QANTAS Fleet and Operations

[James Smith]

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

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

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

[Kent Broadhead]

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

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by Kent Broadhead

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

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

[Kent Broadhead]

Originally Posted by MarkR

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

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

[MarkR]

A330 fleet to be sold later this year.

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

https://www.smh.com.au/business/comp...05-p5ddve.html

[Kent Broadhead]

Originally Posted by MarkR

A330 fleet to be sold later this year.



https://www.smh.com.au/business/comp...05-p5ddve.html

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

[C Patters]

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

[Adam W]

Originally Posted by C Patters

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

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

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by C Patters

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

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

Originally Posted by Greg Hyde

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

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

[Brian Wilkes]

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