Why does Qantas persist with 747-400 thirty years plus rust buckets.

[DrBob737]

I don't understand. 1980's Qantas picked up the Boeibg 747-400 and I have flying in these machines ever since. Whether it's the Brisbane LAX or Syd- Jo'burg run it's just horrible. Same rattling, poor finish, horrible seats with worst pitch in APAC airlines. Please when will it end!
DrBob737

 

[Mattg]

Qantas currently has 11 Boeing 747-400s remaining in service. The oldest of these was delivered in 1991, and the youngest in 2003, making it only 13 years old. None of the 747s currently in service with Qantas are 30 years old.

Of these aircraft, 9 were recently refurbished and contain new A380 style seats, IFE and interiors. I find these aircraft a pleasure to fly on.

Two have not been refurbished, and I suspect these are the aircraft you are referring to. But these aircraft will be receiving a minor refresh (including new seat covers, carpet, cabin lights etc.) in coming months. They will be finally retired once the 787s start to arrive next year. These older aircarft spend most of their time flying between Sydney and Tokyo, Johannesburg and Santiago de Chile.

 

[Steady]

I don't understand. 1980's Qantas picked up the Boeibg 747-400 and I have flying in these machines ever since. Whether it's the Brisbane LAX or Syd- Jo'burg run it's just horrible. Same rattling, poor finish, horrible seats with worst pitch in APAC airlines. Please when will it end!
DrBob737

Welcome DrBob737 - now you have got that off your chest maybe you could introduce yourself....

 

[Buzzard]

I wish they would get the 747-8 like Lufthansa.

 

[BAM1748]

Time for them to go for the new 747. But as Mattg pointed out, none are as old as you state.

Hope you enjoying readying up here on the aircraft airlines do have.

Cheers

Matt

 

[under the radar]

yep..you caught QF out...they fly 30year old rust bucket 747-400s. if you are gonna bag QF...at least get your facts right

 

[TomVexille]

Welcome aboard!

I won't answer your question as Mattg has already done so

 

[russ]

... Of these aircraft, 9 were recently refurbished and contain new A380 style seats, IFE and interiors. I find these aircraft a pleasure to fly on.

I was on one a few days ago in J and the "new" A380 style fitout didn't feel new at all. The screen was a small resistive touch-screen that needed multiple hard pokes to register a "touch". The blacks were not blacks - they were muddy grey. The seat drooped (despite me trying to use the tricks that some people here put forward in another thread.) Overall, the aircraft and the fit out are years behind EK.

Then again I was on a BA 747 a few months ago which was even more ancient!

 

[nlagalle]

I was on one a few days ago in J and the "new" A380 style fitout didn't feel new at all. The screen was a small resistive touch-screen that needed multiple hard pokes to register a "touch". The blacks were not blacks - they were muddy grey. The seat drooped (despite me trying to use the tricks that some people here put forward in another thread.) Overall, the aircraft and the fit out are years behind EK.

Then again I was on a BA 747 a few months ago which was even more ancient!

mind you the "new" A380 is approaching 8 years old now.. ONe wonders if a re-fit might be announced down the track.

 

[JohnK]

Welcome to AFF DrBob737!

I on the other hand hope these great aircraft continue in service for many years to come.

 

[prozac]

Welcome aboard DrBob737.

 

[RooFlyer]

I don't understand. 1980's Qantas picked up the Boeibg 747-400 and I have flying in these machines ever since. Whether it's the Brisbane LAX or Syd- Jo'burg run it's just horrible. Same rattling, poor finish, horrible seats with worst pitch in APAC airlines. Please when will it end!
DrBob737

Ho, ho, ho, nice one DrBob737. That'll get 'em talking .

When will it end? Precisely when you want it to. I've yet to find anyone forced to fly a Qantas 747; are you the first?

 

[yohy?!]

Love the old girls but QF has always struggled to keep them looking fresh

 

[prozac]

Love the old girls but QF has always struggled to keep them looking fresh

That's no way to talk about the FAs esp. the blokes.

 

[moa999]

Overall, the aircraft and the fit out are years behind EK.
t!

And then you fly on an EK 777 with a 2x3x2 J product

Every airline that has been in business for a reasonable period is going to have a range of aircraft. Smarter travelers will select the right aircraft

 

[serfty]

It's those danged PAX .. the craft would be fine if they didn't have to transport them !

 

[ReLoad]

I think it goes beyond the aircraft type, both QFs J and F hard product (except for the refurbished 330s) is dated and let's be honest pretty average. And so is EKs for that matter.

Etihad and Qatar are really taking the lead in what a premium cabin can look like, Qantas big bird intl needs a serious facelift.

At least the 787s will have the new J cabin.

Just my .03 roubles.

 

[marki]

Welcome to AFF DrBob737!

I on the other hand hope these great aircraft continue in service for many years to come.

Welcome to AFF .... It's great you write please continue to do so as you only get better and betta!

Whenever I flew 747 I found them ok and enjoyed them on the old routes between Australia and LAX. Sure u can get an really old one almost due for refurbishment aircraft. ( but not all the time) !

 

[marki]

I think it goes beyond the aircraft type, both QFs J and F hard product (except for the refurbished 330s) is dated and let's be honest pretty average. And so is EKs for that matter.

Etihad and Qatar are really taking the lead in what a premium cabin can look like, Qantas big bird intl needs a serious facelift.

At least the 787s will have the new J cabin.

Just my .03 roubles.

You overspent on the Rouble!!

 

[jb747]

Actually the 744ERs are extremely nice aircraft, and I'd much rather fly on one of them than the big twins. Not rusty. Not 30 either.