End of an Era? QF ends A380 operations ex MEL 24 October 2026

[SYD]

Not that I have heard. There were some "ideas" thrown around, but concrete allocation to routes other than PS have not been confirmed.

No MEL Sunrise routes have been announced.

Correct. No PS flights confirmed as yet. But it was reported that some existing B787 routes will switch to A350s ULR and LR. PER-LHR being one (which will see F ex PER).

It could have been speculation but I recall it being suggested that the PER-LHR flights will start in MEL. Also potential for the non-PS JFK route to switch to MEL-AKL-JFK.

I think MEL will get one put probably not until 2030.

Or when the A350LRs start to turn up?

But don't think QF will give up the F Lounge in the mean time.

Can't see it going either. There are sill plenty of QF F PAX on EK metal using it.

It's a prime spot and the alternative is well a dungeon.

Even the "dungeon" is being replaced!

 

[levelnine]

Probably getting enough money from partners to maintain the F lounge and also seem like they still care about MEL.

After all it's not a huge cost and alienating the largest city in Australia as we keep growing isn't exactly a winning strategy.

Sure Sydney will be the main hub, but they also can't outright completely ditch Melbourne.

A combined lounge would be a substantial saving, especially on the back end — single kitchen, combined reception, reduced rent from combined facilities, etc.

While I don't think it's necessarily likely, I'm sure the upcoming changes to MEL Airport are leading them to run the sums.

 

[moa999]

Or when the A350LRs start to turn up?

Is anything to say the 350LRs will have F ?

 

[dajop]

If the F lounge was all about F pax it would be a quarter of its current footprint. It’s part of the overall strategy that helps keep passengers, including those who are predominantly domestic pax, loyal.

 

[Quickstatus]

some existing B787 routes will switch to A350s ULR and LR

Can't remember if all the A350, whether ULR or any "x"R will all have F. I don't recall anyone mentioning that

 

[RealtimeY]

Qantas did at some point decide to extend its MEL F lounge hours past the last QFi flight, so there must be financial reasons for doing so.