B737 subbed for A332 MEL-CNS

[Dmac59]

A few weeks ago I posted regarding B737 being subbed for A332 PER-MEL in April.
The unreliability of the A330 fleet was further confirmed today when QF notified of a change of aircraft for my CNS-MEL flight Sat 19 July. Mrs Dmac & I booked in Business (I), but now with the aircraft change there is an element of uncertainty particularly as seat selection is no longer available for this flight.

 

[markis10]

Doubt it has anything to do with unreliability of the A330 fleet given the timing, more likely commercial reasons see the need for a bigger aircraft elsewhere, Qantas probably still sorting the Japan changes

 

[DC3]

… seat selection is no longer available for this flight.

It may pay to keep checking on seat selection. I’ve found it to be a bit flaky lately, and it may come back up again.

Edit: Frustrating, I know

 

[Dmac59]

Doubt it has anything to do with unreliability of the A330 fleet given the timing, more likely commercial reasons see the need for a bigger aircraft elsewhere, Qantas probably still sorting the Japan changes

Your likely correct @markis10
It is a little frustrating however when choosing to travel in Business on scheduled wide-body aircraft to have those aircraft substituted after making bookings.

 

[Captain Halliday]

I wouldn’t rule out that it’s weather related.

A possible closure of BNE for cyclone.. might mean some changes to what frames go where…

 

[RB001]

I wouldn’t rule out that it’s weather related.

A possible closure of BNE for cyclone.. might mean some changes to what frames go where…

Not sure how many brave souls would risk their reputation forecasting the weather and its impacts 4.5 months in advance!

 

[Captain Halliday]

Not sure how many brave souls would risk their reputation forecasting the weather and its impacts 4.5 months in advance!

Ha! True. Disregard my ramblings. I read “Saturday” and missed the date.

I’m entering my fourth hour in the queue for sandbags and getting weary.

 

[opusman]

seat selection is no longer available for this flight.

I had that recently after a cancellation and my theory is it's because the only seats available were ones I couldn't select (row 1). I called them and they put me in 1D.

I was a bit worried it meant the flight was overbooked though!

 

[Dmac59]

I was a bit worried it meant the flight was overbooked though!

My thoughts exactly, given the reduction in Business from 27 to 12.

 

[Silvia]

They have been even taking the A330 out of transcon routes. Some days MEL/PER is only served by one A330. I had an aircraft swap recently. Very frustrating indeed

 

[cpatters]

There are 4 x A330's out of action in Brisbane atm so I am guessing its due to a lack of aircraft available.

 

[Seat0B]

Ha! True. Disregard my ramblings. I read “Saturday” and missed the date.

I’m entering my fourth hour in the queue for sandbags and getting weary.

Stay safe.

 

[cpatters]

The overseas MRO used for engine overhauls lost its accreditation due to poor standards recently, causing delays to engine inspections.

Once upon a time Qantas had the most respected engine and heavy maintenance facilities in the world until they were outsourced under AJ.

Am sure they are regretting that decision now as its coming back to bite them big time!

 

[moa999]

overseas MRO used for engine overhauls lost its accreditation due to poor standards recently

Which company was this?

 

[TheInsider]

Once upon a time Qantas had the most respected engine and heavy maintenance facilities in the world until they were outsourced under AJ.

Quite odd considering Qantas in BNE has and does the heavy maintenance. The GE Engine facility has issues, but considering QF don't make engines it's a bit of a reach to blame overseas work.

Post automatically merged: Yesterday at 4:39 PM

Am sure they are regretting that decision now as its coming back to bite them big time!

Nothing to do with local maintenance and all to do with supply issues and constraints. Currently it's been said that QF are short 6 GE engines.
Planes need part, things break, if there is no part, then the aircraft can't get fixed. The reason why the A330s are 'broken'/AOG has nothing to do with overseas maintenance since the A330s are generally maintained in Australia.

 

[markis10]

Quite odd considering Qantas in BNE has and does the heavy maintenance.

Post automatically merged: Yesterday at 4:39 PM

Nothing to do with local maintenance and all to do with supply issues and constraints. But please tell us more.
Planes need part, things break, if there is no part, then the aircraft can't get fixed. The reason why the A330s are 'broken'/AOG has nothing to do with overseas maintenance.

Qantas have been getting their GE work done in China for some time

 

[jb747]

Nothing to do with local maintenance and all to do with supply issues and constraints. Currently it's been said that QF are short 6 GE engines.
Planes need part, things break, if there is no part, then the aircraft can't get fixed. The reason why the A330s are 'broken'/AOG has nothing to do with overseas maintenance since the A330s are generally maintained in Australia.

The engines aren't. Once they have to come off the wing, then QF no longer has the engine workshop that they used to have. So, overseas they go.

 

[TheInsider]

The engines aren't. Once they have to come off the wing, then QF no longer has the engine workshop that they used to have. So, overseas they go.

Yes, but ultimately the people who make the engines are short. One A330 in BNE has zero engines on it, lent to others, whilst another there, only has one.
Although QF maybe don't rebuild their engines anymore, not many airlines do from what I can see.