Qantas A380 refurbishment news and updates

[Melburnian1]

There is a story on the 'Herald Sun' site about how actress Lynn Gilmartin claims (re a Qantas flight from Sydney to Los Angeles) a 'chunk of the wing' snapped off, dropping down over California somewhere'.

Because the article makes reference to power being off and toilets inoperable, it must be recenetly refurbished A388 VH-OQC that is in Los Angeles after operating QF11 as its first revenue flight for years.

The article has a photo sourced from Instagram that appears to show fairly substantial damage to the wing.

If this is correct, the aircraft may not be flying for some time.

 

[markis10]

If this is correct, the aircraft may not be flying for some time.

Looks like an easy repair to me..

https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/airbus-to-detail-a380-slat-delamination-checks-after-emirates-and-sia-incidents/163846.article

By comparison the EK A380 delamination

 

[Melburnian1]

I posted this in the Qantas cancellations/delays thread on AFF. I don't normally post twice in different threads, but given some may not view the cancellations threads, here's the update re A388 VH-OQC:

'Herald Sun' has updated its article, quoting a QF spokesman/woman stating 'it was the slat on the wing, I wouldn't say it was a chunk' and that it was looked at by engineers in Los Angeles. After a part arrives ex Dubai, (the aircraft) will operate again on Thursday.

This suggests QF12 may be cancelled on Tuesday night ex LAX, but so far, no suggestion of that on FR24. Qantas' flight status also shows QF12 as operating on Tuesday and Wednesday nights (9 and 10 December) ex LAX.

 

[jb747]

Interesting. Never came across any mention of this in my time on the aircraft. But, a slat panel should be simple enough to replace….as long as you have one.

 

[D747]

Interesting. Never came across any mention of this in my time on the aircraft. But, a slat panel should be simple enough to replace….as long as you have one.

I wonder if they have the spare parts from the scrapped OQE / F?

 

[DejaBrew]

I was on last Sunday's QF2 (SIN>SYD) being operated by OQH. Shortly before the supper service, CSM Christine popped by for a chat and we were mid-lament over Australia's antiquated manual incoming passenger cards when we suddenly found ourselves being welcomed to Louise's magic place (i.e. Litchfield National Park). Christine politely excused herself as a call of "Safety!" rang out from the nearby galley.

Returning several minutes later, Christine explained that the crew had reported multiple times that OQH has been exhibiting some gremlins in the IFE system of late whereby it just randomly decides to play the safety video - or something else - to all cabins without warning. We just got to experience its latest act of self-expression.

 

[Melburnian1]

I wonder if they have the spare parts from the scrapped OQE / F?

That QF is sourcing this part from Dubai suggests (at least in this case) it doesn't.