Qantas A380 refurbishment news and updates

[FlyingKangaroo]

I took a peek using Expert Flyer's seat alerts for the next week and while things can always change, as of now, the non-refurb is scheduled on QF 11/12 on 2, 4, and 7 December, with a turn to and from HKG on 6 December.

 

[MelbFlyer]

the non-refurb is scheduled on QF 11/12

I'd be spewing if I had business seats on that route / day.

Luckily from Melbourne flying out internationally either A330s or B787s are used, so no chance of getting the old 2-2-2 business layout.

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

I'd be spewing if I had business seats on that route / day.

I’m very glad I was able to change mine and will likely not be booking QF on the 380 going forward until there’s clarity and predictability around this.

 

[moa999]

I've lost the reference but another site I came across suggested that between maintenance and refurbs active QF A380s are few in number at the moment.

This thread generally contains the details.

Pre-Covid Qantas had twelve A380s (OQA thru OQL)
Two were scrapped in VCV (OQE, OQF)
Two are yet to return to service and sit at AUH (OQA, OQC)
One is currently undergoing a gear change at DRS (OQK)

So you've got seven active A380s, one of which (OQL) has the old seating

 

[Spacetravel]

I noticed there is a QF 201 SYD > SIN 02/12 and QF 331 SIN > SYD 04/12 a380 services.

These appear to be once off, anyone know the purpose of them? This means there is 2 a380 services between Syd and sin on these days, which seems unusual.

 

[Lynda2475]

I noticed there is a QF 201 SYD > SIN 02/12 and QF 331 SIN > SYD 10/12 a380 services.

These appear to be once off, anyone know the purpose of them? This means there is 2 a380 services between Syd and sin on these days, which seems unusual.

What date? Sometimes there are charters for things like flying the Olympics teams.

 

[Spacetravel]

What date? Sometimes there are charters for things like flying the Olympics teams.

Sorry made a mistake in my original post. 02 December and 04 December. The flight is available for sale to the public.

 

[elanshin]

Luckily from Melbourne flying out internationally either A330s or B787s are used, so no chance of getting the old 2-2-2 business layout.

Depends on the timing. I'm sure there are still currently A380s doing MEL <> LAX runs (just not daily until they get some aircraft back). OQL has definitely been in MEL rotation earlier in the year.

 

[anyonebutqantas]

QF should expand the A380 fleet to satisfy market demand.

 

[ajamc]

I am on QF202 in F ex LHR to SYD on 11 Dec. This appears to be a one off. Anyone know why and if this is a returning A380 post refit?

 

[elanshin]

I am on QF202 in F ex LHR to SYD on 11 Dec. This appears to be a one off. Anyone know why and if this is a returning A380 post refit?

Either that or another half of a charter. QF201(OQI) a few days ago went to LHR (and there was 2 a380s there). Came back as a charter QF332.

Seeing as they have a charter to SYD from LHR, it would stand to reason whoever was brought here might be heading back a week later and QF then needs to bring the plane home.

 

[elanshin]

With the 330 refurbishment starting soon. I can't help but wonder if QF will look to delay refurbishment of the current 380s awaiting them and upgrade them in line with the 350 and 330 upgrades.

Like keep OQL flying as is until the 350 seats are also able to be adapted for the 380.

I don't see QF dropping their 380 fleet anytime soon in the next decade so this might be a move they're considering.

 

[milehighclub]

Like keep OQL flying as is until the 350 seats are also able to be adapted for the 380.

OQL is scheduled to go in for refurb next month. Part planning takes years and remember this was all done pre covid, so the seats would've already been ordered.

 

[TheInsider]

With the 330 refurbishment starting soon. I can't help but wonder if QF will look to delay refurbishment of the current 380s awaiting them and upgrade them in line with the 350 and 330 upgrades.

Like keep OQL flying as is until the 350 seats are also able to be adapted for the 380.

I don't see QF dropping their 380 fleet anytime soon in the next decade so this might be a move they're considering.

I would highly doubt they will do another round of changes to the A380's. They only have about 10 years left on them.

 

[Spacetravel]

I would highly doubt they will do another round of changes to the A380's. They only have about 10 years left on them.

Yeah I am pretty sure this is the last refurb the a380’s will have before they are put out to pasture. Shame because the first suits were hardly touched in the refurb.

 

[LondonAussie]

This thread generally contains the details.

Pre-Covid Qantas had twelve A380s (OQA thru OQL)
Two were scrapped in VCV (OQE, OQF)
Two are yet to return to service and sit at AUH (OQA, OQC)
One is currently undergoing a gear change at DRS (OQK)

So you've got seven active A380s, one of which (OQL) has the old seating

VH-OQK is currently departing Dresden for Sydney as QF 6022

 

[moa999]

And will seemingly be acting as an 'operational spare' over the next couple of weeks.

https://www.qantas.com/agencyconnect/au/en/agency-news/agency-news-december-23/qantas-and-jetstar-prepare-for-busy-summer-travel.html

 

[elanshin]

Looks like OQK is now in Sydney. Wonder if they would try to have it go for a trip to CNS once it opens up. I believe CNS runways can land an a380.

 

[Franky]

Looks like OQK is now in Sydney. Wonder if they would try to have it go for a trip to CNS once it opens up. I believe CNS runways can land an a380.

Perhaps, but I would suggest they will have to wait a fair while before that happens after the rain they've had there in the past couple of days....

 

[elanshin]

Perhaps, but I would suggest they will have to wait a fair while before that happens after the rain they've had there in the past couple of days....

Yes I know and hence why I assume there probably is a huge buildup of PAX that is looking at going to CNS which deploying the a380 might actually make sense - if they have the equipment at CNS to receive it.