Qantas BNE-SYD on QF8 in J + Tigerair SYD-BNE

[Brandon Giacomin]

Introduction:

Well with Qantas making changes to the DFW route from the end of September, I had to fly on QF8 from BNE-SYD one last time! From September 29, Qantas switched from using Boeing 747-400ER’s to Airbus A380s to DFW, enabling the airline to operate the return leg non-stop to SYD. This unfortunately means for us BNE spotters that the tech stop is no longer required.

I booked the flight a month or so out and also used my points to upgrade to business class. I just selected the cheapest flight back in for that evening which was on Tigerair.

Brisbane Airport:

Dad dropped me off at the international terminal at 5am. Check in was quick and easy. I then met up with Daniel K. from Melbourne who was also on QF8 this morning. We both passed through security and customs before heading up to the Qantas club.

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After grabbing some breakfast and relaxing in the lounge we went down to the boarding gate.

VH-OEG “Parkes” will be taking us to Sydney.
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My second time on OEG. So after my six flights on QF8 I have ended up flying on OEE and OEG twice each and OEI and OEJ once each.

Boarding commenced just after 6am.

September 28, 2014
Qantas
QF8
BNE-SYD
VH-OEG B744
Seat 8K

Pre-flight drinks were offered, Orange Juice or water.
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Aircraft parked at the international.
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We were pushed back on-time and taxied out to RWY19 for departure.

Climbing out as we pass the gateway bridges and the city
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Over the southern suburbs
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Brisbane City
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Archerfield Airport
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Cruising down to Sydney
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IFE
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Flight Map
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I took the continental breakfast which was muesli and yoghurt. Hot breakfast was an omelette with bacon I think.
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[Brandon Giacomin]

Starting our descent into Sydney
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Western Sydney
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One of the flight attendants saw me taking photos and told me to quickly go to the other side if I wanted photos of the city.
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Joining downwind for RWY34L
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Bankstown Airport
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Over Botany Bay
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Turning onto base for RWY34L
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Turning finals
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Welcome to Sydney!
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Passing B763 VH-OGN which was unfortunately leaving Australian shores today for the Californian desert :(
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Coming into our gate
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Both Daniel and I stayed back to ask if a visit to the flight deck was possible. We were rushed up to the top deck and met all the pilots. The entire crew were so unbelievably friendly. The pilots were very chatty and let us both sit down and take as many photos as we liked.

[Brandon Giacomin]

Not a bad office!
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Sitting in the first officers seat
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A few more shots from the cockpit
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The captain even mentioned the 767 next to us which was off to Victorville and was saying how sad it is for him to see all these aircraft being retired. We were soon rushed off the plane as the ground handlers wanted to close it off. Very sad to hop off QF8 for the last time :( Will definitely miss this awesome flight!

Sydney Airport:

We passed through customs quickly and since we were on a domestic flight we skipped boarder security. Soon we were outside meeting up with local spotter Winston who took us to the mound for the morning.

Here are some of my favourite shots…

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[Brandon Giacomin]

After seeing VH-OGN depart we grabbed some lunch before heading to Rydges for the afternoon.

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After an awesome day of spotting at YSSY, it was time to head to terminal 2 for my Tigerair flight home. Winston dropped me off, I then made my way through security and to my boarding gate.

VH-VNQ “Sarah” would be my ride home, my first time on VNQ
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Boarding commenced just before 6pm. I waited for the crowd to get on first before boarding. Didn’t take too many photos on this flight, and the ones I did were with my phone.

September 28, 2014
Tigerair Australia
TT382
SYD-BNE
VH-VNQ A320
Seat 18A

On-board in Seat 18A
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[Brandon Giacomin]

Legroom shot
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Flying over Sydney after taking off on RWY34R
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Nothing to say about the flight really. I was pretty tired so I just rested my eyes most of the way. Food and beverage carts came through, I didn’t buy anything. We landed on RWY19 on-time and taxied to our gate at the centre satellite of the terminal.

Back in Brisbane
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After disembarking through the forward stairs I made my way through the terminal and to the pickup area where I was soon met by my parents.

Conclusion:

Another awesome trip on QF8! Very sad to see the BNE leg dropped :( Qantas were absolutely fantastic as always! The entire crew were so friendly, it was a fantastic flight! Tigerair were fine as usual. Flown them many times now and never had any issues. My next trip is in just over a weeks’ time with Tigerair up to Cairns for a quick getaway.

Big thanks to Winston for driving me around in Sydney and to Daniel for another awesome day of spotting in Sydney!

Thanks for reading,

Brandon

[Terence W]

Great trip report Bandon, and lucky you to get to sit in the 747 cockpit!

[Jacob L]

Cool Trip Report Brandon,
So sad to see QF8 go, one of my favourite "International" Domestic Flights.
Pretty lucky to get a cockpit view.
Well Done