Qantas Project Sunrise goes ahead, 12 new A350-1000s ordered

[anat0l]

I couldn’t help but laugh at this line in the ET article: “She [Hudson] also confirmed that Qantas Points could be used to snare a Classic Reward seat in every cabin, including first class”

Hmmmm.... 6 F seats.

She's not wrong, but be damned if a Bronze (let alone a Silver or even a Gold) would have a chance at getting a F seat on Classic Reward. At least the answer is not a flat no, never. I remember when the first A380s came online around 2009, there was no chance anyone, even a Platinum, could get an F Classic Award seat (this was in the days where there was no P1 and ASAs rather than Classic Plus).

P1s have the advantage as they are likely to be able to request F seats that can be drawn from revenue inventory.

If they offer that award space to partners, then it'll be Hell... but I wouldn't put past that this could happen.

 

[SYD]

Hmmmm.... 6 F seats.

She's not wrong, but be damned if a Bronze (let alone a Silver or even a Gold) would have a chance at getting a F seat on Classic Reward. At least the answer is not a flat no, never. I remember when the first A380s came online around 2009, there was no chance anyone, even a Platinum, could get an F Classic Award seat (this was in the days where there was no P1 and ASAs rather than Classic Plus).

F CRs exist. What are you doing on the 4th?


But I wouldn’t be relying on those unicorns if hoping to get a family of four to Old Blighty.

If they offer that award space to partners, then it'll be Hell... but I wouldn't put past that this could happen.

QFFs usually get first dibs.

 

[TeaKozy]

I’ve done that before and it’s actually the best option to reduce jet lag. QF10 from London and then a 737 on to MEL arriving in the evening. With the timing you actually do want the recliner on PER-MEL because you shouldn’t be sleeping on that flight unless you like jet lag.

Agree with you regarding sleep, but the 789 is infinitely better for working in than a recliner, not to mention a better recline (still smarting with them yanking the A380 on MEL-SIN under the auspices of an 'improved' MEL-PER-LHR offering, only for them to pull that and allocate the frame to SYD-PER-CDG).

At this point, you have to wonder why they even bother with the FLounge in MEL. Given now that Sunrise is no longer a reality and the A380's (should MEL ever see them again) will start being retired early 2030.

 

[SYD]

At this point, you have to wonder why they even bother with the FLounge in MEL. Given now that Sunrise is no longer a reality and the A380's will start being retired early 2030, you have to wonder.

As above, QF F tix on EK metal…

 

[leesionn]

aviation.flights doesn't have a photo as yet, but it seems that MSN 814 (the second A35K), has been spotted in full QF colours with engines. I'll drop the photo in here when I see it (and if I remember to)

 

[Quickstatus]

Maybe QF can do a true RTW in each direction
SYD-JFK-LHR-SYD and vv

 

[elanshin]

aviation.flights doesn't have a photo as yet, but it seems that MSN 814 (the second A35K), has been spotted in full QF colours with engines. I'll drop the photo in here when I see it (and if I remember to)

Theres rumors that this plane may end up being delivered first as 707 completes all the testing requirements then gets its paint job and cabin properly installed.

 

[leesionn]

Theres rumors that this plane may end up being delivered first as 707 completes all the testing requirements then gets its paint job and cabin properly installed.

That makes sense. I’m guessing flight testing of 814 will begin asap following certification of the ULR, and QF will want to receive the first one ASAP following that for pilot training and certification in Aus. And seat certification will probably take a while too.

Also 707 will have to wait till certification, get its paint job and also get the current insides of the flight lab stripped, and then get the cabin installed

 

[AFF Editor]

Our colleague at PH was at the event in Toulouse and shared these pictures.

They've been told that this is the second airframe built (MSN 814) but will be the first delivered to QF as VH-OJA, named Vega. It is painted in standard QF livery.

The current flight test aircraft (MSN 707) will eventually be the fourth one delivered to Qantas.

There is no word on a special livery yet for any of the A35Ks.

 

[Chrizztofa]

Our colleague at PH was at the event in Toulouse and shared these pictures.

They've been told that this is the second airframe built (MSN 814) but will be the first delivered to QF as VH-OJA, named Vega. It is painted in standard QF livery.

The current flight test aircraft will eventually be the fourth one delivered to Qantas. There is no word on a special livery yet.

Not sure if mentioned before but there are also some more images (and a short video) are at the Dropbox link at the bottom of this Qantas newsroom release:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/project-sunrise-route-announcement-toulouse

I've wondered if the test aircraft will sport a special livery. The leading edge of the tailfin is painted in a dark blue (possibly Airbus house colours) - does that signify anything?

 

[moa999]

a photo as yet, but it seems that MSN 814 (the second A35K), has been spotted in full QF colours with engines.

Without engines.
This MSN 814 also carries the letter JA on its wheel covers - suggesting it will be VH-OJA (last used on the 744s) and first delivered.

The test aircraft MSN 707 is expected to be a later delivery after all the test equipment is removed, and possibly a special livery.

 

[moa999]

Most people had assumed all 12 aircraft were destined for the ULH point-to-point network, potentially including future MEL services.

VH has been mentioning the 350s taking over PER-LHR for over 12 months given the 789s are capacity restricted on some services, particular with current political issues.

Equally I don't see today's announcement as saying MEL won't happen, just that everything is under review in the current environment.

Utilising the slightly shorter PER-LHR route in combination with SYD-LHR can also let you better optimise use of the aircraft.

 

[justinbrett]

At this point, you have to wonder why they even bother with the FLounge in MEL. Given now that Sunrise is no longer a reality and the A380's (should MEL ever see them again) will start being retired early 2030.

They haven’t even taken delivery of the first aircraft. Qantas had their 747-400ERa almost a decade before they launched SYD-DFW.

In 12 years QF1 has gone from via SIN to DXB then back to SIN and soon to be non stop. Things change drastically in short periods of time in this industry