Qantas Delays/Cancellations

[Melburnian1]

So whats behind all these QFA cancellations?

davidj, it doesn't help that QF has had A388 VH-OQK undergoing attention in Dresden, Germany since 16 July 2019.

VH-OQB has been in Abu Dhabi since 14 May 2019.

The schedules usually require 10 of the 12 aircraft: three for QF1/QF2 (Sydney - London) , two each for QF7/QF8 (Sydney - Dallas Fort Worth) , QF11/QF12 and QF93/QF94 (Sydney and Melbourne respectively to/from Los Angeles) and one for QF35/QF36 (the daily MEL - SIN - MEL.)

So if any fail, there's trouble for QF and delays or cancellations for passengers.

Without some notice, the airline can't just substitute a B744 or 2 x smaller aircraft such as A332s (even if it had these available) for a failed A388 because air crew are not concurrently certified on multiple types. There's (lack of) range issues for the smaller A332s on most of the A388 runs (exception; MEL - SIN.) So even if a different aircraft was used, there'd be no crew at the other end who'd have positioned, and had the mandated rest period to operate the return flight punctually.

AFF member JohnPhelan has repeatedly made the point that more of the B744s ought have been retained as 'spares', but this is not cost free: regular maintenance is a given and there are holding costs such as stabling at airports even if an aircraft is fully depreciated in the airline's books.

 

[RSD]

davidj, it doesn't help that QF has had A388 VH-OQK undergoing attention in Dresden, Germany since 16 July 2019.

VH-OQB has been in Abu Dhabi since 14 May 2019.

That seems like a long time for OQB to be off the run - what are they doing to it?

I'm betting that right now someone at QF is writing a policy that no more than one A388 is ever scheduled to be off the run.

Without some notice, the airline can't just substitute a B744 or 2 x smaller aircraft such as A332s (even if it had these available) for a failed A388 because air crew are not concurrently certified on multiple types I gather, and there's (lack of) range issues for the smaller A332s on most of the A388 runs (exception; MEL - SIN.) So even if a different aircraft was used, there'd be no crew at the other end who'd have positioned, and had the mandated rest period to operate the return flight punctually.

Hopefully they are getting the A388's off the QF35/36 run for the next few days until they get things restored to normal.

AFF member JohnPhelan has repeatedly made the point that more of the B744s ought have been retained as 'spares', but this is not cost free: regular maintenance is a given and there are holding costs such as stabling at airports even if an aircraft is fully depreciated in the airline's books.

And keeping a crew(s) current on type if they aren't flying except when needed - the idea sounds good but isn't practical.

 

[TheInsider]

Anyone who is affected by these numerous A388 QFi cancellations and delays please let we AFFers know what arrangements (if any) were or are being made for rerouting/rebooking/hotels/transfers and meals. This gives us all a guide as to current practice when problems occur.

Literally tells you here what QF would do:

Compensation and Refunds Policy | Qantas

Compensation and Refunds Policy | Qantas

www.qantas.com

 

[Melburnian1]

Literally tells you here what QF would do:

Compensation and Refunds Policy | Qantas

Compensation and Refunds Policy | Qantas

www.qantas.com

Doesn't state how long it takes to organise same, or what rerouting (if any) occurs. That's the level of detail that AFFers are interested in.

Depending on demand for rooms around the airport(s) or in the CBD, and time of the year, in the more expensive locations to which QF operates (London and New York are prime examples), 'A$200' for an hotel room booked by a passenger may not cover costs. 'A$50' for meals at an hotel is woefully inadequate. If dining occurs outside of the hotel, it isn't a lot if one doesn't want to just eat at fast food outlets, especially if one wants two further meals a day (assuming the hotel throws in a decent breakfast.)

 

[Melburnian1]

The delayed Monday 5 August QF5 arrived SIN at 0024 hours on Tuesday 6 August, 389 minutes late.

The A388 then quickly turned around and departed at 0200 from SIN as QF36 with MEL arrival suggested as 1057 hours, 322 minutes behind schedule. Tuesday 6's QF35 is showing as a 1335 hours out of MEL (100 minutes late) with projected SIN arrival at 1930 relatively early this evening local time, also 100 late.

'The 36' tonight has become a forecast 2125 hours ex SIN, 70 late with MEL arrival on Wednesday 7 to be roughly 0650 hours, 75 minutes past the timetable.

Disastrous for what is left of QFi's reputation.

Despite major competitors such as SQ being based out of Australia, many rivals to QF manage to operate the vast majority of timetabled flights punctually or very close to that, and without the numerous long distance cancellations that QF intermittently incurs.

The A388s are younger than the B744s so if the former get to anything like the remaining B744s' age, one shudders to think of the problems QF ;long distance passengers will experience.

Many Asian competitors to QFi such as JL, KE, NH, PR and SQ offer some or all of cheaper fares, younger aircraft that are well maintained, have a good safety record, pleasant seat configurations and stellar or at least good service and meals on board, plus reasonable lounges if travelling J or having status, so why pay more to travel on QFi that is unreliable, has downgraded its food offerings on board in many cases and may have surly service on board from staff who really don't want to be there?

 

[Melburnian1]

That seems like a long time for OQB to be off the run - what are they doing to it?...

This AFF thread below has gaps (and debate about what's actually occurring) but in summary, Abu Dhabi visits seem to be for heavy maintenance (C checks) while those at Dresden are for the much publicised QFi A388 refurbishments:

Qantas A380 refurbishment news and updates.

Click HERE to view an article on this topic collaboratively compiled by our members using the (now retired) Wiki. With the announcement of the plan to refurbish the A380 and update the lounge area, that it would be a good idea to keep track of the plans and rumors and monitor activity's and...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

AFFer moa999 is a whiz at keeping viewers updated regarding QF refurbishments. He did a marvellous job with the A332/A333 ones, a thread that ended up becoming hundreds of pages.

 

[Melburnian1]

QF7 on Monday 5 August departed SYD at 1505, 150 minutes late, arriving DFW at 1527 hours, 147 late.

On Tuesday 6, QF409 (A332 VH-EBL, the 0700 hours SYD - MEL up up and away at 0737) is arriving at 0912 hours, 37 late.

QF814 (B738 VH-VZX, the 0815 hours MEL - CBR that took off at 0909) should be at its nominated gate at 0958 hours, 38 minutes tardy.

The 0845 hours SYD down to MEL, QF461 (VH-VXD) pushed back at 0916 and took off at 0932 so expected arrival is 1055, 35 late. Showing the lottery that times of the day with higher frequency can be, it is following the 0900 hours departure QF419 that was airborne two minutes prior at 0914.

A332 VH-EBJ is on QF922, the 0930 hours nicely timed SYD - CNS that was up up and away at 1032. Arrival is delayed to 1322, 42 late.

QF702, the 0905 hours MEL - CNS is similar with B738 VH-XZH anticipated to be at its arrival gate at 1310, 40 minutes behind the timetable.

The 0940 hours MEL - HKG QF29 took off at 1029 with suggested arrival for A333 VH-QPF at 1750, half an hour late.

 

[RSD]

The A388s are younger than the B744s so if the former get to anything like the remaining B744s' age, one shudders to think of the problems QF ;long distance passengers will experience.

But what is the answer? With limited slots into LHR, only so many trans pacific flights to the U.S. allowed under agreements, QF need aircraft the size of the A388's to take the volumes of passengers to places like DFW and LAX, LHR etc.

 

[Melburnian1]

Contrary to what AFF member nlagalle asserted - that editors of newspapers like 'Herald Sun' and 'Daily Telegraph' aren't interested in QF delays - some are now being featured by media, led by Melbourne radio station 3AW:

Qantas leaves hundreds of passengers stranded in the US after multiple cancellations

First on the Rumour File Hundreds of passengers are stranded at Los Angeles International Airport following the repeated cancellation of flight QF94. Approximately 180 young Scouts, who have been in the US for the World Scout Jamboree, are among those who have endured days in limbo. Stranded...

www.3aw.com.au

Unfortunately the telephone call from the young lady who is in USA terminates prior to the end but there's sufficient online to get the gist of what she's saying.

The 'Herald Sun' online story is paywalled but headline is 'Hundreds stranded as Qantas cancels Melbourne - LA flights.'

Latter includes mention of Boy Scouts hit by the flight axings.

AFFer jb747 may be amused by the use of 'mechanical trouble' to describe the problems.

Provided it's multiple cancellations - and depending on how many are affected - media are interested in these stories, on occasion.

If only they knew that the Melbourne - Singapore and Sydney - London/Dallas FW routes had also been affected in recent days (with two of these still affected)....

 

[RSD]

AFFer jb747 may be amused by the use of 'mechanical trouble' to describe the problems.

Obviously there is an unfortunate coincidence of several A388's having problems at once while two aircraft are parked up for heavy maintenance/upgrades. At the end of the day safety first and before inconvenience.

Malaysian were trying to sell a couple of A380's a while back weren't they?

 

[jb747]

If copy a link to a paywalled site, then, if you have Chrome, open an incognito window. Paste the link. Gets past many paywalls.

 

[Melburnian1]

A388 VH-OQC arrived in MEL on the delayed QF36 at 1102 hours on Tuesday 6 August, 327 minutes late, then turned around and operated the 1155 hours QF35 from MEL to SIN, pushing back at 1325 and becoming airborne at 1351 hours. Arrival is estimated at 1941 hours, 106 minutes late, so QF36 tonight is unlikely to depart prior to 2130, which would be 75 late.

 

[Melburnian1]

If copy a link to a paywalled site, then, if you have Chrome, open an incognito window. Paste the link. Gets past many paywalls.

Good advice but others with far more knowledge of computing who have tried it with News Ltd sites (of which 'Herald Sun' is one) say that its defences against such bypasses are good, in contrast to Nine Group (former Fairfax newspapers) whose paywalls can be easily breached.

UPDATE: Thank you jb747: I tried it, but with the 'HS' site it didn't work. No doubt someone expert in such matters would have success.

If you or others are able to paste the story in full on AFF that would be interesting.

 

[Melburnian1]

Obviously there is an unfortunate coincidence of several A388's having problems at once while two aircraft are parked up for heavy maintenance/upgrades. At the end of the day safety first and before inconvenience.

Malaysian were trying to sell a couple of A380's a while back weren't they?

While we don't want to go off topic, apparently no operator has yet managed to sell an A380. Airlines do not want them.

The delays and cancellations are 'unfortunate.' In the absence of any evidence that QF's maintenance is suspect - no one has asserted that - it may be Murphy's Law.

 

[jb747]

Qfflyer is correct. It got to the runway, then was stuck there for about 45 minutes before it was towed back to the gate blocking the runway. A different aircraft operated the delayed 94 (OQC). OQA had the nose gear issue.

My first thought was actually a green hydraulic system failure. The issue has come up just as they've lined up on the runway. Whilst it's described to ATC (on LiveATC.net) as a steering issue, that's just a symptom. They also offer to taxi the length of the runway, but would need the tug to exit...which also indicates the the nose gear is being operated by the back up system. The backup will overheat, as it's only meant to get you clear of the runway...and even then, perhaps only just.

BTW, it's not a viable offer, but I expect they shortly find that out.

The A388s are younger than the B744s so if the former get to anything like the remaining B744s' age, one shudders to think of the problems QF ;long distance passengers will experience.

I would be extremely surprised if QF has any 380s five years from now. And apart from EK, at that point, I don't think there will be many operating at all. As airlines wind them back, support for the remainder will become progressively more difficult.

 

[jb747]

Make sure you have the latest version of Chrome. It has upped the ante with regards to paywalled sites being able to identify or fingerprint your computer. So, if they are like most, and offer a limited number of articles before locking you out, they are unable to get any information at all.

First on the Rumour File

Hundreds of passengers are stranded at Los Angeles International Airport following the repeated cancellation of flight QF94.

Approximately 180 young Scouts, who have been in the US for the World Scout Jamboree, are among those who have endured days in limbo.

Stranded Qantas passenger, Katie Quirk, said her flight has been cancelled twice following lengthy delays.

“The first flight was cancelled for ‘mechanical issues’ and for the second we were told there were ‘engine troubles’,” she told 3AW Breakfast.

“We really didn’t get much insight into what was going on.

“We are scheduled on a third flight via Sydney for tonight.”

Qantas have confirmed the issue and provided the following statement:

Last night’s QF 94 from LA to Melbourne was cancelled due to an engineering issue relating to a panel on one of the aircraft’s wings.
Passengers were transferred onto tonight’s QF 94 while others will be flown out tomorrow night.
It’s a peak holiday period so the flights are quite full.

Panel on the wing? Who knows. Flaps, spoilers, ailerons, access panels?

 

[RSD]

I would be extremely surprised if QF has any 380s five years from now.

Any thoughts on what QF would use instead on the routes that A380's now fly?

 

[Melburnian1]

Make sure you have the latest version of Chrome. It has upped the ante with regards to paywalled sites being able to identify or fingerprint your computer. So, if they are like most, and offer a limited number of articles before locking you out, they are unable to get any information at all.

First on the Rumour File...

jb747, many thanks for further good advice.

I had already linked AFFers to the 3AW brekky article, which you have duplicated.

The one I was after being placed on AFF was the 'Herald Sun' article - that's what I can't access.

 

[RSD]

B789s?

Please no!

 

[RSD]

Panel on the wing? Who knows. Flaps, spoilers, ailerons, access panels?

Hopefully not another clumsy catering truck vs plane!