Qantas A380 refurbishment news and updates

[Melburnian1]

It would be a lot better than any other alternate scenario that you can dream up for putting additional capacity into the network for a situation like this that isn't a financial and operational black hole.

Agree it's a good solution, but given QFi's penchant for operating to too many destinations unreliably, how long before it is tempted to add another destination or frequency to (in theory) make more money, and hence is again left without a spare?

Unfortunately also, the A380s it has suffer from many breakdowns. These can be worst at holiday times like Christmas when passenger demand is highest.

 

[sudoer]

Agree it's a good solution, but given QFi's penchant for operating to too many destinations unreliably, how long before it is tempted to add another destination or frequency to (in theory) make more money, and hence is again left without a spare?

Unfortunately also, the A380s it has suffer from many breakdowns. These can be worst at holiday times like Christmas when passenger demand is highest.

I think you've answered your own question - probably after Christmas...

 

[RSD]

Agree it's a good solution, but given QFi's penchant for operating to too many destinations unreliably, how long before it is tempted to add another destination or frequency to (in theory) make more money, and hence is again left without a spare?

Perhaps this decision is a sign of change at QF...

 

[Melburnian1]

As recorded in the Qantas delays/cancellations thread, today's QF37 from MEL to SIN is to be delayed by four hours and 40 minutes in its departure.

This may be an example as to how having a 'spare' A380 based in SYD might have helped (assuming the A380 that's in MEL ex QF38 this morning needs attention).

 

[vhojm]

As recorded in the Qantas delays/cancellations thread, today's QF37 from MEL to SIN is to be delayed by four hours and 40 minutes in its departure.

This may be an example as to how having a 'spare' A380 based in SYD might have helped (assuming the A380 that's in MEL ex QF38 this morning needs attention).

Not sure whether VH-OQI will still be operating it or whether they are repositioning a different A380 from Sydney but when we were on OQI on the 25th the APU was broken and the engines 1&2 were turned on at the gate and used to start engines 3&4. Wonder if they need to fix this now hence the delay.

 

[Brettmcg]

As recorded in the Qantas delays/cancellations thread, today's QF37 from MEL to SIN is to be delayed by four hours and 40 minutes in its departure.

This may be an example as to how having a 'spare' A380 based in SYD might have helped (assuming the A380 that's in MEL ex QF38 this morning needs attention).

Ouch, that will hurt! QF37 carries a significant amount of thru-traffic onto the QF1 as it is, and given there's no QF35 at the moment, even those who would have originally travelled earlier will now also misconnect.

 

[D747]

The 4 hour test flight for VH-OQC has been scheduled at 11:00am AUH time on Friday 28/11/25.
(18:00 AEDT)

 

[D747]

The 4 hour test flight for VH-OQC has been scheduled at 11:00am AUH time on Friday 28/11/25.
(18:00 AEDT)

And after 3 long years VH-OQC is airborne!!!!!!

 

[sudoer]

And after 3 long years VH-OQC is airborne!!!!!!

I'm surprised it hasn't been longer tbh

 

[moa999]

I'm surprised it hasn't been longer tbh

Closer to 5y 8m (over a 1/3 of its life) since last passenger flights. But was initially stored at VCV before being moved to AUH.

And a solid 3hr 40min test flight doing loops off Abu Dhabi.

 

[D747]

VH-OQC is airbourne and heading for KLAX.

 

[RSD]

VH-OQC is airbourne and heading for KLAX.

Are you stalking it?

 

[elanshin]

Whi

Of course, a spare is no good if it's in Sydney and the LHR to SIN flight goes tech.

It would be a lot better than any other alternate scenario that you can dream up for putting additional capacity into the network for a situation like this that isn't a financial and operational black hole.

Whilst it's not going to help the QF2 flight immediately, it does help the flow on effects. Right now if QF2 LHR - SIN goes tech, you sitting in the US can be almost guaranteed your QF12 about 48h later is also cancelled as it's likely the same aircraft doing the rotation, or perhaps the DFW flight.

This at least means the SYD- US flights can continue on the spare.

 

[RSD]

Whi


Whilst it's not going to help the QF2 flight immediately, it does help the flow on effects. Right now if QF2 LHR - SIN goes tech, you sitting in the US can be almost guaranteed your QF12 about 48h later is also cancelled as it's likely the same aircraft doing the rotation, or perhaps the DFW flight.

This at least means the SYD- US flights can continue on the spare.

Very true - we've seen how one A380 having a hiccup results in days and days of disruptions for flights all over the place - hopefully those days are gone.