QF to get a 744ERF

[MarkR]

Qantas have announced they will lease a freighter with delivery towards the end of the year to replace the contracted ops.

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-updates-freighter-aircraft

[Karl M]

They will still be leasing 2 Atlas 74F's. This will replace one of the 3 they currently lease.
Also good to here it will be in a new Qantas Freight colour scheme with a Kangaroo on the tail (finally!!!)

[Todd Hendry]

Where did you read it will have the kangaroo on the tail?

Just for my info.

Thanks Todd.

[Shayne G]

Sounds like N797BA (l/n 1416/MSN 37303) could be the aircraft as it is a 'near new' bird having been in storage since manufacturing / test flights and parked at Pinal Airpark since 11/11/2009. It is one of the last 747-400's built.

I believe a few of Jade Cargo Internationals 747-400ERF's are still in storage since they ceased operations in 2011.

[Karl M]

Where did you read it will have the kangaroo on the tail?
It was explained on an internal memo :)

[Todd Hendry]

Thanks.

[Rowan McKeever]

It's hinted in the linked media release too, says it will display the Qantas Freight branding & be opb Express Freighters Australia. No specific mention of the 'roo but I guess the inference is there that it'll look much like VH-EFR

[Justin L]

The article says "branded in the distinctive new Qantas freight livery". I thought that was the one with the solid red tail with no kangaroo unless the livery has recently changed?

[Radi K]

is the 744ERF just a 744F with increased max zero fuel weight and take off weight option?

If so, how is this achieved? More powerful engines?

[Damian N]

Does anyone know what the Qantas Freight Saab 340 is mentioned at the bottom of the media release?

[Rowan McKeever]

Justin, you're right. It doesn't have the 'roo does it.

Assume the Saab is something to do with AaE?

[Max C]

Possibly the Pel Air Saab that does MKY-ROK-BNE and return each night?

[Jim M]

744ERF in QF freight colours....will be interesting.

Jim

[Mark Grima]

744ERF in QF freight colours....will be interesting.

Jim

Guess it'll just look like a retiring pax 744....they could do something more with the livery if they are going to starting painting more aircraft.

Cheers

M

[Brenden S]

The 747-400ERF is just like the OEE-OEJ aircraft, just in a cargo config.

[Erik H. Bakke]

Except it's got the normal, short upper deck of the purpose-built -Fs

[Fred C]

is the 744ERF just a 744F with increased max zero fuel weight and take off weight option?

If so, how is this achieved? More powerful engines?

The ER has what Boeing calls a 910K (as in 910,000 lbs) build wing. It is structurally stronger.

It has a beefier landing gear and more powerful engines. They are CF6-80C2 B5F instead of B1F. (Essentially the same engine with a different chip in it. (Yes I know jet engines aren't chipped, they have a rating plug)).61k vs 58k lbs of thrust.

It also has a body fuel tank in the forward cargo, an extra 10t fuel. (There was an option of 2 but only one was fitted.)

[Dave Dale]

Hi all

Has there been any further development on the Qantas Freight 747? I noted it didn't get a mention in the financial results like some of the present fleet.

Dave

[Brad Myer]

Word is its no longer happening due to the economy etc.

The fact that the original B744ERF announcement has been removed from the Qantas Freight website pretty much backs it up.

[Mike W]

Word is its no longer happening due to the economy etc.

The fact that the original B744ERF announcement has been removed from the Qantas Freight website pretty much backs it up.

Did they?

http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-updates-freighter-aircraft

This was still on there today. The link to this page is part of the 'News and Notices" scroll on the right hand side of this page http://www.qantas.com.au/qfreight/qfe/home/au/en

[Brian Wilkes]

It's still all go for the 744F!

[Brad Myer]

http://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/522475-efa-qf-freight-slide.html

Earlier this year Qantas Freight announced our intent to lease a Boeing 747-400ERF freighter. In recent months the international air freight market has continued to soften, and it is with regret that we have decided not to proceed with the lease of this aircraft.

This has been a tough decision, but it’s a prudent one given the significant overcapacity we’re seeing in the international market.*These challenges are not unique to Qantas Freight - many carriers are reducing their services and active fleet and avoiding this type of expenditure at this time. Our industry is cyclical and we will re-examine our options when markets have strengthened.

I want to thank our Express Freighters Australia team for all the great work they have done on this program, and I am genuinely disappointed that we cannot proceed in light of the current market conditions.

Meanwhile, our current 747 freighter schedule remains in place – there’s no change to our current operation. Qantas Freight remains a strong business and all the decisions we make are designed to keep our business strong into the future.*

We continue to invest in other initiatives in line with our strategy of improving our customer offering and driving efficiency.

Regards,

And no mention of the B744F in any of QFs end of year financials....

[Brian Wilkes]

Sad, thanks for info Brad, I thought the pilots were being trained as we speak!