Qantas A380 refurbishment news and updates

[moa999]

Sadly from the SydSquad video that work didn't include adding the satellite hump.

 

[docjames]

I think the “operational spare” is a good move.

In reality, this means they are operating the fleet less tightly scheduled, which is good as recovery of a full A380 is very challenging as you’d need 2 787s to cover it, and/or cop a massive delay(s) sometimes for days whilst the issue is resolved. I assume this will done be extended downtime at either SYD (most likely) or LAX. Those on the forum who are schedule gurus will probably have a decent idea on that aspect.

You’ll recall the publicity they got the last couple of christmases when A380 diverted to Baku, and had operational issues (delays) and a lot of bad press for disrupting Xmas travel so no doubt that factored into the late 2025 planning. Whether they stick with this plan long term, or get tempted into other routes / higher utilisation in the new year, who knows.

 

[tassie6]

I just saw a post by QF saying OQC received an incredible 10,000hours of maintenance at AUH and then went to LAX for more work to replace engine cowlings before being returned to service.

*100,000 hours

 

[AuSammy]

*100,000 hours

Oops typo. Have corrected

 

[mrflyby]

Note that OQC landed back in Sydney this morning. Completing the goal of having 10 refurbished A380s back in the Qantas fleet.

Does that mean this 7.5 year old thread is finally done??

 

[Melburnian1]

Note that OQC landed back in Sydney this morning. Completing the goal of having 10 refurbished A380s back in the Qantas fleet.

Does that mean this 7.5 year old thread is finally done??

Given A388 VH-OQL as QF63 from SYD to JNB had to divert to MEL today, and has been altered to depart Melbourne for Joburg tomorrow at 1130, the first test of the 'spare A380' scenario may come this weekend.

See the 'Qantas delays and cancellations' thread elsewhere on AFF for a very helpful, informative reply by @jb747 .

 

[Melburnian1]

As recorded in the 'Qantas delays/cancellations' thread, QF11, the 1745 hours SYD to LAX A380 on Saturday 6 December 2025 has been cancelled.

This is because QF63 is still in MEL and as above, departing at 1130 today for JNB as QF63(D?), so the JNB flight is a day late.

However what's surprising is OQC is in Sydney having returned to service after its years-long absence, so at face value it is the 'spare' that could in theory go to Los Angeles. I am obviously missing a piece of the puzzle.

 

[Kangol]

Recently I was in the SYD F lounge and 4 A380s were occupying 4 of the closest gates from the window.
One pushed back from the furthest right gate (when looking out the window).
About half an hour later, I saw it returning to the gate - but realised it was a different aircraft, OQI.
I noticed the tail was painted in the old style - the kangaroo "arm" was present and a different design to the others (which has no arm), plus the head design looks like an older one.

You can see what I mean at the bottom of this page:

VH-OQI Airbus A380-842

history of qantas airways airbus a380-842 vh-oqi cn 055.

www.aussieairliners.org

Compared to the updated roo logo:

VH-OQG Airbus A380-842

history of qantas airways airbus a380-842 vh-oqg cn 047.

www.aussieairliners.org

Any idea why they didn't update the tail design?

 

[moa999]

Simply hasn't yet been repainted yet. OQI is a Jan 2011 delivery so the paint job is coming up on 15yrs.

Also a number of 332, 333 and 738s still carrying the older 2007-2016 livery.

On OQC possibly some more maintenance that couldnt be conducted in LAX. On the SydSquad livestream a poster mentioned it should return to service on Sunday.

Poster kaitak744 on airliners.net in the QF fleet thread also thinks there are currently two spare aircraft before the Jan schedule changes kick in.

 

[Kangol]

Simply hasn't yet been repainted yet. OQI is a Jan 2011 delivery so the paint job is coming up on 15yrs.

Oh, I thought the repaint was part of the refurbishment. My bad.

 

[D747]

VH-OQC about to perform first revenue flight in 5 years and 8 months!

 

[moa999]

Think QF11 was cancelled on Sat due to the SYD-JNB diversion to MEL and cre out of hours.

Hopefully LAX maintenance can quickly fix OQC.
Nothing like real world testing I guess

 

[BrianQQ]

So... are they installing Wi-Fi humps on the A380 atm or nah.

 

[moa999]

So... are they installing Wi-Fi humps on the A380 atm or nah.

Supposedly. But we haven't seen one yet (was thinking OQC might have had it done during its lengthy return to service checks).

Reportedly more complex than the 787s as the 787s were pre-wired in the factory for the hump and the various wifi access points

 

[markis10]

Supposedly. But we haven't seen one yet (was thinking OQC might have had it done during its lengthy return to service checks).

Reportedly more complex than the 787s as the 787s were pre-wired in the factory for the hump and the various wifi access points

Cannot be too complicated, they were the first QF aircraft to have a trial of in flight internet.

 

[Berlin]

Cannot be too complicated, they were the first QF aircraft to have a trial of in flight internet.

Exactly. I remember this very well and also the disappointment when they pulled it again.

 

[Spamam]

@Spamam
Possibly why your QF12 on VH-OQC was cancelled.

Surely AA can’t be worse than that

 

[DejaBrew]

I was on last Sunday's QF2 (SIN>SYD) being operated by OQH. Shortly before the supper service, CSM Christine popped by for a chat and we were mid-lament over Australia's antiquated manual incoming passenger cards when we suddenly found ourselves being welcomed to Louise's magic place (i.e. Litchfield National Park). Christine politely excused herself as a call of "Safety!" rang out from the nearby galley.

Returning several minutes later, Christine explained that the crew had reported multiple times that OQH has been exhibiting some gremlins in the IFE system of late whereby it just randomly decides to play the safety video - or something else - to all cabins without warning. We just got to experience its latest act of self-expression.

 

[RSD]

I was on last Sunday's QF2 (SIN>SYD) being operated by OQH. Shortly before the supper service, CSM Christine popped by for a chat and we were mid-lament over Australia's antiquated manual incoming passenger cards when we suddenly found ourselves being welcomed to Louise's magic place (i.e. Litchfield National Park). Christine politely excused herself as a call of "Safety!" rang out from the nearby galley.

Returning several minutes later, Christine explained that the crew had reported multiple times that OQH has been exhibiting some gremlins in the IFE system of late whereby it just randomly decides to play the safety video - or something else - to all cabins without warning. We just got to experience its latest act of self-expression.

You have to start wondering if besides Christine the CSM there is also "Christine" the IFE system...