Qantas Airbus A330 Fleet Refurbishment

[Mackenzie Davis]

Happy 2015 to all

This is the dedicated thread to the refurbishment of the Qantas Airbus A330-200/300 fleet over the next year and a bit.

Airbus A330-200
VH-EBV

Total Complete = 1/16

Airbus A330-300
VH-QPA (In BNE for refurbs since 3/11/14)

Total Complete = 1/10

On a side note, EBN has been in Brisbane for a week &
EBC has been in Brisbane for 5 days. Can anyone confirm if one or both of these aircraft have entered into the refurbishment stage?

Cheers,

Macca

[Fred C]

EBN & EBC are parked or broken as the case may be. EBA is due to start its reconfig today.

[Greg Hyde]

What is the status of the two that were going to be sold ?

[Todd Hendry]

Does anyone know if there are any pics of the finished cabin available?

[Dan Hammond]

Photos are on Australia Business Travellers Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.848033788570129.1073741826.156619254378256&type=3

[Todd Hendry]

Grazie Dan.

[Dennis McLean]

I think there are 18 x 200's to be done not 16. EBA-EBS and EBV, minus 2 to leave the fleet, which ones are they?????

[Alex T]

EBJ and EBK are the aircraft leaving the fleet.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know when VH-EBN will be back flying again?

[Brad Myer]

With fuel prices falling, improved costs, domestic market recovering, international now profitable and slowly expanding... Surely QF would be better off holding onto the 2 A330s?

[Mackenzie Davis]

Does anyone know when VH-EBN will be back flying again?

VH-EBN is back in action

VH-EBI hasn't flown since arriving in Brisbane from Perth on 08/01

[Astewart]

EBI is just in for a basic C check (week or so long)
EBA is getting done at the moment! The non panasonic ife -200's need a -300 to go before them coz the -200's get the economy seats outta the -300's

[Wenglock M]

EBI is just in for a basic C check (week or so long)
EBA is getting done at the moment! The non panasonic ife -200's need a -300 to go before them coz the -200's get the economy seats outta the -300's

Hi Astewart,

Just out of curiosity - why would the non-pana 332s be getting economy seats from the 333s? I thought the plan was that they would keep their current economy seats and get iPads to hook up to the onboard Qstreaming system.

In any case, the 333 economy seats only have a bracket for the Rockwell Collins PTVs, which these 332s are not going to be getting presumably?

[Brad Myer]

Aren't the original 332 and 333 seats similar anyway?

Why the change over?

Thanks

[Astewart]

The 333's seats are the next model up! Not much difference really

[Ash W]

Hi Astewart,

Just out of curiosity - why would the non-pana 332s be getting economy seats from the 333s? I thought the plan was that they would keep their current economy seats and get iPads to hook up to the onboard Qstreaming system.

In any case, the 333 economy seats only have a bracket for the Rockwell Collins PTVs, which these 332s are not going to be getting presumably?

Not sure where he got the idea, it was never the plan.

The plan was all A330-200's would keep existing seats that would be refurbished. Those currently without individual Y screens would get the Panasonic server with Q Streaming, fixed screens in J and IPads in economy, those with fixed screens in Y, would get the same server with Q streaming, but the existing (Panasonic) screen would stay.

What wasn't clear however is what will happen to the 4 international configured A330-200's as these have Rockwell Collins screens which are not compatible with the new Panasonic server, whereas the later A330-200's already had Panasonic screens, so just needed a server upgrade. So either they need new seats with a Panasonic screen, ala the 333's or screens removed and IPad instead. One issue is depending upon who you listen to the two 332's to leave may be one of these 4 or one of the earlier 332's.

The answer I guess is if Qantas is going to still keep a subfleet of 332's for international ops. They need them of course, but once the other gets the new J, what is down the back is less important, or they may just decide to keep the latter units as domestic/international subfleet and the IPad ones dedicated domestic.

[Wenglock M]

What wasn't clear however is what will happen to the 4 international configured A330-200's as these have Rockwell Collins screens which are not compatible with the new Panasonic server, whereas the later A330-200's already had Panasonic screens, so just needed a server upgrade. So either they need new seats with a Panasonic screen, ala the 333's or screens removed and IPad instead. One issue is depending upon who you listen to the two 332's to leave may be one of these 4 or one of the earlier 332's.

If the QF press releases are to be taken at face value, the later ones only mention A330s for international without being specific as to whether they are -200s or -300s, which leads me to think that they will probably refurbish the current international -200s to have the same seats (both in J and Y) as the -300s.

Hopefully, the two birds being returned are EBJ and EBK rather than any of the four current international 332s so we will have two less of the iPad aircraft as I thought the system on the 767 was really getting a little dysfunctional towards the end of their life.

[Ash W]

Actually the press release only referred to international A330-300's and domestic A330-200's, but as written a bit hard to take on absolute face value as it leaves a few unanswered questions, such as what was being done with the 4 international 332's.

Were they as inferred going to domestic only? If so what will happen to A330 flying that currently uses 332's? Whilst there isn't enough international flying at present to justify 4, there are also not enough 333's to do all international flights. So something is not really that clear.

[Wenglock M]

Hi Ash,

The reason I said they have changed their tune re: the -200s is because if you check out the A330 page on their website now, it does not distinguish between the -200s and -300s for international, but simply says "international A330s".

They will definitely still need the subfleet of international A330-200s as I am guessing that the 10 A330-300s they have designated for international flying will probably not suffice. On very rough calculations, they have about 11 lines of flying for the transcontinental domestic routes and this is not including the one or two east coast triangle runs that they usually do on weekdays so it is quite likely that either there will be one or two international -200s on regular domestic duties (like they do currently).

[Ash W]

I don't think it is a matter of changing their tune, as I mentioned even the early press releases were not clear about what would happen to the 4 international -200's. What NEEDS to happen to them, as they have Rockwell Collins personal IFE neither fitted with what they said they would do to the non personal IFE equipped 332's nor the personal IFE equiped 332's.

As for how Qantas describes A330's on their seat map page, nothing has changed actually. With the -300's they never described them as international, because all of them were international. Of course they saw domestic duties from time to time.

With the -200's they always listed the separate international config as international, and the various other configs as domestic.

[Brad Myer]

Looks like QF have tried to clarify the A332 situation:

http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-clarifies-a330-inflight-entertainment-q-streaming

So out of 18 A332 10 will be iPad and 8 will have in seat IFE. So that means the 4 current international A332 will be going iPad only.

[Ash W]

The count has come from the author of that article not Qantas, and right above that line it has a quote from Qantas (I'm paraphrasing here) that if the a/c has a screen it will be kept. So still a little ambiguous, so too the reference to the 332's being domestic.

[Wenglock M]

I think the article makes it pretty clear that regardless of which two 332s are going back to their lessors, any one of the international 332s going for a refit will not be getting seatback screens in Y.

Guess we knew that was coming but it's still a little disappointing nonetheless.

[David Flynn]

The count has come from the author of that article not Qantas.

No, that count and quote came directly from the Qantas spokeswoman.

[Ash W]

So David, did Qantas say if they will ensure only the latter 332's are used on international services when required (bearing in mind they need 2 today for the current schedule) or if they will use any 332's including those without fixed screens.

Also as I asked in your article comments section it isn't too clear if streaming on the older 332's will be BYO as they are doing for the 737's or if they will provide an IPad as they did for the 767's and do for the 'newer' 717's.

[David Flynn]

Ash, I've reported exactly what Qantas told me - the issue of the international 332s didn't come up, and if it had then I'd had reported that as well, don't you reckon?

Also as the article explained there will be streaming on ALL A330s and it will support BYO devices but only from 'later this year'.

I'm flying to Singapore tomorrow on a media trip to check out the A333BS config and will have a follow-up chat with the Qantas product manager about the A332i config.

[Ash W]

The streaming question still insn't answered. We have known from the first press release that all a/c will have streaming and will support BYO (though you confirmed this will be later not now), the question was if Qantas would provide IPads, on the non fixed birds like they do on 717's and did on the 767's or if it will be BYO ala the 737's.

Would be good to find out what they plan to do re 332 on international. Also, being pushy here, as someone on your site also mentioned, maybe ask about the 3 747's that are due for retirement what they are going to do to replace them. More efficent fleet utilisation or something else?

[Wenglock M]

Thanks for all your information David! I hope you have a great time on the A333BS and wish you a safe trip to Singapore and back.

Ash - I read somewhere that on the A330s the iPads will be provided by QF. The funny thing about the Qstreaming system is that it worked quite well when it first rolled out back in 2013 on the B767s. However, my recent experience of it on one of the ex-JQ 332s was just that it was really laggy and really didn't work too well. The iPad also looked like it had seen much better days, which then raises the question of how well they hold up to use and abuse by passengers on a daily basis.

[Zac M]

David-I checked about 4pm (i.e. after your post), QPA has a test flight scheduled tomorrow BNE-BNE and then operated 605 to Melbourne the following morning. Assume operating MEL-SIN, then SIN-SYD on Saturday....I assume you are getting it back on Saturday night?

[David Flynn]

Zac: we're on the QF82 SIN-SYD redeye (good chance to test the Business Suite for sleeping!)

[lloyd fox]

VH-QPA as Zac has said is doing a test flight ex BNE currently.QFA 6115 is it's test flight number.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know which A330-300 is next to have the re-fit?

[Ricky T]

The streaming question still insn't answered. We have known from the first press release that all a/c will have streaming and will support BYO (though you confirmed this will be later not now), the question was if Qantas would provide IPads, on the non fixed birds like they do on 717's and did on the 767's or if it will be BYO ala the 737's.


As per David's article:

"Older aircraft which joined the Flying Kangaroo's fleet without seatback screens, including those handed down from Jetstar as part of the low-cost airline's upgrade to the Boeing 787, will see economy passengers handed an iPad to use with Q Streaming."

[David Flynn]

Does anyone know which A330-300 is next to have the re-fit?

EBA (A332) due to be rolled out end of this month, I've been told EBB to follow end of Feb.

[Patrick Malseed]

I had the displeasure of flying to Perth on EBB on the 19th December.
Drop down screens showing Teenage Mutant Turtles that required rebooting a number of times. Great but there were not that many kids on board this flight.
Interestingly Qantas gave me an addittional 1000 points for entertainment for this trip.
One cabin crew member told me EBB was part of the stolen generation!

[Adam W]

I got to check out EBA today after it's first flight. J class is the same as EBV including the IFE. Y class instead of a built in monitor there is an iPad holder. Ipad minis are supplied and include a cable to keep them charged onboard via a seat back USB port.

[Brad Myer]

Thanks Adam!

Two questions:

Does Y class have the new style seat covers and leather headrests?

And does Y class still have the drop down overhead IFE as well as the iPads?

Thanks

[Adam W]

Brad, Y class does have the same seat fabrics. As for the dropdown screens I'm not sure, I'll check it out next time I see it.

[Joseph Saragozza.]

G'day brad
I'm currently on EBA and as Adams has mention it dose have leather head rest and fabric seating.
Also new bulk heads, carpet and curtains.
During the flight the drop down screens have not been deployed.
Cabin crew have to do the safety procedures as the iPad minis are not allowd in the iPad holder during taxi, take off and landing.
Hope this helps.

Joe

[Brad Myer]

Thanks guys.

So the Y class seat covers are the new (red) style ones like on EBV?

Cheers

[Joseph Saragozza.]

Yep
Charcoal bottoms and red back rest (fabric). Black leather head rest

[Adam W]

The bottom seat covers may change again in the near future as they hold a lot of food crumbs and other dirt and are difficult to clean. Not much thought went into that design.

[Garry Emanuel]

Any chance that those in the know can maintain an up-to-date listing of what is completed ? Something along the same lines as I have seen for VA names ! ! !

Really grateful if this could happen - makes it easier to track status as opposed to trawling through an increasingly large number of posts.

Thanks in advance to those that have the knowledge and can share it.

[Alex T]

Refurbishment Completed:
A330-200's:
Configuration: 28J-243Y IFE: Fixed Seatback Panasonic IFE for J and iPad Mini's for Y
- VH-EBA “Cradle Mountain” (Completed 13/02/15) 1 Month 12 Days
- VH-EBJ “Margaret River” (Completed 17/04/15) 1 Month 4 Days
Configuration: 28J-243Y IFE: Fixed Seatback Panasonic IFE in both J&Y
- VH-EBV “Kangaroo Island” (Completed 31/12/14) 1 Month 15 Days
A330-300's:
Configuration: 28J-269Y IFE: Fixed Seatback Panasonic IFE in both J&Y
- VH-QPA “Kununurra” (Completed 16/01/15) 2 Months 13 Days
- VH-QPC “Broken Hill” (Completed 23/03/15) 2 Months 6 Days

Under Refurbishment:
A330-200's:
- VH-EBN "Clare Valley" (Since 17/04/15)
A330-300's (Having a C-Check done at the same time):
- VH-QPB “Freycinet Peninsula” (Since 16/02/15)

Reported as next to be Refurbished:
A330-200's:
- VH-EBS "Swan Valley"
A330-300's:
- VH-QPD "Port Macquarie" (Presumably as its just had a repaint)

[Rowan McKeever]

Why is the A333 refurb taking a month longer than the A332??? I thought it might be that they were having repaints concurrently (i.e. refurb in BNE then fly to SIN for repaint or vice versa) but they were both back in service for a while after their repaints before being refurbed...

[Zac M]

QPB hasn't flown in service in new livery yet. The 300s would be taking longer as they are getting the full fit out with new economy seats as well as the J suites

[Alex T]

Also the 300's are having a C Check done at the same time.

[Wenglock M]

Why is the A333 refurb taking a month longer than the A332???

Some of the A333s are due for their heavy checks (C8 I believe) and this is probably being done concurrently with the refit since the aircraft have to be stripped down inside. No idea why QPD hasn't gone into the hangar yet -- probably space or staff constraints at the moment at BNE or it might not be quite due for its heavy check yet. The schedule for the repainting is probably constrained by the availability of the paint shop in SIN and so may not directly correlate with when the aircraft are due to get their checks and refit at BNE.

[Todd Hendry]

QPE leaves for repaint on Saturday the 25th of April.

[Rowan McKeever]

Cheers guys, that explains that :)

[Garry Emanuel]

Legend Alex.

Really appreciate your rapid response.

Be good if this could take front of post so it is easily found.

[Alex T]

VH-QPB did a test flight as QF6100 just after midday today, so I presume it'll be back in service in the next day or so.

I'll update the list on Saturday to see if QPD enters the hangar and add QPE to the "Next to be refurbished list" as Todd said it's positioning to SIN for a repaint which most likely means it'll be the next aircraft to enter the hangar after QPD.

[Zac M]

QPB will enter service today as QF51 with QPD entering the hanger

[Dennis McLean]

QPB departed BNE at 12.35 on QF51 for SIN today.

AS A MATTER OF INTEREST VH-QPA HAS BEEN BLOCKED ON FLIGHT AWARE BY QANTAS. WONDER WHY????????? Similar to the Nauru 733's.

[Zac M]

EBN is back in service tonight at QF767 so evidently (unless they did the fitout in 6 days) it was only in for a maintenance check. EBR is now in BNE and has been since mid afternoon

[Dennis McLean]

Obviously EBR did not go in for conversion in BNE as it is currently on QF769 MEL/PER.

[Dennis McLean]

QPE is scheduled on QF6009 SYD/SIN at 09.05, heading for repainting I understand.

[Dennis McLean]

EBS arrived in BNE from PER on Sunday 26 April as QFA650 at 14.54. It has not moved since. Is it here for conversion?? or just the short 6 day visit??

[Alex T]

EBS arrived in BNE from PER on Sunday 26 April as QFA650 at 14.54. It has not moved since. Is it here for conversion?? or just the short 6 day visit??

Makes sense as EBS was reported as next to be refurbished quite a while ago. Give it a few days to see if it's really in for refurbishment or just for regular maintenance.

[Mackenzie Davis]

EBS has been in the hangar for a while so I'm assuming it's getting a refurb done

[Alex T]

Updated List -

Refurbishment Completed:
A330-200's (3/17 Completed):
Domestic Configuration V1: 28J-243Y
IFE: Fixed Seatback Panasonic IFE for J and Q Streaming iPad Mini's for Y
- VH-EBA “Cradle Mountain” (01/01/15-13/02/15) 1 Month 12 Days
- VH-EBJ “Margaret River” (14/03/15-17/04/15) 1 Month 4 Days
Domestic Configuration V2: 28J-243Y
IFE: Fixed Seatback Panasonic IFE in both J&Y
- VH-EBV “Kangaroo Island” (16/11/14-31/12/14) 1 Month 15 Days

A330-300's (3/10 Completed):
International Configuration: 28J-269Y
IFE: Fixed Seatback Panasonic IFE in both J&Y
- VH-QPA “Kununurra” (03/11/14-16/01/15) 2 Months 13 Days
- VH-QPB “Freycinet Peninsula” (16/02/15-22/04/15) 2 Months 6 Days
- VH-QPC “Broken Hill” (17/01/15-22/03/15) 2 Months 6 Days

Under Refurbishment:
A330-200's:
- VH-EBS “Swan Valley” (Since 26/04/15)
A330-300's (Having a C-Check completed at the same time):
- VH-QPD "Port Macquarie" (Since 23/04/15)

Reported as next to be refurbished:
A330-200's:
- TBA
A330-300's:
- VH-QPE “Port Lincoln” (Under repaint in SIN since 25/4, it should be back in service in the coming week or so)

QF have set a target of 7/10 A333's completed and 8/18 A332's completed by the end of this year.

[Emil C]

VH-EBH A330-200 operated its final flight today with Qantas as QF81 from SYD-SIN. This aircraft is going back to the lessor and will become a RAAF A330 VIP jet apparently.

[Rob R]

Heard the same last week from within the RAAF (33 SQN) that a Qantas A330 would be heading to the RAAF as a VIP aircraft. The issue the RAAF have currently is the lack of qualified A330 pilots and are making increased use of former pilots who have signed back up via the RAAF reserve.

[Zac M]

Will that be going to 34SQN in CBR when it goes into RAAF service?

[Astewart]

No longer going to RAAF. Was meant to be converted to MRTT, but will now leave Paya Lebar as a white tail back to CIT Leasing

[Wenglock M]

VH-QPE returns to Australia this evening with a new coat of paint as QF82 to Sydney, arriving at 06.15 tomorrow morning.

[Ricky T]

Looks like the second A332 that would be returned will be EBI as both aircrafts are owned by CIT Aerospace.

[Ricky T]

Travelled on VH-QPB recently and I noticed that the name of the aircraft has been changed to Tennant Creek.

The previous name of the aircraft was Freycinet Peninsula

[Garry Emanuel]

A bit puzzled about the number of 332's in the fleet. According to the above, QF is aiming for 8/18 refurbs by end of year.

Based upon the current Seat Maps on QF site, there are only 16 on the record with EBH now removed from the International configuration (G, I and L remain) and "I" sounds like it will go too which will drop numbers to 15.

As far as I can tell, there are still 3 at JQ - EBE, F and K. Given they will come back before end of year, is it safe to conclude they will be part of the 18 and even safer to conclude they will be refurbed before they return ?

Also, can any of the returning 332's be refurbed as International configuration to replace the departure of H and I ?

Thanks in advance to those that are in the know !

[Wenglock M]

As far as I can tell, there are still 3 at JQ - EBE, F and K. Given they will come back before end of year, is it safe to conclude they will be part of the 18 and even safer to conclude they will be refurbed before they return ?

It's hard to tell. EBJ was refurbed straight out of the paintshop upon its return from SIN. EBE, F and K will probably come back to QF pretty much at the same time and given that the BNE hangar will not be able to refit all of them at the same time, perhaps they may re-enter QF service with an interim interior similar to what's currently flying around on EBB, C and D.

In any case, EBS is due out any day now with a new cabin.

[Adam W]

Also, can any of the returning 332's be refurbed as International configuration to replace the departure of H and I ?

The refurbishments will mean that eventually all 332s will have the same config which can be used on domestic and international flights. This config is similar to the 333s which are used predominantly on international routes. The idea is that all A330s can be used on domestic or international routes.

[MarkR]

The refurbishments will mean that eventually all 332s will have the same config which can be used on domestic and international flights. This config is similar to the 333s which are used predominantly on international routes. The idea is that all A330s can be used on domestic or international routes.

The config is not similar at all in Y, different seats and entertainment options???? Not to mention the lack of tech crew rest areas. I don't believe any A332 will be used internationally on a regular basis, trans Tasman might be an option during peak need.

[Mackenzie Davis]

VH-EBS back in service this morning operating the QF589 (BNE-PER)

[Wenglock M]

And, subject to confirmation, it's likely QPE has just entered the maintenance hangar for its heavy check and refit after arriving into BNE as QF52 this morning.

No other A332s are currently shown as being out of service.

[Dennis McLean]

A slight correction QPF arrived yesterday 25th. Also EBG arrived BNE this morning from PER around 5ish on the Red Eye and then did 51 to SIN at about 12.30pm

[Dennis McLean]

Forgot to add that based on previous 333's, QPD should be out about end of June and I guess QPE about the end of July. So that would give 5 x 333's converted in time for the new BNE/NRT/BNE on 2 August.

[C Patters]

Based on history one would presume that QPF will head to Singapore for a repaint once QPD returns to service at the end of June.

[Greg McDonald]

I'm SO looking forward to the day all repainting finishes. This has to be the longest and most boring post ever :)

[Dave C]

MarkR

Would you be able to give us an update on which QF A330's are to be withdrawn?

Cheers ;)

[Todd Hendry]

I'm guessing EBI next.

[Dave C]

EBI will be next.

MarkR will understand.:p

[Wenglock M]

Weren't there only going to be two that were leaving the fleet (i.e. EBH and EBI)?

Or are there more going as well?

[MarkR]

MarkR

Would you be able to give us an update on which QF A330's are to be withdrawn?

Cheers ;)

EBI seems to be consensus, however things might change again, I hear the pendulum has swung again on pilot availability and it's all hands on deck. Good chance the 738 retirements (6) may be deferred in favour of more A330s going, especially with the new turn targets.

[Greg Hyde]

Also, A380 OQF is being repaired.

An extra A330 may come in handy.

[Wenglock M]

Funnily enough, it looks like QPE has gone back into service (without the retrofit) and QPF is now out of service in BNE.

[Mackenzie Davis]

QPF is back in service

[Dennis McLean]

And QPH is in.

[Dennis McLean]

I meant QPH is in BNE, I presume for the 5-6 days like QPE and QPF. It appears there is only QPD in overhaul and conversion

[Dennis McLean]

Another change QPH left BNE on 8 June after 6 days and was replaced by EBB on the same day. Perhaps EBB will in for conversion???????

[Martin Buzzell]

Just came back from Singapore on Alpha. The new seats in J numbed my bum! (Business was booked out) The IFE had to be rebooted as it wasn't playing the game.

[Brad Myer]

Seems progress has slowed with the upgrades?

VH-QPD should be out any day now...

[Dennis McLean]

QPD has completed a test flight today off the South East Queensland Coast. QFA 6100 departed at 11.29am and arrived back at 14.07. Perhaps we will see it back in service in the next day or so.

QPE has been repainted so I guess it will be next one to go in. It is currently on its way from SYD to PVG. So back tomorrow then ???? to get to BNE. Perhaps SYD/SIN/BNE Thu/Fri with QPD back on in service Friday on 51 to SIN.

Does anyone know????

[Todd Hendry]

I'm taking QPE to BKK on Friday at present. Things could change but I doubt if.

[Fred C]

QPI to be started Fri week.

[C Patters]

Interesting the QPI is going ahead of QPE & QPF. Fred is it scheduled to have a repaint after it comes out of the hanger?

[Rowan McKeever]

QPD is up for another test flight this morning.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHQPD

[Dennis McLean]

QPD departed BNE on QFA 15 for SIN at 12.32pm. QPG which arrived BNE today on QFA 98 from HKG is still here. Perhaps it is due for a 5 day "quickie"?? QPC which came in from SIN on QFA52 today is on the way to HKG as QFA 97

[Gavin Otto]

Looks like the 2 A330-200s that Qantas are getting rid of are going to the RAAF as KC30A Tankers

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/07/raaf-to-acquire-two-additional-kc-30s/

[Dennis McLean]

QPG departed BNE for SIN after a 7 day stay today 2 July. QPJ came in this morning from SIN and is still here, obviously for the 5-7 day "touch up". EBB arr. BNE on 8 June and is still here. Seeing the last 332 took just on 1 month to do the conversion, I guess it will be on its way in a few days.

[C Patters]

Any updates on the next rego to go for a repaint in Singapore? Things seemed to have gone quiet on the A330-300 repaints as some of them are looking very tired & need a new paint job.

[Alex T]

VH-EBB is back in service today operating QF589/QF598, it only took 27 days to complete.

As VH-VKJ has been delivered to JQ we can expect to see another A332 return to QF shortly. I believe VH-EBE/F & K will be the next three A332 airframes that will go straight into cabin reconfiguration.

As reported elsewhere, VH-QPI will enter the maintenance hangar sometime next week it'll under go the cabin reconfiguration/maintenance check first, once completed it will be repainted.

[Fred C]

VH-EBK due to go to BNE for conversion to QF around the 24th July. VH-EBE or F for paint around the first week of August. Then VH-EBK for paint at the end of Aug.
VH-QPF for paint mid Jul. Cant see any paint for QPI just yet.

[Michael C.]

Are these A330's only being used for QF domestic or will they be used to help fix the fleet issues with QFi? Thanks

[Wenglock M]

Cant see any paint for QPI just yet.

If QPI goes in next week, it'll likely only be out sometime in mid-Sept, which is probably why there's no repaint planned for it yet.

What'll happen to QPE (and soon QPF) though? Is it going to fly around with the old cabin and new colours for some time yet? Looks like BNE can only handle a maximum of 3 A330s at any one time so with the JQ birds coming back to QF and QPI having its HM and refit, there won't be much space left for the other -300s for a while.

[Dennis McLean]

I have seen 3 A330's in the hanger at BNE at the one time. One on each side pushed right in and another in the middle with it's tail just inside the hanger. The middle one was QPH in for the 5 days "quicky". At the moment QPJ arrived on 1 July and is still here, I guess for 5-6 days. Also EBA arrived on Saturday night and has not moved yet.
It would also appear that there some International flights in Aug, Sept and Oct being done by 271 seat 332's, CGK and SIN. These may be the first???
So when VKJ goes into service in a few days either EBE, F or K will go in for conversion. So that would mean QPI plus one 332.

[Ash W]

Re CGK and SIN, don't recall there having been any new config 332's on them yet. CGK has seen one new config 333 though.

[C Patters]

Looks like QPI has entered the hanger in BNE to undergo maintenance/conversion as QPJ is returning to service today operating QF51 to Singapore.

[Todd Hendry]

QPF from Brisbane to Singapore for respray on Monday the 13th of July.

[Grahame Hutchison]

The extra two KC-30s for the RAAF will be converted Qantas A330 aircraft appraently.

[Bob C]

Correct ; VH-EBH and -EBI confirmed by QANTAS and Airbus.

[Ash W]

The extra two KC-30s for the RAAF will be converted Qantas A330 aircraft appraently.

CIT aircraft actually, but yes both have been operated by Qantas. EBH has already been returned to CIT but EBI is still flying with Qantas.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know why QPA is operating domestically today flying the SYD-PER / PER-SYD rotation? Not sure why this is as I would of thought it should be flying only on the International sectors given its got the new refurbished cabin. QF35 today was operated by QPH a non-refurbished 300. I thought Qantas was focusing on Singapore as a priority for the refurbished 300's but yet one of them is operating a domestic sector......something doesn't sound quite right here!

[Ash W]

You need to look at the big picture, not just flights in isolation and make those kind of conclusions.

BTW it is coming back as QF6112, which is also unusual, so must be a good reason why it did QF581.

[NathanJ]

QPA operating SYD-MEL this morning... Quiet possible they're exposing the new business seats to a market that would otherwise miss out on trying it out.

[Zac M]

EBK has been on the ground in Melbourne for a few days now, is that it for her with JQ?

[NathanJ]

From jetstar source...

Jetstar A330-200 VH-EBK was withdrawn from service at Melbourne this morning after arriving as JQ8 from Singapore. The aircraft will now be prepared for a return to QANTAS mainline. This brings the Jetstar A330-200 fleet down to two aircraft.

[lloyd fox]

VH-EBK is currently in a holding pattern as JQ 7990 inbound to BNE.

[Ricky T]

QPA operating SYD-MEL this morning... Quiet possible they're exposing the new business seats to a market that would otherwise miss out on trying it out.

I don't think this is the main reason as refitted A332s have operated on SYD-MEL flights for a while although there is no fixed pattern as to which flight gets it.

Travelled on QF497 in June and scored a refitted aircraft. Made the upgrade to J worthwhile.

[Rowan McKeever]

333s are not generally in the schedule for SYD-PER over NS2015 so high chance of it being a sub I would say

[Greg Hyde]

From Skyliners

Airbus A330 -203 892 VH-EBH Qantas ferried 23jul15 XSP-LEGT for MRTT conversion, for Royal Australian Air Force ex F-WWYT

[C Patters]

Does anyone have a date of when QPF will be returning from Singapore? Will another 330-300 go in for painting when QPF returns?

[Brad Myer]

VH-QPI and ex JQ VH-EBK are both currently being upgraded and will both need a repaint once the upgrade is done.

[Wenglock M]

Does anyone have a date of when QPF will be returning from Singapore? Will another 330-300 go in for painting when QPF returns?

QPF should be ferrying back to SYD tonight as QF6010, departing at 23.00 from SIN (so I am guessing an 08.55 arrival tomorrow morning).

[Fred C]

EBF will be going for paint on the 5th August. QPE will start its reconfigure on the 4th August.

[Todd Hendry]

QPF is the QF6010 SIN-BNE tonight.
Departing Singapore at 2355 arriving in Brisbane at 0920

[Garry Emanuel]

Which of the -200's will go in next after EBK ?

Thanks in advance.

[Dennis McLean]

EBF presumably as it is going to SIN for painting on 5 August. I have been looking at the JQ schedules seeing that VKL does not appear to be delivered till mid to late September.
Sunday 20 September JQ 005 MEL/BNE/HNL and return as 006 on Monday 21/9 is shown as a 788.
Monday 21 September JQ 001 MEL/HNL is a 332, 006 to BNE, 005 to HNL and 002 to MEL arr Wed 23/9.
Thursday 24/9 JQ001 and 006 MEL/HNL/BNE is a 332. However 005/002 BNE/HNL/MEL is a 788. It appears to be a changeover in BNE with no doubt EBE withdrawn from service.

[Zac M]

So is it presumed that QPI comes out on August 4? Im assuming that she was not due for a C check and therefore has gone through the reconfig quicker?

[Dennis McLean]

Have no idea. QPF is in BNE as is QPI. QPB came in from HKG today and is on its way back there. QPD came is from SIN and is scheduled to go back there in 20 minutes. Remember QF needs another 333 out of BNE to NRT from 1 August.

[lloyd fox]

I have just posted a pic of QPF at BNE Dennis, on the BNE blog plus I sent you a email copy.Cheers.

[C Patters]

Fred has a date been set yet for a repaint for QPI?

[Zac M]

Can confirm QPI will re-enter service in the coming days.

[Fred C]

Not yet Chris. They will be busy with the Jetstars and EBI after that until at least October.

[Tom PER]

Over on airliners.net, someone is reporting that the seats removed out of the -300's are being refurbished and installed into the ex JQ A332 with iPad holders and USB ports installed.

That's the first time I recall reading this about reusing the seats, is this correct?

[Ash W]

Tom, that was always the plan. The only -200 Y seats being kept are in the newer ones (including ex Jetstatr) that have seat back IFE. The rest are getting refurbished ex -300 seats.

[Tom PER]

Cheers Ash, what about the seats in -EBG and -EBL with the small PTV's I read off a more reliable site that these are going to be replaced, with the same product iPad product fitted to the early ex JQ A332's?

They'd also lose their 'international' status?

[Christopher Campbell]

How is it re entering service (from being reconfigured) so quickly? Is it cause of the lack of a C check maintience?

[Ash W]

Cheers Ash, what about the seats in -EBG and -EBL with the small PTV's I read off a more reliable site that these are going to be replaced, with the same product iPad product fitted to the early ex JQ A332's?

They'd also lose their 'international' status?

Those two have the same Y seats as the -300's. So presumably yes they will be refurbished as per the -300 seats that are going into the -200's.

[C Patters]

Thanks Fred! Hopefully it can get a repaint soon following its interior refurbishment!

[Alex T]

QPI is back in service operating the QF61/QF62 sectors today. QPE is now in the hangar after arriving from SIN this morning.

[Garry Emanuel]

Of the -200's, EBG, I and L were categorised as "International" and were primarily used on non-domestic sectors.

With EBI now gone, it would seem either one (or more) of the ex-JQ -200's would need to be configured for International operations OR the excess that can't be covered by the -300's and EBG/L will be arbitrarily allocated to the -200 fleet.

Any inside knowledge or thoughts ?

[Brad Myer]

The A332 fleet will be made up of 8 PTV fitted aircraft and 10 iPad Q-Streaming aircraft.

The 8 PTV fitted aircraft will be used on both domestic and international routes.

The A333 fleet will be international only.

Hope this helps

[Garry Emanuel]

Thanks Brad - very helpful.

I suppose I might be pushing my luck to ask if you know which will be the 10 (EBG and L plus another 8) ?

Thanks in advance.

[Wenglock M]

which will be the 10 (EBG and L plus another 8)

The 10 iPad-equipped aircraft in Y will be - EBA, EBB, EBC, EBD, EBE, EBF, EBG, EBJ, EBK and EBL.

[Garry Emanuel]

Legend.

Thanks Wenglock - really appreciate how quickly this query has been resolved.:D

[Garry Emanuel]

Just to clarify, at present, EBG and EBL are covering International work, however, in to the future, they will be shuffled back to domestic only and the 8 that Brad referred to and fitted with PTV (EBM, N, O, P, Q, R, S and V) will be the ones to cover both International and Domestic, presumably once they are reconfigured.

Hope that makes sense.

[Ash W]

The A332 fleet will be made up of 8 PTV fitted aircraft and 10 iPad Q-Streaming aircraft.

The 8 PTV fitted aircraft will be used on both domestic and international routes.

The A333 fleet will be international only.

Hope this helps

That makes sense, first time someone has mentioned the -200's being used on International. But perfect sense.

[Ash W]

Of the -200's, EBG, I and L were categorised as "International" and were primarily used on non-domestic sectors.

With EBI now gone, it would seem either one (or more) of the ex-JQ -200's would need to be configured for International operations OR the excess that can't be covered by the -300's and EBG/L will be arbitrarily allocated to the -200 fleet.

Any inside knowledge or thoughts ?

Good answer below about the future. But for the record, of late even though there were 4 international -200's not all were needed for international operations. Think it worked out to about 2.5 aircraft needed.

So the 4, now 3 Int -200's did operate domestically a fair bit.

[Alex T]

That makes sense, first time someone has mentioned the -200's being used on International. But perfect sense.

Tomorrow afternoon will be the first time we'll see a refurbished "Domestic Configured" aircraft operating a International Sector with VH-EBV operating QF41/QF42.

Apparently the afternoon flights to CGK & flights to SIN (QF5/QF6) will be operated by "Domestic Configured" Aircraft (EBM-EBV) from the middle/later part of this month. Great for Y pax who get the upgraded Panasonic eX2 IFE.

On the other hand it's not so great for J pax, they have to share 1 Lavatory with 28 other pax, although seeing these sectors are relatively "short"/are red-eye flights inbound, it shouldn't cause much of a problem hopefully!

[Ash W]

Tomorrow afternoon will be the first time we'll see a refurbished "Domestic Configured" aircraft operating a International Sector with VH-EBV operating QF41/QF42.

Actually believe one (EBJ from memory) operated to Jakarta about two-three weeks ago. Only ipad IFE down the back.

[Adam W]

The 10 iPad-equipped aircraft in Y will be - EBA, EBB, EBC, EBD, EBE, EBF, EBG, EBJ, EBK and EBL.

Good to see Qantas going backwards by removing proper seat back IFE and replacing them with crappy iPads.:mad:
The Rockwell Collins system fitted to EBG and EBL might be a bit old but IMO it is still better than what you get with the iPads as far as content goes. The iPads aren't very user friendly either and they're very labour intensive for ground staff.

[Alex T]

Good to see Qantas going backwards by removing proper seat back IFE and replacing them with crappy iPads.:mad:

I agree with you on that point, although these airframes (EBA-EBK) which have Q Streaming iPads in place of proper IFE are likely to be the first airframes that would leave the fleet as the B789's start arriving in FY17. It does make sense to save $$$ rather than install new seats & IFE (in Y). A good example was the B767 refresh in 2012 and the upcoming B738 refresh starting later this year (The first 38 airframes will get Q Streaming but no iPads would be provided, a bit like VA's BYO IFE system).

[Alex T]

Actually believe one (EBJ from memory) operated to Jakarta about two-three weeks ago. Only ipad IFE down the back.

I can see EBN operated to CGK on the 15/7 which is an unrefurbished "Domestic Configured" A332 (recliner seats in J). As posted earlier the last 8 airframes (EBM-EBV) will be the only airframes that will be able to operate SH International Ops as they have a dedicated J seat blocked off for the Tech Crew (27J-239Y + 5 Crew Rest). The first airframes (EBA-EBK) are configured to only have 4 Crew rest seats at the back of Y.

[Dennis McLean]

EBL arrived in BNE on ferry flight QF6121 at 00.18am 4 August. Is it here for the usual 6-7 days maintenance or for conversion. EBK arrived on 22 July so it should be out in about 2 weeks or so just in time for EBF to arrive back from SIN after painting.

[Wenglock M]

I reckon EBL is probably in BNE for the 6-7 day maintenance as GDS shows that at the end of the year, there will still be 2 of the current international configured A332s flying around. With EBI leaving in November, that leaves EBG and EBL so presumably they will be the last to be converted.

[Ash W]

I can see EBN operated to CGK on the 15/7 which is an unrefurbished "Domestic Configured" A332 (recliner seats in J). As posted earlier the last 8 airframes (EBM-EBV) will be the only airframes that will be able to operate SH International Ops as they have a dedicated J seat blocked off for the Tech Crew (27J-239Y + 5 Crew Rest). The first airframes (EBA-EBK) are configured to only have 4 Crew rest seats at the back of Y.

Could well be, maybe I am mixing up the first 333 with new seats operating to CGK and the domestic a/c, as both happened around the same time.

[Christopher Campbell]

So when will QPI be painted?

[Zac M]

There's nothing to say that just because the aircraft has a new interior that it must now be repainted....given that they have been repainting in order and there is still multiple 332s in line before as well as QPG and H I would say somewhere around the end of the year if they continue with the current A333 repainting trend.

[Christopher Campbell]

ok thanks

[NathanJ]

EBV currently heading to Jakarta as QF41.

[Todd Hendry]

I'll be bringing it back tonight as the QF42.

[Wenglock M]

The QF seatmaps have been updated to reflect the fact that like we guessed up above, EBM-EBV will be operating both domestic and international flights.

On international sectors, the configuration is listed as 27J 239Y, with 1x J and 4x Y seats being roped off as crew rests. EBA-EBL will presumably not operate internationally as they only have a domestic configuration listed on the seatmap.

[Christopher Campbell]

Is VH-EBF arriving back from Singapore Maintenance in the next day or two then going straight to Brisbane as I assume EBK will be finished reconfiguration by the end of this week.

[Ryan N]

http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/the-ultimate-renovation-project/story-fn6yjmoc-1227492032358

SO YOU think it’s hard renovating your house — what about revamping an aircraft built for 300 people?
In a massive project, Qantas is overhauling 28 of its Airbus A330 planes, at a rate of one per month. All up, it that will take 200 engineers a staggering 226,000 man hours to complete.
Each aircraft will be totally gutted, with interior features such as the carpet, seats, galleys and even the lavatories removed and replaced.

[Dennis McLean]

EBK is scheduled as QFA6011 BNE/SIN at 11.15am today for painting. I guess EBF will return from painting for conversion today? tomorrow?

[lloyd fox]

Yes VH-EBK is now airborne out of BNE.

[Christopher Campbell]

When is EBF return for conversion?

[Fred C]

Wednesday.

[Christopher Campbell]

So should it by that by the end of the year they Qantas should have 7 A330-300 and 9 A33-200 reconfigured?

With early October, 6 A333 and 7 A332. Im guessing EBE will be next for reconfig after EBF

[Greg Hyde]

EBF was transferred back to Qantas on 20/08/2015.

Has it been named ?

[Dennis McLean]

If you go into the Jetstar schedules and search the HNL flights you will find that JQ6 HNL/BNE arriving on 25 September is the last 332 flight by JQ. The return flight JQ5 to HNL on that day and onto to MEL as JQ2 is by 788.

[Dennis McLean]

I forgot to continue, so EBE will obviously go into conversion then as EBF which it was said will be back from SIN in the next couple of days for conversion should come out about 25 September. So I guess we will see a 788 positioning flight on 25/9 to allow it to leave on JQ5 on that day.

[Christopher Campbell]

Is QPF in Brisbane for a quick maintence check not a re config?

[Christopher Campbell]

Also I assume once EBE is reprinting into Qantas livery QPI will head to Singapore maintence for a repaint?

[Zac M]

Why is the concensus that a reconfigured A333 must be in the new livery and a new livery A333 must be reconfigured? They will repaint QPI when they have time to repaint it, I'm pretty sure a repaint is pretty low on the list of priorities...

[Christopher Campbell]

I know it's not a like requirement that a newly re configured A333 but be re painted or vis versa it's just that's how Qantas seemed to do it before QPI will their A333, that all.

[Fred C]

There is no such thing as a "B check".

QPF is in BNE having a defect rectified. It will be approx five days.

What Zac said about painting.

[Christopher Campbell]

Ok

[Max C]

VH-EBF is heading QPG/SIN-BNE today as QF6010

QPG = Paya Lebar Air Base (RSAF)

Due into BNE at around 1955

[Christopher Campbell]

VH-EBF has landed in Brisbane

[Christopher Campbell]

When will EBK be back from Singapore from being repainted. It's been 11 days so far.

[Fred C]

Around the 11th SEP Chris.

[Christopher Campbell]

ok thankyou

[Wenglock M]

EBM has been in BNE since 29 August. Does anyone know if it's going to be the next DOM/INT refurbished A332?

[Zac M]

Given theres already QPE and EBF in getting done Im gonna say she's just a mx check. Could be wrong...

[Fred C]

You are correct Zac. In for a maint check.

[Alex T]

EBK is positioning SIN-BNE as QF6010 this afternoon and is scheduled to depart in about an hours time from now.

[Christopher Campbell]

After EBF is finished reconfiguration I assume then EBE the EBC/EBD

[Christopher Campbell]

Then VH-EBG/EBL the finally VH-EBM too EBR

[Christopher Campbell]

Why is EBK still in Brisbane?

[Zac M]

Because it isn't ready/needed in service yet?

[Max C]

In service tomorrow morning BNE-SYD

[Zac M]

EBF is named "King Valley"

[Greg Hyde]

thanks

[Alex T]

It looks like EBI has quietly left QF and has joined EBH for storage/conversion to a RAAF KC-30A. It had the honours of operating QF19 today (there's no inbound QF20 operating tonight). It'll position MNL-QPG sometime tomorrow.

Farewell "Yarra Valley"

[C Patters]

Does anyone have a date of when EBM will return to service as its been in Brisbane for a few weeks now? Also any update on when EBF will be back in service following its refurb?

[Christopher Campbell]

Well I'm guessing EBF will complete its reconfiguration the 24th September so the EBE will go straight into reconfiguration the following day straight from Jetstar

[Christopher Campbell]

But yeah what's happening with EBM, it's been 19 days since it entered Brisbane? Could they be reconfiguring EBM, QPE & EBF at the same time?

[MarkR]

But yeah what's happening with EBM, it's been 19 days since it entered Brisbane? Could they be reconfiguring EBM, QPE & EBF at the same time?

Already answered a page back, just routine maintenance which can take weeks!

[Christopher Campbell]

Oh ok sorry, somehow I must have missed that

[Zac M]

I didn't look overly hard so could be inaccurate and as always STC but EBF appears to be entering QF service on the 25th as QF507

[Brandon Giacomin]

VH-EBF has just entered service. Currently enroute BNE-SYD as QF525.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know a date of when QPE will be back in service following its check/refurb? Is there confirmation that QPF will be next in for refurb?

[Fred C]

QPE will be out around the 5th Oct. QPF will be next on around the same date for a reconfig.

[C Patters]

Great thanks as always for the info Fred!

[Greg Hyde]

Jetstar ends A330 operations, moves to all-787 long-haul fleet

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/09/jetstar-ends-a330-operations-moves-to-all-787-8-long-haul-fleet/

[Max C]

QPE is scheduled for a test flight today.

[Christopher Campbell]

Is QPE departing Brisbane today? QPF has almost arrived in Brisbane this morning.

[Max C]

Test flight for QPE today again

[Rowan McKeever]

And QPF back out as QF97

[Max C]

QPE scheduled out tomorrow as QF97.

[Dennis McLean]

QPI arrived from SIN on 52 this morning and was towed to the Domestic when it did QFA1360 to SYD no doubt with a lot of Bronco supporters. QPF is on its way back to HKG from MEL so perhaps it will come to BNE tomorrow morning for conversion???

[Zac M]

QPI is already done

[Christopher Campbell]

So I assume QPF is in for refurb?

[C Patters]

QPF is currently operating QF51 (Brisbane-Singapore). Might have been delayed entering maintenance due to the diversion of QPE to Manila which is now operating the delayed QF30.

[Christopher Campbell]

ok, so it should enter Brisbane for reconfig tomorrow?

[C Patters]

Any word on when EBM will be back in service?

[Christopher Campbell]

I assume EBM is only in Brisbane for maintenance checks?

[Christopher Campbell]

VH-EBM back in service yesterday, I assume it's not reconfigured?

[Adam W]

I can confirm that EBM has not been reconfigured. After undergoing heavy maintenance it flew BNE-PER as QF 589 on Saturday then went U/S in Perth.

[Jim M]

EBM appears to be back in service, but is anything going on with EBJ?
According to FA it hasn't moved since arriving in Brisbane early on Friday morning from Perth.

Jim

[Garry Emanuel]

Seems to be so many moving pieces with this refurb.

I thought I was tracking well on what was done and what was in progress, however, it seems to have gone pear-shaped in recent weeks.

I have QPA-E and I (6) and EBA, B, J, K, V and S (6) completed with EBF in progress but not sure which of the -300's is happening right now.

Happy to update my tracking if I have it wrong (possible !).

Thanks in advance.

[Greg Hyde]

EBE has transferred to QF 16/10/2015

[Rowan McKeever]

I have QPA-E and I (6) and EBA, B, J, K, V and S (6) completed with EBF in progress but not sure which of the -300's is happening right now.

QPF seems to have been in BNE since 5 Oct and G, H & J are all flying, so I'd say QPF is underway.

[Zac M]

As it currently Stands:
A330-200
EBA Reconfigured with Q-Streaming Y
EBB Reconfigured with Q-Streaming Y
EBC Old QF/JQ interior Q-Streaming throughout
EBD Old QF/JQ interior Q-Streaming throughout
EBE Currently Undergoing refurbishment to be same as EBA, requires painting
EBF Reconfigured with Q-Streaming Y
EBG MkI Skybed with Rockwell Collins
EBH Withdrawn
EBI Withdrawn
EBJ Reconfigured with Q-Streaming Y possibly in heavy mx
EBK Reconfigured with Q-Streaming Y
EBL MkI Skybed with Rockwell Collins
EBM Silverwing J Class
EBN Silverwing J Class
EBO Recaro J class
EBP Recaro J class
EBQ Recaro J class
EBR Recaro J class
EBS Reconfigured, seatback throughout
EBV Reconfigured, setback throughout

A330-300
QPA Reconfigured and Painted
QPB Reconfigured and Painted
QPC Reconfigured and Painted
QPD Reconfigured and Painted
QPE Reconfigured and Painted
QPF Undergoing refurbishment and heavy maintenance check
QPG MkI Skybeds Rockwell Collins unpainted
QPH MkI Skybeds Rockwell Collins unpainted
QPI Reconfigured, not repainted
QPJ MkI Skybeds Rockwell Collins unpainted

[Garry Emanuel]

Legend. Thanks Zac.

[Christopher Campbell]

after EBE is reconfigured what would Qantas focus on reconfiguring next. The mk1 skybed configurations or the old JQ configured aircraft?

[Jim M]

Apparently EBJ has gone into Maintenance in Brisbane. Does anyone know if it is just scheduled maintenance or for something else?

[Steve Jones]

I am booked SIN-BNE in early Feb on A333 in J class and the seat map currently shows the old config. Does this mean that I will be on an unconfigured plane, or is it common for the seatmap to show the old config this far in advance? I don't fly QF often so would be bummed out to get the old product...

[Zac M]

Its that far out it will probably change.

[Garry Emanuel]

Further to Zac's comment, based upon the fact that 6 have already been completed, there is 1 in progress (7) and each refurbishment takes about a month, by the time we get to through November, December and January, I wouldn't be surprised if all 10 of the -300's were complete !

Of course, this would be scuppered if there were to be no activity over the Christmas period - not sure what happens !

[Christopher Campbell]

Each A333-300 takes two months approx because of heavy maintence is done at the same time as well as the refurbishment.

[Christopher Campbell]

QPF will be the last A333-300 that will finish its refurbishment this year.

[Zac M]

Where do you get that info? As seen with QPI not all A333s are having heavy checks done with the reconfig. Be patient and wait rather than speculating!

[Christopher Campbell]

Yes I know about QPI (only just over a month in Brisbane) I was saying it with fact that that given the normal time length of the the A330-300s because of the heavy mantinence being carried out as well.

[Ricky T]

Its unlikely QPH and QPJ would take two months for the refurbishment as these aircrafts are a bit younger than the other seven A333s (QPA to QPG) and do not require a C8 check yet.

Would be great if they could organise QPI to get repainted though :)

[Christopher Campbell]

Yeah well if they can get them refurbished by say end of the year or early-to late January that would be fantastic! Then that would obviously allow the A330-200s refurbed quicker in Brisbane.

[Christopher Campbell]

I imagine EBE should be finishing it's refurb in the next couple of days am I right?

[Dave Dale]

Perhaps it might be best just to wait instead of, as I observe your repetitive questions of anticipation about these events.

[Steve S... 2]

Dave... maybe he is an aircraft enthusiast - it's quite possibly the reason he is on here.

[Fred C]

EBE should be completed next Wed. It will then go to SIN for paint.

[Christopher Campbell]

Thanks Fred

[Christopher Campbell]

Could Qantas be planning to send QPI to get repainted soon. Once EBE is returns from Singapore being repainted after say after 2-3 weeks they can send QPI to get repainted as by that time QPF will be refurbished and in service to then maintain the current % of reconfigured A333s (and is already repainted in the New ‘Roo livery.) And since EBE is last Jetstar A332 that needs to be repainted it makes sense for QPI to be next

[Zac M]

Or maybe it would make sense to keep QPI in old livery until it gets its C8 check, but at the end of the day...does it actually matter?

[C Patters]

Hopefully the remaining A330-300's get repainted soon into new livery as they are looking very tired & the current paintwork is looking faded. It doesn't do the Qantas brand image any good I believe given our airlines are very quick to repaint their fleet.

[Rowan McKeever]

QF's brand survives on a little more than the state of the paint on a few A330s. And, I mean, it could be worse... they could look like a lot of AF's aircraft!

[Christopher Campbell]

VH-EBE has departed to Brisbane on its way to Singapore to get repainted, QF6011
Departed at 3:17pm AEST.

[Beau Chenery]

the new IFE system in the A333 is next level. I couldn't rave about it enough. Qantas has done a stellar job on it.

[Christopher Campbell]

Did you try it the new A333 economy? Yeah my Dad (Platinum) was on one of the refurbished A333s in economy and he loved it, much better than the A380 IFE. Hopefully they refurbish the A380s seats and IFE from late 16/early 17.

[Christopher Campbell]

Looks like VH-EBD will be the next A332 to be refurbished. It's heading to Brisbane from Perth this evening as QF594. But obviously I could be wrong.