QANTAS Fleet and Operations

[Kent Broadhead]

A380-800 fuel-tank capacity is around 320 000 liters

Which is around 320,000 litres :P

[Greg Hyde]

Does an A380 with just crew and full of fuel exceed the Max Landing weight ?

[Tristan S]

On the topic of 380's.....

"Qantas long-haul flight delayed when the emergency slide was accidentally fired off at the gate after a flight crew member ‘jiggled the handle’"

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11833759/Qantas-crew-accidentally-deploys-slide-delaying-flight-Los-Angeles-Sydney-three-hours.html

[MarkR]

Does an A380 with just crew and full of fuel exceed the Max Landing weight ?

Yep, by my calc they would have had a max of 136000 litres on landing roughly depending on temp etc to be at max weight for landing

[Greg Hyde]

Yep, by my calc they would have had a max of 136000 litres on landing roughly depending on temp etc to be at max weight for landing

thanks, Mark

[Stirling D]

VZK operating SYD-DRW-SIN-AUH QF6031

[C Patters]

Seems odd 737 getting maintenance in AUH

[MarkR]

Seems odd 737 getting maintenance in AUH

MRO slots are constrained all over the world

[Yusef D]

VA also gets longer term 737 maintenance done in AUH, and shorter stuff in SIN/XSP

[Greg Hyde]

Reported the first B717 (VH-YQV) will finish up today.

[Tristan S]

Former JQ 320 VH-VQW has entered service for QF operating QF1652 PER BME.

(the VH-reg has also been updated to show the operator of VQW as Network)

[Greg Hyde]

Former JQ 320 VH-VQW has entered service for QF operating QF1652 PER BME.

(the VH-reg has also been updated to show the operator of VQW as Network)

For those keeping score, the ownership was transferred on the 09/03/23

[Stirling D]

OQL back into pax service today, operating 127 to HKG.

[Sean L]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqIVpnsIKLd/
Video of EBE getting its cargo door cut out

[Tristan S]

https://www.myairtrade.com/available/B717

I wonder if they'd give you a good deal to buy more than 1.

[Zac M]

Interestingly that is all of them except for YQV and YQW, incidentally YQV is leaving Australia on Friday for VCV Im told

[Stirling D]

Interestingly that is all of them except for YQV and YQW, incidentally YQV is leaving Australia on Friday for VCV Im told

I think I remember reading something a while ago that they were the only two frames that were leased?

[MarkR]

I think I remember reading something a while ago that they were the only two frames that were leased?

Leases bought out in Feb this year.

[Greg Hyde]

Is there any market for B717's ?

Most seem to being scrapped, rather than moving onto other airlines.

[Tristan S]

Is there any market for B717's ?

Most seem to being scrapped, rather than moving onto other airlines.

You'd guess not given the QF frames are the only ones for sale on that site.

[Greg Hyde]

You'd guess not given the QF frames are the only ones for sale on that site.

I expected that the market crashed (no pun intended) when cheaper and newer E-Jets and A220 appeared on the market

[Stirling D]

YQV was scheduled to operate CBR-DRW-CEB, but looks to be canx.

[Tristan S]

Have read on another forum that ZNL will be delivered to QF on the 28th of this month.

[Peter C]

Have read on another forum that ZNL will be delivered to QF on the 28th of this month.

Seems unlikely, with FAA sign off required for each B789, Boeing are currently only shipping two B789s per month. One B789 each for Air Premia & Gulf Air are both ahead of the Qantas 789s in terms of progress through the queue.

ZNL should have to do an FCF after its updates and then a flaw free C1 to jump the queue.

May 28th would make more sense for promised June deliveries, and proposed SYD-AKL-JFK flight start up.

[MarkR]

Seems unlikely, with FAA sign off required for each B789, Boeing are currently only shipping two B789s per month. One B789 each for Air Premia & Gulf Air are both ahead of the Qantas 789s in terms of progress through the queue.

ZNL should have to do an FCF after its updates and then a flaw free C1 to jump the queue.

May 28th would make more sense for promised June deliveries, and proposed SYD-AKL-JFK flight start up.

Boeing did 7 787s in March, and ZNL is flying now https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/boe280

[Peter C]

Boeing did 7 787s in March, ...

True, however I was specifically looking at progress with 789s since 1 January

... and ZNL is flying now https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/boe280

I stand corrected. I note we now have a name for ZNL : "Billabong" (from link in ... Qantas 789 post #1043 (http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=116370&postcount=1043) )

[Bob C]

And on a similar note, what has happened to the A350 deliveries this year ? Only 6 have been delivered so far yet A220s, A320s and A321s are all going strongly and even 6 A330s have been delivered. Is it supply chain issues with the A350 or other reasons ?

[Alex Ch]

YQV was scheduled to operate CBR-DRW-CEB, but looks to be canx.

YQV looks to be scheduled for ferry again today first leg CBR-ASP as Southern Cross 2325

[Rowan McKeever]

First leg is underway for YQV, en route to ASP. Then on to BME later today. From there I understand the next stop is Surabaya.

[David C]

Due to dep BME at 0805hrs LT today for its planned 2h18m flight to SUB with cs “ Southern Cross 2324” .

[Greg Hyde]

Boeing 717-200 55149 VH-YQV National Jet Systems ferried 18-19aptr23 CBR-ASP-BME-SUB, QantasLink cs ex N927ME

No word on final destination.

Reportedly loaded with spares before leaving CBR

[MarkR]

Boeing 717-200 55149 VH-YQV National Jet Systems ferried 18-19aptr23 CBR-ASP-BME-SUB, QantasLink cs ex N927ME

No word on final destination.

Reportedly loaded with spares before leaving CBR

Went to SZB today

[Tristan S]

Went to SZB today

Has left BLR heading north west towards the middle east.

[David C]

Has left BLR heading north west towards the middle east.

Landed at Al Ain in the UAE .

[Greg Hyde]

For those old enough to remember ...

The B717 were delivered via the northern route.

They don't have the range to cross the pacific.

YQV arrived in Adelaide on 21/12/2013 from from Jacksonville Fl via Billings/Logan, Anchorage, Sokol, Magadan, Cebu & Darwin.

So they could be going anywhere.

[Alex Ch]

Possibly still a bit of life left in it at 17 years as it's the second last 717 off the production line (one behind the last VH-YQW).

The oldest in the QJE fleet is -NXI a 1999 build

[Peter S.]

As the 717 fleet flies off into the sunset, for the record, I am missing 3 National Park names - can anyone help please: VH-NXH, VH-YQX, VH-YQY.
FOR THE RECORD:
VH-NXD Berowra Valley NP
VH-NXE Maria Island NP
VH-NXG Brindabella NP
VH-NXH ?NP
VH-NXI Blue Mountains NP
VH-NXJ Kakadu NP
VH-NXK Eucla National Park
VH-NXL Daintree National Park
VH-NXM Strzelecki National Park
VH-NXN Freycinet National Park
VH-NXO Wilsons Promontory NP
VH-NXQ Port Campbell NP
VH-NXR Murray River NP
VH-YQS Cape Otway National Park
VH-YQT Tasman National Park
VH-YQU Royal National Park
VH-YQU Kosciusko National Park
VH-YQW "Discover Tasmania"
VH-YQX ?NP
VH-YQY ?NP

[MarkR]

NXH could be called boggy rocky - maybe not

[Stirling D]

As the 717 fleet flies off into the sunset, for the record, I am missing 3 National Park names - can anyone help please: VH-NXH, VH-YQX, VH-YQY.
FOR THE RECORD:
VH-NXD Berowra Valley NP
VH-NXE Maria Island NP
VH-NXG Brindabella NP
VH-NXH ?NP
VH-NXI Blue Mountains NP
VH-NXJ Kakadu NP
VH-NXK Eucla National Park
VH-NXL Daintree National Park
VH-NXM Strzelecki National Park
VH-NXN Freycinet National Park
VH-NXO Wilsons Promontory NP
VH-NXQ Port Campbell NP
VH-NXR Murray River NP
VH-YQS Cape Otway National Park
VH-YQT Tasman National Park
VH-YQU Royal National Park
VH-YQU Kosciusko National Park
VH-YQW "Discover Tasmania"
VH-YQX ?NP
VH-YQY ?NP


Hi Peter,
NXH - Grampians National Park
YQX - Bouddi National Park
YQY - Kuranda National Park

Cheers,
Stirling

[Peter S.]

Hi Peter,
NXH - Grampians National Park
YQX - Bouddi National Park
YQY - Kuranda National Park

Cheers,
Stirling

Thanks Stirling.

[Greg Hyde]

Landed at Al Ain in the UAE .

YQY has continued its ferry from AAN to HRG, SOF, SVG & KEF.

My guess the Americas

[MarkR]

YQY has continued its ferry from AAN to HRG, SOF, SVG & KEF.

My guess the Americas

YQY just landed in Syd 5 hours ago try YQV

[Greg Hyde]

YQY just landed in Syd 5 hours ago try YQV

Mark,

I and my Dyslexia thank you for correcting my posts.

[James Smith]

My bet is that YQV is headed for VCV.

[Greg Hyde]

My bet is that YQV is headed for VCV.

The word is a desert and spares for Delta.

Ferry, bypassed Russian airspace.

[Tristan S]

The word is a desert and spares for Delta.

Ferry, bypassed Russian airspace.

Read (probably from the same place) that Delta are taking the 20 frames, 10 will be scrapped for spare parts and 10 will be retained.

[Steve S... 2]

I can see on planespotters that Delta are also pending delivery of nine ex Volotea 717-200's

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas Sends Regional Jet On Epic Round the World Mission But it Will Soon Be Broken Up For Spare Parts For Delta Air Lines

Qantas is sending a regional jet on an epic round-the-world trip, but the 17-year-old Boeing 717 aircraft may soon end up being broken up into spare parts to keep Delta Air’s own fleet of ageing 717s running.

The Qantas Link 717 that’s currently flying around the world is set to end up in the Victorville airplane boneyard, but the direct flight between Australia and the southern Californian desert is slightly beyond the 717s maximum range of 1,570 nautical miles.

https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2023/04/24/qantas-sends-regional-jet-on-epic-round-the-world-mission-but-it-will-soon-be-broken-up-for-spare-parts-for-delta-air-lines/

[Greg Hyde]

Delta Keeping 717s Until 2030

Other airlines love to brag about how new their fleet is, though Delta takes a different approach. They have no problem keeping planes for a lot longer than other airlines, but they maintain them well.
For example, while American just retired their last MD-80, Delta still has 93 MD-88/90 aircraft. They do plan on retiring these in the coming years, though.
Delta’s fleet also consists of 91 Boeing 717s, which are basically updated and smaller versions of the MD-80s. They got virtually all of these 717s from AirTran. While the airline was taken over by Southwest, the planes weren’t, so Delta saw an opportunity there.
Well, Delta may keep their 717s all the way through 2030. AirTran initially started taking delivery of the 717s around the late 90s, so by the time these planes retire they would partly be 30+ years old.
Delta Installing Personal Televisions On 717s
As mentioned above, while Delta may have some old planes, they know how to maintain them. When flying Delta I constantly see passengers walk on 20+ year old planes and comment on how nice they are, while you’ll never see anyone say that about one of American’s new narrow body planes.
Delta has a big focus on offering personal televisions at every seat. As part of their plans to keep 717s through 2030, Delta may install personal televisions on these planes, which would be a $70 million investment.

Talk about an airline going for product consistency. If they complete this project and retire their MD-88/90 aircraft, all of Delta’s mainline planes would have personal televisions.

https://onemileatatime.com/delta-717/

[Zac M]

Given the age of this frame comparatively to others in both the QantasLink and DL fleet I would find it very odd if YQV was broken up for spares

[Greg Hyde]

VH-YQV has continued from Keflavik, Iceland to Goose Bay, Canada & Thunder Bay, Canada

[James Smith]

VH-YQV is scheduled to fly its last leg from Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) to VCV.

[James Smith]

Apparently the flight has been delayed by 24 hours due to not meeting US customs requirements, presumably with the crew.

[Tristan S]

Apparently the flight has been delayed by 24 hours due to not meeting US customs requirements, presumably with the crew.

Interesting... I believe SXI are out of the Netherlands but I wonder where they crew from.

[James Smith]

VH-YQV has now flown from Thunder Bay to LAX and after just over two and a half hours on the ground has flown to VCV where it has just landed. What an amazing journey - 13 stops from CBR to VCV. An epic up there with the ex-Alliance F50's ferry flight to Panama City.

I'm not sure why Flightaware was showing the B712 as being in MSP, but it has now been corrected. Often these ferry flights are a bit "hit and miss" showing incorrect information.

[Tristan S]

VH-YQV has now flown from Thunder Bay to LAX and after just over two and a half hours on the ground has flown to VCV where it has just landed. What an amazing journey - 13 stops from CBR to VCV. An epic up there with the ex-Alliance F50's ferry flight to Panama City.

I'm not sure why Flightaware was showing the B712 as being in MSP, but it has now been corrected. Often these ferry flights are a bit "hit and miss" showing incorrect information.

Interestingly it appears it flew the last two legs on a QFA callsign not SXI

[James Smith]

Yes, QFA6070 compared to SXI2324. Maybe the flight number change was the resolution to one of the US issues that resulted in the one day delay in Thunder Bay. A Southern Cross SXI flight number on a QANTAS titled and liveried aircraft, maybe?

[Stirling D]

Sounded like a set of aussie crew on LiveATC

[Greg Hyde]

VH-ZNL has finally popped up on FW

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHZNL

On its way, due into Melbourne tomorrow morning 08:45

[David C]

VH-ZNL has finally popped up on FW

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHZNL

On its way, due into Melbourne tomorrow morning 08:45


FR24 shows arrival MEL at 0433 hrs

[Greg Hyde]

FR24 shows arrival MEL at 0433 hrs

Yep, 20hr test flight reduced by 4hours.

[James Smith]

Yep, 20hr test flight reduced by 4hours.

A side trip two-thirds of the way to PER and back will take the total flight time for ZNL close to the 20 hour mark.

I thought that the flight would head west from PAE towards Japan and then south to Australian, but heading west from southern NSW has resulted in the added time being flown in Australian airspace which is a logical and less costly solution. Now ZNL is due to land in less than an hour.

[Brad Myer]

Anyone have news/updates on the next A380 return to service?

[MarkR]

I wonder if Qantas will put back the 717 retirements given the issue with the A220 engines
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Xs2yvEZ-WlFt-xOZF6rpv34sUi9zv-G_F-Gn57FswTw/edit#gid=0

Credit to twitter on the spreadsheet https://twitter.com/FlyingFan1/status/1654192226350641152

[Brian Wilkes]

I think you might find a few ex-JQ A320s in QFLink colours running around then until the engine on the A220 is......well redesigned?

[Stirling D]

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-boosts-international-network-restoring-capacity-adding-more-aircraft-launching-new-routes/
A few interesting changes.
BNE-HIR and BNE-WLG operated on the E190
Leasing of 2x Finnair A330s.

[Tristan S]

Interesting...

The fine print has:
The Finnair A330 aircraft will operate selected Qantas flights between Sydney and Singapore from late October .... flights will be operated by Finnair pilots and cabin crew


Then

From late 2025, two Finnair A330s will be dry leased, operating for up to three years with Qantas pilots and cabin crew, creating new jobs and further promotional opportunities within Qantas.

I guess through that period they'll train up additional 330 crews.

No mention of EBD's RTS though

[C Patters]

EBD is currently in the Brisbane hanger & should return to service after heavy maintenance has been completed

[Zac M]

VH-NXJ departed Canberra this morning bound for Alice Springs, Darwin and onward enroute stops bound to join YQV in Victorville presumably. NXR has also been on the ground in Canberra for some time now, expect that will follow

[Greg Hyde]

VH-NXJ departed Canberra this morning bound for Alice Springs, Darwin and onward enroute stops bound to join YQV in Victorville presumably. NXR has also been on the ground in Canberra for some time now, expect that will follow

Flight no SXI2332

Next stop Darwin

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/SXI2332/

[Brenden S]

EBD RTS will be late this year post maintenance check.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know what’s wrong with OQL?

[Peter C]

Does anyone know what’s wrong with OQL?

Reported elsewhere as "QF128 stuck in HK with a faulty generator."

[C Patters]

Thanks Peter!

[Greg Hyde]

Flight no SXI2332

Next stop Darwin

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/SXI2332/

Stuck in Chitose, Japan since Tuesday.

Clearance or Tech or .... ?

[Tristan S]

Stuck in Chitose, Japan since Tuesday.

Clearance or Tech or .... ?

Read elsewhere that it was stuck in Nagoya due to a spoiler control unit fault, perhaps this resurfaced after the subsequent flight.

[Greg Hyde]

QANTAS PREPARES TO FAREWELL BOEING 717; WELCOMES MORE NEW AIRCRAFT

Published on 29th May 2023 at 11:34

First Boeing 717 registered in Australia to leave Qantas fleet in June

New Qantas and Jetstar aircraft commence flying as part of significant fleet investment

The next generation aircraft have lower emissions, longer range, less noise and better economics

Qantas will mark the end of an era with the departure of one of its Boeing 717 jets, the first of its type to be registered and flown in Australia.

The departing 717 (registration VH-NXI) holds a special place in the Qantas Group’s
modern history, having operated Jetstar’s first flight between Melbourne and Launceston on the day the airline started flying in May 2004.

The aircraft has also flown on regional and domestic routes for QantasLink for the past 15 years. All up, it has completed more than 29,000 flights and safely carried more than 1.6 million customers for both Qantas and Jetstar over two decades.

Named Blue Mountains after the world-heritage listed national park in New South Wales, the aircraft is due to depart Australia in mid-June ahead of being sold to another major carrier. It is the third of the airline’s 717s to leave the fleet and its range limits mean the journey to its new owner in North America will involve eight fuel stops, including Cebu, Sapporo and Anchorage.

All of QantasLink’s 20 Boeing 717s will be gradually replaced by 29 fuel efficient Airbus A220 aircraft as part of the “Project Winton” fleet renewal program. The first A220 aircraft is due to arrive later this year and the first of 20 A321XLRs will arrive in late 2024.

Fleet Renewal

The departing 717 was flanked at Sydney Airport today by two new arrivals in the fleet – a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a Jetstar A321neo LR.

The next generation aircraft are part of a significant investment in fleet renewal that will see the Group take delivery of a new aircraft every three weeks on average for the next few years. The incoming aircraft will help Qantas and Jetstar restore capacity and expand their network while lowering emissions and improving efficiency.

Qantas’ latest Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Billabong, started flying on the airline’s
international network this month, with another two Dreamliners to be delivered over the next three weeks. These additional aircraft enabled the resumption of Sydney-San Francisco flights and will support the launch of the Sydney to New York via Auckland route next month. This will bring Qantas’ 787-9 fleet to 14.

Jetstar also this month welcomed its seventh Airbus A321neo LR aircraft, which are 50 per cent quieter than the older A321s they replace and burn up to 20 per cent less fuel. They are operating domestic services and flying between Australia and Bali. The airline will receive another 11 A321neo LR aircraft by the end of 2024.

Through a combination of new arrivals and standby aircraft returning to service, the Qantas Group has returned to around 100 per cent of pre-COVID domestic flying levels and expects to restore 100 per cent of international flying by March 2024.

CEO COMMENTS

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce joined pilots and crew at Sydney Airport to farewell the 717 and welcome the new aircraft into the fleet.

“It’s the end of an era for these Boeing 717s which have played a crucial role in connecting Australians across our domestic and regional network for more than two decades,” Mr Joyce said.

“It’s fitting that the very first 717 to be registered in this country is making way for another brand-new fleet type, the A220, which can operate double the range of the 717s opening up new domestic and short-haul international routes.
“Qantas is in the early stages of the biggest fleet renewal program in its history, with up to 299 narrowbody aircraft spread over 10-plus years as well as the A350s that will operate our Project Sunrise flights. It’s an incredibly exciting time for our employees as well as our customers as these new aircraft create more opportunities and unlock new destinations.
“We’ve already taken delivery of four new aircraft this year and we’re on track to receive another eight before the end of the year.
“The new aircraft we’re receiving are much more capable than the aircraft they’re replacing. They can fly further while being much quieter and more efficient and providing a great experience for our passengers.”
Blue Mountains Boeing 717 – operations in Australia:
2000 – First registered in Australia as VH-IMP. Operated first commercial flight for Impulse Airlines.
2001 – 2004 – Transferred to operate QantasLink flights.
2004 – 2005 – Operated for Jetstar.
2006 – 2023 – Operated for QantasLink, registered as VH-NXI.
A220s vs 717s
Seats – 25 per cent more. 137 to 110.
Range – 100 per cent further.
Fuel burn – 28 per cent lower per seat.

[Brian Wilkes]

Hmmmm A220 with all them engine problems:eek:

[MarkR]

Looks like they are headed to Delta.

[Greg Hyde]

Hmmmm A220 with all them engine problems:eek:

I expect that the QQ E190s are the backup plan.

[Brian Wilkes]

I expect that the QQ E190s are the backup plan.

100% agree!

[Greg Hyde]

Delta has added 8 x B717-200's ex. Volotea Airlines to the US register over the last couple of weeks

[James Smith]

One of the quandaries I have had is why QANTAS is reinstating A380 services on QF93/94 MEL-LAX-MEL for only two weeks from 15/6/23 to 1/7/23. This will be on alternate days for a very short time in a non-holiday period involving just the one aircraft. A380 services are only scheduled to commence from MEL on a more permanent basis with two services per week from 29/10/23.

It looks as though it is to release a B789 to commence either JFK or FCO services from 14 and 17/6/23 respectively, until ZNN's scheduled delivery on 28/6/23.

Also, A380 services on SYD-HKG-SYD only run to 5/6/23 ex SYD, which leaves OQL or a refurbished A380 to operate from MEL. This begs the question of whether OQL will return to AUH for refurbishment and another A380 return to service shortly ex AUH.

[Kent Broadhead]

OQA and OQC have been in AUH for a while, OQI only a couple of months. I'd expect A or C to return to service soon.

[MarkR]

OQA and OQC have been in AUH for a while, OQI only a couple of months. I'd expect A or C to return to service soon.

A & C need the new cabin and possibly more work, OQI was in Dresden prior to storage for 6 months and I suspect doesn’t need spar work

[Kent Broadhead]

A & C need the new cabin and possibly more work, OQI was in Dresden prior to storage for 6 months and I suspect doesn’t need spar work

Possibly. OQC has been in AUH since June 2021, which seems a really long time, OQA since last November - still 6 months. OQI arrived in February.

[Greg Hyde]

Read elsewhere that it was stuck in Nagoya due to a spoiler control unit fault, perhaps this resurfaced after the subsequent flight.

One the move again, currently in Anchorage AK, should be all downhill from here.

[MarkR]

A330 fleet to be sold later this year.

The airline will look to sell its fleet of 28 A330s in the second half of this year. Qantas has been criticised over the average age of its fleet, which now sits at 15 years, older than its international rivals that fly to Australia. The average age of its A330 fleet hovers around 16 years.


https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/brace-for-higher-fares-on-qantas-s-ultra-long-flights-20230605-p5ddve.html

[Kent Broadhead]

A330 fleet to be sold later this year.



https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/brace-for-higher-fares-on-qantas-s-ultra-long-flights-20230605-p5ddve.html

What isn't clear to me is whether this is sale and RFS or sale and leaseback. I expect the latter, especially given the Finnair A330 lease deal.

[C Patters]

I think its more by the end of 2023 Qantas will decide what aircraft type will replace the A330's as that replacement aircraft will still be a few years away with production slots filling up quickly & not likely to be for a few years

[Adam W]

I think its more by the end of 2023 Qantas will decide what aircraft type will replace the A330's

Here's my 2 cents worth. They should get either A350's or 777s to replace the 787's on the routes they are currently operating on as they are too small for those routes and are constantly full. These were ordered as 747 replacements, surely they should be looking to use something bigger on those routes rather than something which has less than half the capacity.
They could then reconfigure the 787 cabins and use them as an A330 replacement.

[Greg Hyde]

What about trading the frames with Airbus for MRTT stock and upgrading to A330neos.

[MarkR]

I think its more by the end of 2023 Qantas will decide what aircraft type will replace the A330's as that replacement aircraft will still be a few years away with production slots filling up quickly & not likely to be for a few years

I would suggest if they have a scheduled sale date the decision has been made.

What about trading the frames with Airbus for MRTT stock and upgrading to A330neos.

Airbus would need some MRTT orders first, hasn’t been any for a while.

[Brian Wilkes]

Might be good to find a similar or like for like and order a replacement first:rolleyes:

[Greg Hyde]

I would suggest if they have a scheduled sale date the decision has been made.



Airbus would need some MRTT orders first, hasn’t been any for a while.

NATO ordered an additional a/c in 23 March 2023

https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-03-nato-support-and-procurement-agency-orders-additional-airbus-a330

[Laurent Sanhard]

possibly the replacements contenders could be A330 NEO . A350 , or more 787

[MarkR]

possibly the replacements contenders could be A330 NEO . A350 , or more 787

I suspect if the B787IGW was close it would be a strong contender.

[Tristan S]

So the ET article has been updated, QF are not planning on selling off the 330s, just that they will make a decision on its replacement by the end of the year.

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-airbus-a330

An earlier version of this article quoted a report in The Australian that Qantas intended to sell off its Airbus A330s; that report in The Australian was in error, and this article has been revised and updated accordingly.

[Brenden S]

Don't forget QF has many options still left for the 787 fleet. 788,789,78X
Questions for the brains trust.
Cost/Pax/Range/Freight A330-800/900 vs A350 vs B787
Which one suits the current market best, and what markets are in the future?

[Greg Hyde]

NXJ is scheduled to complete its ferry VCV after an extended stay in ANC

[Tristan S]

VQP currently positing to TSV from HKG - would guess this is for a repaint to QLink colours.

[Tristan S]

VQR is heading direct to PER .. guessing they either did painting in SIN or they will do that once VQP gets out of the paint shop

[Brenden S]

I saw it reported on a facebook group that VQR and VQP painted in TSV before heading to Asia for heavy maintenance.

[Tristan S]

Not sure how accurate that is.. VQR came in on an RPT flight from ZQN before heading to HKG and VQP is currently in TSV

[Rowan McKeever]

VH-NXI about half an hour out of ASP now enroute CBR-ASP-DRW for today. Operating as SXI2341. Assume it will follow much the same route as NXJ did recently, albeit hopefully somewhat faster and with fewer stops. This is the third to be withdrawn.

NXD is, or was until very recently, parked engineless on the compass pad at CBR - if still there, it would be over a week now. I did hear tell that NXD will be the fourth withdrawal, noting it will need engines installed before it can go anywhere.

[MarkR]

June 20 (Reuters) - Qantas (QAN.AX) and Airbus (AIR.PA) have finalised an incremental order for nine Airbus A220-300s aircraft, the companies said at the Le Bourget air show in Paris on Tuesday.

Qantas had said it planned to order additional A220s in February this year.


https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/qantas-orders-nine-airbus-a220-300s-aircraft-2023-06-20/

Now 29 on order

[Ryan K]

The more reports that are coming out on the A220, the more I'm seeing mocked up images of them in full Qantas livery, rather than QantasLink. Has Qantas given any indication as to whether these new aircraft will be in full Qantas livery considering they'll be used on major trunk routes and regional routes?

[Greg Hyde]

Like this one

[Greg Hyde]

VH-NXI about half an hour out of ASP now enroute CBR-ASP-DRW for today. Operating as SXI2341. Assume it will follow much the same route as NXJ did recently, albeit hopefully somewhat faster and with fewer stops. This is the third to be withdrawn.


NXI has continued her ferry to VCV and has changed her flight no to QF6070 after entering USA.

[James Smith]

NXI has just touched down in VCV after 12 days since leaving CBR.

[C Patters]

Any updates on when both EBD & QPH will return to service from maintenance both are currently in the Brisbane in the hangers?

[Greg Hyde]

VQR is on its way to Townsville for paint.

[Brenden S]

EBD will apparently be later on this year.

[MarkR]

EBE undergoing work https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10997484

[Brenden S]

It appears the main cargo door has been installed, and must be moving to a different hangar for the remainder of the work.

[James Smith]

Does anyone know when EBF will be returning to service after its cargo conversion? It had a three month jump on EBE's conversion, being in DRS since 10/11/22. It must be close to being completed.

[Brenden S]

I think the media release said August and September on the ASX.

[Dennis McLean]

Does anyone know what is happening with OQD which has been in SIN since 2 June??

[James Smith]

Flightaware is showing A380 OQJ as operating to AUH as QF6015 this morning at 10:00 local. This is probably for maintenance as OQJ has been refurbished. It could mean that the A380 in AUH that is due to return in July could be flown back to SYD with today's outbound crew. Otherwise QANTAS could be short of A380s to operate their current schedule with OQD still in SIN and OQL not refurbished.

Dennis, I presume that OQD is in SIN for maintenance.

[Dennis McLean]

Hi James, thanks. OQC has been in AUH 21/6/21, OQA since 18/11/22 and OQI since 25/2/23. I wonder which one it might be coming next.

[Tristan S]

Does anyone know when EBF will be returning to service after its cargo conversion? It had a three month jump on EBE's conversion, being in DRS since 10/11/22. It must be close to being completed.

Two weeks ago someone asked them on their FB page, and their response was

'not so far away��good progress – it's getting closer in is transformation to a future freighter aircraft✈️"


https://www.facebook.com/efw.aero

[James Smith]

Thanks for the information, Tristan on the conversion of EBF.

Hi James, thanks. OQC has been in AUH 21/6/21, OQA since 18/11/22 and OQI since 25/2/23. I wonder which one it might be coming next.

Dennis, I think it will be OQA first. Then OQI with OQC to spend some more time basking in the sun!

[Dennis McLean]

You could be right there, however, A, C and L have not had their cabins refurbished yet so perhaps it might be I next to come??

[James Smith]

Who knows. I thought OQI could be next also because it had already had its cabin refurbished and therefore it would only need a shorter time for maintenance, but four months still seems a little too short.

[C Patters]

OQJ positioned to AUH yesterday presumably for maintenance & OQD is in Singapore for the same so Qantas are now 2 x A380's down

[C Patters]

OQI is currently performing a test flight out of AUH. Its return to service seems imminent given its already had its cabin refurbishment

[James Smith]

OQIs test flight was a mammoth 3 hours and 26 minutes doing seven huge racetrack patterns at 11,500 to 41,000 feet and extending half the way from AUH to Qatar over the Persian Gulf.

Hopefully, the test flight went well and OQI will be back to SYD and in service shortly.

[Tristan S]

A flight plan has been filed for OQI.. AUH SYD as QF6014, due to depart at 1020L and arrive into SYD at 0522L
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/QFA6014/history/20230707/0610Z/OMAA/YSSY

[Dennis McLean]

OQD due out of SIN at 12.15pm local time for SYD today arrival time 20.55.

[Michael Mak]

Has OQI been repainted into silver Roo during her time at AUH?

[Zac M]

Nope, taken on my way to my Dash 8 this evening....
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53031568048_5810b159b4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oNdDA9)
VH-OQI (https://flic.kr/p/2oNdDA9) by Zac Mathes (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacmathes/), on Flickr

[Adrian B]

OQD due out of SIN at 12.15pm local time for SYD today arrival time 20.55.

Check out the SydSquad live feed for OQD's arrival into RWY25 at 21:40.

SydSquad 9-7-2023 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZXXEFP-6as) Its about 7hrs 50 into the feed.

[James Smith]

OQD is back in service today and is scheduled to operate QF11 to LAX.

[Michael Mak]

Nope, taken on my way to my Dash 8 this evening....

Ah thanks Zac, I guess QF would want its planes to get back in service ASAP.

[Tristan S]

OQI due to operate QF1 this afternoon.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know what is happening with OQL given its still in LA?

[James Smith]

OQL only got to LAX last Friday. A B789 is used on QF11 on a Monday and on QF12 last Friday, which would have been OQL's first opportunity to operate QF12. With an extra A380 in LAX it is kept for use on QF12 on Monday night (US time) to replace the Monday QF11 B789. While there some maintenance is also undertaken.

Even though OQH (ex SYD Sat, arrive back on Mon) and OQD (ex SYD Sun, to arrive back tomorrow) both turned around in LAX on the same day, the B789 operating once a week on different days means one or two A380s spend a day or two in LAX. You will probably see OQL arrive as QF12 on Wednesday.

If QF11/12 operated every day of the week with an A380 you would probably see the same day turnaround in LAX, depending also on QF17/18 services.

[C Patters]

Thanks James makes sense. It would be good to get the A380 back on the MEL-LAX service more permanently but with OQJ now in AUH for maintenance I guess this will be challenging until it returns to service??

[James Smith]

Mr Patters, the A380 is scheduled to resume LAX-MEL-LAX from the beginning of the NW timetable but only twice a week, Mon & Sat ex MEL. It looks as though this A380 will be based in LAX but could be rotated with QF11/12 back and forth to SYD. QF 11/12 will be daily.

QF127/128 will be operated by an A380 during NW initially five per week building up to daily from 1/1/24.

I thought I read that MEL-SIN-MEL was going to be operated by A380s during NW but can't see this in the QANTAS timetable, with A330s scheduled.

Therefore, QANTAS will need a total of seven A380s to operate the NW schedule. They currently have seven in service with OQI returning and effectively replacing OQJ, which is now in AUH. OQL will probably remain unrefurbished and operate QF127/128 but another A380 (OQA, OQC or OQJ) returning to service will leave one in reserve for possible unserviceabilities.

[MarkR]

https://twitter.com/Qantas/status/1678943616755187717First A220 is being built https://twitter.com/Qantas/status/1678943616755187717/photo/1

Msn55236

[Greg Hyde]

https://twitter.com/Qantas/status/1678943616755187717First A220 is being built https://twitter.com/Qantas/status/1678943616755187717/photo/1

Msn55236

I think that the serial is 55253

55236 is destined to go to Bulgaria Air

[MarkR]

I think that the serial is 55253

55236 is destined to go to Bulgaria Air

MSN is different to aircraft/line number, for clarification MSN 55236 is Ac # 55253, that’s of course assuming Qantas has specifically picked that aircraft vs taking a random photo and saying it’s for Qantas.

[MarkR]

Look like the got the right one https://i.ibb.co/HNkB27Y/IMG-0253.jpg (https://ibb.co/k3W5yK0)

[Greg Hyde]

VH-NXR has departed Canberra for Alice & Darwin and eventually VCV as SXI2350

[Michael Mak]

Having been in maintenance in BNE since May 2, VH-QPH did a 3 hours 17 minutes BNE BNE test flight on July 29th and ferried BNE-SYD as QF6016 on the same day, arriving at 1943.

[Tristan S]

Having been in maintenance in BNE since May 2, VH-QPH did a 3 hours 17 minutes BNE BNE test flight on July 29th and ferried BNE-SYD as QF6016 on the same day, arriving at 1943.

Now taxiing for departure as QF25 to HND

[Brenden S]

Has anyone noted the last few register updates that Qantas seem to be buying a fair few aircraft off lease? Also of note QF looks like it has sold and leased back the latest 3 dreamliners as per the CASA register.

[MarkR]

Has anyone noted the last few register updates that Qantas seem to be buying a fair few aircraft off lease? Also of note QF looks like it has sold and leased back the latest 3 dreamliners as per the CASA register.

Fairly standard tax effective capital management they have been doing for years, lease expensive assets while buying assets off lease at low capital cost. I wonder which two A330s will be the next MRTTs the government are looking for?

[Brenden S]

The next 2 A330's, who knows, but QF are not giving up any yet. Especially since they are leasing the 2 Finair ones, to cover the 2 that went for freight conversion.

[Rowan McKeever]

VH-NXR has departed Canberra for Alice & Darwin and eventually VCV as SXI2350

NXR has had a protracted journey, having made it to Cebu on 15 July and eventually Sapporo on 26 July. It appears from both FR24 and flightaware that NXR yesterday flew from Sapporo via Taipei to Rayong (near Bangkok)...

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-nxr

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHNXR/history

[Greg Hyde]

NXR has had a protracted journey, having made it to Cebu on 15 July and eventually Sapporo on 26 July. It appears from both FR24 and flightaware that NXR yesterday flew from Sapporo via Taipei to Rayong (near Bangkok)...

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-nxr

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHNXR/history

NXR has completed its meanderings across Asia and is now at Muscat, Oman

Any ideas, where it is destined ?

[Rowan McKeever]

A mate and I were discussing whether there might have been an airspace issue which would necessitate NXR going via the Middle East and Europe to get to the US, ultimately following a similar route to YQV. Time will tell, presumably...

[David C]

A mate and I were discussing whether there might have been an airspace issue which would necessitate NXR going via the Middle East and Europe to get to the US, ultimately following a similar route to YQV. Time will tell, presumably...


Definitely going via the Middle East , it’s currently in Muscat

Dave C

[Greg Hyde]

NXR has continued its ferry via Hurghada, Egypt, Sofia, Bulgaria, Stavanger, Norway, Keflavik, Iceland.

It may of been avoiding several typhoons that have hit China, Japan & Russia.

Does the crew get paid by the day or for the entire charter ?

[Greg Hyde]

NXR has made North America and is now flying as QF6070

[Stirling D]

RZJets reporting Spirit A319 N305NK due for NWK as VH-8NP

[Greg Hyde]

RZJets reporting Spirit A319 N305NK due for NWK as VH-8NP

N305NK is a Robinson R22 chopper based in Chino

[Greg Hyde]

N503NK was withdrawn & stored a couple of weeks ago

[Stirling D]

N305NK is a Robinson R22 chopper based in Chino

whoops, I did edit but mustn't have come through :confused:

[Greg Hyde]

NXR has finally arrived in Victorville.

Just over one month after leaving Canberra

[Steve S... 2]

Ex Spirit Airlines A319-100 N503NK 2470 is due to be delivered to QFL as VH-8NP

[MarkR]

Sydney-Bali – larger Airbus A330 aircraft will replace daily Boeing 737 flights from October this year with more premium seats and fully-flat beds in Business Class.
Sydney-Auckland-New York – following the successful launch of the new route in June this year, flights will increase from four per week to daily from August 2024.
Sydney-Johannesburg – for the first time Qantas A380s will operate to South Africa from July 2024, nearly doubling capacity during peak periods.

Melbourne-Los Angeles – capacity will increase by around 20 per cent with more A380 flights on the route from July 2024.
Sydney-Los Angeles – flights will increase from eight to nine per week from July 2024, operated with a mix of 787 and A380 aircraft.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-adds-more-than-250000-international-seats-as-aircraft-return/

[Neil Hogbin]

VH-OQL is operating an additional service from Sydney via Singapore to Heathrow as Qf331 with the England women's world Cup squad part of the passenger loading. I believe it is due to then reposition from Heathrow for cabin refit but unsure if that's Abu Dhabi or Dressdon.

[Tristan S]

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv-N8XXMy8Q/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwAx9TBg12l/

EBF well on its way to become a freight dog.

[Tristan S]

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/qantas-airways-nears-new-boeing-787-widebody-order-2023-08-21/

Reuters reporting QF are close to ordering the B78X to replace the A330s

[Stirling D]

VH-OQL is operating an additional service from Sydney via Singapore to Heathrow as Qf331 with the England women's world Cup squad part of the passenger loading. I believe it is due to then reposition from Heathrow for cabin refit but unsure if that's Abu Dhabi or Dressdon.

Operating back to SYD via SIN as QF332.

[James Smith]

VH-OQL is operating an additional service from Sydney via Singapore to Heathrow as QF331 with the England women's world Cup squad part of the passenger loading. I believe it is due to then reposition from Heathrow for cabin refit but unsure if that's Abu Dhabi or Dresden.

Thanks for the information, Neil. It'll be good to finally have OQL refurbished. We will watch where it heads to after LHR with interest. This also explains the reason for the two charter flights SYD-LHR in the following AeroRoutes post although the second flight as QF331 has operated on a later date because of England's success in the Women's Soccer World Cup:

QANTAS also operates 1 daily A380 service on Sydney – Singapore – London Heathrow route. Extra charter flight also scheduled to depart Sydney on 06AUG23 and 16AUG23, with A380.

Source: AeroRoutes

[Greg Hyde]

Airbus A319-132 2470 VH-8NP Network Aviation ferried 08aug23 MCN-LCQ, N-reg for paint into QantasLink cs prior delivery ex N503NK

[Tom PER]

VH-OQL is operating an additional service from Sydney via Singapore to Heathrow as Qf331 with the England women's world Cup squad part of the passenger loading. I believe it is due to then reposition from Heathrow for cabin refit but unsure if that's Abu Dhabi or Dressdon.

If you watch the recently uploaded FR24 video on YouTube about the Etihad A380 activation, one QF A380 in the new livery is shown wrapped up outside the hangars and reference is made to another which is in a hangar alongside the EY A380 which is undergoing a 12 year check. Worth a watch.

[James Smith]

Thanks for the info, Tom. Using my magnifying glass I could make out the QANTAS A380 as OQC. So, it looks as though it may be the last A380 to return to service.

[C Patters]

Tom would you be able to post the YouTube link for the video?

[James Smith]

Sydney-Bali – larger Airbus A330 aircraft will replace daily Boeing 737 flights from October this year with more premium seats and fully-flat beds in Business Class.
Sydney-Auckland-New York – following the successful launch of the new route in June this year, flights will increase from four per week to daily from August 2024.
Sydney-Johannesburg – for the first time Qantas A380s will operate to South Africa from July 2024, nearly doubling capacity during peak periods.
Melbourne-Los Angeles – capacity will increase by around 20 per cent with more A380 flights on the route from July 2024.
Sydney-Los Angeles – flights will increase from eight to nine per week from July 2024, operated with a mix of 787 and A380 aircraft.

Interestingly, the timing of QF 11 will change to a late afternoon departure from SYD (17:15), presumably so that the A380 operating from JBN can operate to LAX, giving a rotation of SYD-JNB-SYD-LAX-SYD six days of the week from July, 2024.

Also, SYD-DPS will be upgauged to an A330 from October, 2023. This must therefore be a squeeze to fit the increased number of seats within the QF group share of the bilateral agreement. Jetstar has replaced B788s with A321LRs with reduced seating, but have replaced a daily B788 with twice daily A321LR from Sydney, although still with a B788 thrice weekly, which is also an increase in seat numbers. Has the bilateral agreement with Indonesia recently been renegotiated?

[James Smith]

Mr Patters, the link to the Etihad A380 hanger visit video is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ef7skDTUgE

[Rowan McKeever]

Results announcement for Qantas is today and they have announced a split order for A330 replacement: 12x B787 and 12x A350. Have read elsewhere but yet to be able to confirm it is 4x 789, 8x 781 and 12x 351. The A350-1000s are not the Sunrise units, they are in addition to those.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-group-posts-first-full-year-profit-since-covid/

[Jim M]

Apparently the firm order is for:
12 x A350-1000 (in addition to the 12 already ordered for Project Sunrise
8 x 78X
4 x 789

[MarkR]

I don’t think it’s been mentioned before but they are also getting 7 mid life A320/A319s as well

[Kent Broadhead]

I don’t think it’s been mentioned before but they are also getting 7 mid life A320/A319s as well

Does that include the A319 delivered this week?

[MarkR]

Does that include the A319 delivered this week?

No, first of the seven due in Dec

[Greg Hyde]

I don’t think it’s been mentioned before but they are also getting 7 mid life A320/A319s as well

Mentioned in QF announcement posted up thread on 23 Feb

Only 5 x A319 at that time but have recently heard, it could be up to 10 with the first arriving next year (2024)

Also in the same announcement:

Two mid-life A320s for Jetstar Asia, to be based in Singapore, following the downsizing of its fleet during COVID to seven aircraft

They may one the ones JQ sent to Singapore/KL earlier this month

There 9 x A321P2F on order (6 X 08/22) + (3 x 02/23) with first arriving in early 2024

[MarkR]

Mentioned in QF announcement posted up thread on 23 Feb

Only 5 x A319 at that time but have recently heard, it could be up to 10 with the first arriving next year (2024)

Also in the same announcement:

Two mid-life A320s for Jetstar Asia, to be based in Singapore, following the downsizing of its fleet during COVID to seven aircraft

They may one the ones JQ sent to Singapore/KL earlier this month

There 9 x A321P2F on order (6 X 08/22) + (3 x 02/23) with first arriving in early 2024

What was announced in Feb has already started to be delivered, and as I noted in the Jetstar thread, these are not internal transfers, this is also mentioned in the feb announcement, they are new to the QF group.

[Greg Hyde]

From the February announcement:

+Five mid-life Airbus A319/320 aircraft to be sourced for Network Aviation to meet continued demand growth from resources clients in Western Australia.

+Options for up to 12 additional E190s to be wet leased to QantasLink from Alliance Airlines.

+Nine purchase right options for A220-300 aircraft for the domestic fleet to be exercised, taking the total number of A220s on firm order to 29. These additional aircraft will arrive during FY26 and FY27.

+Two mid-life A320s for Jetstar Asia, to be based in Singapore, following the downsizing of its fleet during COVID to seven aircraft.

+Three additional Airbus A321P2F freighters to help Qantas Freight meet demand with more efficient aircraft.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-group-returns-to-profit-with-record-half-year-result/

It looks to me that the only thing started/delivered is the additional QQ E190s

[MarkR]

From the February announcement:

+Five mid-life Airbus A319/320 aircraft to be sourced for Network Aviation to meet continued demand growth from resources clients in Western Australia.

+Options for up to 12 additional E190s to be wet leased to QantasLink from Alliance Airlines.

+Nine purchase right options for A220-300 aircraft for the domestic fleet to be exercised, taking the total number of A220s on firm order to 29. These additional aircraft will arrive during FY26 and FY27.

+Two mid-life A320s for Jetstar Asia, to be based in Singapore, following the downsizing of its fleet during COVID to seven aircraft.

+Three additional Airbus A321P2F freighters to help Qantas Freight meet demand with more efficient aircraft.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-group-returns-to-profit-with-record-half-year-result/

It looks to me that the only thing started/delivered is the additional QQ E190s

You need to look at the footnotes in the investor section re these being from outside the group and as previously mentioned the A319s have started to arrive while the announcement today stated December is the expected first delivery for todays announcement.

[Greg Hyde]

You need to look at the footnotes in the investor section re these being from outside the group and as previously mentioned the A319s have started to arrive while the announcement today stated December is the expected first delivery for todays announcement.

Funny you didn't mention that previously.

To reiterate from the February announcement (which you commenting on), at this time only the additional QQ E190s have been delivered which goes against your previous statement

"What was announced in Feb has already started to be delivered, and as I noted in the Jetstar thread, these are not internal transfers, this is also mentioned in the feb announcement, they are new to the QF group."

[Greg Hyde]

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-orders-more-aircraft-for-international-fleet/

from the above

ABOUT THE AIRCRAFT

Boeing 787-9 and 787-10

Qantas’ 787-9 at 62.8 metres is around the same length as the A330s they will replace, while the 787-10 at 68.3 metres is around five metres longer. Both 787 models will be powered by General Electric GEnx engines. The noise footprint of the 787 is 60 per cent smaller than those of previous generation aircraft[2]. The 787-9 delivers a 20 per cent improvement in fuel use, and around 25 percent for the 787-10, as compared to previous generation aircraft[3]. Airbus A350-1000

Qantas’ A350-1000 at 72.25 metres is 8.5 metres longer than the A330s they will replace and the same length as the A380.
The aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
The A350 provides a 50 per cent noise footprint reduction from previous generation aircraft[4].
The A350 enables a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft[5].

QANTAS GROUP FLEET RENEWAL OVERVIEW
The Qantas Group is on track to receive the first two QantasLink A220 aircraft by the end of this calendar year; subsequent deliveries are expected to be delayed by up to four months as a result of supply chain disruption.

The first of seven mid-life A320 family aircraft to meet growing resources flying and Jetstar Asia recovery are expected to arrive before the end of December 2023.

Twenty-two of the previously announced E190s wet-leased from Alliance Airlines are scheduled to have joined the Qantas fleet by the end of December 2023.

Two more A321 converted freighters are expected to arrive by the end of December 2023.

Jetstar’s 18 Airbus A321LRs are on track to enter the fleet by the end of calendar year 2024, with a further 20 A321LRs and A321XLRs set to be delivered by calendar year 2029.

The first of 12 Airbus A350-1000 ULRs for Project Sunrise are due to arrive in FY26.

[MarkR]

Funny you didn't mention that previously.

To reiterate from the February announcement (which you commenting on), at this time only the additional QQ E190s have been delivered which goes against your previous statement

"What was announced in Feb has already started to be delivered, and as I noted in the Jetstar thread, these are not internal transfers, this is also mentioned in the feb announcement, they are new to the QF group."

Greg, I didn’t mention the recent A319 delivery noted by Kent, only noted it wasn’t part of those announced in todays release and assumed it’s the Feb announcement. My point referencing the Feb announcement is that these are new to the Qantas group, not movements between subsidiaries or partly owned subsidiary’s in the case of 3K

[Greg Hyde]

Mark, You still haven't answered my question regarding your statement ""What was announced in Feb has already started to be delivered, and as I noted in the Jetstar thread, these are not internal transfers, this is also mentioned in the feb announcement, they are new to the QF group."

Also I've been through the "Qantas Group FY23 Investor Presentations"

https://investor.qantas.com/investors/?page=asx-announcements

and only found two references to the A319

p16

Continued strength of WA resources market resulting in commitment to5 x A319 aircraft to Network Aviation

p25

In addition to new aircraft deliveries (refer to table), the Group has flexibility with
—
Up to 30 x E190s7and 2 x A330s8through wet leases
—
Acquisition of 7 x mid-life A319/A320 aircraft

I couldn't find any reference to a Dec delivery date ?

[MarkR]

Greg

Kent mentioned an A319 delivery last week upthread, I am assuming this is from the Feb announcement as today they said first deliveries will be in December (see the media release). That A319 “delivery” may be a red herring but I think I saw at least one in Perth when I was there Monday. I note the Pprune job ad that indicated 15 may be the final number.

The first of seven mid-life A320 family aircraft to meet growing resources flying and Jetstar Asia recovery are expected to arrive before the end of December 2023.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-orders-more-aircraft-for-international-fleet/

As it stands there are 7 new to Qantas aircraft coming that will start in December delivery wise, these are not inter group transfers.

[Zac M]

The first A319 is still in the USA, will be VH-8NP, it is fully painted and I believe undergoing further pre-delivery maintenance

[Greg Hyde]

This where they are being sourced:

Spirit Airlines Agrees To Sell 29 Airbus A319s To Leasing Company

https://simpleflying.com/spirit-airlines-sell-29-airbus-a319/

[Greg Hyde]

Greg

Kent mentioned an A319 delivery last week upthread, I am assuming this is from the Feb announcement as today they said first deliveries will be in December (see the media release). That A319 “delivery” may be a red herring but I think I saw at least one in Perth when I was there Monday. I note the Pprune job ad that indicated 15 may be the final number.



https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-orders-more-aircraft-for-international-fleet/

As it stands there are 7 new to Qantas aircraft coming that will start in December delivery wise, these are not inter group transfers.

No mention of A319 in the above quoted document.

Skytraders have been operating A319's in Australia for many years.

[Kent Broadhead]

Ex Spirit Airlines A319-100 N503NK 2470 is due to be delivered to QFL as VH-8NP

Sorry everyone, I was getting ahead of myself. But this had long ago been announced.

[Bob C]

Skytraders' A319s are regular visitors to Perth and I noted VH-VHP on 19 August. They're very plain with only the Australian flag on the tail.

[MarkR]

No mention of A319 in the above quoted document.

Skytraders have been operating A319's in Australia for many years.

The quote says mid life A320 “family” ;)

[Zac M]

Midlife must be a very loosely used term. At 18 years old I would be inclined to say there probably isn’t a lot left in them…

[Adrian B]

HI all,

Just watched a YouTube video on the LAX operations. Can be found RARE LOOK inside QANTAS at LAX! by Airline Videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ukJwrdiX3Y)

[Stirling D]

A319 #2 N504NK has emerged from the paint shop as VH-8NQ.

[Greg Hyde]

For those playing at home (could be the next one)

N505NK ferried into Macon, GA (Where QLink A319 are being prepped) last Friday

[Stirling D]

For those playing at home (could be the next one)

N505NK ferried into Macon, GA (Where QLink A319 are being prepped) last Friday

Should be 8NR - from another forum.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-YQV B717 was deleted from the register on 21/08/23 as exported to USA

[Christopher Campbell]

Hey what’s happening with VH-EBD?

[Rowan McKeever]

VH-NXK left CBR for her trek to the States on Friday. Looks due to fly from MCT to SOF today, Monday 28th (local time). IIRC this is the first all-Y aircraft to leave the fleet.

[Greg Hyde]

A319 #2 N504NK has emerged from the paint shop as VH-8NQ.

And returned to Coolidge, AZ for continued storage

[Stirling D]

EBF looks to be scheduled to operate DRS-DRS today as QF7530

[Greg Hyde]

VH-NXK left CBR for her trek to the States on Friday. Looks due to fly from MCT to SOF today, Monday 28th (local time). IIRC this is the first all-Y aircraft to leave the fleet.

NXK has continued her ferry and is now flying as QF6070 and should arrive in VCV iv the next couples of days.

[Stirling D]

Take 2 on EBF, operating DRS-DRS test today as QF7530. Scheduled to depart to PUS for repainting on the 8th as QF7531.

[Tristan S]

Take 2 on EBF, operating DRS-DRS test today as QF7530. Scheduled to depart to PUS for repainting on the 8th as QF7531.

The back home to Aus?

[Chris Z]

EBN in BNE last night, the tug ran into the number two engine… destroyed it. Off for an engine change and engine mounts, hence why the LA flight didn’t depart until this afternoon with a aircraft swap.

[Radi K]

EBN in BNE last night, the tug ran into the number two engine… destroyed it. Off for an engine change and engine mounts, hence why the LA flight didn’t depart until this afternoon with a aircraft swap.

No idea what a tug is doing there!

https://imgur.com/a/Up6o2yw

[Adrian B]

Taking a stab that the guy in the left was the driver??

[Brenden S]

The question that needs to be asked is why was the driver reversing in that area?

[MarkR]

The question that needs to be asked is why was the driver reversing in that area?

Rumour has it Alan was out to prove anybody could drive a tug!

[Michael Mak]

VH-EBF is currently performing a test flight out of DRS as QF7530, first flight since November 2022.

https://fr24.com/QFA7530/31e8aff2

[Stirling D]

VH-NXM is off to the bin today. Departing CBR at 1015 as SXI2361.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-EBF is currently performing a test flight out of DRS as QF7530, first flight since November 2022.

https://fr24.com/QFA7530/31e8aff2

EBF had a second test flight out of DRS

[James Smith]

EBF is ferrying DRS - PUS for repainting at present as QF7531 and is due to arrive in just under three hours.

[Sean L]

https://scontent.fsyd4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/376680517_198792233213655_6967973292910504482_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=4c1e7d&_nc_ohc=lymzMqpjG9EAX_K7BDw&_nc_ht=scontent.fsyd4-1.fna&oh=00_AfC8EOO3DWvubOXgRXMw_MhVYT0oG1qYNTX6Z-D10wLMzg&oe=6500DF16

Taken off an FB post
EBF due into CNS

[Stirling D]

https://scontent.fsyd4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/376680517_198792233213655_6967973292910504482_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=4c1e7d&_nc_ohc=lymzMqpjG9EAX_K7BDw&_nc_ht=scontent.fsyd4-1.fna&oh=00_AfC8EOO3DWvubOXgRXMw_MhVYT0oG1qYNTX6Z-D10wLMzg&oe=6500DF16

Taken off an FB post
EBF due into CNS

Continuing to BNE the same day.

[Tom PER]

Interestingly last months QF Investor presentation made reference to the 738 fleet being retrofitted with split scimitar winglets, so assuming these would have to be the later International XZ* birds that do the International sectors, anyone know more? Love the B767 tail on page 1!

https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20230824/pdf/05szwgg3tvbwjc.pdf

Page 40/41.

Also with large numbers of A321XLR arriving in the not too distant future are we likely to see the 20+ year old VX* series 738’s sold off for presumably scrap? There was a whisper a while back that some mid life 738’s were going to undergo freighter conversion, but guessing the additional incoming A321F’s have shelved this.

[MarkR]

Also with large numbers of A321XLR arriving in the not too distant future are we likely to see the 20+ year old VX* series 738’s sold off for presumably scrap? There was a whisper a while back that some mid life 738’s were going to undergo freighter conversion, but guessing the additional incoming A321F’s have shelved this.

I am not sure Qantas will be getting rid of any aircraft in the near future given the P&W issues will no doubt affect new aircraft, they dodged this with the neo but not the 220. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the A321XLR visit Sydney as per of its route proving flights over the next ten days

[Rowan McKeever]

I am not sure Qantas will be getting rid of any aircraft in the near future given the P&W issues will no doubt affect new aircraft, they dodged this with the neo but not the 220. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the A321XLR visit Sydney as per of its route proving flights over the next ten days

The Airbus media for the route proving suggests the aircraft will only operate within Europe and to the US.

[Greg Hyde]

https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/stories/2023-09-en-route-to-certification-the-a321xlr-embarks-on-first-international-test

[Greg Hyde]

VH-NXM is off to the bin today. Departing CBR at 1015 as SXI2361.

NXM continues her ferry to VCV via the European route. Currently in Sofia, Bulgaria

[Greg Hyde]

NXM continues her ferry to VCV via the European route. Currently in Sofia, Bulgaria

NXM now flying as QF6070 should arrive in VCV in the next couple of days.

[Sean L]

Apparently QF596 YSSY-YBCG had hydraulic issues and upon touchdown reported full loss of hydraulics and became stranded on the end of runway 32 at OOL.
VH-VXC is the aircraft in question
Info from Matt Coughran on FB (cheers Matty!)

[Stirling D]

QF's first A330F due into BNE and CNS this friday, arriving into CNS at 1400, departing at 1445, arriving into BNE at 1655 all as QF7532.

[C Patters]

Get the cameras ready!!!

[lloyd fox]

Yep i will try to get there...Have to fight the traffic to get home.:)

[James Smith]

The newly painted EBF has filed its flight plan to Australia. Flightaware is showing a direct flight from PUS to BNE scheduled to depart at 11:00 AEST and arrive in BNE at 19:41 local. I don't know what happened to the potential CNS stopover.

[Rowan McKeever]

Interesting, FR24 is still showing the full PUS-SIN / SIN-CNS-BNE / BNE-SYD-ADL-MEL routing, as is online flight status on QF website.

[James Smith]

Strange. FR24 is showing two duplicate SIN-CNS and CNS-BNE flights tomorrow 22/9/23, three hours apart, with PUS-SIN today leaving at 11:00 AEST. We'll be watching which route it takes with interest.

[James Smith]

EBF looks to be definitely heading towards BNE and scheduled to arrive at 19:59 local time. The later part of the route on Flightaware is B562 from New Guinea to MK (Mackay), Y61 to waypoint RUROX and Y177 to waypoint SMOKA and descent into BNE. So, it doesn't look as though it will land in CNS. FR24 seems to be confused.

[Radi K]

EBF looks to be definitely heading towards BNE and scheduled to arrive at 19:59 local time. The later part of the route on Flightaware is B562 from New Guinea to MK (Mackay), Y61 to waypoint RUROX and Y177 to waypoint SMOKA and descent into BNE. So, it doesn't look as though it will land in CNS. FR24 seems to be confused.

Confirmed it has filed YBBN as destination. https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/QFA7532 - ETA 8pm local

[Stirling D]

EBF has arrived in BNE, same scheme as the 321s and renamed ‘Hercules’.

[Greg Hyde]

Do the A321F's have names ?

[Stirling D]

Do the A321F's have names ?

Nope, EBF seems to be the first freighter names.

[James Smith]

EBF is currently on its way to CNS who won't miss out on seeing it today.

[lloyd fox]

Watched it this morning on live stream and has Australia Post titles like what Stirling said.Same as the 321's

[Ben W]

Sorry if this was mentioned elsewhere on the message board.

Interesting to see QF will deploy 380's on the SYD-JNB route starting July 2024. I would of thought SYD-DFW would of got 380's back before upgrading JNB, especially since QF 16 & 93 are night services at that time of the year....hence killing connections at LAX.

[Rowan McKeever]

DFW is range-limiting (I read elsewhere today that the B744ER operated westbound on that route with ~100 seats blocked), and now has the second route to MEL. Even the B789s have had diversions to BNE etc. on the westbound services, and they're more capable than the A380.

JNB will also operate at between 4 and 6 weekly A380s with no other non-stop service, compared with pre-COVID where QF were operating at up to daily with a B744 in addition to SA operating daily to PER. And of course once upon a time there was VA, too.

[James Smith]

On 18/9/23 QF596 YSSY-YBCG had hydraulic issues and upon touchdown reported full loss of hydraulics and became stranded on the end of runway 32 at OOL. VH-VXC is the aircraft.

After this incident VXC ferried to SYD on 19/9/23 and returned to service operating QF651 SYD-PER on Tuesday 26/9/23. It operated internal WA services yesterday.

[Christopher Campbell]

When is VH-EBD returning to service?

[Brenden S]

Later this year apparently.

[James Smith]

OQH is currently ferrying from LAX-PUS as QF6015 possibly for repainting. It is one of two A380s still in the old QANTAS livery, the one where the kangaroo on the tail has arms.

[Greg Hyde]

Boeing 717 VH-NXJ was deleted from the register on 06/10/2023 as exported to USA.

[Brenden S]

VH-NXN is enroute to WA at the moment.

[Yusef D]

VH-NXN is enroute to WA at the moment.


to counter one of the Q group's lowest paid entities they're enlisted another of the group's lowest paid entities.

[MarkR]

Will be interesting to see what aircraft will be operating the rescue flights from Israel to London Friday and Sunday

[C Patters]

100% don’t think Qantas have many spare aircraft given a number of them are in maintenance at the moment & being used for regular services

[Stirling D]

AA reporting 787s, and will disrupt the current flying. So possibly running off the back of QF9?

https://australianaviation.com.au/2023/10/qantas-to-fly-australians-home-from-israel/

[Stirling D]

Qf6001 lhr0640 – 1230tlv 789 5
qf300 tlv1525 – 1945lhr 789 5

qf6001 lhr0635 – 1225tlv 789 7
qf300 tlv1525 – 1945lhr 789 7