Qantas BNE-SYD-MEL-SYD-BNE

[Brandon Giacomin]

Introduction:

I wanted to try and get on a few more 767s before they are retired so when Qantas had a decent sale I booked a BNE-SYD-MEL-SYD-BNE trip. They also had a double FF points offer at the time which was good! All four flights were scheduled to be operated by Boeing 767s. As the flights neared there were a couple of changes. My BNE-SYD-BNE flights had been downgraded to Boeing 737-800s. But thankfully the SYD-MEL-SYD flights would still be 767s.

Brisbane Airport:

Same as my Cairns trip, because it was a couple months back I have forgotten some of the details. Departure time was 1025, but it ended up being pushed back about an hour due to the late arrival of the aircraft from MEL. I just had a walk around the terminal.

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VH-VXQ would be my ride down to Sydney, new rego for me
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October 27, 2014
Qantas
QF521
BNE-SYD
VH-VXQ B738
Seat 4A

Great legroom in row 4!
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Lining up on RWY01, an hour late
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Off we go
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Climbing out of RWY01
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RWY14/32
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F100 down in a corner of the airport, I believe it’s used for fire training.
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Right turn after departure
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Refreshments on today’s flight
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Cruising down to Sydney
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[Brandon Giacomin]

Cool looking clouds below
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Descending into Sydney
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Parked at the gate, can’t remember which runway we landed on. I think it was 34R.
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I caught the train straight to the international and went up to the Rydges spotting deck to catch the afternoon movements. Here are some of my photos.

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I was starting to get tired so I caught the train back to the domestic and walked to the Ibis where I would be staying for 2 nights.

Tuesday, 28 October

Today I would be flying SYD-MEL-SYD. My flight to Melbourne didn’t depart until later in the morning so I walked around to the mound for some spotting.

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[Brandon Giacomin]

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I bumped into James at the mound who was getting a bit of spotting in before work. He dropped me off at the Ibis, I then got my stuff ready and walked over to the terminal for my flight to Melbourne.

The mo is back!
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VH-OGI would be my ride to Melbourne. Second time on her!

October 28, 2014
Qantas
QF419
SYD-MEL
VH-OGI B763
Seat 51K

We took off on RWY34R. I took a video of the departure but haven’t got around to uploading it.

Climbing out of RWY34R
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YSSY!
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Cruising down to Melbourne
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Refreshment on the way down to MEL
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On finals for RWY27
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The inaugural United 787 service into Melbourne
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Bernie happened to be down in Melbourne at the time so he offered to pick me up. I also met up with local spotters Jai and Aaron.

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That was the only movement I caught in Melbourne! Bernie had to do something so he dropped Jai, Aaron and myself off at Southern Cross where we just chilled out. Once Bernie was done he picked me up and dropped me off at the airport. Cheers for a fun afternoon guys! By the time I had passed through security boarding had already commenced. VH-OGO was my ride back to Sydney! Also my second time on her!

October 28, 2014
Qantas
QF440
MEL-SYD
VH-OGO B763
Seat 43K

On-board!
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Waiting for Tiger to land
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[Brandon Giacomin]

Climbing out of Melbourne
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Back to Sydney I go!
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Refreshment for the flight
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Nearing Canberra
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Passing over Canberra
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On descent
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Passing someone’s contrail!
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Nice big left turn
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On finals for RWY34L
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Rolling through to the end of the runway
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Thanks for the ride OGO!
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XZJ looking wonderful as always!
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I spent the afternoon relaxing in my motel room. I went outside to capture a few 34R depatures. I was hoping that ZK-NZE would go off 34R, it did but unfortunately it was late and departed after sunset.

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Wednesday, 29 October

My flight back to Brisbane was due out at 10am. I checked out of the motel and walked over to the terminal.

OEJ getting towed to the international
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[Brandon Giacomin]

PAL arriving
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VH-VZR would be my ride to BNE. New rego for me.
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October 29, 2014
Qantas
QF516
SYD-BNE
VH-VZR B738
Seat 4A

OGO next to us as we push back
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Passing YQW
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Climbing out of Sydney
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RAAF Williamtown
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Refreshments
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We were treated to some nice views of the Gold Coast
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That’s the last of my photos from the trip. Can’t remember which runway we landed on, but soon enough I was on the train home!

Conclusion:

Four awesome flights with Qantas. Very sad that the 767s are so close to retirement :( They are fantastic to fly on! It was disappointing to have two of my flights subbed by B738s. But it was still good to get on a couple more before they are gone.

Next trip for me is in a weeks’ time. I will be flying Virgin Australia down to Melbourne, then on the last Qantas 767 service to Sydney :( Before returning home on Jetstar.

Thanks for reading,

Brandon

[Brock Little]

Good report Brandon. It will be a sad day on the 27th. :(

[Jacob L]

Lucky Man being able to go to the observation deck at the rydges. Both days I was there before going to AKL and it was shut because of 'operational concerns'.

Nice report anyway
So sad to see a true workhorse of Australian Aviation depart our skies

[Zac M]

I dare say it was shut for a function Jacob! this time of year they would be incredibly busy. On a side note, you arrived home today on QOW??? haha, I was working but stuck with another aircraft when it came in (hence the wait).

Nice report as always Brandon, can't wait to farewell the 767 in style next Saturday!

[Alex T]

Awesome pics/report Brandon, i'll be there to farewell the 767 on Saturday too! ;)

[Ryan Hothersall]

Good report and photos.

I know all about downgrades, this year been dudded out of 737-400 and now 767-300