Qantas converts 2 A330’s to freighters to cater for freight boom

[jakeseven7]

Qantas converts 270-seat A330s to freighters as e-commerce booms​

Qantas is set to convert two of its widebody A330-200 passenger aircraft into freighters in response to a surge in online shopping spurred on by COVID.

One of the aircraft, which holds 28 business and 243 economy seats, will be used in the business’ international freight network, while another will transport packages for its fleet that serves Australia Post.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said the airline’s freight business had “boomed” during the pandemic, and that much of this effect will continue even as restrictions end.

“The converted A330 aircraft for Australia Post will be able to carry around 50 tonnes of cargo each flight, more than double the capacity of other freighters operating for the national postal service,” he said.

AMP buys into UK airport

Australia's Leading News Source in Aviation

australianaviation.com.au

 

[jakeseven7]

More stories on freight boom.

—-

Australia Post and Qantas are ready for the parcels boom​

How Qantas will solve parcel delivery pain

For Qantas chief Alan Joyce and new Australia Post chief Paul Graham, its beginning to look a lot like Christmas proper.

amp.theaustralian.com.au

 

[jrfsp]

Will probably allow for the 767 to be retired / sold.

 

[moa999]

So I assume this will be two of the EBA-EBD set which were 2002/03 deliveries.

The rest of the 332s are 2007 or later, with the 333s in late 2003-2005

 

[moa999]

Will probably allow for the 767 to be retired / sold.

It's a young aircraft though, but might be some benefit in commonality for maintenance

Express Freighters Australia VH-EFR (Boeing 767 - MSN 33510) (Ex JA603F ) | Airfleets aviation

Express Freighters Australia VH-EFR (Boeing 767 - MSN 33510) (Ex JA603F ) details, operators, engines, seating, photos

www.airfleets.net

 

[jrfsp]

It's a young aircraft though, but might be some benefit in commonality for maintenance

Express Freighters Australia VH-EFR (Boeing 767 - MSN 33510) (Ex JA603F ) | Airfleets aviation

Express Freighters Australia VH-EFR (Boeing 767 - MSN 33510) (Ex JA603F ) details, operators, engines, seating, photos

www.airfleets.net

I had assumed it was an ex QF frame, but yes it is young - so if there is enough work for it may well stick around until after the parcels boom....whenever that is

 

[jase05]

Whilst it’s always good to get more aircraft and increase capacity it unfortunately doesn’t solve the issue of actually getting the parcels to customers. Will be a lot of disappointed people at Christmas time

 

[Buzzard]

Does this mean that my mail will arrive on time?

 

[jase05]

Does this mean that my mail will arrive on time?

By time the aircraft are converted Mail will almost be gone the way of the dodo. Actively trying to phase it out

 

[jakeseven7]

Does this mean that my mail will arrive on time?

They don’t care about letter mail they care about parcels and that is here to stay now

 

[sudoer]

This explains where the points auction seats came from!

 

[moa999]

Report in airliners.net that it might actually be EBE and EBF (both 2007 deliveries)

 

[RAM]

A bit like picking when international borders & flights would re-open - this A330 MAY help get parcels for Xmas 2023, definitely NOT 2021 nor 2022.

"The first A330 aircraft, which will be utilised by Australia Post, will start its conversion in August 2022 and is expected to start operating in mid-2023 with the second to start operating in late 2023."

So what is Q trying to deflect attention from?

 

[AIRwin]

Report in airliners.net that it might actually be EBE and EBF (both 2007 deliveries)

"After 15 years of safely flying passengers around Australia and overseas, this A330 (VH-EBE Kangaroo Valley) will head to Dresden, Germany, to be converted into a dedicated freighter and will return to Australia as part of the Qantas Freight fleet."

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-aircraft-memorabilia-goes-under-the-hammer-for-charity-as-widebody-jet-heads-off-to-begin-new-life/

Looks like final passenger flight was QF148 AKL-SYD on 9 February...

 

[jase05]

"After 15 years of safely flying passengers around Australia and overseas, this A330 (VH-EBE Kangaroo Valley) will head to Dresden, Germany, to be converted into a dedicated freighter and will return to Australia as part of the Qantas Freight fleet."

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-aircraft-memorabilia-goes-under-the-hammer-for-charity-as-widebody-jet-heads-off-to-begin-new-life/

Looks like final passenger flight was QF148 AKL-SYD on 9 February...

Great to finally see it eventuate. I don’t think EBE is the one that’s coming over to us solely but it will be great for capacity