QF Announce B763 Upgrade

[Brad Myer]

Hi,

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/media-releases/aug-2012/5438/global/en

Apparently 7 B763s will be retired (I assume the 7 ex BA RR ones) and the remaining 16 B763s will all be upgraded.

Pics:

http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-to-upgrade-boeing-767-seats-interiors

[Ryan K]

Unless they also replace the old-style overhead lockers, these planes are still going to look 20 years old on the inside...

[Andrew M]

Looks like Jetstar seats to me

[Jamie D]

I agree with Andrew, they just look like Jetstar seats

[Steve S... 2]

Looks great!

Wonder if they will paint them while at it, as they really need it?

They let themselves slip over recent years, great to see them take some initiative... well forced initiative anyway.

[Kent Broadhead]

I agree with Andrew, they just look like Jetstar seats

Not that there's anything wrong with that, at least for Y

[Mark Grima]

Unless they also replace the old-style overhead lockers, these planes are still going to look 20 years old on the inside...

Maybe to frequent travelers, not to Joe Public.

Cheers

M

[Stephen Brown]

Talk about flogging a dead horse.....

Another cog in the Joyce machine to kill Qantas.

[Kurt A]

So for the 767-300 - no wonder they just announced their refurnishment as they are going to be around for a very long time.


From October this year, we will fast-track the upgrade of our domestic Boeing 767 aircraft with fresh interiors. I have no doubt customers will be delighted, as they are with our refurbished 747s.

Sixteen of our 22 domestic 767s will be upgraded, with the first to be completed this October. Our iPad/Q Streaming initiative is also being rolled out to all domestic 767s.

The total capital expenditure on these two initiatives will be approximately $20 million.

The remaining 767s are progressively being retired, and all 767s are scheduled to retire by the end of 2015.

A lot of money to be spending for only a three year investment....

[Ash W]

The 'upgrade' consists of new seat covers and curtains plus a wireless IFE system. The seat covers and curtains are minor and could be used elsewhere on similar seats and the IFE could easily be moved to the A330's that will come back to Qantas when Jetstar get the 787-8's.

But seriously doubt all 22 of the 767's will be gone by 2015. Maybe the 7 or so that are missing out on the 'upgrade' (presumably the -336's)

PS I know your an admin but when quoting don't you think you should provide a link, or at the very least the name of your quote source?

[Kurt A]

Sorry Ash, I usually do, missed that one.

Info came from the other thread where I posted the Qantas Media Releases from earlier today. All genuine.

http://yssyforum.net/board/showthread.php?t=8521

Alan Joyce
Qantas Group Full Year Financial Results
Sydney, 23 August 2012

Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q5440)
Media Enquiries: 0418 210 005 / qantasmedia@qantas.com.au

[Steve S... 2]

So what is Qantas replacing 16 x 767-300's with (OGH to OGV) by the end of 2015.

OK just read that the JQ A332's will be - JQ have only 11 + 1 on order from memory.

Still not enough though.

OGV is still young - highly doubt it will be gone by 2015.

[Zac M]

Due to roll out this month still I assume? OGI hasn't flown since 20/8 and is at Avalon, possible launch aircraft?

[Peter JB]

OGI has just left Avalon as QF6114 bound for Sydney it seems

[Steve S... 2]

Hi,

Anyone know if VH-OGI received the new interior and/or repaint while at Avalon recently?

Thanks,

Steve S

[Andrew M]

No, it's happening very soon and will be flying with the new interior by the end of the month

[Brad Myer]

VH-OGQ is the first upgraded B763 to roll out.

She entered service today (23rd Oct)

Cheers

[chrisb]

Are the iPads available onboard as soon as each aircraft rolls out?

[Mark B]

VH-OGQ is the first upgraded B763 to roll out.

She entered service today (23rd Oct)

Cheers

Did something happen, as she seems to have gone out of service again?

[Grahame Hutchison]

Apparently entered service today fully refreshed and with personal inflight entertainment.

Refreshed B767 (http://instagr.am/p/RZS51_w-2h/)

[Kurt A]

Qantas accelerates refresh of B767 fleet


BRISBANE, 1 November 2011: Qantas has today announced it will fast track the refurbishment of 16 Boeing 767 (B767) aircraft with new interiors and individual in-flight entertainment as part of wider investment in the domestic customer experience.

Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Lyell Strambi said “We have fast tracked this project to improve the flying experience on these 16 aircraft. The works on each aircraft take approximately two weeks to be completed and will be done in our Brisbane maintenance facilities.

Qantas’ wide-bodied domestic fleet is made up of B767s and Airbus A330s. A new A330 will be delivered to Qantas domestic fleet in November and progressively our fleet of A330s will grow until the eventual retirement of all domestic B767s by mid-2015.


Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q5466)

[Steve S... 2]

That is great news! Love the new interior style.

What I do not understand is why an airline operates worn out 22 year old 763's and waited to spend a fortune to refurbish them just as retirement is pending.

I know the 787's situation played a part but still...

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi Steve S,

I was thinking the same thing!!
Why waste the money on Refurbs to last only a few years, when they should just retire the B763's on a one for one basis now with new A330's.

Stuart

[Kelvin R]

I wonder who is actually paying for this? Is it QF or is this being funded by Boeing as part of the 787 delays?

I have been on the ANA refurbished 767 and they are a nice aircraft but I guess the QF refurb isn't to the same level as ANA?

[Dave Dale]

Hi Steve S,

I was thinking the same thing!!
Why waste the money on Refurbs to last only a few years, when they should just retire the B763's on a one for one basis now with new A330's.

Stuart

Stuart, I am thinking that $20 million is small money in the grand scheme of things, especially spread over 16 aircraft. It is only $1.25 million per aircraft and if they are retired in 2015, they will probably get their money back a few times over. I am thinking however, based on past past 787 hiccups, and especially the latest news about United's 787's running later than expected, it may mean the A330's might remain in Jetstar slightly longer. Therefore, the younger 767's might be around past 2015...

Dave

[Ash W]

I have been on the ANA refurbished 767 and they are a nice aircraft but I guess the QF refurb isn't to the same level as ANA?

Correct. The Qantas upgrade is basically new seat covers and the installation of the WiFi IFE system, so basically the soft coverings only. ANA included hard items like the bins etc.

So don't really think the cost of the Qantas upgrade is too much but maybe could have been done a few years back!

[Rowan McKeever]

I understood that the ANA 767s with the 777-style interior were all new build & not refurbs. Didn't think they'd done any refurbs on their earlier aircraft?

[J Brown]

Does anybody know which 767's have been upgraded thus far?

[Zac M]

Pretty sure don't take this as a certainty:
OGG, OGI, OGM, OGQ, OGR OGS, OGV with OGJ in fitting

[Alex Lui]

I am pretty sure OGG hasn't had the upgrade yet. I took it in October last year and it hadn't been upgraded as yet, still the current interior and a very bad tv screen!!

[J Brown]

Thanks Zac

[Rowan McKeever]

I've not been on OGG since you were Alex but it was out of service in BNE 27NOV - early JAN which would be just about enough for a cabin refit. That said, it may just have been maintenance.

[Zac M]

When OGI came online there was three more aircraft in fitting, there was only three aircraft offline at that point OGG, M and S so it is safe to assume OGG has it.

It looks like the international ones are getting done so look for OGT and OGU to have it done soon!

[Adam W]

I can confirm that OGG does have the new interior.

[Adam W]

This is a confirmed list of aircraft fitted with the upgraded interior so far.
OGG, OGI, OGM, OGQ, OGR, OGS.
OGJ was due to re-enter service on Jan 12, unsure if it has yet. OGT is due on the 22nd and OGH on the 25th.
OGV mentioned in a previous post has not yet been fitted and was still flying today. All 16 aircraft are due to be fitted by early April.

[J Brown]

-OGJ should have been back in the mix this afternoon.

[Ricky T]

-OGJ should have been back in the mix this afternoon.

According to the Qantas Source, OGJ re-entered service as QF537 from BNE to SYD yesterday afternoon.

[Dennis McLean]

I presume that the 4 international 763's, OGR, S, T & U are not being reconfigured??

[Ash W]

You would presume wrong, they are being done.

[Andrew P]

I presume that the 4 international 763's, OGR, S, T & U are not being reconfigured??

flew on one last week SYD-BNE on way to TSV

was in J, 5 across, these seats used to have personal TV, but seat the same, but TV had been removed, only overhead TVs

[Adam W]

The international 767s (OGR, S, T & U) are getting the same upgrades as the rest but will retain the Dreamtime seats in business class with new leather coverings.

[NickN]

They should have added winglets if they were going to keep them this much longer.

[Ash W]

There is a debate on another forum saying they should have put in new bins too. Bottom line though what they have done is a soft refresh to extend their life until the A330's come back, so not worth spending too much money on them.

Now if they had of had a crystal ball and knew when they order the 787's that they would be delayed for so long then yes they should have done a full refit 5+ years ago, but now not worth it.

[Kent Broadhead]

They should have added winglets if they were going to keep them this much longer.

Surely little point if mainly used on MEL-SYD-BNE. If they were used more often on longer sectors there may be some benefit. Who knew that Boeing would take so long to get their 787 act together?

[D Chan]

there is hardly any chance of winglets this late into the game given that
1. The 767 will be phased out in a couple of years (as stated)
2. The benefits of the winglets are significantly less for shorter sectors; and recently a decision was made to make SYD/MEL-PER A330 only. The only other exception is the SYD-HNL still operated by the 767 but besides that they are pretty much limited to domestic sectors except NOU.
The ongoing 787 saga has had nasty flow on effects to both Jetstar and Qantas. With recent developments it does make me think whether there will be any further delays to the JQ 787s. I don't know whether QF/JQ were lucky NOT to receive the 787s early given the current situation.

I've recently flown on the 're-configured' 767 and I personally thought it was a solid improvement. Some of the interior decor and styling I thought was a bit weird, but if I'm comparing before and after.. it is still a decent upgrade. The iPads make a lot of difference in terms of the IFE product offering.

[James S.]

On the reasonably (for a 767's capability) short length routes that they are flown on, is it really that beneficial to install winglets?

[Tom PER]

As it's nearing the end of March is it safe to assume that all GE powered 763's have undergone the cabin refresh with Q streaming installation?

[Adam W]

Nope, the program is due to be completed towards the end of April.

[Ryan N]

How many still to go? I'm flying over the Easter long weekend to Adelaide and Melbourne so I'm hoping to get on the refurbished ones.

[Steve S... 2]

As far as I know four remain to be done VH-OGN, OGO, OGP & OGU.

There are also the five VH-ZX* 763's still in the fleet so they are flying around with old interior.

[Brad Myer]

OGP and OGU are now done.

The 5 remaining ZX series will not be upgraded as they will be retired over the next 12-18 months.

Cheers

[Steve S... 2]

Thanks.

When did OGP get done? as it has been in continual service all of this year.

[Brad Myer]

Sorry must have been OGN or OGO.

[Zac M]

OGK and OGO are presently getting fitted, OGU got done between the 3rd and 15th of this month, almost certain OGN is still without as is OGP.

[Adam W]

Just came across an updated schedule.
OGO due back into service today (23rd).
OGK due back on the 25th.
OGN due on April 19.
OGP appears to be facing an early retirement and is not having the cabin upgrade.

[Zac M]

That's strange as there was meant to be 16 done, is three any chance OGP might be due for a C or D check soon? If so they might do it then.

[Sarah C]

All but 4 of the GE 767s have the refresh - the ex-BA ones aren't getting it.

[Ryan N]

So I guess the chance of my Mel-SYD flight being operated by a refurbished 767 is pretty high then! Yay!!!

[Brenden S]

is three any chance OGP might be due for a C or D check soon
FYI
Only C checks on Boeing 767's
D checks are carried out on Boeing 747's

[Rowan McKeever]

OGP has been in BNE since arriving on Monday night as QF556...

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

[Rowan McKeever]

Having said that, it was back in service on Thursday evening which surely isn't long enough for a refit?

I also have a question which is, now that all the GE-engined B767s are reconfigured (except maybe OGP) is there still a small subset that operate all the international flights? From memory it used to be OGR-OGU?

[Fred C]

VH-OGR, S, T and U are the internationally configured 767's and they still are.

[Ryan N]

Just my luck! Got back from Melbourne last night and I flew in a non-refurbished 767. Thought my chance of getting a fresh one was good. Oh well.....

[Rowan McKeever]

I can confirm, as my bum is currently on it, that OGP doesn't have the refit. Is it the only one? Wish I could say I was looking forward to 3.5hrs to BNE...

[A McLaughlin]

Flew on one of the OGs YBBN-YSSY last week. It had the new interior and the iPad IFE installed.

The seats seem a lot more comfortable now - not sure if the pitch has been increased but it felt a little roomier too. The new side panelling and the lack of scratches on the internal window gave it air of freshness too.

I have to say the IFE options were pretty impressive for a domestic product, but I was also a bit ****ed off when the F/A told me to turn it off just after top of descent with just a few minutes to run on the episode of Top Gear I was watching (the one with the Lambo, the Maclaren and the British thing in Italy), so I was unable to find out who won the camparison!

Minor gripe I know, but maybe they shouldn't have 1+ hour shows as available options on the IFE when you only have 55 minutes to watch them...

Despite the big warning on the iPad cover, I wonder how many of them get nicked...?

[Thomas Collins]

I believe the iPad may have anti-teft device built-in that may signal an alarm if exiting the aircraft.

Your point re not showing 1+ hour shows is somewhat ridiculous.

The aircraft cycles on various stage lengths. The device offers a plethora of content choice.

If it bothers you so much - don't watch the show in the first place. Or - watch the show and finish it on line or somewhere else...

If that's a "gripe..." God help us all...

[Nigel C]

He did say it was 'minor'.

[Mark Grima]

Minor gripe I know, but maybe they shouldn't have 1+ hour shows as available options on the IFE when you only have 55 minutes to watch them...

I tend to agree. After flying on an EK A343, for two 2.5hr segments back to back, with an older AVOD system that just rotated few hours of content I was a little frustrated when the system restarted after the stop midway through the flight. Why couldn't they just continue the system on from where it left off?

Cheers

M

[Brandon Giacomin]

From Australian Aviation

Qantas has announced it has completed its $20 million cabin refurbishment for 15 of its 20 strong Boeing 767-300ER fleet.

Features of the upgrade include a new inflight entertainment system based around streaming content to iPads available to every passenger, leather seats in business class and new carpet, lighting, curtains and cabin dividers.

Over 200 hours on content can be streamed to the iPads, with Qantas saying it plans to increase the available content further to 350 hours by the end of the year, which would comprise 20 movies, 350 TV programs and “a wide selection” of music.

When Qantas announced the upgrade program in August last year, the airline had planned to upgrade 16 767s, but this was scaled back to 15 aircraft.

The five non-upgraded 767s are due to be retired from the Qantas fleet by the end of year. The remainder of the 767 fleet will be progressively retired through to mid 2015 as Jetstar’s current A330-200 fleet is transferred to Qantas as Jetstar takes delivery of its 14 787-8s. The first Jetstar A330 is due to return to the Qantas fleet this month, taking the Qantas fleet of the type to 20.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2013/05/qantas-completes-767-cabin-refresh/

[Rowan McKeever]

Which was the unlucky non-recipient? Presume the 5 to go by end of year are 4 by ZX* and the non-recipient?

[Brandon Giacomin]

It looks like there are 5 of the ex BA 767s still flying around. ZXA and ZXB are gone, ZXC-G are still going strong.

[Rowan McKeever]

True... and 16 of the OG*... so 21 total. There're a couple that haven't flown for a few days, one since 18/5 and the other 20/5. OGN also positioned to BNE last night. Wonder if there's been a very recent withdrawal which QF has already counted out of its numbers? Has OGP had the upgrade?

[Zac M]

OGP is the GE not getting fitted.

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks Zac!

[Zac M]

I got stuck on it up to Cairns last week, I do prefer the fabric covering in the J seat, lucky there was a good movie in the main screen!

[Fred C]

VH-ZXF makes its last run with QF on Sunday!