Qf 9, 747

Always a 747-400

 

3 class 744 for sure. Usual tech swap disclaimer applies (maybe 0.0000001% chance) but I haven't been the victim of one of those on QF9 or 10 yet.

 

But there is still the unknown,
Will it work !!!

 

Expect that it won't. That way not disappointed when it doesn't work, and if it does it makes a nice suprise.

 

Arent there still some 744s that dont have AVOD? ISnt the likelihood of a 743 on that route incredibly small - but AVOD is 50/50? Then you have to assume it will work and that it has something good (no films on QF interest me at the moment)...

 

This excellent repository of information (maintained by one amongst us) indicates that all 747-400s are AVOD equipped.

QFlyer - Qantas Fleet Information

Has been since the beginning of the year IIRC.

(Doesn't guarantee that it'll be functioning to spec, though.)

 

Flew LAX - SYD in early feb, flights was completely full. I was upstairs and 5 seats had non working AVOD, which meant 5 very very unhappy pax, and two FA's continuously appologising, even the CSM came up to appologise and gave them some vouchers I think, dont know for how much though.

 

The 743's are busy plying their way from Melbourne and Sydney to Perth and back. Very rarely used on int flights now. There are only 5 of them listed as still in QF fleet as opposed to 30 of the 744's.

 

And one of those 5 is nor far away from retirement or finding alternate employment elsewhere.

 

Only 5, thats 2000 seats, quite a bit for an airline thats short of long haul capacity, they are again going to be running some AKL-LAX services this year and who knows where else when needed. These planes were all going to be retired back in about 2003 but QF has needed them, so they were re-fitted and sent back to work. VH-EBU Nalanji Dreaming is unofficially retired and being stripped for parts and the other 5 still going. You are highly unlikely to get one on QF9 though.

PS check out.
rwy34.com - Photo Request

 

There's currently only 4 747-300s in active service with Qantas.

743s are useful in covering 744 maintenance and operating flights that may need extra capacity during busy holiday times, such as SYD-NOU/HNL. BNE-PER-BNE is still slated to get 743s on the ~8.30am flight later in the year.

1 747-300 will operate a Captain's Choice Tour later this month.

You won't see a 747-300 on QF9/10, but it's always possible you may see a 2-class 747-400. The 747-300 has operated QF127/128 (normally 3-class 744) in the past before, but you have to remember this doesn't continue onto LHR, like QF9/10 does, and there is no way Qantas would operate a 743 and Dreamtime to LHR - I mean they would rather cancel BNE/MEL/SYD-LAX flights and use the aircraft to LHR.

AVOD was installed on the final 747-400 in early March 2007 - so all of fleet has had it for a little while.

Rgds

 

So they are planning to have 3 of the in PER at midday. Can't see that working too well.

 

You always have the chance to ask for an empty seat, the real issue is what chance of the answer you want . This will of course depend on how full the a/c is, and then be influenced by your QFF status. I hope you have good luck.