Qantas remaining A380s

[kko]

Qantas has still yet to receive 8 of the 20 A380s they ordered. As a huge fan of this aircraft I'm wondering if it is known what their plans are. Are they going to cancel the remaining planes or are they coming at some point. Googling for answer didn't come up with anything interesting so I thought people here might know.

 

[moa999]

I think the general view is they are unlikely to arrive.

If the A380 program is still around in 10yrs, then they might order more 380s (probably longer and re-engined) as replacement aircraft but there is no need in the current environment.

If anything the B787 will like replace the A380 on the SYD-DFW route (given pax limits on the A380) as well as replace a bunch of existing 747 and ultimately 330 routes.

If Airbus launches a longer 350 that can compete with the 777X, then QF might try and swap for these aircraft.

 

[TomVexille]

IIRC they are deferred at the moment with no delivery dates.

 

[TheBOSman]

Playing amateur route planner for a moment, where would Qantas put the 8 A380s? The only route that they don't fly on now that they might be workable on appears to be HKG-SYD. Nothing else really seems appropriate. And, if anything, the current ones might be replaced by the 787s on DFW-SYD in a few years (I'm personally hoping for a 787-9 MEL-DFW, that would make me EXTREMELY happy ). Qantas is unlikely to open a new route with the A380s, so you'd be looking at upgauges of current operations. The current second 747 MEL-LAX will probably get replaced by the 787-9 MEL-DFW when Qantas gets those. Maybe the LAX-SYD 747 that operates a few days a week now could be replaced by an A380. Maybe even the current BNE-LAX 747. "Maybe" SYD-PVG, but probably not. Maybe SYD-HND? I honestly see Qantas taking more of the 787-9s once they see their performance, as opposed to more A380s.

 

[UP4014]

I think the general view is they are unlikely to arrive.

If the A380 program is still around in 10yrs, then they might order more 380s (probably longer and re-engined) as replacement aircraft but there is no need in the current environment.

If anything the B787 will like replace the A380 on the SYD-DFW route (given pax limits on the A380) as well as replace a bunch of existing 747 and ultimately 330 routes.

If Airbus launches a longer 350 that can compete with the 777X, then QF might try and swap for these aircraft.

I think it could be a struggle to keep the line going for another 10 years when it seems to have ground to halt at present.

Matt

 

[moa999]

honestly see Qantas taking more of the 787-9s once they see their performance, as opposed to more A380s.

They've had a number of years to review the performance of the silver 788s

 

[TomVexille]

They've had a number of years to review the performance of the silver 788s

Maybe that's why they firmed their 789 slots and the 380s remain deferred.

 

[TheBOSman]

They've had a number of years to review the performance of the silver 788s

Of course, but the 789 promises even more range. And when it comes to multibillion dollar purchases, especially with a relatively conservative and safety-focused airline like Qantas, they're likely going to want to see how the 787-9 specifically works out first; hence the options and purchase rights contained with the firm order for the 789s. This served them well with the A380s, they would probably be losing bucketloads of money if they had eight more A380s on the property. Also, factors will be different compared to JQ with how they outfit the economy section (they probably won't do 2-4-2 and will do 3-3-3 like everyone else :evil, and if they offer F or not on them (I hope they do, even if just one row of 4).

This isn't what I want of course, I want them to take more A380s , love that plane.

 

[TomVexille]

Of course, but the 789 promises even more range. And when it comes to multibillion dollar purchases, especially with a relatively conservative and safety-focused airline like Qantas, they're likely going to want to see how the 787-9 specifically works out first; hence the options and purchase rights contained with the firm order for the 789s. This served them well with the A380s, they would probably be losing bucketloads of money if they had eight more A380s on the property. Also, factors will be different compared to JQ with how they outfit the economy section (they probably won't do 2-4-2 and will do 3-3-3 like everyone else :evil, and if they offer F or not on them (I hope they do, even if just one row of 4).

This isn't what I want of course, I want them to take more A380s , love that plane.

I'm pretty sure AJ already said no F

 

[wandering_fred]

I'm pretty sure AJ already said no F

Some of us would be happy with the PEY/Y+ that the A330s don't have. The only way QF could compete with CX to HKG is with an A380 (albeit however unlikely) as the 78x are still a ways off...

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[UP4014]

I'm pretty sure AJ already said no F

I'm sure in JQ service they could seat 800 or so.

 

[serfty]

seat 800 or so.

Not Like ...

Although the implications are that "The Qantas Group" have been 'road testing' 787 with Jetstar anyway ...