Qantas charter flights for London Olympics

[Luke Chittock]

Have heard Qantas will be operating two charter flights to bring Australian teams (Olympics and Paralympics) home from the London 2012 games.

13AUG a A380 will position SYD-SIN-STN before returning same day with the Australian Olympic team.

The Australian Paralympics team will return 11SEP on a B744 STN-SIN-SYD. The aircraft will position to STN from FRA after operating QF5/10SEP SYD-SIN-FRA. QF6/11SEP has been cancelled.

Stansted Airport (STN) is being used as the main gateway to London for visiting teams, officials and VIPs etc.

Obviously, all information subject to change!

[Robert S]

Stansted Airport (STN) is being used as the main gateway to London for visiting teams, officials and VIPs etc.

It isn't meant to be.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17599477

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/transport/heathrow-humbled-olympics-stars-run-a-mile-from-official-games-airport-7757346.html

[lloyd fox]

Luke i noticed that flights were heading to STN

[Adam.S]

Does Stansted Airport see any regular A380 operations, or is this a first?

[Laurent Sanhard]

Stansted is a major hub for a number of major European low cost carriers . ie Ryan air etc , so I would presume it would be a A380 first , unless for any previous diversions

[David C]

I believe this will be the first A380 operation into Stansted Airport . Only LHR and MAN get scheduled A380 operations , although Birmingham Airport has had an Emirates A380 in on a pax flight in lieu of the regular B777 . Qantas has operated into Stansted in the past during problems at nearby LHR , so it's not a first in that respect .

Dave C

[Luke Chittock]

...13AUG a A380 will position SYD-SIN-STN before returning same day with the Australian Olympic team...

Now a 744. A/c will ops scheduled flight QF15 BNE-LAX, QF107 LAX-JFK, then position as QF6008 JFK-STN before bringing the team home.

[Jim M]

Dare say that aircraft may be OJU....

Jim

[Dave Dale]

Good to see the 744's stepping up still. They appear to be more versatile than the A380.

Dave

[Jim M]

Good to see the 744's stepping up still. They appear to be more versatile than the A380.

Dave

They are still "the Queen of the skies". Any other aircraft that might want to take that title has a fair way to go I reckon. :D

Jim

[Steve Jones]

I wonder if the yellow/gold coloured gloves on the boxing kangaroo will be repainted silver? :)

[Jim M]

Anyone got any further info on this flight?
As in,when it departs over there,when it arrives home,flight no. and aircraft operating.
I note OJU operated the QF15 yesterday,so I assume that may be it.

Jim

[Rowan McKeever]

Hi Jim, according to flightaware OJU went forward as QF107 LAX-JFK and is currently positioning JFK-STN as QF6008 (about a quarter of the way so far). Cheers, Rowan

[Shayne G]

QFA6008 is inbound to London Stanstead now due at around 8:00am BST.
QFA6058 Departs 22:40 BST Monday to Sydney via Bangkok with an arrival around 7:15am EST on Wednesday apparently. Operated by VH-OJU, Boxing Kangaroo livery.

[Jim M]

Rowan and Shayne,thanks for the info.
One thing though,I was under the impression that this flight was coming through SIN not BKK. Maybe something has changed?

Cheers
Jim

[Fred C]

It is coming through BKK.

[Jim M]

Thanks Fred! :D

[Andrew Coggan]

Currently enroute off the west coast of Georgia.

[Alain Heaysman]

Just thought I would let you guys know that Flight QFA 6058 has just left Bangkok on route to Sydney. Gold boxing gloves on the tail.

[Jim M]

QFA6058 VH-OJU has touched down in SYD with our athletes.
Welcome home and well done to all!

Jim

[Sarah C]

Lovely weather, good shots of its arrival..........

[Andrew Coggan]

QFA6058 VH-OJU has touched down in SYD with our athletes.

and with a greeting from Air Services Australia + helicopters

[Jim M]

Lovely weather, good shots of its arrival..........

Yeah....and how good does it look.

Jim

[Rowan McKeever]

I'm not the 747's biggest fan (don't dislike them either) but I have to admit she looked pretty stunning on tele!!

[David N]

Lovely weather, good shots of its arrival..........

I think Ch7 Sunrise program had the better coverage compared to the Today show who decided to have picture in picture during the News

I'm sure the Sunrise Reporter thought it was going to land in front of the Qantas Hangar. :eek: :D

[Jim M]

If anyone was out there this morning that may have got some photos of OJU,if you could post that would be great :D
It was nice to hear the media people not only thanking Qantas,but also acknowledging Capt Mike Coventry and his crew for their efforts in bringing our athletes home.
It is a job that I'm sure many QF crew would have been puting their hand up for.

Cheers
Jim

[Tony P]

Can anyone confirm if the Kangaroo logos on OJU's engine nacelles also had the boxing gloves?
Thanks
Tony

[Sarah C]

In response to Tony, no boxing gloves on the engines

[Tony P]

Thanks Sarah,
didn't think so but I had a friend swearing blind it did. $5 to me!!
Cheers

[Fred C]

A picture to help with your $5.:D

[Tony P]

Thanks Fred. Much appreciated. A percentage of $5 coming your way (and to Sarah!)!

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi All,

Any further updates on which aircraft is bring home the Para Olympic Team?

Stuart

[Luke Chittock]

Hi All,

Any further updates on which aircraft is bring home the Para Olympic Team?

Stuart

Still OJU. Will position FRA-STN today and then operate QF6058 ex STN tonight, via BKK, arriving SYD 0535 13SEP.

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi Luke,

Thanks for that.

Just found it on Planefinder - OJU is Crossing the UK Coast now Desending as QF6005.

Stuart

[Sydney Airport]

Images from QF6058's arrival this morning on the Aviation Community page. [link (http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/corporate/community-environment-and-planning/aviation-community.aspx)]