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.

 

[elanshin]

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.

Meeting the Cathay and Malaysian airlines midnight departures - likely so they also do the same for QF flights in other ports (like say YVR).

 

[Quickstatus]

so there must be financial reasons for doing so.

QF codeshares on partner, and OW flights?
For example there is a late departure EK flight
QF is paid for these passengers using the lounge

 

[SYD]

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

All 12x ULRs (PS) are 4 Class (including F). I can’t find the source but it was the original planned allocation of aircraft to MEL for PS will most likely do some of the existing B787 routes (as above PER-LHR and AKL-JFK). The speculation is they’ll do those runs to/from MEL.

The additional 12x “Project Fysh” A350-LRs are the A380 replacements and were supposed to be earmarked to operate the non-PS flagship routes. eg SYD-SIN-LHR amongst other routes eg DFW. There’s a reference out there somewhere that these will be the same configuration as PS except no ULR fuel tank.

I think there might be links over in the PS thread.

 

[mviy]

The non LR A350 aircraft likely would have more seating with normal QF international economy leg room. Without the extra fuel tank and flying shorter distances a higher passenger load would suit the bean counters one would think.

 

[mviy]

One possibility could be for QF to seek space where it could have separate Business and First Lounges in MEL, but right next to each other like they are in Sydney.

SYD-MEL is arguably QF’s most important route and certainly its busiest route. A significant portion of these travellers are going to be MEL based. imo Providing a FLounge for these passengers is good for QF.

 

[drron]

We actually flew twice out of MEL on the A380 to LAX. Once on F awards and once an upgrade to F. SYD was unavailable. On the awards I had a billionaire across the aisle. I had to remind him that he actually knew me.

 

[Quickstatus]

Providing a FLounge for these passengers is good for QF.

But SYd-MEL is a domestic route.

 

[mviy]

But SYd-MEL is a domestic route.

And a significant number of domestic passengers travel internationally sometimes. There are probably many who mainly fly domestic but travel internationally maybe once or twice a year if that.

 

[elanshin]

All 12x ULRs (PS) are 4 Class (including F). I can’t find the source but it was the original planned allocation of aircraft to MEL for PS will most likely do some of the existing B787 routes (as above PER-LHR and AKL-JFK). The speculation is they’ll do those runs to/from MEL.

The additional 12x “Project Fysh” A350-LRs are the A380 replacements and were supposed to be earmarked to operate the non-PS flagship routes. eg SYD-SIN-LHR amongst other routes eg DFW. There’s a reference out there somewhere that these will be the same configuration as PS except no ULR fuel tank.

I think there might be links over in the PS thread.

There's been no confirmation of anything for the regular a350.

I don't think QF has decided yet themselves either.

The non LR A350 aircraft likely would have more seating with normal QF international economy leg room. Without the extra fuel tank and flying shorter distances a higher passenger load would suit the bean counters one would think.

Or maybe they'll see JL setup and PS loads and go for the same loadout . After all these still should be pushing 14-16h flights even without the extra tank.