Qantas 737 Refurbishment tracker

[moa999]

Those two 320s (EBH and EBI) are long gone and currently undergoing conversion to MRTT/KC-30As with one getting a VIP interior.
Their siblings EBG/EBL continue on in the old Intl config and from other reports will likely do so until leases expire in 2018.
I don't think the two 737s ever left, potentially the statement was part of lease negotiations, as might be the non-refurb of EBG/EBL

 

[moa999]

VH-VZM out this morning making #63 of 67. Looks like VH-VZS went into SYD last night.

VH-XZB expected out of BNE any day.
Only the aforementioned VH-VXM (with drop-down IFE) and VH-XZC (with Seatback) still operating of the AU fleet.

 

[Christopher Campbell]

Refurbished ZK-ZQB returned to service this evening (5/8, 62.5% completed). ZK-ZQA took its place.

 

[Christopher Campbell]

VH-XZB has been refurbished and has returned to service operating Q509 this morning.

VH-XZC took its place last in Brisbane.

Only VH-VXM remain.

 

[moa999]

XZC likely back out 2-4 Dec based on similar aircraft.
VZS probably out of SYD tomorrow.

 

[under the radar]

so this leaves VH-VXM as the last (and only 'rogue' communal screens) unrefurbed 737. Time to place your bets.....Will VXM leave QF, or will VXM be the 'trial' WIFI 737, along with its seating refit, and maybe the new centenary roo? This is ALL just throwing it out there, and I do enjoy stoking the fire

 

[moa999]

It's also the only VX series in the old paint. All the others (including VXQ Retro Roo II) have new schemes.

The other old schemes are VY-series.

Query if there is a bearish lease expiry that hasn't yet been resigned.

 

[Christopher Campbell]

And there we have it, there are no more unrefurbished 737s operating with VXS returning to service this morning and VXM entering Sydney M late last night.

 

[moa999]

Yep VXS makes #65, with both VXM (at least it appears so) and XZC now in maint - both should be complete by early-Dec.
And then only NZ rego ZQG/ZQH remain

Under refurb, check or paint
VH-VXM SYD - [11-16] days - In 9/11/16 Out 20-25/11/16
VH-XZC BNE - [23 days] In 9/11/16 Out 2/12/16
ZK-ZQA BNE - [14 days] - In 6/11/16 Out 20/11/16

 

[under the radar]

looks like VH-XZB might be the trial wifi a/c, going by a pic posted over on another forum (yssyforum). It's got an extra 'bump' on top.

 

[moa999]

Pic courtesy Zac M on YSSY

 

[TheInsider]

Pic courtesy Zac M on YSSY

View attachment 83928

Still not in use, only being trialled by the company providing the equipment and bandwidth at the moment.

 

[under the radar]

thanks moa999 for adding the pic here, and TheInsider for the additional info I figured it is in a testing phase and hasn't been introduced to the flying public yet. I'm 'following' XZB on flightaware and its currently been in SYD for 3hrs+, so no doubt things are being tested/monitored. I'm sure QF will make an announcement when it is 'online' to the masses. Maybe it's time to 'transition' this 737 refurb thread into the 737 WIFI thread. Just a thought and saves starting a new thread

 

[baggyred]

Quite torn on the WIFI availability inflilght - part of me likes being shut off from the world, but also know I'll cave like the weak screen addict I am and us it mercilessly.

 

[moa999]

I'm sure QF will make an announcement when it is 'online' to the masses.

Maybe it's time to 'transition' this 737 refurb thread into the 737 WIFI thread.D

Am sure they will.

Might be a bit harder to track as I suspect the install time is pretty quick (XZB was only in for maintenance a couple of more days than expected) and I don't think there will be a way to confirm (eg the published seat maps or expert flyer for row 30).

I wonder whether the WiFi points installed for QStreaming (on over half the fleet) are utilised or whether it's more equipment??

 

[Mattg]

Quite torn on the WIFI availability inflilght - part of me likes being shut off from the world, but also know I'll cave like the weak screen addict I am and us it mercilessly.

Agreed. I don't mind having a forced vacation from my devices every now and again! But if the opportunity's there to check emails etc. I probably won't be able to resist...

 

[under the radar]

Am sure they will.

Might be a bit harder to track as I suspect the install time is pretty quick (VXB was only in for maintenance a couple of more days than expected) and I don't think there will be a way to confirm (eg the published seat maps or expert flyer for row 30).

I wonder whether the WiFi points installed for QStreaming (on over half the fleet) are utilised or whether it's more equipment??

That's true. I suppose 'word of mouth', and subsequent posts from AFFs might be the best indication of when/which aircraft go 'live' .
I have no idea if the current streaming points can be integrated/adapted for WIFI. I'm very tech dumb.

 

[Melburnian1]

On Friday 11 November, B738 VH-VZD appears to be operating an empty flight from DRW to BNE, QF6115. It took off at 0742 hours. Is it going in for refurbishment?

 

[moa999]

On Friday 11 November, B738 VH-VZD appears to be operating an empty flight from DRW to BNE, QF6115. It took off at 0742 hours. Is it going in for refurbishment?

Was refurbed back in late 2015.
FYI of the AU fleet - 65 of 67 are refurbed, and the last two are presently being refurbed.

5 of 8 of the NZ fleet done with 1 in shop.

 

[TheInsider]

I wonder whether the WiFi points installed for QStreaming (on over half the fleet) are utilised or whether it's more equipment??

Definitely more equipment from what i've heard, especially with the extra big bump on the top of the aircraft.