One for 747 fans ... temporary reintroduction on KUL/LHR route

[dajop]

What the?

From airline route:

Malaysia Airlines in last Friday’s schedule update has loaded planned Boeing 747-400 International operation, currently scheduled in May and June 2016. The re-introduction of Boeing 747-400 aircraft is assigned on Kuala Lumpur – London Heathrow route, operating twice weekly from 16MAY16 to 27JUN16.MH004 KUL0950 – 1635LHR 380 x13
MH004 KUL0950 – 1635LHR 744 13
MH002 KUL2315 – 0555+1LHR 380 D
MH003 LHR1155 – 0745+1KUL 380 D
MH001 LHR2145 – 1750+1KUL 380 x13
MH001 LHR2145 – 1750+1KUL 744 13
Configuration of the 747 is F12J39Y302

Last flown in RPT services in Nov 2012.

 

[docjames]

Interesting. Where has the aircraft been?

They are trying to unload the A380s aren't they?

 

[esseeeayeenn]

No the A380s were withdrawn from sale for at least two years. They accelerated the retirement of the older B777 fleet instead.
They will reassess the disposition of the A380s when they start to take delivery of their A350s.
I think some of them are on charter though.

 

[mannej]

I am fairly sure that I have read that the 747 is covering for MX requirements on the 380 fleet. I'd have to go and search to find it though.

 

[dajop]

I am fairly sure that I have read that the 747 is covering for MX requirements on the 380 fleet. I'd have to go and search to find it though.

The odd thing is that MH have 6 A380's in their fleet, and at least this month have used all 6. Without maintenance you only need 3 A380's in service to service KUL/LHR double daily - with a fourth I guess to cover regular maintenance.

I am sure there is some logic to why the 747 is coming back. Maybe 3 of their A380's will be offline for the period.

 

[awkwardpaws]

yep I find this odd as well (and so did Lucky from OMAAT)

Malaysia Airlines' Puzzling Revived 747 Is Back In Service! - One Mile at a Time

I wonder if say, 3 A380s all need to go into service at the same time?

 

[cosi]

Business Traveller Asia report

Malaysia Airlines recommissions B747 - Business Traveller Asia