QANTAS Fleet and Operations

[James Smith]

I have checked the 75 QANTAS passenger B738s to determine those that are in service and those still in storage.

As at today there are 69 in service and 6 in storage. The B738s currently in storage are VH-VXH (BNE), VXR (BNE), VXS (BNE), VZB (SYD), XZD (BNE) & XZN (MEL). A number have returned to service in March and early April to increase capacity leading up to and during Easter and the school holidays.

This may be of interest to some of those members of this forum.

[Bob C]

Yes, it is James.

I have been tracking the QF B737s to Perth this year and so far have noted 64. Of course I may have missed a few and hopefully we see the others before too long.

[James Smith]

Of the QANTAS A332s there are eight stored in SYD, three in BNE and one in MEL as at today. The remaining six (EBC, EBE, EBJ, EBK, EBL & EBQ) are active flying passenger services around Australia. During March, EBC (11/3/21) and EBQ (25/3/21) resumed active service. The aircraft in MEL is EBM which only positioned there from SYD yesterday (9/4/21) and it is presumed that it will return to service shortly.

With New Zealand services re-commencing on 16 April, 2021 there will be a need for up to three additional A332s to fly the six daily QANTAS AKL return flights from BNE, MEL & SYD. This could see additional A332s brought back into service if current domestic A332 schedules are not re-arranged following the end of school holidays or A333s substituted.

[James Smith]

Since my last post two B738s and two A332s have returned to service in April from storage for QANTAS. B738s VH-XZD and XZN and A332s VH-EBM and EBP have returned. This leaves four B738s and ten A332s still in storage.

[Kent Broadhead]

VH-VZB did a test flight today, after being parked March 2020. I assume soon to reenter servcie.

[Tristan S]

I believe that will leave only VXR and VXS that havent flown since March/April of last year.

[James Smith]

VH-VZB flew nearly a 2 hour test flight today from SYD as QF6112 and it looks as though it is being readied for return to service. VH-VXR repositioned from MEL-BNE on 29/10/20 as QF6114. VH-VXS haven't flown since 6/4/20. VH-VXH flew a scheduled flight QF556 SYD-BNE on 6/10/20 but I can't confirm if it was operating regular scheduled services prior to this date.

[Max C]

VZB did QF532

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHVZB/history/20210504/0505Z/YSSY/YBBN

[Tristan S]

VH-VZB flew nearly a 2 hour test flight today from SYD as QF6112 and it looks as though it is being readied for return to service. VH-VXR repositioned from MEL-BNE on 29/10/20 as QF6114. VH-VXS haven't flown since 6/4/20. VH-VXH flew a scheduled flight QF556 SYD-BNE on 6/10/20 but I can't confirm if it was operating regular scheduled services prior to this date.

Sorry yes, VXR hasnt flown an RPT service since March.

VXH is interesting - looks like it hasnt operated anything since QF556 and didnt operate anything in the months prior to that.

[MarkR]

OQC will head to Dresden soon for heavy maintenance after a gear swing at LAX.

[James Smith]

VH-OQC is located at VCV, Mark. Is the A380 relocating to LAX for the gear swing and then heading to DRS or is the work in LAX for one of the two resident A380s there - OQB & OQD?

[MarkR]

VH-OQC is located at VCV, Mark. Is the A380 relocating to LAX for the gear swing and then heading to DRS or is the work in LAX for one of the two resident A380s there - OQB & OQD?

Go to LAX then Dresden

[James Smith]

QANTAS A380 VH-OQC hasn't moved from VCV for maintenance as yet.

A332 VH-EBF returned to service on 15/5/21 when it operated QF649 from SYD to PER. This was the aircraft's first revenue service since 23/3/20. This leaves half (9) of the QANTAS fleet of A332s in service and half (9) still in storage - 7 located in SYD and 2 in BNE. The stored aircraft in SYD are now located either on the Kilo bays, adjacent to taxiway Juliet or near the pond with runway 07/25 recently cleared of stored aircraft in time for the brutal winter westerly winds.

[Greg Hyde]

VQC ferried to LAX as QF6011 on 20/05/

It will then ferry to Europe for a full maintenance check

[Adam W]

VQC ferried to LAX as QF6011 on 20/05/

Do you mean OQC? VQC is currently operating AKL-WLG.

[Greg Hyde]

Yes Adam OQC from VCV to LAX

[MarkR]

Qantas customers can now book seven new domestic routes and travel on more widebody aircraft between major capital cities to help meet strong demand for domestic travel across Australia.
The new routes – Townsville to Adelaide/Melbourne/Sydney, Adelaide to Cairns/Hobart, Sydney-Uluru and Perth-Gold Coast – provide direct connections and reduce travel time for customers. They bring the total number of routes Qantas and Jetstar have added since the start of the pandemic to 45.
Five of the routes will be operated by Embraer E190 regional jets as part of QantasLink’s partnership with Alliance Airlines. The first Qantas flights operated by the 94-seat E190s took off today between Adelaide, Darwin and Alice Springs.
Customers will also see more widebody aircraft with Business Suites on flights between the East Coast capital cities into Perth and Darwin.
Usually used for long haul international flights including Perth-London, the 236-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will begin operating up to nine Sydney to Perth flights per week.
Widebody Qantas Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which serviced international routes into Asia, will operate on more flights into Darwin from Sydney and Brisbane, and also into Perth from Sydney and Melbourne. These will be added to the A330s already flying on east-west routes.
The additional flying will see Qantas’ capacity exceed 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels in the coming months and the Group’s market share around 70 per cent.
Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said the new routes would support the growing demand for domestic tourism.
“As most international travel remains off limits for now, Australians are taking more regular holidays within the country and we expect these new direct flights to key tourism destinations will be popular with travellers,” said Mr David.
“Our customers now have 45 more routes to fly than we had pre-COVID making it even easier for them to get to their next holiday or business meeting. Previously, travelling between these cities meant a connecting flight in the middle, but now they can fly direct and save at least an hour in the process.
“Our strategy of adding new domestic routes is generating revenue from our aircraft rather than leaving them on the ground. It means more work for our people and even more low fares for our customers.
“We know how popular the 787s and A330s are with our customers on our international network and we think there will be huge demand for the domestic flights these aircraft operate on, particularly frequent flyers looking to use points.
“Qantas is also the only airline in Australia operating these widebody aircraft which offer Business Suites and inflight entertainment for all customers.
“People know exactly what to expect when they book with Qantas, whether its complimentary food and drinks, baggage or access to 33 lounges around Australia.”

[James Smith]

To support today's QANTAS media release advising that more A332s are to be operating east-west routes, VH-EBS operated two test flights last Saturday, positioned to MEL yesterday and returned to service this evening operating QF779 from MEL to PER.

This leaves ten of the QANTAS fleet of A332s in service and eight still in storage, six located in SYD and two in BNE.

[Gary Smith8]

Given the impending introduction of the E190 into QLink, could they not consider an Adelaide - Launceston route in addition to Hobart? Doesn't have to be daily.

[James Smith]

QANTAS B738 VH-VXR flew a 28 minute test flight from BNE as QF6102 on 18/5/21 and returned to service the same day operating QF541 from BNE to SYD.

This leaves only B738s VH-VXH and VXS to return to service, although Flightaware showed VXH was to operate QF536 from SYD to BNE on 24/5/21 but the flight was cancelled.

[Radi K]

Given the impending introduction of the E190 into QLink, could they not consider an Adelaide - Launceston route in addition to Hobart? Doesn't have to be daily.

I'm sure it's been looked at. The airlines simply look at how much traffic (or people) are booking flights between ADL and LST (via MEL). If there is enough traffic to justify a direct service, they would do it. Clearly, right now, there isn't enough demand to fill 100 seater jet.

[Tristan S]

B737-800 VH-VXS returned to service today after a more than 12 month hiatus, operating QF539 BNE SYD.

[James Smith]

With B738 VH-VXS back in service this leaves only VXH still to return to service with QANTAS after its cancelled flight QF536 on 24/5/21.
It looks as though VXS operated a very late QF718 leaving BNE at 1:12 and arriving at CNS at 3:20 this morning, over five hours late. It was probably a replacement aircraft for the flight and needed to be in CNS to operate the first flight back to BNE this morning at 6:00.

[Max C]

The crew to operate the CNS service were late ex CBR due to a breakdown and aircraft swap.

[James Smith]

A332 VH-EBR flew from SYD to BNE on 8/6/21 as QF6122 for maintenance. Possibly pre-return to service maintenance.

[James Smith]

B738 VH-VXH conducted a 38 minute test flight from and back to BNE this morning, 20/6/21 as QF6127. Hopefully, a return to service is not too far away.

[James Smith]

A380 VH-OQC has been undergoing maintenance in LAX since relocating from VCV on 20/5/21. It conducted an extensive 87 minute test flight from LAX on 18/6/21 and is shortly due to ferry to DRS for further maintenance.

[James Smith]

VH-VXH returned to service this morning operating QF1076 from BNE to ISA. This means that all B738s have now returned to service since the aircraft groundings and storage brought about by COVID.

[James Smith]

A380 VH-OQC has defied us all by flying from LAX to AUH, not DRS, for further maintenance arriving late last night, 21/6/21 local time.

[James Smith]

A332 VH-EBG returned to service on 28/6/21 when it operated a return flight BNE - DRW. This leaves only seven non-active QANTAS A332s: VH-EBA, EBB, EBD, EBN, EBO, EBR & EBV.

[Tristan S]

A332 EBV returned to service on 12/07/21 operating QF7523 SYD AKL.

[Max C]

Q300 TQM is set to return to the QLink fleet after a long period of storage in TMW. It's currently in CNS getting heavy maintenance done and then will go to TSV for repaint.

[James Smith]

A332 VH-EBO performed a test flight out of SYD on 31/7/21 and returned to service on 1/8/21 when it operated flight QF643 from SYD-PER.

A332 VH-EBR returned to service on 1/8/21 when it operated flight QF824 from BNE-DRW.

[Tristan S]

A rarity at the moment.... QF A380 VH-OQB is currently en route from LAX to DRS as QF6013
https://fr24.com/QFA6013/28d7a0c0

[James Smith]

Interesting Tristan. VH-OQB is one of the two A380s that wasn't stored in VCV and did a 2 hour 46 minute test flight from LAX on Tuesday. Could it be going to DRS for refurbishment? Likely not, based on Alan Joyce's past comments regarding the future of their A380s and only needing the six already refurnished aircraft in service initially.

Could it be that the new seats and internal fittings were ordered by QANTAS well before COVID hit and have been sitting in storage at DRS and AUH. The companies have said that they need the space and QANTAS has determined that it is more cost effective to install the already received furnishings? Or maybe the companies have offered an excellent deal to perform the refurbishments? Or lastly, as is often the case, is my thinking well off the mark?

Also VH-OQC has now been in AUH for 2 months. Another un-refurbished A380.

[MarkR]

Interesting Tristan. VH-OQB is one of the two A380s that wasn't stored in VCV and did a 2 hour 46 minute test flight from LAX on Tuesday. Could it be going to DRS for refurbishment? Likely not, based on Alan Joyce's past comments regarding the future of their A380s and only needing the six already refurnished aircraft in service initially.

Could it be that the new seats and internal fittings were ordered by QANTAS well before COVID hit and have been sitting in storage at DRS and AUH. The companies have said that they need the space and QANTAS has determined that it is more cost effective to install the already received furnishings? Or maybe the companies have offered an excellent deal to perform the refurbishments? Or lastly, as is often the case, is my thinking well off the mark?

Also VH-OQC has now been in AUH for 2 months. Another un-refurbished A380.

They are not upgrading the cabins, just doing heavy maintenance.

[MarkR]

They are not upgrading the cabins, just doing heavy maintenance.

That may have changed, 10 returning to service, two being disposed. Also working on extending range of A330-200s to fly to Lax, taking delivery of 787s and A321neo due earl FY23 for JQ

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas to return five A380s to service ‘ahead of schedule’

Qantas has announced it will return five of its 12 Airbus A380s to service “ahead of schedule”, as it prepares for international borders to re-open in December.

The airline said it will use the five A380s to fly between Sydney and LA from July 2022, and between Sydney and London, via Singapore, from November 2022.

The airline had previously stated that while it was committed to retaining its A380 fleet, the four-engined jets were unlikely to return to service until 2023.

In total, Qantas expects 10 of its 12 A380s to be back to performing regularly scheduled services by early 2024, while the remaining two are to be retired.

All 10 returning A380s will have their interiors refurbished prior to their return to service.

Meanwhile, Qantas will take delivery of three new 787-9 Dreamliners that have remained undelivered and stored with Boeing during FY23, while Jetstar will welcome its first three A321neo LR aircraft also from FY23.
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It comes as the airline posted a statutory loss before tax of $1.83 billion, largely driven by sudden and ongoing border closures in the second half of the financial year.

The airline said total revenue loss amounted to $16 billion for the full year due to COVID-related disruptions including prolonged international border closures and “multiple waves” of domestic border restrictions.

“This loss shows the impact that a full year of closed international borders and more than 330 days of domestic travel restrictions had on the national carrier,” Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said.

It comes as the airline continues to prepare for international borders to re-open in December 2021, once Australia reaches its 80 per cent vaccination target.

From mid-December, Qantas and Jetstar will reinstate international schedules between Australia and low-risk countries, including Singapore, the US, Japan, the UK, Canada and Fiji.

The airline is also reinstating services between Australia and New Zealand, projecting a re-start of the currently paused trans-Tasman travel bubble, also in December.

Meanwhile, Qantas has pushed back its planned return to higher-risk destinations, such as Bali, Bangkok, Manila, and Johannesburg, until April 2022.

“The prospect of flying overseas might feel a long way off, especially in New South Wales and Victoria in lockdown, but the current pace of the vaccine rollout means we should have a lot more freedom in a few months’ time,” said Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.

“It’s obviously up to the government exactly how and when our international borders re-open, but with Australia on track to meet the 80 per cent trigger agreed by national cabinet by the end of the year, we need to plan ahead for what is a complex restart process.”

On Wednesday, Australian Aviation revealed that one of Qantas’ A380s was flown from storage at LAX to a facility in Dresden, Germany, for maintenance ahead of its planned refurbishment.

VH-OQB is one of just two of Qantas’ superjumbos that were grounded at a purpose-built A380 hangar at LAX, rather than stored at the Victorville ‘boneyard’ in the California desert. The move suggests it could be among the first of Qantas’ A380s to return to regular passenger service, after being in storage since March 2020.

For the first time since then, VH-OQB took to the skies at 1:54pm on 19 August as flight QF6013, and took the 11-hour journey to Dresden Airport in Germany.

The plane was moved in order to undergo a scheduled landing gear update, according to Qantas, and will remain in storage at Dresden Airport, before undergoing a refurbishment ahead of its planned return to service.

Despite sending the majority of the airline’s A380 fleet to long-term storage in the desert, Joyce has repeatedly stated that the carrier will look to reactivate its entire fleet of A380s when the pandemic subsides.

In April, Joyce said each aircraft could potentially come back into service in as little as “three to six months”.

Earlier, in February, the Qantas chief executive said that it was “heartbreaking” to see the fleet stored in the Mojave Desert and insisted that curfews and expensive airport slots meant flying them will still be profitable.

“We have reconfigured six of them with brand new product onboards. In fact, one aircraft just being reconfigured flew directly to the Mojave Desert,” said Joyce at the time.

“It’s there with new seats on it and that nobody’s ever sat on, which is unbelievably disappointing. But we do think if you look at the Qantas’ network, there are going to be opportunities to deploy those aircraft.

“We do have scheduling windows, because if you if you’ve ever been in LA, at between 10 o’clock and midnight, you see six or seven Qantas aircraft departing to Australia, because it’s the only time that works with curfews, so instead of flying multiple frequencies right on top of each other.

“An A380, that’s fully or nearly fully written down, if it generates cash, will absolutely work. Airports that have slot restrictions, like Heathrow, where a slot is extremely expensive, then the aircraft works for that. And the similar scheduling windows that worked for Australia are unique.

“So we do believe there’s a need for that fleet. And we do believe that it will generate cash. And it’s all going to be about cash when we start up international [flights].”

VH-OQB was one of just two of Qantas’ 12 A380s that weren’t sent into storage at the notorious Victorville ‘boneyard’ in the California desert, the other being VH-OQD. Both were instead grounded at Qantas’ purpose-built A380 hangar at LAX.

[Max C]

Q300 TQL ferried TMW-BNE-CNS today for heavy maintenance in CNS.

TQM is waiting to head to TSV for repaint.

[Tom PER]

That may have changed, 10 returning to service, two being disposed. Also working on extending range of A330-200s to fly to Lax, taking delivery of 787s and A321neo due earl FY23 for JQ

QF used to fly AKL-LAX with A332’s, EBG/H/I and J, although H and I have long departed the fleet to join the RAAF, from memory it was just a minor engine software modification needed, to give the engines an additional ‘thrust bump’.

[Tristan S]

A332s EBA and EBN both performed SYD SYD test flights yesterday, the first time they have flown since they were positioned to SYD in July and September last year, respectively.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know what EBM is doing in Abu Dhabi?

[MarkR]

Does anyone know what EBM is doing in Abu Dhabi?

MTOW upgrade?

[James Smith]

A332 VH-EBA returned to service last night, 13/9/21 when it operated QF7325 from SYD-MEL. With EBNs test flight last week this leaves just it, EBB and EBD still to return to service.

[James Smith]

A332 VH-EBN returned to service last night, 16/9/21 when it operated QF653 from SYD-PER. This leaves EBB and EBD still to return to service.

[MarkR]

QPA went to DRW earlier today under a 6xxx number, now operating QF110 back to Sydney, presume more vaccines and maybe some Howard springs returnees.

[Peter C]

QPA went to DRW earlier today under a 6xxx number, now operating QF110 back to Sydney, presume more vaccines and maybe some Howard springs returnees.

That switch seems to have been to allow 789 ZNC to head back to the UK as QF109 (a Scheduled Repatriation flight)

[Max C]

TQY ferried SYD-CNS for maintenance after spending 18 months in storage

[MarkR]

Qantas update via the ASX

One A380 back Dec 25 for crew training, two in service April to LAX, also bringing forward delivery of three 787s

[James Smith]

Dash 8-300 VH-TQM resumed service with QLink on 23/10/21, after it returned from its stint in NZ with Jetstar in December 2019, and subsequent storage at TMW. It had maintenance carried out at CNS and repainting into the QLink scheme at TSV prior to re-entry.

VH-TQL is currently under maintenance in CNS prior to repainting and return to service with QLink.

[Max C]

TQL will ferry to TSV today for repaint.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know why VXI positioned to Hong Kong from Darwin yesterday? I thought all maintenance on the 737 fleet was done in Australia?

[Tristan S]

A332 VH-EBM has just completed a test flight AUH AUH as qf6013

[MarkR]

First A380 due back is YSSY next week (Tuesday afternoon - VH-OQB ex DRS)

[Jamie D]

A332 VH-EBM is currently making its way back to Sydney as QF6014 direct from AUH, due 1830 this evening.

[MarkR]

First A380 due back is YSSY next week (Tuesday afternoon - VH-OQB ex DRS)

QF6023 is due in from DRS at 1430, 17:21 duration

[David C]

QF6023 is due in from DRS at 1430, 17:21 duration

Currently overflying Zamboanga at FL410 and due into SYD at 1501hrs , 18h40m flight time .

Dave C

[Greg Hyde]

Large welcome party planned.

Expect good press coverage in tonight's news

[Adrian B]

About to overfly Darwin

[matthew dobson]

Just came over me at about 3,500 feet, then the airport and now the harbour.

Nice to see!

[James Smith]

OQB tracked along the 07 approach path, over the airport like a missed approach, continued over the eastern suburbs then north and down the harbour at 3,000.

QANTAS are certainly milking the arrival for all it's worth and the aircraft hasn't even landed as yet. All after nearly 19 hours airborne. It looks to be on descent and making an approach to 07 now.

[Greg Hyde]

https://youtu.be/VjlDTawCjsA

[Max C]

TQL will ferry TSV-BNE-SYD today after repaint into QantasLink colours.

[Ryan K]

With Tasmania's border to Victoria reopening next month, Qantas will begin a new Melbourne-Burnie service from 17th December. The route will be served by QantasLink Q300 aircraft.

This is just one of a number of new Qantas services to Tasmania introduced since international borders closed. Others include Perth-Hobart, Canberra-Hobart, Adelaide-Hobart, Brisbane-Hobart, Brisbane-Launceston and Sydney-Launceston.

[Max C]

TQL is named 'Kyneton'

[Greg Hyde]

Qantas 787 Crew Unable To Raise Landing Gear After Takeoff

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation has found the failure to remove two downlock pins before departure prevented the main landing gear of a Qantas Boeing 787-9 from retracting after takeoff earlier this year.

Preflight inspections did not spot two downlock pins

The aircraft, VH-ZNH, was operating QF645 from Sydney to Perth on Monday, June 21, 2021. There were 106 passengers and 13 crew on the flight. After taking off, the pilots selected UP on the aircraft’s landing gear lever.

They then received a warning indicating that neither main landing gear had retracted to the ‘up and locked’ position. Working through the aircraft’s electronic checklist did not resolve the issue. The pilots then selected the landing gear lever to DOWN. There was a positive gear extension indication, and the aircraft returned to Sydney for a safe landing.

https://simpleflying.com/qantas-787-unable-to-raise-landing-gear/

https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/news-items/2021/remove-before-flight/

[James Smith]

In today's QANTAS New Room announcement about the conversion of two A332s to freighters, the following paragraph was also included:

Qantas will also take delivery of three new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners during 2022.

Source https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/me...mmerce-demand/

This brings forward the previous advice that the three aircraft would be delivered in the 2022/23 financial year.

[MarkR]

In today's QANTAS New Room announcement about the conversion of two A332s to freighters, the following paragraph was also included:



Source https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/me...mmerce-demand/

This brings forward the previous advice that the three aircraft would be delivered in the 2022/23 financial year.

they announced they were bringing new deliveries forward Oct 22

[C Patters]

Looks like there is a fair bit of crew training happening now with the A330-200's on the Australia-US route with EBS, EBR currently operating inbound & EBM, EBO operating outbound flights to the US

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OQK QF6021 from Victorville (VCV) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on December 11th, 2021.

[James Smith]

QANTAS will launch non-stop seasonal flights between Perth and Rome from 22 June to 6 October, 2022. The Sydney-Perth-Rome service will see three Boeing 787-9 flights per week on Mon, Wed, Sat making the 16-hour trek during the peak European holiday season.

Source: https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-says-buongiorno-with-direct-flights-from-australia-to-italy/

[Tristan S]

A333 VH-QPE, which has been on the ground in BNE since 22/09 is currently operating a test flight BNE BNE.

[James Smith]

QANTAS has been operating a B787-9 on SYD-MEL-SYD services since Tuesday 14/12/21. The rotation has been QF409 SYD-MEL departing at 7:00; QF432 MEL-SYD departing at 10:00; QF449 SYD-MEL departing at 14:00 and QF470 MEL-SYD departing at 17:00. Wednesday saw the first two flights operated by a B738.

ZNK has been operating the services since last Thursday. The flights are possibly for technical crew training as QANTAS is substantially increasing its international services over the next three days and HNL, HND & YVR are coming back on line.

[Peter C]

QANTAS has been operating a B787-9 on SYD-MEL-SYD services since Tuesday 14/12/21. The rotation has been QF409 SYD-MEL departing at 7:00; QF432 MEL-SYD departing at 10:00; QF449 SYD-MEL departing at 14:00 and QF470 MEL-SYD departing at 17:00. Wednesday saw the first two flights operated by a B738. ...
The first rotation on Wednesday was operated by ZNJ an hour later than the other days : as QF419 returning as QF436. Still had time to operate the second rotation.

It appears that the QF1/QF2 rotation SYD-LHR via DRW and QF11/QF12 rotation SYD-LAX have been upped to a daily service, in addition to the new services.

[Peter C]

Anyone know the purpose for 787-9 VH-ZND positioning from Sydney to Dubai as QF6019 this morning ?

[David C]

Qantas to introduce the A380 back into service from Jan 11th on the BNE to LAX route . The early re entry into service is due to staffing shortages on the 787 crews due to Covid restrictions and quarantine requirements .

Dave C

[Greg Hyde]

Anyone know the purpose for 787-9 VH-ZND positioning from Sydney to Dubai as QF6019 this morning ?

Charter for Aussie Open Tennis players

[Peter C]

Charter for Aussie Open Tennis players

Thanks Greg : VH-ZND coming into Melbourne as QF306 today (Thursday)

[Greg Hyde]

There is also a SA A380 charter from Dubai with Tennis players and officals

[James Smith]

Thanks Greg : VH-ZND coming into Melbourne as QF306 today (Thursday)

VH-ZND is currently returning to DXB from MEL as QF6003.

[James Smith]

QANTAS to introduce the A380 back into service from Jan 11th on the BNE to LAX route.

The A380 will be operating QF11/12 on the SYD-LAX-SYD route three times per week from 11/1/22.

Source: https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-a380-sydney-los-angeles

[James Smith]

VH-OQB has just performed a 54 minute flight from SYD-SYD heading west over the blue mountains towards Orange, then south and back towards Yass as QF6016. There are two further flights scheduled for today, obviously for A380 crew training prior to it commencing service on 11/1/22.

[Jamie D]

VH-OQD did a test flight out of Lax yesterday for a few hours out over Nevada and back, could this one be coming home next or will it go to Europe first as well?

[MarkR]

OQD has been renovated and given flights start in four days I cannot see it heading anywhere but to yssy

[Tristan S]

Due into SYD at 0600L on Sunday.

[Tristan S]

Due into SYD at 0600L on Sunday.

Now Monday.

[James Smith]

OQD is on its way to SYD as QF6023.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-OQB has just performed a 54 minute flight from SYD-SYD heading west over the blue mountains towards Orange, then south and back towards Yass as QF6016. There are two further flights scheduled for today, obviously for A380 crew training prior to it commencing service on 11/1/22.

OQB has restarted it's training/refresher flights this morning

[James Smith]

The current flight by OQB is the 25th training flight since QANTAS commenced them on 5/1/22. They have operated everyday since then with a maximum of six flights on two days.

It will be interesting to see if the training flights continue after tomorrow now that OQD is back in SYD.

[Greg Hyde]

Watch: Second Qantas A380 returns to Australia from storage

A second Qantas Airbus A380 has returned to Australia after spending 674 days in storage at LAX, ahead of a planned return to service.
VH-OQD took off from LAX just before 9pm local time on Saturday, 8 January, taking to the skies for a total of 14 hours and 18 minutes, en-route to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport, where it landed at 6:11am on Monday, 10 January.

It marks the first time that OQD has touched down on Australian soil since it performed its last passenger flight to London, and was ferried from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi for maintenance on 7 March 2020.

Twitter user @speedbird020 captured this livefeed of VH-OQD taking off from LAX, on its way home to Australia.

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/01/watch-second-qantas-a380-returns-to-australia-from-storage/

[Greg Hyde]

Flagship Qantas A380 returns to passenger service

Update: 10pm
And we’re off!
The first Qantas Airbus A380 has officially returned to passenger service after a nearly two-year hiatus, with VH-OQB taking to the skies as QF11 from Sydney – LAX.
VH-OQB took off from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport right on schedule, at 9:44pm on Tuesday, and is currently en-route to Los Angeles, for an expected flight time of just under 14 hours.

It marks not only the first passenger service onboard Qantas’ flagship Airbus A380 aircraft since the early days of the pandemic, but also OQB’s first passenger flight in 659 days.

The last time VH-OQB carried passengers was on 23 March 2020.

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/01/qantas-a380-prepares-for-return-to-commercial-service/

[James Smith]

OQB arrived in LAX 3 minutes ago.

[Radi K]

with broken IFE lol

[Martin Buzzell]

with broken IFE lol

Oh dear, that would have made it a long flight for some. Not that I ever watch it.

Just curious, what was the pax load?

[MarkR]

Oh dear, that would have made it a long flight for some. Not that I ever watch it.

Just curious, what was the pax load?

The return flight had maybe two J and one PE seat spare, including F being sold as J, so pretty full.

[Martin Buzzell]

The return flight had maybe two J and one PE seat spare, including F being sold as J, so pretty full.

Good to hear it was full.

[Neil Hogbin]

Oqk is currently about to depart Lax as qf6023 to Abu Dhabi I'm guessing for heavy maintenance after her spell in hibernation. Wondering if the crew will return oqc back to Sydney in a few days?

[C Patters]

I think it would be heavy maintenance as the cabins have already been refurbished prior to being stored in Victorville

[James Smith]

QANTAS Link is to fly to Broken Hill twice a week from 8 April, 2022 on Monday and Friday with Dash 8-Q300 aircraft. The launch took place this morning.

Link to the QANTAS media release:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/broken-hill-bound-flying-kangaroo-to-launch-new-flights-to-iconic-aussie-outback-town/

[Peter C]

Seems the Qantas CEO is not up to date with the London 787-9 services, as he claimed a double daily service.

While the Sydney-London route (QF1/QF2) is daily, the Melbourne-London route (QF9/QF10) has been every second day since 4th January ?!

Qantas extends Kangaroo route to London via Darwin/ (https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-extends-kangaroo-route-to-london-via-darwin/)

[Rowan McKeever]

From what I can see, QF9/10 returns to double daily from 27 Feb.

[Peter C]

VH-ZNK is inaugurating the four times a week 787-9 QF7/QF8 service from Sydney to Dallas Fort Worth this afternoon.

[MarkR]

VH-ZNK is inaugurating the four times a week 787-9 QF7/QF8 service from Sydney to Dallas Fort Worth this afternoon.

Might see the odd Nomadic crew catching a ride in the next week

[lloyd fox]

Qantaslink start E190 ops BNE-CBR,NTL and CNS from next month.

I counted 26 flights a week total to all those ports.

CNS 4 flights a week...NTL 6 flights a week and 16 a week to CBR.:)

[Rowan McKeever]

BNE-ADL and BNE-TSV will also get the E190s in the changeover.

[Tristan S]

A388 VH-OQK inbound to SYD from AUH. Due just before 1600L

EDIT: its going to MEL, ETA 1500L

[James Smith]

OQK as QF 6014 has diverted to MEL and OQD is currently conducting a one hour 25 minute test flight to the east of SYD as QF6011.

[James Smith]

OQD is currently conducting a one hour 25 minute test flight to the east of SYD as QF6011

OQD has conducted four short flights today which look to be technical crew training flights. This would be in readiness for QF11/12 going daily with the A380 from the end of March.

[Peter C]

OQD has conducted four short flights today which look to be technical crew training flights. This would be in readiness for QF11/12 going daily with the A380 from the end of March.

Meanwhile it appears QF11/QF12 has gone back to daily from March 1st, with just two A380 services now on Monday & Saturday and 789s on the other 5 days, replacing the interim three A380s and one 789 per week.

[Tristan S]

OQH has just positioned VCV LAX.

[Peter C]

Meanwhile it appears QF11/QF12 has gone back to daily from March 1st, with just two A380 services now on Monday & Saturday and 789s on the other 5 days, replacing the interim three A380s and one 789 per week.

Once QF11/QF12 becomes an all A380 operation, the 5 surplus 789s initially appear to be distributed to cover 3 extra MEL-LAX QF93/QF94 rotations to make that a daily service, and one each to SYD-DFW QF7/QF8 and SYD-JNB QF63/QF64, taking those services up to 4 per week.

[James Smith]

Looking at the location of all QANTAS A380s, there are only 7 left stored at VCV, 1 stored at AUH, 1 just positioning to LAX, with the remaining 3 in SYD (1 just arrived and the other 2 back in service).

Future expansion of A380 services will be daily QF11/12 SYD-LAX-SYD from 27/3/22 and daily QF1/2 SYD-LHR-SYD via SIN from 19/6/22, when an additional 3 A380s will be required to return to service. The LHR services will be operated by refurbished models as stated by Alan Joyce. No further A380 services have as yet been announced.

[Tristan S]

OQK re-entered service on the 5th operating QF11.

[James Smith]

A380 OQK has conducted two training flights to the east of SYD today and is about to depart on a third.

[Peter C]

For the second time in less than a week, the 787-9 operated QF9 sector from Darwin to LHR was initially delayed by ~12 hours then cancelled, leading to the cancellation of the return QF10 sectors, plus today's QF9 Melbourne - Darwin sector. Covid seemingly still creating issues ?

[Peter C]

Covid seemingly still creating issues ?

Possibly not in this latest occurrence, as 787-9 ZNI positioned to Darwin as QF6001 this afternoon, before operating the overnight Darwin - London Heathrow sector of QF9 - leaving ZNB sitting in Darwin.

[Neil Hogbin]

Vhoqh will be ferrying to Abu Dhabi as qf6023 leaving Lax at 10am local.
Already had the cabin upgrade so maybe maintaince and a repaint into silver roo.?

[C Patters]

Yes hopefully getting a repaint into the new livery!

[Max C]

ZNB was struck by lightning enroute MEL-DRW on Sunday so that'll have something to do with it.

[Peter C]

ZNB was struck by lightning enroute MEL-DRW on Sunday so that'll have something to do with it.

Could also explain ZNBs unusual flight path (as QF10) on its eventual return to Melbourne this afternoon - half way to Perth before turning east, for a flight time of 5 hours versus usual direct route of ~3 hrs 40 min.
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-znb#2b249709

[James Smith]

It looks as though ZNB cruised at 26,000ft which was well below optimal level and did an orbit about 180 miles from MEL. Speed looked to be normal for the flight at around 500kts.

They planned to fly route T25 which flies east of ASP but flew well into WA for a lot of the flight. Maybe the weather was still an issue, particularly when flying at a lower altitude to avoid any further lightning.

[Max C]

It would have been dispatched with a permissible unserviceability and FL260 would be a restriction on that. The track would suggest they needed to remain clear of any icing conditions.

[C Patters]

Any word when EBB & EBD will re-enter service given both Domestic & International capacities are returning as I'm guessing these aircraft will be needed shortly?

[Peter C]

It would have been dispatched with a permissible unserviceability and FL260 would be a restriction on that. The track would suggest they needed to remain clear of any icing conditions.

The mechanics in Melbourne did a quick job, as ZNB was on its way to London via Darwin within 24 hours. As I write, due at LHR in 3 hours.

[Peter C]

Seems we have another QF9 delayed departure from Darwin - currently showing as 12 hours on the Qantas Flight Status webpage [ZNK being the aircraft].
The last two delays (7th & 13th) were updated to cancellations by following morning.

[Peter C]

Seems we have another QF9 delayed departure from Darwin - currently showing as 12 hours on the Qantas Flight Status webpage [ZNK being the aircraft] ...

While ZNK and ZND were swapped in London, so that ZND operated a normal timetable QF10 back to Melbourne, ZNK then operated a delayed QF2 to Sydney.

Now ZNA operating QF1 has been delayed in Darwin - 15 hours on the Qantas Flight Status webpage.

[MarkR]

It would have been dispatched with a permissible unserviceability and FL260 would be a restriction on that. The track would suggest they needed to remain clear of any icing conditions.

It needed a service but the main reason for the altitude and route was fuel burn, she was filled for the LHR leg

[James Smith]

QANTAS announced yesterday that it would be commencing flights to Bangalore, India from September, 2022 and Seoul from December, 2022, both four per week on A330s. Jetstar will also commence three flights per week to Seoul from November, 2022.

More details on the following link:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-and-jetstar-expand-sydney-gateway-with-new-direct-flights-to-india-and-korea/

[Greg Hyde]

OQJ has ferried from Victorville to LAX

[James Smith]

Thanks Greg. This leaves just six QANTAS A380s remaining at VCV - OQA,E,F,G,I,L.

[Tristan S]

A333 VH-QPF performed a 2:24 post maintenance test flight today, BNE BNE, as QF6102.
She last flew 07DEC21

[Peter C]

This leaves just six QANTAS A380s remaining at VCV - OQA,E,F,G,I,L.

Not forgetting the three 787-9s VH-ZNL,M & N.

With the ongoing disruptions to the 789s schedules both before, and more so since VH-ZNE was grounded on Saturday 9th, schedulers would have been grateful for an extra unit.

[Dennis McLean]

QPF did not waste time it is onto SIN as QF51

[Greg Hyde]

Not forgetting the three 787-9s VH-ZNL,M & N.

With the ongoing disruptions to the 789s schedules both before, and more so since VH-ZNE was grounded on Saturday 9th, schedulers would have been grateful for an extra unit.

Are we not expecting that 2 x A380 will be staying at VCV for scrapping ?

[Dennis McLean]

I have heard rumour's that the 2 may actually come back into service?? Aand that the 3 789's in the desert may come back earlier.

[C Patters]

Makes sense given current demand in international travel

[Greg Hyde]

The 3 x B789 are also at VCV

Flown direct from Boeing Everett

[Max C]

The FAA has put the brakes on 787 deliveries so depending on the status of the airframes, there could be a lengthy delay.

https://simpleflying.com/boeing-delivering-7-dreamliners-by-end-2023/

[James Smith]

Have the three B789s at VCV been delivered to QANTAS and are in storage or has delivery been deferred and will be affected by the FAA inspections.

What I am asking is, if QANTAS want the first one by July, 2022 will there be a hold up in them taking possession due to FAA inspections or as they are older frames are they not affected.

[Greg Hyde]

I believe that the 3 x B789 have not been delivered to QF.
The first flight was to VCV and into storage
Can't confirm at that Boeing testing is complete.
There has been NO customer acceptance testing
They have not been added to the VH reg.
One has an "All White" livery ( a logo jet that never happened)

[James Smith]

Thanks for your insight, Greg.

[Peter C]

I believe that the 3 x B789 have not been delivered to QF.
The first flight was to VCV and into storage
Can't confirm at that Boeing testing is complete.
There has been NO customer acceptance testing
They have not been added to the VH reg.
One has an "All White" livery ( a logo jet that never happened)

I agree that no customer acceptance 'C' flights have taken place, so Boeing still 'owns' these three. However, while perhaps not registered, ZNL & ZNM have full VH registration markings ...

A fully painted VH-ZNM had a Taxi test on 16 Sep 2020 when its name "Mateship" was accidently revealed. It then completed a full B1 PAE-[MWH]-PAE flight on following day, before being flown to VCV for storage by Boeing a day later on 18 Sep.
http://www.paineairport.com/kpae18648h.htm

A fully painted VH-ZNL had a short B1 PAE-PAE flight on 12 Oct 2020, followed by a full B2 PAE-[MWH]-PAE flight two days later on 14 Oct, then on to VCV for storage by Boeing on 15 Oct.
http://www.paineairport.com/kpae18703e.htm

VH-ZNN with only a painted tail (NN on tip) and temporary reg of N1020K, had a Taxi test on 9 Nov 2020, followed by a full B1 PAE-[MWH]-PAE flight on 11 Nov, before being flown to VCV for storage by Boeing on 12 Nov.
http://www.paineairport.com/kpae18793t.htm

All three aircraft were initially parked in different areas at VCV compared to the Qantas A380s. I haven't seen any recent photos to confirm current locations.

Assuming Qantas activates customer acceptance on these three, the question then is whether with all 787 construction now at Charleston, will that acceptance still take place at Everett (PAE) ? Presumably ZNN would go to Portland first for completion of painting ?

[Brian Wilkes]

Rumour and it's just a rumour that ZNN would be in One World Livery!

[C Patters]

Do we know when ZNE will be back in service as it appears to be only a damaged engine cowling so shouldn’t be too difficult to repair?

[Peter C]

... However, while perhaps not registered, ZNL & ZNM have full VH registration markings ...

Probably should also have noted that all flights by these aircraft used callsigns BOE280, BOE281 & BOE282 for ZNL, ZNM & ZNN respectively.

[James Smith]

Rumour and it's just a rumour that ZNN would be in One World Livery!

As QANTAS had two aircraft with One World markings, the retirement of OEF reduced this to one. Having ZNN with One World markings or livery would restore to two the aircraft with these markings in the fleet.

[Rowan McKeever]

Based on Greg's and Peter's info, I'd expect to see at least one additional B flight for each before any C flights would occur, particularly given the extended storage period.

IIRC there's an arrangement in place between the US and Australia whereby aircraft built by Boeing for Australian customers do not need to wear N***** test registrations and so appear with their VH-*** straight out of final assembly (despite not being officially on the Australian register). I believe similar arrangements also exist between the US and other countries, too.

[James Smith]

QANTAS operated a return flight to Apia yesterday (OF333/QF340) with A333 VH-OPJ routing BNE-APW-SYD. The aircraft arrived last night during thunderstorms with the APW-SYD leg taking seven and a half hours, which included holding. I am not aware of the reason for the flight.

[C Patters]

Does anyone know when EBB & EBD will return to service given the current demand on both domestic & international travel?

[Peter C]

Do we know when ZNE will be back in service as it appears to be only a damaged engine cowling so shouldn’t be too difficult to repair?

ZNE is back in the air today, operating QF9 Melbourne to Darwin with a 3 hour delay (same delay as yesterday's QF9)

[Peter C]

... Assuming Qantas activates customer acceptance on these three, the question then is whether with all 787 construction now at Charleston, will that acceptance still take place at Everett (PAE) ? ...

These recent pics on Jen Schuld's Twitter feed probably answer my question :

https://twitter.com/JenSchuld/status/1515069893980291074/photo/1

https://twitter.com/JenSchuld/status/1516858580263088129/photo/1

[Greg Hyde]

There are some numbers (could be right or wrong)

* Remove from storage (2wks) based on previous
* Return to Everett to complete B & C testing (2 wks)
* Handover to QF and ferry ( 1 wk)
* Pre-service checks and service entry (1 wk)

That's if :

* Return to Everett where they were built
* No issues of waking them up from storage
* Boeing can slot them in at anytime (Remember QF recently place a large Airbus order)
* There is not rework due testing (no waiting for replacement parts)
* ....

Looking at the best case, 6 wks before service entry.

[MarkR]

Looking at the best case, 6 wks before service entry.

Boeing are now looking at the second half of the year before deliveries recommence, and there is a significant queue ahead of QF

[Gavin Otto]

Does anyone know when EBB & EBD will return to service given the current demand on both domestic & international travel?
It is believed that these 2 aircraft are going to be converted to freighters

https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/qantas-to-convert-two-a330s-to-freighters-amid-cargo-boom/146742.article

[James Smith]

Gavin, my reading of the Flight Global story was that they were saying that VH-EBB & EBD were still in storage, not necessarily that these two A332 would be the ones converted.

There is a separate thread on this site entitled, "More Freighters for QF." Below are three separate posts from this thread which gives more clarity on the potential A332's to be converted:

I heard somewhere it was going to be EBE and EBF.

Read the same, issue with the floor load limit (lighter construction) on the early models.

Apparently EBE is getting converted in Dresden and EBF in Mobile Alabama. Start in Q3 of 2022

The return to passenger service of VH-EBB & EBD could easily be timed for the commencement of the freighter conversion process for VH-EBE & EBF.

[Greg Hyde]

From a reliable source

EBB and EBD are going into a C check in Brisbane in May and will be out after approx 2 months as this is a huge maintenance check and there are corrosion issues that need to be repaired.

[Alex Ch]

There was a QF 73H which flew DRW-HKG on Monday (QF6028/VH-VXO). Any ideas?

[Brenden S]

C check most likely.

[MarkR]

From a reliable source

EBB and EBD are going into a C check in Brisbane in May and will be out after approx 2 months as this is a huge maintenance check and there are corrosion issues that need to be repaired.

That’s not a c Check, which typically take three weeks, more likely a D check otherwise known as a C4 or c8 check.

[Rowan McKeever]

There was a QF 73H which flew DRW-HKG on Monday (QF6028/VH-VXO). Any ideas?

I'd be pretty confident to say it's gone for maintenance, probably at HAECO. Both legs of the flight (SYD-DRW & DRW-HKG) used positioning flight numbers rather than charter or freight flight numbers, and it's very unlikely that VXO would be the operating aircraft if it were a charter or freight operation.

[Max C]

Q400 QOB has returned to service after storage. It was the last Dash 8 to come out of storage.

[Kent Broadhead]

Q400 QOB has returned to service after storage. It was the last Dash 8 to come out of storage.

So the A380 is the only type with more than a couple stored. I sure didn't expect things to bounce back as quickly as they have.

[Peter C]

After Saturday's Qantas 789 Sydney / Johannesburg QF63/QF64 rotation was initially delayed for 25+ hours, there was a further disruption to the return QF64 leg, with a diversion to Durban shortly after take off. This being the first visit of a Qantas 787-9 to that airport.
The flight resumed after just over an hour on the ground, arriving in Sydney at 16:15 AEST on 2nd - 28 hours late versus the timetable.
Flightradar24 doesn't seem to have caught up with the situation, while FlightAware having initially lost the plot, seems to be predicting a further occurrence of the diversion on the next two flights ????
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/QFA64

[Max C]

VH-ZNE is now airborne ex Durban after also diverting. It looks like a planned stop.

[MarkR]

Flightradar24 doesn't seem to have caught up with the situation, while FlightAware having initially lost the plot, seems to be predicting a further occurrence of the diversion on the next two flights ????
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/QFA64

Flightaware are plugged directly into the AFTN and other ATC systems, their data is based on what QF flight ops spits out

[Peter C]

VH-ZNE is now airborne ex Durban after also diverting. It looks like a planned stop.

Tonight's QF64 flight (VH-ZNG) has also diverted, so can anyone confirm that these ongoing diversions with a relatively short stop over in Durban, are due to low fuel stock in Jo'burg ?
Noticeably the parking point has not been at the International Terminal, so passengers are apparently staying on board - pointing to a refuelling operation.

[MarkR]

Tonight's QF64 flight (VH-ZNG) has also diverted, so can anyone confirm that these ongoing diversions with a relatively short stop over in Durban, are due to low fuel stock in Jo'burg ?
Noticeably the parking point has not been at the International Terminal, so passengers are apparently staying on board - pointing to a refuelling operation.

A quick look at the Notams answers your question, looks to last two weeks.

NOTAM A1486/22: OR Tambo International Airport (FAOR)

A1486/22 NOTAMR A1475/22
Q) FAJA/QFULT/IV/NBO/A/000/999/2608S02815E005
A) FAOR B) 2205030453 C) 2205171200 EST
E) LOW FUEL AVBL. OPR TO CTC FUEL SUPPLIER TO CFM RQMNTS.
CREATED: 03 May 2022 04:53:00
SOURCE: FAJNYNYX

[Peter C]

A quick look at the Notams answers your question, looks to last two weeks.

Thanks Mark

On a separate 787-9 topic, Qantas have brought forward the Perth- London route resumption ... https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-restarts-perth-london-flights

[Neil Hogbin]

A380 OQB just touched down in Abu Dhabi for cabin refit. Guessing either OQC or H will be heading home in a few days?

[Wenglock M]

Does anyone know what's happened to EBN? It seems to have been at BNE for a really long time now - is it undergoing heavy maintenance of some form?

[Jamie D]

I have just seen on Instagram that parting out of OQF has started, being a bit sceptical of anything I see on socials I wonder if anyone here can officially confirm this or if they are just doing rts maintenance?

[Tristan S]

A few questions appearing on this thread, and I am going to add to it, hopefully someone can help answer :)

Anyone know what A332 EBG is doing in Busan, South Korea?
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-ebg

[Brenden S]

Does anyone know what's happened to EBN? It seems to have been at BNE for a really long time now - is it undergoing heavy maintenance of some form?

In for a C Check

[Greg Hyde]

I have just seen on Instagram that parting out of OQF has started, being a bit sceptical of anything I see on socials I wonder if anyone here can officially confirm this or if they are just doing rts maintenance?

From a reliable source

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

[Greg Hyde]

OQF being scrapped at VCV

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdljP8qpe3w/

[Tristan S]

One of the comments on that post provides reasoning behind the choice of OQF and OQE

OQE and OQF were the only two that didn’t have their 12-year mx check, and need new landing gear. The costs of returning OQE to service would outweigh the costs of OQA burning more fuel.

[C Patters]

Does anyone have images of EBG wearing her new livery?

[Peter C]

Unusual return for Qantas 789 VH-ZNF, having operated QF1 DRW - LHR yesterday, and due to have operated the return QF2 LHR - DRW overnight.
Left LHR early at 18:06 BST as QF6002 for Barcelona [BCN] - a first visit of a Qantas 789. Now operating QF302 BCN - DRW, due Darwin in early hours of Tuesday 23rd.

[MarkR]

Unusual return for Qantas 789 VH-ZNF, having operated QF1 DRW - LHR yesterday, and due to have operated the return QF2 LHR - DRW overnight.
Left LHR early at 18:06 BST as QF6002 for Barcelona [BCN] - a first visit of a Qantas 789. Now operating QF302 BCN - DRW, due Darwin in early hours of Tuesday 23rd.

Picked up FC Barcelona for their tour. https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1528537840585433088?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

[Brett o]

I think VH ZND went to Johannesburg as QF 63 on the 23rd of May and the return flight was cancelled I think. Does anyone know what happen?

[Fred C]

ZND has a fault. Parts and engineers have been sent to rectify.

[MarkR]

Flights from Perth to London (QF9) resumed on 23 May, with one return flight per day operating through the Western Australian gateway after operating through Darwin since November last year. QF1 will reroute from Sydney-Darwin-London to operate Sydney-Singapore-London from 19 June and switch from a 787 back to an Airbus A380 service.
Qantas will welcome a third A380 back from storage, which will return to service from 6 June on the Melbourne-Los Angeles route.
Following recent relaxation of New Zealand border restrictions, Qantas and Jetstar’s Tasman flying has ramped up significantly, including:
Flights resumed from Australia to Queenstown and Wellington, and additional routes to Christchurch.
Qantas has doubled frequency on flights to Auckland from Melbourne and Sydney and is operating some flights from Brisbane with A330s.
Jetstar has restarted flights on all Australia to Auckland markets and will restart on remaining Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington markets in the next few weeks.
As Japan starts to relax its borders restrictions:
Jetstar will resume flights from Cairns-Tokyo (Narita) from 20 July and Cairns-Osaka from 26 July.
Qantas will resume Sydney-Tokyo (Haneda) services from 12 September, and from Melbourne and Brisbane to Tokyo (Haneda) from the end of October, using A330s.
Strengthening demand for travel to Bali has seen Jetstar restart direct services from all seven Australian cities it flew from pre-COVID and will be close to pre-COVID levels of capacity on the majority of routes by the end of June 2022.
Qantas will increase frequency between Sydney and Manila from five flights per week to six from 20 June increasing to daily from mid-September.
Qantas will resume flights from Sydney to Santiago from 30 October, with four flights per week using its 787s.
Qantas has pushed back the restart of flights between Sydney and San Francisco from 30 July to 30 October. Customers will be reaccommodated on flights via Los Angeles.
As previously announced, the Qantas Group will start the following routes in coming months:
Qantas will start a seasonal Perth-Rome service from 22 June.
Qantas will start flights from Sydney to Bengaluru (Bangalore) from 14 September.
Jetstar will start a Sydney-Seoul service from 2 November and Qantas will start on the route on 10 December.
Qantas will start flights from Melbourne to Dallas Fort Worth from 2 December.
. https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-group-industry-update/

[James Smith]

QF1 will reroute from Sydney-Darwin-London to operate Sydney-Singapore-London from 19 June and switch from a 787 back to an Airbus A380 service. Qantas will welcome a third A380 back from storage, which will return to service from 6 June on the Melbourne-Los Angeles route.

Source: Qantas News Room

QANTAS will use the third A380 to operate QF93/93 from MEL-LAX & vv three times per week for 12 days from 6-17/6/22, before it is operated on QF1/2 from 19/6/22 alongside two other A380s, to provide the daily service.

OQD and OQK currently operate QF11/12 and the additional aircraft will most likely come from OQB, OQC and OQH which are all currently in AUH, and OQJ which is in LAX. It seems too late now for one of the four aircraft still stored at VCV (excluding OQE & OQF) to enter service by mid June even if refurbished. OQH and OQJ have been refurbished and OQC possibly is after being nearly 12 months in AUH.

[James Smith]

I think that I have answered my own query. QF11/12 will revert to B789s from 19/6/22 with the two A380s redeployed to QF1/2. This means that only one additional A380 is needed to operate this daily service. Additional B789 services will be provided to LAX as QF17/18. The A380 will return to QF11/12 on 25/7/22 and from 28/7/22 on a daily basis, as far as I can glean from the online timetable.

Therefore A380s four and five will not be needed until late July and could now include a refurbished OQB after 2 and a half months stay in AUH.

[Joseph Saragozza.]

I think that I have answered my own query. QF11/12 will revert to B789s from 19/6/22 with the two A380s redeployed to QF1/2. This means that only one additional A380 is needed to operate this daily service. Additional B789 services will be provided to LAX as QF17/18. The A380 will return to QF11/12 on 25/7/22 and from 28/7/22 on a daily basis, as far as I can glean from the online timetable.

Therefore A380s four and five will not be needed until late July and could now include a refurbished OQB after 2 and a half months stay in AUH.


Fair to say James, OQB is indeed getting refurbished according to qantas seat map
http://https://www.qantas.com/content/dam/qantas/pdfs/qantas-experience/onboard/seatmaps/A380-14F70J60PY341Y.pdf (https://www.qantas.com/content/dam/qantas/pdfs/qantas-experience/onboard/seatmaps/A380-14F70J60PY341Y.pdf)

[James Smith]

Thanks very much for that link, Joseph confirming OQB's refurbishment. Good to see the seat plans are so up to date. I shall keep my eye on them for the refurbishment order of the remaining three A380s.

[James Smith]

A332 VH-EBL flew SYD to PUS on 19/5/22 as QF6019 probably for repainting. She should be back in a few days.

[Tristan S]

VH-OQJ is currently en route from LAX to SYD.

[James Smith]

Thanks for the update, Tristan. OQJ is due in SYD at 16:48 today as QF6012. She is refurbished and has been undergoing maintenance in LAX for seven weeks, ex VCV.

[James Smith]

A332 VH-EBL is departing PUS shortly on its return to SYD as QF6020. Estimated arrival is 19:27 on 1/6/22.

[Alex Lui]

A332 VH-EBL is departing PUS shortly on its return to SYD as QF6020. Estimated arrival is 19:27 on 1/6/22.

Do we know which A330 is going next?

[Neil Hogbin]

A380.OQG due to leave storage in Victorville as Qf6023 to Lax at 1300 local time today.

[Tristan S]

The former VH-OEJ has positioned MHV OSC (Oscada) as N329ZA, this is reportedly her last flight ever.
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/n329za

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeRdZB8v6oN/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

[James Smith]

A380 OQG due to leave storage in Victorville as QF6023 to LAX at 1300 local time today.

Just landing in LAX now to replace OQJ in the QANTAS maintenance facility. Excluding OQE & OQF, (I can't say the "s" word!) this leaves just three A380s to be returned to service at VCV - OQA, OQI & OQL, with only OQI refurbished.

[James Smith]

Do we know which A330 is going next?

No further A332/333 movements noted to PUS as yet, Alex. EBK has just returned from maintenance in MNL which may free another A332 to be repainted.

BTW A332 EBQ flew MEL-LAX yesterday as QF7779.

[C Patters]

James do we know when EBN will be returning to service from its heavy check?

[James Smith]

No I'm not aware, maybe one of the industry spotters may know. It is having a C check and has been in maintenance for many months.

[Greg Hyde]

Reported NXD suffered an engine failure on takeoff this morning from Melbourne whilst operating QF1596 to Newcastle.

Burnt off some full and safely returned to Melbourne

[Brenden S]

James do we know when EBN will be returning to service from its heavy check?

From what I understand it is getting a huge maintenance check which is why it is taking so long. All scheduled of course.

[Michael Mak]

Does anyone know what's happening to EBB? I think that's the only A332 that hasn't been returned to service since March 2020.

[Dennis McLean]

Both EBB and EBD have been in BNE since March 2020. I understand that both are due or in maintenance now before returning to service.

[C Patters]

Great thanks Brenden!

[Tristan S]

Both EBB and EBD have been in BNE since March 2020. I understand that both are due or in maintenance now before returning to service.

Greg posted a few months ago:

From a reliable source

EBB and EBD are going into a C check in Brisbane in May and will be out after approx 2 months as this is a huge maintenance check and there are corrosion issues that need to be repaired.

[Dennis McLean]

VH-OQJ has ferried SYD/MEL today as QF6003 and is scheduled QF93 MEL/LAX at 21.30 tonight.

[Dennis McLean]

VH-OQD is in LAX from SYD about 5 hours ago and OQK is on the way SYD/LAX now.

[MarkR]

Assuming Qantas activates customer acceptance on these three, the question then is whether with all 787 construction now at Charleston, will that acceptance still take place at Everett (PAE) ? Presumably ZNN would go to Portland first for completion of painting ?

I doubt the QF birds will be delivered soon, word is a max of 6 will be delivered this year and with a second LH bird leaving VCV the other day for PAE, LH will have at least two of those slots.

[Peter C]

I doubt the QF birds will be delivered soon, word is a max of 6 will be delivered this year and with a second LH bird leaving VCV the other day for PAE, LH will have at least two of those slots.

With the way the undelivered 789's are stored in two groups at VCV, with one Qantas 789 in the western group ~8 from the head of the line, and the other two (one of which is ZNN) in the eastern group also ~8 from the head of the line, they are way down the queue.

Re the LH birds - The first two were originally destined for Vistara, and have undergone repainting and additional C flights for their new owner. The next one is ex Suparna, then another two ex Vistara, making 5 in all that LH are taking off Boeings hands.

[Peter C]

With the way the undelivered 789's are stored in two groups at VCV, with one Qantas 789 in the western group ~8 from the head of the line, and the other two (one of which is ZNN) in the eastern group also ~8 from the head of the line, they are way down the queue.

All this is academic until Boeing & FAA sign off on the release of the completed planes - see the Airliners Net forum Boeing 787 Production/Delivery Thread (https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1468437&sid=49a9b39ccf8de0e0cb06e676d718ec9c)

[Greg Hyde]

Photos: First Qantas A380 to be scrapped

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/06/photos-first-qantas-a380-to-be-scrapped/

1st ones AA have published

[Peter C]

Seems there has been a bit of angst at Dallas with the QF8 services to Sydney ...Qantas apologises to hundreds of passengers left stranded at US airport. (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jun/16/qantas-apologises-to-hundreds-of-passengers-left-stranded-at-us-airport?)
789s VH-ZNK (QF8D) & VH-ZNH (QF8) are currently playing chasy across the Pacific.

[Dennis McLean]

I had a look at the "hanger" side of BNE Airport this morning, VH-EBN looking bright and shiny is parked sideways in front of the main QF hanger. VH-EBB and EBD are still parked outside the hanger where they have been for over 2 years.

[MarkR]

OQJ is making her way to LHR as A380 services resume

[Michael Mak]

EBN is performing a test flight following C-Check in BNE.

https://fr24.com/QFA6121/2c50f0c2

[James Smith]

A332 VH-EBN returned to service today, 21/6/22 operating QF609 from BNE-MEL.

[Jim M]

The first QF5 SYD -PER -FCO service left on time this evening, with 789 VH-ZNF doing the honours.

[Peter C]

The first QF5 SYD -PER -FCO service left on time this evening, with 789 VH-ZNF doing the honours.

When is this Inaugural flight not the Inaugural flight?

Apparently when Alan Joyce & the Premier of WA are travelling from Perth on the second flight, leaving this evening. Even the local press are trumpeting today's non-event :confused:

[Michael Mak]

When is this Inaugural flight not the Inaugural flight?

Apparently when Alan Joyce & the Premier of WA are travelling from Perth on the second flight, leaving this evening. Even the local press are trumpeting today's non-event :confused: I spoke to someone who is on tonight’s QF5 SYD-PER-FCO and he told me quite excitedly that he is travelling on the inaugural flight but I told him the inaugural was on Wednesday.

He was very adamant that I was wrong because his family got an email from Qantas saying that there will be media onboard his flight tonight. I was so puzzled (I knew I was right because I saw ZNF operating QF5 on Wednesday and return as QF6 yesterday. Then I saw an article from Nine News saying the inaugural is tonight and now this post.

What’s going on? :confused:

[Bob C]

Apparently Wednesday's flight was a "Frequent Flyers Only" flight from what I've read. But it still seems like an inaugural flight to me.

[MarkR]

Apparently Wednesday's flight was a "Frequent Flyers Only" flight from what I've read. But it still seems like an inaugural flight to me.

Wouldn’t be the first time, I was on the inaugural QF1 to DXB with Alan etc, the Melbourne flight got there well before us.

[MarkR]

VH-EBB and EBD are still parked outside the hanger where they have been for over 2 years.

Wonder if they have “cargo” written on their windscreens?

[Brett o]

Does anyone know why QF1 was delayed yesterday 29/6 by over 24 hours ?

[Erik H. Bakke]

Someone forgot which day it was?

Sorry, I'll get my coat...

[James Smith]

Brett, I don't know what the issue was that caused Wednesday's QF1 to be delayed to today but here are some details I have found.

The inbound QF2 on Wednesday was operated by VH-OQD which arrived at 7:40, a few hours late and would have operated QF1 at 15:55 that afternoon. Yesterday, the Sydney Airport departures site showed a later departure of around 21:00-22:00 for QF1 but was then revised as delayed to today, Thursday.

Today's QF1 departed on time and is operated by VH-OQK which arrived as QF2 this morning. Another QF1 departed two hours later operated by VH-OQD and is showing on Flightaware as QF7001. It is assumed that OQD was delayed by 26 hours due to an unserviceability.

It looks as though there will be two QF2's leaving LHR on Friday 1/7/22 and on top of this it also looks as though tomorrow's QF2 arrival will be late, currently scheduled to arrive at 16:35, according to Sydney Airport arrivals. The flight operated by VH-OQJ arrived in SIN close to time.

[Brenden S]

Qantas Freight Boeing 737-376SF VH-XMB will be retired soon I have been lead to believe.

[Greg Hyde]

Can Qantas bounce back from 'perfect storm' as delays, staff disputes, COVID and jet fuel price hit hard?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-24/qantas-crisis-delay-cancel-aviation-fuel-covid-impact/101262422?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

[Neil Hogbin]

A380 OQG departing Lax for Abu Dhabi this morning at 1010 local as qf6025. That will be the fourth in Abu Dhabi along with OQB,C,H.

[James Smith]

In addition, A380 VH-OQH yesterday as QF6029 performed a 2 hour 58 minute flight at various altitudes and speeds over the Persian Gulf following maintenance. This will be in readiness to return to service and operate QF11/12 three times a week from this Friday 29 July. OQG looks to be replacing OQH in maintenance in AUH.

It will be interesting to see if another A380 comes out of hibernation from VCV to replace OQG in the QANTAS maintenance facility at LAX.

[C Patters]

Do we know if OQH had a repaint whilst in AUH given it was still in the old livery?

[James Smith]

A380 OQH as QF6014 is due to depart AUH for SYD at 22:10 local with an ETA of 11:49 tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

[Neil Hogbin]

Looks like OQG has picked up a 24 hour delay leaving Lax and moved from Tom Bradley Gates back to outside Qantas Hanger.
OQA looks like it's the next to leave storage having been moved a month ago to the hard standing area at VCV and recieving lots of preparation work.

[James Smith]

Thanks for your information on the QANTAS A380s leaving VCV, Neil. I would have thought that as OQI is the last of the refurbished A380s still at VCV that it would have been the next A380 to leave there. OQAs return will be in the long term if she is to be refurbished prior to return to service, possibly to align with the return of A380 services to LAX from MEL in December this year.

[Dennis McLean]

I have a question, what is the problem with OQC which has been at AUH since 21 June 2021??, the first of the current ones to go there??

[James Smith]

I don't know the answer to your question Dennis, but would also be interested in finding out. I thought that OQC would be reconfigured and have more maintenance done while in AUH, following the reintroduction of the A380 to QANTAS services late last year. Hopefully, a QF industry member can enlighted us.

It looks as though OQC was placed in storage when it arrived in AUH. But then again why move it from VCV where it had been in storage for 10 months or so with another month of maintenance in LAX. Maybe, QF plans for OQC have changed and it no longer has the same priority for service readiness that it had.

[MarkR]

OQC was meant to get a heavy check in Europe, and no doubt an update, wonder if the update is running into product shortages

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tyronne-mayadunne-031a1042_qantas-qantasairways-qantasa380-ugcPost-6804527723470569472-_zQE?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web

[Dennis McLean]

Thanks James and Mark.

[James Smith]

A380 VH-OQH has returned to service operating QF11 SYD-LAX this morning, 29/7/22. I can confirm for Mr Patters that she has not been repainted into the current QANTAS livery while in AUH. See the photo in the following link of her arrival in SYD on Wednesday.

Also VH-OQG has still not left LAX for AUH as yet.

https://images.16right.com/view/2TEFA8EU/ref=rego,VH-OQH/order=datetaken,desc

Photo source: 16Right Images

[Peter C]

Qantas B789 VH-ZNK positioned SYD-BNE early this morning as QF6001, for the first 789 visit to Brisbane in a long while. It is now on-route to Buenos Aires as QF305.

[Neil Hogbin]

VHOQG finally on her way as qf6025 to Abu Dhabi from lax

[Tristan S]

OQE has been moved ready for parting out.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CgspmbUpeyo/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[Peter C]

Qantas B789 VH-ZNK positioned SYD-BNE early this morning as QF6001, for the first 789 visit to Brisbane in a long while. It is now on-route to Buenos Aires as QF305.

VH-ZNK is now returning to Sydney as QF6008.

Still haven't found a reason for the original sector of this rotation ?

[Greg Hyde]

VH-ZNK is now returning to Sydney as QF6008.

Still haven't found a reason for the original sector of this rotation ?

Qantas Conducts 3 Special Flights To Buenos Aires Amid Rugby Championship

These flights will be performed from July till September to coincide with the dates the Australian National Rugby Team is scheduled to play.

The Rugby Championship is a long-standing international tournament contested by four countries, Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. With the kick-off scheduled for August 6th and the games lasting till September 24th, Qantas is planning to operate three chartered flights to Buenos Aires for supporters to catch a glimpse of the sporting action.
Supporting the Wallabies

Qantas will be performing the trio of dedicated flights over the months of July, August, and September, utilizing its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The first of the three chartered flights departed Brisbane Airport on July 29th at 11:50 and arrived at Ministro Pistarini International Airport on the same Friday at 11:20 local time. All departure dates to Buenos Aires coincide adequately with the dates the Australian National Rugby Team is scheduled to play.

https://simpleflying.com/qantas-3-special-flights-buenos-aires-rugby-championship/

Found via google

[Peter C]

Qantas Conducts 3 Special Flights To Buenos Aires Amid Rugby Championship

https://simpleflying.com/qantas-3-special-flights-buenos-aires-rugby-championship/

Found via google

Thanks Greg

It will be interesting to see whether the last flight also returns via NZ.

[Neil Hogbin]

VH-OQB heading home from Abu Dhabi this afternoon, due into Sydney Friday lunchtime.

[James Smith]

Thanks for the information, Neil. VH-OQB is due to land at 11:52 this morning, according to FlightAware.

This will give QANTAS a fifth operational A380 and enable them to add another aircraft to the QF11/12 SYD-LAX-SYD route, making it a six day a week service from next Thursday 11 August, 2022. The Tuesday QF11/12 will be operated by a B789 until early December.

QANTAS will need a sixth A380 from 2 December, 2022 to operate QF93/94 MEL-LAX-MEL three times a week and the seventh A380 from 25 March, 2023 when this flight will operate six days a week.

Maybe QANTAS will have another operational A380 as a spare for the Christmas/New Year peak period. The timetable has an A380 operating QF18 from LAX-SYD on 7 January, 2023, making two A380 flights from LAX to SYD on that date, but this could be achieved by utilising the QF94 A380.

[James Smith]

A380, VH-OQB is returning to service today, 6 August operating QF1 SYD-SIN-LHR.

[MarkR]

787 deliveries recommence Wednesday, QF are down the line a bit, AA first up.

[C Patters]

Do we know roughly what month Qantas will commence deliveries of their remaining 3 x 787's?

[Peter C]

787 deliveries recommence Wednesday, QF are down the line a bit, AA first up.

As noted back in June ...

With the way the undelivered 789's are stored in two groups at VCV, with one Qantas 789 in the western group ~8 from the head of the line, and the other two (one of which is ZNN) in the eastern group also ~8 from the head of the line, they are way down the queue.

I haven't found any change to these positions in the available aerial photography nor aircraft photo sites in later reviews.

It should also be noted that in addition to the 787s in storage at VCV, there are, according to the production spreadsheet, also 22 787s on the Everett Flight-line.
Boeing 787 production (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FH3Y2-vRUgojntPkCSJI5Pd-15rsJ1a0SFCRaT-iqgo/edit#gid=19)

[Brett o]

Does anyone know why Qantas VH OQD has been in LAX for a few days and not yet returned to Sydney?

[James Smith]

A380 VH-OQD is about to depart LAX-SYD and is due in tomorrow morning as QF12. It looks as though QANTAS substituted B789s on one return LAX-SYD-LAX sequence, plus the day off it has on Tuesdays.

Today was meant to be the start of the six days per week A380s on QF11/12 but a B789 departed as QF11 this morning. Friday and Saturday's QF11 are showing on FlightAware at this stage as operated by A380s.

With OQB arriving back from AUH last week QANTAS has been using this and other A380s on tech crew training flights of less than an hour from SYD. This will no doubt boost the available pilots to operate the additional A380 flights with daily QF1/2 and six days per week QF11/12 now scheduled.