Qantas - Refurbs on 767 and 747

[auskiwiflyer]

So QF has stated that they are refubishing 15 767s to include iPads, new seat covers, carpets, divders, arm caps, sidewall lighting and more.

"B767 Refurbishment | Qantas"

This suggests to me that they are expecting what 5 years at least more service from the already up to 23 year old 767 fleet (VH-OGG) to recoup this refurb investment.

At the same time, we are seeing QF advertise they are refurbing selected 747-400s to provide the "A380 Experience". These 747s are also around the same age (late 80's early 90s delivery)

"http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/B747-refresh/global/en"

Both of these "upgrades" I find as a QF Pt disappointing. I would much rather see newer aircraft.

QF surely must see that when you have a choice to go on airlines with much younger fleets - that is preferable to most?

Or am I wrong - is a younger aircraft only a decision for a minority of people when choosing who to fly with?

For me at least, aircraft is the #1 factor that I base my decision on in regard to who to fly with.

Discuss.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Too easy.

Old qantas plane with smart pilot ala JB747 or new Garuda plane with run of the mill Garada Standard Pilot?

 

[trippin_the_rift]

I'm pretty sure pilots are sick of flying the same things too

 

[auskiwiflyer]

Or Aussie pilot on far newer planes (eg CX, Emirates)?

 

[BAM1748]

Younger aircraft alway preferable, but I would choose a older QF plane over say a brand new Chinese assembled airbus.Matt

 

[nlagalle]

How about aircraft delays (ala 787) delaying retirement of these planes??

As a WP I actually like flying on the 767..

 

[mannej]

How old is the oldest 747 being refurbed? Not so old compared as to what you are making it out to be...

 

[nlagalle]

And most people don't have a clue on the aircraft age.. Dress up the interior and a re spray and unless you look up the rego you have no idea..

 

[trippin_the_rift]

How old is the oldest 747 being refurbed? Not so old compared as to what you are making it out to be...

1989 is Qantas' oldest 747.
Put into perspective, it's 2 months newer than United's oldest 747...

This is one 23 year old I don't want to get into!

 

[BAM1748]

How about aircraft delays (ala 787) delaying retirement of these planes??

As a WP I actually like flying on the 767..

There is still a production line going for the 767's, would have been good if QF had ordered some new ones for domestic.

matt

 

[auskiwiflyer]

How about aircraft delays (ala 787) delaying retirement of these planes??

Well wasn't it also that all the a330s went to Jetstar and that the A380 order was downsized in the case of the 747s.

It's hard because now it's obvious Qantas cant afford them, but was it the case that by not replacing the fleet they are now paying in terms of lost business? It's complicated.

As a WP I actually like flying on the 767..

That's becuase the 737s are worse. 767s are the best of the bad bunch. They are still operating 737-400s ffs

 

[auskiwiflyer]

And most people don't have a clue on the aircraft age.. Dress up the interior and a re spray and unless you look up the rego you have no idea..

You don't need to look at the rego - the 767's super old school overhead bins and yellowing plastics everywhere shows it pretty clearly. Oh let's not forget the old school RGB bulb projectors for the main central video screens - I hope they remove those in the refurb!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Well wasn't it also that all the a330s went to Jetstar and that the A380 order was downsized in the case of the 747s.

It's hard because now it's obvious Qantas cant afford them, but was it the case that by not replacing the fleet they are now paying in terms of lost business? It's complicated.

That's becuase the 737s are worse. 767s are the best of the bad bunch. They are still operating 737-400s ffs

I this the 737-4 is a very comfortable aircraft. Especially the J/Y section

 

[mannej]

1989 is Qantas' oldest 747.
Put into perspective, it's 2 months newer than United's oldest 747...

This is one 23 year old I don't want to get into!

Answer my question...

 

[elbarto]

Harden up princess. There's nothing wrong with old aircraft that have been looked after. Just because they're not shiny and new doesn't mean they won't get you from point a to point b.

 

[Ewing]

I this the 737-4 is a very comfortable aircraft. Especially the J/Y section

Not if you're paying for J.

*grumbles*

 

[markis10]

The refurbs are a stop gap for aircraft that are already past their use by for many airlines Qantas competes with, including UAL of all the competitors. The question we need to be asking is what next, there are not enough A330s coming from JQ to cover the 767 fleet, and even after the non refurbs are sent to the desert what are the plans for the replacement of those left behind be it 744 or 767?

I suspect whatever the next wide body order come along, the aircraft that gets the business is likely to be the one with the earliest slots, not the one best suited for the job. Lots of airlines are already ahead in the queue this year thanks to a record order year, with a lower credit rating QF is hardly in a position to throw much weight around, we live in interesting times.

 

[mannej]

1989 is Qantas' oldest 747.
Put into perspective, it's 2 months newer than United's oldest 747...

This is one 23 year old I don't want to get into!

To answer that question for you and the OP, the oldest 747 being refurbed was built in 99. A whole decade later than the jumbos you are pointing out.

 

[yohy?!]

delta would disagree with the idea that younger is better! their md-80 and dc-9 fleets are in their 20s and 30s

http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/P1-BJ150_DELTA_G_20121115233002.jpg

 

[moa999]

A good refurb (eg. the proposed 737 refurb with new bins and LED lighting) will mean you literally can't tell the age of the aircraft.

For part of the reason why Qantas has such an old fleet (which incidentally has gotten a lot younger over the last few years with A380s, A330s and 737s) see:
1. The Australian government - aircraft depreciation rates are much longer than offshore, particularly in Asia (less relevant in middle east where no tax fullstop)
2. Qantas former management post IPO when there was hardly any investment in fleet, just dividends to support the share price

I would prefer a well maintained older plane with good crew and day of the week