Qantas to recommence A380 services

[equus]

How big a difference is the typical take off weight for say SYD-LAX vs SIN-LHR (and vv)? Is there some aspect to takeoff performance in those two scenarios that differs significantly?

Don't forget to also factor in the runway length as well. There was some comment (on PRRune I believe) that it was an absolute pain to taxi to the longest runway at LAX form a QF gate with an A380, requiring shutting down much other traffic and taking quite a while (burning fuel), and easier to go with a shorter runway that was more accessible - but requiring higher thrust.

 

[dede]

I'm booked on QF093 MEL-LAX Dec 5. It is still showing an an A380 but I know that it will be a 747 (I guess). How long before take off are seats being reallocated? I have bulkhead seats - are they likely to still be bulkhead seats?

 

[serfty]

I'm booked on QF093 MEL-LAX Dec 5. It is still showing an an A380 but I know that it will be a 747 (I guess). How long before take off are seats being reallocated? I have bulkhead seats - are they likely to still be bulkhead seats?

I believe Qantas reallocated equipment through to December 3rd (perhaps over the weekend) with advice available Monday.

I note timetables still indicate 388's as originally scheduled for QF11/QF12/QF93/QF94 from the 4th.

I would keep checking; at least twice per day.

 

[Slats7]

I just received this email:

Dear Mr Slattery,

<img style="display: block;" alt="" width="10" height="10"> <img style="display: block;" alt="" width="10" height="10"> I am pleased to advise that Qantas will resume A380 services, commencing with an initial A380 service to London via Singapore on Saturday 27 November.

We have undertaken a rigorous inspection program in conjunction with Rolls Royce and Airbus to ensure the fleet is ready to return to service.

We always put safety first, and we continue to take a conservative approach to the reintroduction of the A380 fleet. So we will initially operate the A380 between Australia and the United Kingdom. As more A380s come into service, we will assess when and how best to deploy them.

I want to assure you that we have full confidence in our A380 aircraft fleet, and will not fly any individual aircraft unless we are completely sure that it is safe to do so.

Qantas has six A380s in its fleet, and is scheduled to take delivery of two new A380s before the end of this year, and a further two next year. With our fleet of more than 250 aircraft, we are able to maintain a full international and domestic network, so you can book and fly with us with confidence.

I want to thank you for your loyalty and patience. On behalf of all of us at Qantas we deeply regret any inconvenience. We look forward to welcoming you warmly when next you fly.


<img style="display: block;" alt="">


ALAN JOYCE
Qantas Chief Executive Officer

 

[markis10]

VH-OQF came home this morning!

FlightAware > Qantas Airways #6002

 

[jb747]

VH-OQF came home this morning!

FlightAware > Qantas Airways #6002

So, now you know which aircraft will be going to London at the weekend.

TOGA is never needed on the LHR flights. Nor is it needed out of Sydney or Melbourne. But, it is used out of LA. Aircraft is heavier ('cos the flight time is longer), and you also normally use 24L to avoid shutting down half of the airport whilst you taxy out to 25L. Actually it's amazing how well it fits in at a crowded little place like Heathrow, and how badly at LA. Ground ops in this aircraft are a nightmare.

I'm sorry, but I don't understand why you would care which 380 is doing a particular service. I never look until I get there...why does it matter to you?

Love the comments about the supposed lack of airfields in the across the Pacific, versus the surfeit on the way to London. Basically there are a couple of gaps in the Pacific, but I think you are within 3 hours of 'somewhere' most of the time. Noumea, Nadi, Auckland, Samoa, Kona, Honolulu are all available as alternates. Tahiti is an emergency field. Going to Europe though, there are plenty of airports, although the vast majority are classified as emergency only...meaning we're too big, or heavy, or won't be able to clear the runway. The the upshot is that your options aren't particularly different.....

 

[Oneworldplus2]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand why you would care which 380 is doing a particular service. I never look until I get there...why does it matter to you?

Probably excited?

 

[markis10]

If it turns out to be an age or wear related issue we are talking about then caring about which aircraft is operating is significant, it would appear that QF certainly have this in mind by putting the two newest proven aircraft back online, which makes sense IMHO from a risk management point of view.

 

[dede]

I believe Qantas reallocated equipment through to December 3rd (perhaps over the weekend) with advice available Monday.

I note timetables still indicate 388's as originally scheduled for QF11/QF12/QF93/QF94 from the 4th.

I would keep checking; at least twice per day.

Ta Serfty! Will do.

 

[docjames]

TOGA is never needed on the LHR flights. Nor is it needed out of Sydney or Melbourne. But, it is used out of LA. Aircraft is heavier ('cos the flight time is longer), and you also normally use 24L to avoid shutting down half of the airport whilst you taxy out to 25L. Actually it's amazing how well it fits in at a crowded little place like Heathrow, and how badly at LA. Ground ops in this aircraft are a nightmare.

Thanks, I think that answers my questions. Thanks for taking the time to reply (i'[m sure you're busy looking at schedules to see when you're flying next!).

 

[Princess Fiona]

Are any AFFers on QF31 this Saturday? it would be interesting to read a little TR

 

[mannej]

Probably excited?

Some travellers may be weary of getting onto aircraft that have had previous incidents/accidents.

There was a topic a while back asking how to find out the rego of the a/c you were scheduled to be on after the QF30 and OJK incident


Sent from my iPhone using AFF Mobile

 

[NM]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand why you would care which 380 is doing a particular service. I never look until I get there...why does it matter to you?

My interest is purely curiosity as to whether the newer QF A380 aircraft were fitted with newer engines, hence requiring less effort to get them back into operation and being the two chosen for the initial return to ops. The two new ones to be delivered before the end of the year have new engines. So they add to the two ex-lax aircraft to make 4 operating before Christmas as reported.

So that leaves one in LAX, one in Singapore and one undergoing maintenance in FRA that are not planned to be part of the return to operations before the end of the year. Speculation suggests these aircraft are going to be on a waiting list for new engines from RR before they return to service.

 

[jb747]

Some travellers may be weary of getting onto aircraft that have had previous incidents/accidents.

There was a topic a while back asking how to find out the rego of the a/c you were scheduled to be on after the QF30 and OJK incident

Jeez...what was wrong with K? I'd fly on it any day.

 

[mannej]

Jeez...what was wrong with K? I'd fly on it any day.

To Quote the OP in the thread that I mentioned http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/first-time-flyer-23575.html#post330062

Anyway my real concern is the plane, can I tell if its old or was the one where the gas bottle exploded or ran off the runway in Bankok. THese 747s are reliable but old.

I guess it is a perception issue for some people

 

[maninblack]

And you could take the view that some aircraft involved in incidents are actually blessed. Such as.
JetPhotos.Net Photo » C-GAUN (CN: 22520) Air Canada Boeing 767-233 by Frederic Kogut
I'm not superstitious though.

 

[codash1099]

I love the term "damning with faint praise"

Why did the Qantas A380 fleet remain grounded whilst other carriers resumed A380 services?

Qantas' approach is and always has been that safety comes first. Until we had complete confidence in operating our A380 fleet we withheld it from service.
Every Qantas A380 in service will be compliant with the standards of our manufacturers and regulators. We have worked closely with our regulators to ensure that they too are confident with how we managed the issues.

 

[Flying Fox]

Just watched 7 Sunrise News and they had footage of Mr Joyce boarding the A380 and then walking around the cabin talking to passengers in Y.

Good to see him making the most of the opportunity.

 

[jb747]

As a vote of confidence, it's worth noting that the Captain of the flight was one of the guys who was on the 32.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Still would love to know the state of play with SQ???????