago de Chile effective October 31st. The company plans to have four weekly operations on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with capacity for 236 passengers. Source www.aviacionline.com

tullamarine · Thu May 12, 2022 5:43 am

The Australian (paywall) is reporting that VA has received interim approval regarding its codeshare tie-up with UA. QF has applied to ACCC for the arrangement to be rejected which is pretty optimistic given its current dominant status on trans-Pacific services as well as its approved JV with AA.

qf2220 · Thu May 12, 2022 7:08 am

Mistral1 wrote:
Not sure if this was already posted… according to the booking system and aeronautical intelligence platform Cirium, Qantas is scheduled to restart services between Sydney and Santiago de Chile effective October 31st. The company plans to have four weekly operations on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with capacity for 236 passengers. Source http://www.aviacionline.com

Fantastic. Here's hoping it can ramp up to daily before too long. Was previously 4pw on 744.

BAeRJ100 · Thu May 12, 2022 7:12 am

freshwater wrote:
I should have clarified... is there any benefit in Qantas bidding for the branded Freight operations or would the 146s be too niche?

The 146 freighters are operated under the same AOC as the E190/Q400/RJ passenger ops (National Jet Express). It can't be picked up on its own without being spun off with its own AOC.

Chipmunk1973 wrote:
My first thought is the attraction the fleet, which would offer them some more flexibility with some of their routes?

Cheers.

Except the entirety of Cobham's fleet is operated under contract to (primarily) clients in the mining industry, if Rex were to buy them out they can't just renege on contracts that still have years left on them.

freshwater · Thu May 12, 2022 7:57 am

BAeRJ100 wrote:
freshwater wrote:
I should have clarified... is there any benefit in Qantas bidding for the branded Freight operations or would the 146s be too niche?

The 146 freighters are operated under the same AOC as the E190/Q400/RJ passenger ops (National Jet Express). It can't be picked up on its own without being spun off with its own AOC.

Chipmunk1973 wrote:
My first thought is the attraction the fleet, which would offer them some more flexibility with some of their routes?

Cheers.

Except the entirety of Cobham's fleet is operated under contract to (primarily) clients in the mining industry, if Rex were to buy them out they can't just renege on contracts that still have years left on them.

Perhaps upguage some mining contracts to underutilized 737s?

a320fan · Thu May 12, 2022 7:59 am

Rex already has experience in charter and freight operations through its subsidiary PelAir so any Cobham pickup would just be an expansion of that side of their business.

smi0006 · Thu May 12, 2022 8:24 am

tullamarine wrote:
SCFlyer wrote:
qf789 wrote:
Virgin to hold a hangar event late next week at BNE to celebrate “a new era of flying”

Any ideas what will be announced?

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news ... AkExZmg7b4

Per the other poster so far, I'm also tipping the Max8 launch and the refreshed cabin (with USB plugs in Y) being applied across the entire mainline 737 fleet.

Anything else predicted by other posters elsewhere (Long Haul 787 leases, Star Alliance, Qatar/United Stake, etc etc) are way too left field and wishful on their part.

I'd be surprised if it is a MAX8 launch. Apart from the potential issues of highlighting the MAX, though they are now unwarranted anyway, having a launch announcement doesn't make sense given they announced it in a press release last week; you wouldn't do both. In addition, I don't think the MAX8 will be any different product-wise from the existing VA 737s with BSI which is now most of the fleet.

The invite seems to infer whatever is announced will be very "Instagrammable"so it is obviously visual such as new seats, uniforms, catering offering or special livery.

New livery and brand would make sense. Seems timely for a refresh, and maybe new cabins? Hopefully we see less white more purple if they want to avoid QF red.

smi0006 · Thu May 12, 2022 8:28 am

BAeRJ100 wrote:
freshwater wrote:
I should have clarified... is there any benefit in Qantas bidding for the branded Freight operations or would the 146s be too niche?

The 146 freighters are operated under the same AOC as the E190/Q400/RJ passenger ops (National Jet Express). It can't be picked up on its own without being spun off with its own AOC.

Chipmunk1973 wrote:
My first thought is the attraction the fleet, which would offer them some more flexibility with some of their routes?

Cheers.

Except the entirety of Cobham's fleet is operated under contract to (primarily) clients in the mining industry, if Rex were to buy them out they can't just renege on contracts that still have years left on them.

I wonder if they need the pilots to grow? How bad is the shortage? More money coming in from regional and mining to support the jets and regional refleet?

aerokiwi · Thu May 12, 2022 8:44 am

smi0006 wrote:
tullamarine wrote:
SCFlyer wrote:

Per the other poster so far, I'm also tipping the Max8 launch and the refreshed cabin (with USB plugs in Y) being applied across the entire mainline 737 fleet.

Anything else predicted by other posters elsewhere (Long Haul 787 leases, Star Alliance, Qatar/United Stake, etc etc) are way too left field and wishful on their part.

I'd be surprised if it is a MAX8 launch. Apart from the potential issues of highlighting the MAX, though they are now unwarranted anyway, having a launch announcement doesn't make sense given they announced it in a press release last week; you wouldn't do both. In addition, I don't think the MAX8 will be any different product-wise from the existing VA 737s with BSI which is now most of the fleet.

The invite seems to infer whatever is announced will be very "Instagrammable"so it is obviously visual such as new seats, uniforms, catering offering or special livery.

New livery and brand would make sense. Seems timely for a refresh, and maybe new cabins? Hopefully we see less white more purple if they want to avoid QF red.

I hope not, to be honest. Livery and branding is just fine and really unnecessary to change. Doesn't look dated and of all the majors VA has the most consistently applied livery across its fleet and branding across its physical and online assets. For a while there Qantas still had 1984-liveried aircraft alongside the Silver thing and Jetstar has always been a mishmash of inconsistency.

Perhaps it could include the adoption of the Silkair interior they inherited with those couple of frames from them? The economy seat on those is fantastic - much better than the existing mainline VA seat.

I mean, given Qantas essentially made the same announcement a second time round with the Sunrise and narrowbody fleets, and everyone fell off their chair in awe (classic second bite of the cherry media strategy and all the QFites lapped it up - "unparalleled luxury", puhleeeeze!), VA may as well have a whirl of the nonsense PR push.

Obzerva · Thu May 12, 2022 9:54 am

aerokiwi wrote:
smi0006 wrote:
tullamarine wrote:
I'd be surprised if it is a MAX8 launch. Apart from the potential issues of highlighting the MAX, though they are now unwarranted anyway, having a launch announcement doesn't make sense given they announced it in a press release last week; you wouldn't do both. In addition, I don't think the MAX8 will be any different product-wise from the existing VA 737s with BSI which is now most of the fleet.

The invite seems to infer whatever is announced will be very "Instagrammable"so it is obviously visual such as new seats, uniforms, catering offering or special livery.

New livery and brand would make sense. Seems timely for a refresh, and maybe new cabins? Hopefully we see less white more purple if they want to avoid QF red.

I hope not, to be honest. Livery and branding is just fine and really unnecessary to change. Doesn't look dated and of all the majors VA has the most consistently applied livery across its fleet and branding across its physical and online assets. For a while there Qantas still had 1984-liveried aircraft alongside the Silver thing and Jetstar has always been a mishmash of inconsistency.

Perhaps it could include the adoption of the Silkair interior they inherited with those couple of frames from them? The economy seat on those is fantastic - much better than the existing mainline VA seat.

I mean, given Qantas essentially made the same announcement a second time round with the Sunrise and narrowbody fleets, and everyone fell off their chair in awe (classic second bite of the cherry media strategy and all the QFites lapped it up - "unparalleled luxury", puhleeeeze!), VA may as well have a whirl of the nonsense PR push.

The last 5mins on this week's ABC's Media Watch got stuck in to the media on their coverage of the re-announcement of Sunrise. Basically just giving QF free advertising for junkets.
QF does play the media very very well, I'd suggest it wouldn't hurt that QF probably have a swathe of media corporate contracts for their own flying.

moa999 · Thu May 12, 2022 10:03 am

Put simply any story with Qantas in the headline gets clicks.

Qantas gets plenty of bad press that wouldn't even make the 10th page if it was another brand.

SCFlyer · Thu May 12, 2022 10:24 am

aerokiwi wrote:
smi0006 wrote:
tullamarine wrote:
I'd be surprised if it is a MAX8 launch. Apart from the potential issues of highlighting the MAX, though they are now unwarranted anyway, having a launch announcement doesn't make sense given they announced it in a press release last week; you wouldn't do both. In addition, I don't think the MAX8 will be any different product-wise from the existing VA 737s with BSI which is now most of the fleet.

The invite seems to infer whatever is announced will be very "Instagrammable"so it is obviously visual such as new seats, uniforms, catering offering or special livery.

New livery and brand would make sense. Seems timely for a refresh, and maybe new cabins? Hopefully we see less white more purple if they want to avoid QF red.

I hope not, to be honest. Livery and branding is just fine and really unnecessary to change. Doesn't look dated and of all the majors VA has the most consistently applied livery across its fleet and branding across its physical and online assets. For a while there Qantas still had 1984-liveried aircraft alongside the Silver thing and Jetstar has always been a mishmash of inconsistency.

Perhaps it could include the adoption of the Silkair interior they inherited with those couple of frames from them? The economy seat on those is fantastic - much better than the existing mainline VA seat.

They're actually new off-the-shelf seats as VA previously posted on TikTok removing the old SilkAir seats and installing the new concept seats on 2 of the ex-Silk 737s. The only feature VA kept on the ex-Silk birds are the bulk-heads on all ex-Silk units, that's it.

The other ex-Silk 737s had recycled VA J seats installed, with another two having the previous TigerAir 737 Y seats installed. Neither of the ex-Silk planes has the divider installed of yet.

OffTheRails · Thu May 12, 2022 12:36 pm

Fiji airways to resume Adelaide to Nadi twice a week from 4th July

https://www.news.com.au/national/south- ... 74038af5b4

rtav · Thu May 12, 2022 4:16 pm

SCFlyer wrote:
aerokiwi wrote:
smi0006 wrote:

New livery and brand would make sense. Seems timely for a refresh, and maybe new cabins? Hopefully we see less white more purple if they want to avoid QF red.

I hope not, to be honest. Livery and branding is just fine and really unnecessary to change. Doesn't look dated and of all the majors VA has the most consistently applied livery across its fleet and branding across its physical and online assets. For a while there Qantas still had 1984-liveried aircraft alongside the Silver thing and Jetstar has always been a mishmash of inconsistency.

Perhaps it could include the adoption of the Silkair interior they inherited with those couple of frames from them? The economy seat on those is fantastic - much better than the existing mainline VA seat.

They're actually new off-the-shelf seats as VA previously posted on TikTok removing the old SilkAir seats and installing the new concept seats on 2 of the ex-Silk 737s. The only feature VA kept on the ex-Silk birds are the bulk-heads on all ex-Silk units, that's it.

The other ex-Silk 737s had recycled VA J seats installed, with another two having the previous TigerAir 737 Y seats installed. Neither of the ex-Silk planes has the divider installed of yet.

I believe there’s still 1 or 2 ex. SilkAir planes going around with the old SilkAir economy seats. Can visibly see the yellow fabric seats from outside the plane. VH-IXJ is one of them I believe.

qf789 · Fri May 13, 2022 2:58 am

tullamarine wrote:
The Australian (paywall) is reporting that VA has received interim approval regarding its codeshare tie-up with UA. QF has applied to ACCC for the arrangement to be rejected which is pretty optimistic given its current dominant status on trans-Pacific services as well as its approved JV with AA.

Apparently the final decision will be made in July/August. The ACCC has cited the proposed codeshare is to the public benefit nor will it lessen competition

https://simpleflying.com/accc-interim-p ... rtnership/

qf789 · Fri May 13, 2022 3:04 am

Batik Air to resume KUL-DPS-MEL from 17 June, 4 weekly, increasing to daily from 25 June, 737MAX8 operating

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220513-odmel

qf789 · Fri May 13, 2022 3:10 am

Cathay changes from July

BNE, 1 weekly A350-1000 from 12 July 22
MEL, 4 weekly A350-1000, 77W operated from 2 August, frequency reduced to 3 weekly from 15 August
PER, A350-1000 operating every 2 weeks, 77W replaces A350-1000 from 6 August
SYD, 5 weekly 77W, frequency reduced to 4 weekly from 17 August

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220513-cx3q22

qf2220 · Fri May 13, 2022 4:24 am

qf789 wrote:
tullamarine wrote:
The Australian (paywall) is reporting that VA has received interim approval regarding its codeshare tie-up with UA. QF has applied to ACCC for the arrangement to be rejected which is pretty optimistic given its current dominant status on trans-Pacific services as well as its approved JV with AA.

Apparently the final decision will be made in July/August. The ACCC has cited the proposed codeshare is to the public benefit nor will it lessen competition

https://simpleflying.com/accc-interim-p ... rtnership/

Some more of the argument:

https://www.accc.gov.au/public-register ... -pty-ltd-0

“The ACCC’s preliminary view is that this proposed codeshare arrangement with United Airlines is likely to result in a public benefit as it will help Virgin Australia re-establish its international network. Currently, it appears that Virgin Australia is unlikely to be able to operate its own long-haul international services in the short term,” ACCC Commissioner Stephen Ridgeway said.

“These arrangements are not likely to lessen competition as there is no operational overlap on any routes between Virgin Australia and United Airlines and there are other airlines operating on the routes.”

aerokiwi · Fri May 13, 2022 11:47 pm

SCFlyer wrote:
aerokiwi wrote:
smi0006 wrote:

New livery and brand would make sense. Seems timely for a refresh, and maybe new cabins? Hopefully we see less white more purple if they want to avoid QF red.

I hope not, to be honest. Livery and branding is just fine and really unnecessary to change. Doesn't look dated and of all the majors VA has the most consistently applied livery across its fleet and branding across its physical and online assets. For a while there Qantas still had 1984-liveried aircraft alongside the Silver thing and Jetstar has always been a mishmash of inconsistency.

Perhaps it could include the adoption of the Silkair interior they inherited with those couple of frames from them? The economy seat on those is fantastic - much better than the existing mainline VA seat.

They're actually new off-the-shelf seats as VA previously posted on TikTok removing the old SilkAir seats and installing the new concept seats on 2 of the ex-Silk 737s. The only feature VA kept on the ex-Silk birds are the bulk-heads on all ex-Silk units, that's it.

The other ex-Silk 737s had recycled VA J seats installed, with another two having the previous TigerAir 737 Y seats installed. Neither of the ex-Silk planes has the divider installed of yet.

Oh interesting thanks for that. Well count me in as a fan as they provide more legroom and amenity. Hoping that is the announcement.

And thanks Obzerva I'll check it out on iView. I do enjoy how Media Watch eviscerates these types.

qf789 · Sat May 14, 2022 11:06 am

Air Canada to increase BNE to 5 weekly from 1 Dec 22, 787-9 operating

YVR-SYD will also see an increase to 10 weekly from 1 Dec 22 to 21 Jan 23 (on top of the seasonal extra flights June to September), 787-9 operates the AC37/38 flight while the 77L operates AC33/34

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220514-acnw22auoz

kriskim · Sat May 14, 2022 1:02 pm

qf789 wrote:
Air Canada to increase BNE to 5 weekly from 1 Dec 22, 787-9 operating

YVR-SYD will also see an increase to 10 weekly from 1 Dec 22 to 21 Jan 23 (on top of the seasonal extra flights June to September), 787-9 operates the AC37/38 flight while the 77L operates AC33/34

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220514-acnw22auoz

The extra SYD services inherited MEL’s flight numbers, looks like it’s not coming back anytime soon.

moa999 · Sat May 14, 2022 2:31 pm

rtav wrote:
I believe there’s still 1 or 2 ex. SilkAir planes going around with the old SilkAir economy seats. Can visibly see the yellow fabric seats from outside the plane. VH-IXJ is one of them I believe.

Yep
(From an FF forum)

Velocity7 · Sun May 15, 2022 8:53 pm

moa999 wrote:
rtav wrote:
I believe there’s still 1 or 2 ex. SilkAir planes going around with the old SilkAir economy seats. Can visibly see the yellow fabric seats from outside the plane. VH-IXJ is one of them I believe.

Yep
(From an FF forum)

I really enjoyed SilkAir in many ways however these seats were not one of them. Some, particularly on the A320 aircraft, where akin to sitting on a wooden fence!

grh · Mon May 16, 2022 10:00 am

From a reliable source
OQF is the 1st A380 to be parted out, OQE is the next one which starts next month.
The aircraft in Korea is being repainted. Another one to follow suit

EK413 · Mon May 16, 2022 11:36 am

Airline: Qantas
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Registration: VHOQF
Airport: Victorville Airport (KVCV)
Credit: @west_coast_aviation

Qantas A380 VH-OQF has begun the part-out process at VCV. One of two Qantas A380s designated for the scrapper, panels at the forward left wing root have been taken off to remove the aircraft’s air conditioning systems. VH-OQF was the the sixth A380 for Qantas, delivered on January 7, 2010. Only 13.1 years old.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

qf789 · Tue May 17, 2022 1:49 am

Qatar to increase DOH-ADL-AKL to 5 weekly from 1 July 22

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220516-qrjul22adlakl

qf789 · Tue May 17, 2022 1:57 am

Qantas has pushed back the resumption of SYD-SFO by 3 months now due to start on 30 October 22

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news ... co-flights

a320fan · Tue May 17, 2022 2:16 am

qf789 wrote:
Qantas has pushed back the resumption of SYD-SFO by 3 months now due to start on 30 October 22

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news ... co-flights

Wonder if this is caused by lack of pax or lack of aircraft.

ben175 · Tue May 17, 2022 2:27 am

a320fan wrote:
qf789 wrote:
Qantas has pushed back the resumption of SYD-SFO by 3 months now due to start on 30 October 22

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news ... co-flights

Wonder if this is caused by lack of pax or lack of aircraft.

Definitely aircraft. The 787 fleet is completely stretched thin, and LA is constantly chockers from both SYD and MEL, especially up the front.

tullamarine · Tue May 17, 2022 3:22 am

ben175 wrote:
a320fan wrote:
qf789 wrote:
Qantas has pushed back the resumption of SYD-SFO by 3 months now due to start on 30 October 22

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news ... co-flights

Wonder if this is caused by lack of pax or lack of aircraft.

Definitely aircraft. The 787 fleet is completely stretched thin, and LA is constantly chockers from both SYD and MEL, especially up the front.

With still no clarity on when the 3 787s sitting in the desert will actually be delivered, I assume this date is based on the resumption of more A380s on SYD-LHR, SYD-LAX and MEL-LAX freeing up some existing 787 capacity.

moa999 · Tue May 17, 2022 5:44 am

grh wrote:
From a reliable source
OQF is the 1st A380 to be parted out, OQE is the next one which starts next month.

Still in VCV according to flight tracking.
And semeingky being parted out per below.

EK413 wrote:
Qantas A380 VH-OQF has begun the part-out process at VCV. One of two Qantas A380s designated for the scrapper, panels at the forward left wing root have been taken off to remove the aircraft’s air conditioning systems.

Anyone know if QF is paying for the part out and keeping for operational spares, or have they sold the aircraft to a scrapper?

ClassicLover · Tue May 17, 2022 8:19 am

moa999 wrote:
Anyone know if QF is paying for the part out and keeping for operational spares, or have they sold the aircraft to a scrapper?

Usually they would keep everything they could for spares, then scrap the airframe. With 10 in the fleet, there is no reason whatsoever to be scrapping perfectly good parts (air conditioning, engines, avionics computers, cockpit displays, even things such as galleys, overhead bins, flaps, ailerons, the rudder and the associated elements that power these etc...). Anything that can be re-used will be, as they'll be useful to support the in service fleet for the next number of years.

mrkerr7474 · Tue May 17, 2022 9:17 am

grh wrote:
From a reliable source
OQF is the 1st A380 to be parted out, OQE is the next one which starts next month.
The aircraft in Korea is being repainted. Another one to follow suit

That confirms OQE is getting parted out and second to be scrapped?

Which is in Korea, OQH?

gpasternak · Tue May 17, 2022 10:25 am

Can't seem to find this posted on the thread yet, (delete post if it has) SMH had an article today on a JQ 787 being pulled from service for two months following a lightning strike for repairs.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/compani ... 5am1p.html

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