A330 - XFA/B - Refit?

[docjames]

Thought you just said it was too expensive and took too long

Well QF can afford it between now and then...

I think the whole XFA/B thing on AFF is over-emphasised as an issue. You clearly think its an issue for VA. I don't doubt they are aware of it. I'd also hazard a guess they know more about the costs and benefits of upgrading them, how long they want to keep them in the fleet etc than anyone on AFF (or indeed outside the corporate office of VA).

It will magnify as an issue for them once QF have their A330s refitted fully (as noted - 2015/16) if they leave them as-is between now and then.

 

[Bofter]

After 3.5 weeks, XFA has a trip back to Australia planned later today:
VH-XFA

 

[brettg]

I'm on XFA now (delayed by 1 hr after trip in from Manilla to Perth). And the news is...

**drumroll**

No refit!

 

[maninblack]

I'm on XFA now (delayed by 1 hr after trip in from Manilla to Perth). And the news is...

**drumroll**

No refit!

Arghhh! Did they fix the broken headphone socket in 2J at least

Oh well, that's a shame but perhaps these aircraft are not part of VA's long term plans.

 

[brettg]

Sorry, can't check maninblack! I'm glad l took a rare trip in Economy for this one! Came over on XFB, always a little disappointing to get the old birds, particularly on the way over because I like to sleep.

 

[maninblack]

Thanks for the photos. It's such a shame. The new planes are a terrific domestic product. Would love to see them on MEL-CNS! QF actually flew A330's on that route back in the day and SYD-CNS too - when the 330's were new and North QLD tourism was booming.

 

[Birdblack]

Found this on Instagram last night...

 

[Jamesl]

Found this on Instagram last night... View attachment 23862

thats a stock standard fix, the ol' speed tape.

 

[brettg]

Found this on Instagram last night... View attachment 23862

I totally agree with your Insta-friend. It's not a good look.

It's not that the XFA / XFB 330s are not good enough. Heck, they're better than a QF 767 going to Perth!

But for me it's the general state of the aircraft that is the biggest disappointment. On the economy seat I was in last night the screen was half attached to the seat, half swinging freely... On the way over on Monday with XFB seat 1A was inoperable. Most of my experiences with the business class seats on XFA / XFB have involved something not working, particularly the foot rest extensions.

I assume that since XFA came in from Malaysia to Perth last night, that this was the first passenger flight after weeks of being in maintenance. Yet they hadn't even bothered to have the aircraft properly cleaned. The screens and inside windows were dirty. You'd think with such downtime that they would have arranged to have it at least cleaned and the interior checked over. Screens fixed etc...

I understand that it probably isn't worth refitting the cabin since the competition are no better. But if they are going to keep these aircraft online for a few years, I just wish that that they would at least bring them up to an acceptable and working standard.

And most infuriating thing I found last night is the freakin' seat map. 10 on XFC-H is the front row of economy, but it's 7 on XFA / XFB. 10A is a windowless seat. Way to screw you're platinum customers Virgin.

How hard could it be to just tidy a few things like that up?

 

[lovestotravel]

No surprise they didn't bother fixing these 2 aircraft

A shame though!

 

[Must...Fly!]

XFC has gone to MNL, before XFB interestingly!

 

[markis10]

XFC has gone to MNL, before XFB interestingly!

Not surprising, being a newer aircraft her hours would mean different requirements at times to XFB

 

[Jamesl]

Plus there is no need to follow the alphabet either...

 

[Must...Fly!]

Plus there is no need to follow the alphabet either...

Of course not, but since A went first, I thought logically B would be next, being that they are the older birds. Obviously I was wrong

 

[Dan_]

I am doing the red eye in J on Friday 28th Per-Syd. I really hope I get one of the new ones, sleep in XFA/XFB is non existent for me

 

[tuapekastar]

I had XFA or B subbed in for a flight I am taking today. I was able without any issue at all to change to the flight before (new config). Flexi fare, so to be able to change was understandable, but also able to keep comp upgrade to J. The worst and best of VA!
Let's hope I don't get to the airport and find a 738 waiting for me(has happened before).

 

[Must...Fly!]

XFC got back last night from MNL and is back operating (Did VA473 last night) and XFB is due to leave for MNL this morning.

 

[bass_ke]

Happy days!

Any idea how long XFB might be away for?

 

[maninblack]

I must say I am a little confused. Even tiny weeny little pacific island airlines like SB and TN and FJ manage to upgrade their aircraft but VA cannot!

Americans used to joke that Australia is just like the States but 20 years behind. So it is with our airlines following in their American brethren's mould in a race to the bottom.

 

[day_mee]

I must say I am a little confused. Even tiny weeny little pacific island airlines like SB and TN and FJ manage to upgrade their aircraft but VA cannot!

Americans used to joke that Australia is just like the States but 20 years behind. So it is with our airlines following in their American brethren's mould in a race to the bottom.

Erm how long has it been since you've traveled on an american airline? United, Delta, American are all shocking and closer to Jetstar and Tigerair than Virgin or Qantas. VA have a reasonable product on their A330s, superior service and way more modern planes than most of the US legacy carriers. Granted, some VA 738s have been downgraded with no adjustable headrests, but these aren't really needed for hour-long flights. VA/QF have included entertainment unlike most US carriers.