ALL QF's 330's to get lay flat Business seating - Including Domestic

[bunkeight]

Interesting - guess it means a complex scheduling for shifting seats.
Any update on what is the latest on which two aircraft (inc the three remaining with JQ) will not get refurbed and leave the fleet.

It was mentioned that refurbishment of the domestic A330s was tied to the -300s for the reason that the seats were being moved across. It was also mentioned that the -300 seats were higher spec and higher comfort, despite being from the same model.

I have heard from a couple of sources that it's two of the international - 200s that are leaving. I have no way of verifying that information - I guess we will all have to wait and see!

 

[drpurpleturtle]

Yes I too have heard it'll be two international configured A332's. From what i've heard it's VH-EBH/EBI which will leave the fleet. VH-EBG/EBL will remain for CGK and HNL runs.

 

[moa999]

Why are EBG/EBL different. Currently 12 non-Pana -200s, with A-L, less 2 gives 10 which equals the number of -300s, plus less seats in the -200 so should be plenty of seats around for the -200 refurbs

 

[drpurpleturtle]

From what i've read elsewhere EBH/EBI have some sort of weight restriction as part of the lease agreement so I don't think QF could refurbish these aircraft.

 

[PaulST]

This is possibly an obvious question, but could you ring up the call centre and ask them if the plane set down for your flight has been refurbished? The reason I'm asking is that I've got the option of upgrading to J on an SYD-Mel A332 in a few months and it's not really worth it, UNLESS it's a refurbished model. The flight is at 2205 and QF497. As I'm currently in Y, there's no way of seeing the J seats to tell if it's new or not.

 

[moa999]

SYD-MEL is only getting a few flights for positioning purposes, so would be a low probability. Even if scheduled as a new aircraft this far out, changes are always possible and indeed likely.
An expert flyer subscription will show you the J seat map.

For a 60min flight you don't need a lie flat bed anyway

 

[PaulST]

SYD-MEL is only getting a few flights for positioning purposes, so would be a low probability. Even if scheduled as a new aircraft this far out, changes are always possible and indeed likely.
An expert flyer subscription will show you the J seat map.

For a 60min flight you don't need a lie flat bed anyway

Oh I'd be calling them the day before hand (or even earlier that day). It's certainly not necessary for such a short flight but I'd be interested to try it anyway.

 

[mannej]

This is possibly an obvious question, but could you ring up the call centre and ask them if the plane set down for your flight has been refurbished? The reason I'm asking is that I've got the option of upgrading to J on an SYD-Mel A332 in a few months and it's not really worth it, UNLESS it's a refurbished model. The flight is at 2205 and QF497. As I'm currently in Y, there's no way of seeing the J seats to tell if it's new or not.

But you can use the Y seat map to determine which configuration you are on.

The seat rows will give you a hint as to what configuration you are on. For the refurb, look for the end of the first cabin at Row 39, with the start of the next cabin at 44.

 

[Platinum A332]

Yes I too have heard it'll be two international configured A332's. From what i've heard it's VH-EBH/EBI which will leave the fleet. VH-EBG/EBL will remain for CGK and HNL runs.

I would love to see the 4 International 332 kept and reconfigured into a more premium heavy (3-class) configuration to operate double daily into HKG from SYD replacing the 744. Something like 34J/21W/164Y. At a double daily service, total seat capacity of 68J/42W/328Y will allow for a doubling of frequency with only a modest increase in capacity in each cabin over the 744 (+17% in J, +16% in W, +21% in Y).

I wonder if such a configuration would also be suited for flights into HND (replacing the 744)?

4xInternational 332 to replace 3x744?

 

[bunkeight]

VH-EBG/EBL will remain for CGK and HNL runs.

VH-EBG/L are supposedly being refurbished to the same configuration as the domestic -200s. The galleys are not suited to anything but short international sectors, both in space and the lack of adequate chillers. Also, there is no tech crew rest on the new configuration, so that counts out sectors over around 7 hours (if memory serves me correct). CGK maybe, HNL I doubt.

 

[mannej]

VH-EBG/L are supposedly being refurbished to the same configuration as the domestic -200s. The galleys are not suited to anything but short international sectors, both in space and the lack of adequate chillers. Also, there is no tech crew rest on the new configuration, so that counts out sectors over around 7 hours (if memory serves me correct). CGK maybe, HNL I doubt.

Which is interesting as these birds were used on the AKL-LAX-JFK runs for a period of time. I wouldn't call that short haul international.

 

[moa999]

Also heard that QPE is due to position to SIN for a repaint tomorrow.

VH-QPE just left SYD as QF6009, heading consistent with a trip to the paint shop

 

[Wannabee]

I wish QF 5 would get some love. For the 1st May would be nice

 

[Sprucegoose]

This is possibly an obvious question, but could you ring up the call centre and ask them if the plane set down for your flight has been refurbished? The reason I'm asking is that I've got the option of upgrading to J on an SYD-Mel A332 in a few months and it's not really worth it, UNLESS it's a refurbished model. The flight is at 2205 and QF497. As I'm currently in Y, there's no way of seeing the J seats to tell if it's new or not.

Call not not likely to know try expert flyer. What date are you flying?

 

[PaulST]

Call not not likely to know try expert flyer. What date are you flying?

Late August. I'll check EF closer a day or two beforehand. Way too far out now.
Thanks.

 

[pythonisman]

I wish QF 5 would get some love. For the 1st May would be nice

I lucked into getting a refit bird in J for QF5 on 30-January - it's possible!
Seat map changed about 48hrs out from memory.

 

[bunkeight]

Which is interesting as these birds were used on the AKL-LAX-JFK runs for a period of time. I wouldn't call that short haul international.

Perhaps I should have been more clear... The international -200s of course have international galleys and appropriate crew rest facilities now. They will not after the refurb as all -200s will be in the same configuration with respect to seats and galleys.

 

[moa999]

Noted on nyc787 blog that the 9th JQ 787 delivery is likely before end April which may prompt one of the 3 remaining JQ 330-200s to visit the paint shop

 

[penegal]

High quality fittings in Business Class on the refurb 332s

 

[pythonisman]

High quality fittings in Business Class on the refurb 332s

At least it didn't happen to the power socket!!