QF23 'pot luck' re aircraft type

[Melburnian1]

As noted in the QF delays/cancellations thread, QF23 from SYD to BKK is not the creature it once was. It has become variable in its timekeeping with many instances of delays.

Between 16 and 25 February 2018, five of the 10 scheduled flights have been or are to be operated by an A333, with the other five by an A332.

Yes, the difference is not huge - things like smaller size IFE screens in economy if I recall - but the A333s are probably preferrred by some AFF QF users. There was huge interest in moa999's refurbishment progress tables.

Presumably an A333 is out for scheduled maintenance, it not being Christmas or school hols when airlines try to have all hands on deck in a fleet sense.

While QF has a relatively small fleet of A333s and is perhaps stretching them with occasional new route announcements, it would be better if travelling on this BKK route had less of a 'pot luck' feel to it.

Other airlines such as TG often manage to have a consistent year round offering. They may have larger numbers of a particular fleet type though. One can always, even as a guest withiut a sub, check Expert Flyer seat plans but this takes time.

 

[Mattg]

As long as VH-EBG or VH-EBL (the un-refurbished A330-200s with old SkyBeds in J) are not put on the route, it doesn't really matter much. I'd say QF are using the 333s on days with higher demand, and vice versa. They have every right to do this and, frankly, it makes financial sense.

 

[Happy Trails]

As long as VH-EBG or VH-EBL (the un-refurbished A330-200s with old SkyBeds in J) are not put on the route, it doesn't really matter much.

I had one of these just last month.

 

[cmon0005]

I prefer the 333's simply because of the cloth seats in J, don't like sitting on sticky hot leather for 9 hours.. #firstworldproblem

 

[cpatters]

QPG is currently in Brisbane for maintenance so might explain why the A330-200's are being used on this route at the moment

 

[Mattg]

I had one of these just last month.

Bummer! That is unlucky

 

[Melburnian1]

Mattg, my main point was that consistency in a transport operator's offering, whatever the mode of travel,is highly desirable as it informs passengers as to what they'll be receiving (or missing out on.)

Better for QF to try to feature the same plane model each day on a daily route.

As a passenger, whether this makes money every day for an airline is of little interest. Granted most passengers don't know about the nuances of airline fleets but many do.

You may rarely, but most travel in Y so a smaller IFE screen arguably diminishes the onboard experience.

 

[moa999]

As a passenger, whether this makes money every day for an airline is of little interest. Granted most passengers don't know about the nuances of airline fleets but many do.

Most couldn't tell the difference between a 332 and a 787, let alone a 333.

If QF isn't optimising revenue versus cost on a given route it won't be operating in the future

 

[eminere]

I prefer the 333's simply because of the cloth seats in J, don't like sitting on sticky hot leather for 9 hours.. #firstworldproblem

Wouldn't the mattress cover ameliorate this problem?

 

[cmon0005]

Wouldn't the mattress cover ameliorate this problem?

Somewhat.. but still find the leather seats a little less cushioned either way, though I am just happy to be in any J sometimes. #1stworldproblems

 

[JohnK]

I try to avoid this route on Qantas. Don't like that aircraft especially in bassinet seat. I would rather the A330's remain on domestic duties but don't think the 787 will be any better.

Shame about 747s or A380's and both were on this route in the past.

 

[mannej]

I try to avoid this route on Qantas. Don't like that aircraft especially in bassinet seat. I would rather the A330's remain on domestic duties but don't think the 787 will be any better.

Shame about 747s or A380's and both were on this route in the past.

Out of interest, when has QF had the A380 on QF23/24?

 

[Mattg]

Out of interest, when has QF had the A380 on QF23/24?

Didn't they once run QF1/2 as SYD-BKK-LHR using the A380 for a short time?

 

[JohnK]

Out of interest, when has QF had the A380 on QF23/24?

Post above beat me to it but QF1/2 on this route was A380 in the past.

And would you believe I was booking flights ex-SIN in those days? Can't win them all.

 

[mannej]

Didn't they once run QF1/2 as SYD-BKK-LHR using the A380 for a short time?

Post above beat me to it but QF1/2 on this route was A380 in the past.

And would you believe I was booking flights ex-SIN in those days? Can't win them all.

Are you sure? I can't find any reference of it anywhere apart from SYD-BKK-LHR being a 747 service.

 

[JohnK]

Are you sure? I can't find any reference of it anywhere apart from SYD-BKK-LHR being a 747 service.

I thought I was sure but now you have me doubting. Around 2009.

 

[milehighclub]

The QF A380 has never been to BKK.

VH-EBG/L are the only 332 that can operate this flight because of the length so if it says 332 for QF23/QF24, you will have the old sky bed.

 

[Pleb Status]

The QF A380 has never been to BKK.

VH-EBG/L are the only 332 that can operate this flight because of the length so if it says 332 for QF23/QF24, you will have the old sky bed.

Absolute rubbish....

If a sector can be operated by a 333, then any 332 can also do it. The 332 has a longer range than a 333 (with a similar fitout).

 

[cmon0005]

Absolute rubbish....

If a sector can be operated by a 333, then any 332 can also do it. The 332 has a longer range than a 333 (with a similar fitout).

I checked Flightradar history back a few months and indeed the only A332's used on this route are EBG/EBL.

 

[milehighclub]

It's not entirely rubbish.

Not every route used by a 333/332 is interchangeable. For example PEK can only be operated by EBL/G - the other 332 do not have that range as they don't have the extra fuel tanks (the 333 I beleive can also operate it but it takes a payload hit)

Looking at the schedule till 21-JUN - QF23/24 is operated either by a 333 or the 332 with 36J.