Qantas A380 refurbishment news and updates

[OZDUCK]

QFs 787 has an inch more pitch than the A380 and with a newer model seat I think there's actually more usable space than that. The 787 width issue is very real and not an exclusively QF thing. Without a neighbour the 787 Y seat is quite comfortable, but when adults can't sit upright next to each other in the allotted space (irrespective of the "seat width") you know it is a design fail. With a mix of smaller adults and kids on a flight it is going to be the case that many people won't notice the issue, but as soon as you have broad shoulders sitting next to each other it is a bad experience.

Exactly my problem with Y in the 787. I am 6'3 (in the old currency) and my wife and I found it exceedingly uncomfortable in a 7 hour flight with Air New Zealand in 2014. She was in the middle seat with a FIFO miner of the same height as me on her other side so was absolutely squashed. I had to try to lean out into the aisle all the time to give her some room. That of course was a nuisance to anyone trying to use the aisle and to me by getting knocked all the time. We have never flown Y in a 787 since.

 

[muppet]

I've flown to Japan and Thailand (both ~10hrs from MEL) in economy on Jetstar's 787-8 with its 17" (43.2cm) seat width and 30" (76.2cm) pitch, no problems and I'm >6' (>183cm) too, with a little bit of baggage on me.

I've also flown on Scoot's 787 product which is very similar to Jetstar's - same thing, no problems or complaints either.

I'd imagine with the QF 787s with its slightly wider seats (17.2" / 43.7cm) and slightly longer pitch (32" / 81.3cm), this shouldn't be too much of an issue either?

I know it's budget vs non-budget, but I could hazard to say that the majority of members here have flown in (or perhaps are too used to) business class and therefore maybe have unrealistic / skewed expectations of economy?

I understand that everyone wants a nicer seat - this is a given, but it is economy and the expectations should be adjusted accordingly.

It's been a while since I travelled on a QF A380, but with the same pitch and slightly wider seat (by half an inch / 1.3cm) compared to the 787s, the only real difference should be the slight bit more horizontal space.

One of the issues I have is, how often is economy really 100% full? That is the only time the airline is making money of their horrendously narrow seats.

If 90% of the time there’s at least one empty seat per row - can we not just remove it and spread ’em all out a smidge.

JAL only offers an extra inch per seat, but is so much more comfortable simply because the people beside you also have an extra inch to avoid your space.

 

[RSD]

Exactly my problem with Y in the 787. I am 6'3 (in the old currency) and my wife and I found it exceedingly uncomfortable in a 7 hour flight with Air New Zealand in 2014. She was in the middle seat with a FIFO miner of the same height as me on her other side so was absolutely squashed. I had to try to lean out into the aisle all the time to give her some room. That of course was a nuisance to anyone trying to use the aisle and to me by getting knocked all the time. We have never flown Y in a 787 since.

There is a reason that Boeing designed the 787 with 8 seats across... unfortunately the airlines never read the memo from Boeing about that and instead came up with the 9 seats across idea that is absolutely bollocks bloody horrible - and from reading the posts here people avoid the 787 because of it.

 

[Kangol]

There is a reason that Boeing designed the 787 with 8 seats across... unfortunately the airlines never read the memo from Boeing about that and instead came up with the 9 seats across idea that is absolutely bollocks bloody horrible - and from reading the posts here people avoid the 787 because of it.

I thought people avoid the 787 because there's no F

 

[RSD]

I thought people avoid the 787 because there's no F

There's no Y either - just J and C (cattle class).

 

[elanshin]

Going a little off topic in the 380 thread with the 787 Y seat discussion.

I actually think the mods should start a new thread with a first post that acts like a updated community post about QF Y seats in all the configurations. It's always a mess trying to find which aircraft, which Y seats, pitfalls to avoid etc.

 

[airlinemn]

Can anyone confirm if all flying A-380s are refurbed?

My understanding is they are as the last one is currently in AUH being done.

Deciding who to book with for SYD-LAX J and this would be a deal breaker (given I can see some history of 2-2-2 J class on this route in Nov-Dec)

 

[defurax]

Can anyone confirm if all flying A-380s are refurbed?

My understanding is they are as the last one is currently in AUH being done.

Deciding who to book with for SYD-LAX J and this would be a deal breaker (given I can see some history of 2-2-2 J class on this route in Nov-Dec)

Yes, the last unrefurbished, VH-OQL, is in AUH being upgraded to new seats.

 

[thrillho]

OQA out for a trot

 

[SYD]

OQA out for a trot View attachment 377170

To DOH?

 

[JessicaTam]

To DOH?

Just doing a bit of circle work.

 

[SYD]

Just doing a bit of circle work.
View attachment 377171

Pity they’re not practicing for SYD-DOH flights…

 

[JohnM]

Just checking that the RMs fit...

 

[RichardMEL]

Pity they’re not practicing for SYD-DOH flights…

The ones codeshared with QR and see Nancy renamed to Akbar?

 

[RSD]

Pity they’re not practicing for SYD-DOH flights…

Oi! Get it right - A380 BWT to CAI flights!

 

[OATEK]

Obviously having test flights before it comes back to fly those domestic sectors announced 1st April.

 

[moa999]

One needs to come back soon. Currently 4 A380s in AUH leaving only 6 active.
OQA - Since 18 Nov 2023 awaiting return to service
OQC - Since June 2021 awaiting return to service
OQK - Since 24 Feb 2024 possible gear change
OQL - Since 13 Mar 2024 likely cabin refit

 

[moa999]

And appears VH-OQA or NBW has been scheduled as QF6014 AUH-SYD today. Was scheduled to depart at 1410 but has missed that.
(Ultimate about 3hrs late)

 

[Berlin]

And appears VH-OQA or NBW has been scheduled as QF6014 AUH-SYD today. Was scheduled as 1410 but has missed that.

Looks like it is OQA. Would love to see the “old bird” come back home!

 

[moa999]

And OQA now enroute. Due into a perfectly clear SYD at approx 1.30pm on Sat. (After a very wet Fri)