Qantas Delays/Cancellations

[Flyerqf]

The overnight delayed QF2 in London was to depart at 0830 on Saturday 2, but became 0930 hours. I can't see it on FR24: often not a good sign.

Still hasn’t departed. If it doesn’t leave within the next 90 mins, it will undoubtedly result in Sunday’s QF1 going the same way as today’s (delayed overnight).

EDIT: currently in the queue for take off from LHR.

 

[Melburnian1]

That’s correct. The 388’s are flying at full utilisation 100% of the time. They urgently need a 4th aircraft back in operation as a spare. In a few weeks there will also be QF11/12 returning to 388 service which will take up another 2. So hopefully they are planning on having 6 in operation allowing 1 spare.

It's not ideal for any transport operator - air. rail or other modes - to aim for 100 per cent utilisation of equipment/rollingstock. Breakdowns occur, even if infrequent.

A few thousand passengers may end up being inconvenienced by this sequence of QF1/QF2 extensive delays.

 

[Melburnian1]

Still hasn’t departed. If it doesn’t leave within the next 90 mins, it will undoubtedly result in Sunday’s QF1 going the same way as today’s (delayed overnight).

EDIT: currently in the queue for take off from LHR.

Yes, the QF website suggests A388 VH-OQK pushed back at 1103 hours but as at 1156, it had yet to take off. (Slow, but LHR is - as normal - busy).

QF misleadingly suggests the flight will spend only 50 minutes in SIN on Sunday 3 July, from 0530 to 0620. Extremely unlikely!

UPDATE: QF2 was airborne from LHR bang on 1200 'high noon', 895 minutes behind schedule.

Estimated SIN arrival on Sunday 3 is 0802 hours, 877 minutes behind the timetabled 1725 hours (tonight) at gate arrival.

 

[OATEK]

With overnight delays of long distance flights (not just at QFi), it'd be fascinating to know what percentage of passengers on a typical flight are badly disadvantaged (businessmen who have appointments within a few hours of a scheduled early morning arrival, those rushing to a funeral that isn't in London but say in Penzance, requiring a transport connection or long drive, travellers with a booked cruise or other event starting soon) versus passengers who can live with such a delay (VFR market is one example).

No one ever does this research.

I imagine that anyone one doing multi-million dollar deals or attending meetings critical to their business, would be jumping on the next available seat with another airline rather than waiting for QF1/2.

The weather this Sunday morning is still diabolical in Sydney so will add significantly to delays/cancellations I expect. What is that saying about a perfect storm?

 

[Melburnian1]

The Saturday 2 July 2022 QF1 (A388 VH-OQD) from SYD to SIN/LHR was to depart at 0630 hours on Sunday 3, but took off as QF7001 (thank you Flyerqf) at 0750 hours after pushing back at 0731. SIN arrival should be at around 1340 this afternoon local time. It'll probably be after 2100 hours when the flight is at the LHR gate. The QF flight status again is unrealistic, suggesting a stop in SIN from 1350 to 1420 hours. I've not monitored every international flight in and out of SIN but would be safe in suggesting that no passenger-carrying A380 spends just half an hour there as an intermediate stop.

This guarantees the 3 July 2105 hours QF2 will be delayed ex LHR (and SIN).

The delayed Friday 1 July QF1 arrived LHR at 1244 on Saturday, 369 minutes behind the timetable with VH-OQJ. It has not long departed, at 2149 (44 late) with SIN arrival estimated as 1817 hours, 52 minutes late on Sunday 3.

Sunday's QF1 (the 1555 hours SYD - SIN - LHR) is claimed to be departing late tonight at 2200 hours.

 

[Melburnian1]

A388 VH-OQK as the heavily tardy QF2 (VH-OQK) arrived in SIN at 0759 hours on Sunday 3 July, 87 minutes late. Displayed information is that it should depart for SYD at 0925 local time, arriving at about 1910 hours to form the delayed 1555 hours back to SIN and LHR, which becomes a 2200 hours.

Much more of a delay in SIN may see this QF1 departing SYD tomorrow morning. The heavy rain (almost tropical intensity?) in Sydney won't help, as OATEK sagaciously pointed out.

While having a spare is costly to keep it maintained, and it may not always be in the location where a sister aircraft incurs problems, this uncertain situation buttresses FlyerQF's salient point that the airline 'desperately needs' another available Airbus A380.

 

[love_the_life]

I would be interested in what is causing the QF1 and 2 delays especially as supposed to be on QF1 in a couple of weeks. I know Sydney weather has been atrocious and there will be an effect but these delays seem to be in a spiral with no exit point. Are there crewing issues or planes gone tech? The flights seem to be running (not cancelled) but are massively delayed.

 

[Melburnian1]

I would be interested in what is causing the QF1 and 2 delays especially as supposed to be on QF1 in a couple of weeks. I know Sydney weather has been atrocious and there will be an effect but these delays seem to be in a spiral with no exit point. Are there crewing issues or planes gone tech? The flights seem to be running (not cancelled) but are massively delayed.

The ever reliable AFFer Flyerqf informed us in post #13094 that VH-OQD had 'gone tech' (failed) last Wednesday, and ever since there have been delays.

Like you, I don't always do it due to the nature of these blog-type sites, but often a good idea to go 10-15 posts back.

IIRC, an esteemed aviator stated many moons ago that the 'slip' in LHR was for more than a day, so I assume flight deck crew normally have at least c.0630 to c.2100 the next night (i.e. about 26.5 hours) in London at a minimum. Perhaps they have an extra night on top of that? (Anti) fatigue regulations may kick in if there are lengthy inbound delays. QFi (and other operators) must bear the SYD curfew in mind. There'd be numerous other considerations such as how much mandated rest crews at the intermediate SIN stop had enjoyed.

It's eminently possible some staff are off sick with influenza or COVID-19.

Flyerqf and I have suggested these delays will moderate but QFi is trying to do too much with too little 'equipment' (aircraft). It falls down like a house of cards when there's a failure of one plane.

I am in Melbourne where it's cold but sunny (a delightful day!) but while shocking, the weather doesn't seem thus far to have been the major SYD constraint. Of course that may change today given media reports.

 

[Melburnian1]

The delayed QF2 (A388 VH-OQK) had not departed SIN by 1203 AEST on Sunday 3 July, so while one can't rule it out, the chances of QF1 departing SYD tonight must be diminishing. As noted above, QF2 was supposed to push back in SIN at 0925 hours (1125 AEST).

UPDATE: QF2 (A388 VH-OQK) departed at 1004 local time, taking off at 1026 hours. FR24 estimates arrival in SYD at 1914; QF's flight status (adding five minutes for taxiing) claims 1949 hours, so take your pick.

One cannot be definitive as to whether the Sunday 3 July QF1 will depart tonight or tomorrow (morning?)

 

[love_the_life]

The ever reliable AFFer Flyerqf informed us in post #13094 that VH-OQD had 'gone tech' (failed) last Wednesday, and ever since there have been delays.

Like you, I don't always do it due to the nature of these blog-type sites, but often a good idea to go 10-15 posts back.

IIRC, an esteemed aviator stated many moons ago that the 'slip' in LHR was for more than a day, so I assume flight deck crew normally have at least c.0630 to c.2100 the next night (i.e. about 26.5 hours) in London at a minimum. Perhaps they have an extra night on top of that? (Anti) fatigue regulations may kick in if there are lengthy inbound delays. QFi (and other operators) must bear the SYD curfew in mind. There'd be numerous other considerations such as how much mandated rest crews at the intermediate SIN stop had enjoyed.

It's eminently possible some staff are off sick with influenza or COVID-19.

Flyerqf and I have suggested these delays will moderate but QFi is trying to do too much with too little 'equipment' (aircraft). It falls down like a house of cards when there's a failure of one plane.

I am in Melbourne where it's cold but sunny (a delightful day!) but while shocking, the weather doesn't seem thus far to have been the major SYD constraint. Of course that may change today given media reports.

Apologies - I had read back through the thread to see what I could find but obviously missed that post so am sorry I did not pick that up. Thanks for the response.

 

[Melburnian1]

Apologies - I had read back through the thread to see what I could find but obviously missed that post so am sorry I did not pick that up. Thanks for the response.

love_the_life, I wouldn't panic if you're not travelling for a couple of weeks.

Eventually, QF1/QF2 delays should be less (or nil) provided one of the aircraft doesn't (again) fail. But you're correct: as of today, we can't see an end, although QF flight operations may have an idea as those staff can see or consider all the variables and parameters.

At times like this it must be a nightmare for some airline staff whether front-of-house or back office. Not only are some passengers understandably disgruntled, but the contracted caterer has to be advised and major changes made, staff rosters could alter, liaison with airports must occur...list goes on.

 

[mitti]

love_the_life, I wouldn't panic if you're not travelling for a couple of weeks.

Eventually, QF1/QF2 delays should be less (or nil) provided one of the aircraft doesn't (again) fail. But you're correct: as of today, we can't see an end, although QF flight operations may have an idea as those staff can see or consider all the variables and parameters.

At times like this it must be a nightmare for some airline staff whether front-of-house or back office. Not only are some passengers understandably disgruntled, but the contracted caterer has to be advised and major changes made, staff rosters could alter, liaison with airports must occur...list goes on.

Watching this closely. I am flying QF1 Sat 9/7 and have a connecting EK flight on a separate ticket 3 hrs after we are due to arrive in SIN. Hoping there will be seats avail on QF81 to swap over to if these delays continue.

It is hard to see them resolving this in the next few days.

 

[Melburnian1]

I am flying QF1 Sat 9/7 and have a connecting EK flight on a separate ticket 3 hrs after we are due to arrive in SIN. Hoping there will be seats avail on QF81 to swap over to if these delays continue.

Mattg and others who are experts advise that EF doesn't always give one an accurate record of how many are booked on a flight, but QF81 appears to have at least 40 empty seats (plus many that are 'blocked'). Best of British luck!

A333 VH-QPC is operting QF81 on Sunday 3 July, the 1110 hours SYD - SIN that did not take off until 1235 hours, so expected at gate arrival is 1832 hours, 42 minutes tardy. It was similarly late a couple of days ago but generally has a good to excellent punctuality record.

 

[mitti]

Mattg and others who are experts advise that EF doesn't always give one an accurate record of how many are booked on a flight, but QF81 appears to have at least 40 empty seats (plus many that are 'blocked'). Best of British luck!

A333 VH-QPC is operting QF81 on Sunday 3 July, the 1110 hours SYD - SIN that did not take off until 1235 hours, so expected at gate arrival is 1832 hours, 42 minutes tardy. It was similarly late a couple of days ago but generally has a good to excellent punctuality record.

Sounds like a good alternative. Only thing we are on an F award booking so would need to wait for QF to reflect the delay in the schedule before they would consider moving us to QF81. Would need to take a downgrade too of course

 

[love_the_life]

love_the_life, I wouldn't panic if you're not travelling for a couple of weeks.

Eventually, QF1/QF2 delays should be less (or nil) provided one of the aircraft doesn't (again) fail. But you're correct: as of today, we can't see an end, although QF flight operations may have an idea as those staff can see or consider all the variables and parameters.

At times like this it must be a nightmare for some airline staff whether front-of-house or back office. Not only are some passengers understandably disgruntled, but the contracted caterer has to be advised and major changes made, staff rosters could alter, liaison with airports must occur...list goes on.

I am not really panicking - if it's a delayed flight out of SYD no real harm done as we are only going to Sing for a few days leisure trip. The QF2 inbound though might cause a problem as the connecting flight (different PNR as booked later) is a bit tight. It's the only non Dash8 for the day and MrLtL has a thing about the Dash. If worst comes to worst can cancel/move flight to something random and catch a Murrays coach.

 

[Melburnian1]

I am not really panicking - if it's a delayed flight out of SYD no real harm done as we are only going to Sing for a few days leisure trip. The QF2 inbound though might cause a problem as the connecting flight (different PNR as booked later) is a bit tight. It's the only non Dash8 for the day and MrLtL has a thing about the Dash. If worst comes to worst can cancel/move flight to something random and catch a Murrays coach.

Or (if CBR?) far more comfortably, and not cancelled, a NSW TrainLink Endeavour railcar with on-board buffet.

 

[Melburnian1]

Sounds like a good alternative. Only thing we are on an F award booking so would need to wait for QF to reflect the delay in the schedule before they would consider moving us to QF81. Would need to take a downgrade too of course

Given the annoyance and further delay if one misses your EK connection, may I suggest monitoring what's going on with 'the 1 and the 2' until about Wednesday and then badgering QFi if you wisely wish to change to QF81?

T-80 ought be enough time for someone at a QF call centre to answer.

 

[mitti]

Given the annoyance and further delay if one misses your EK connection, may I suggest monitoring what's going on with 'the 1 and the 2' until about Wednesday and then badgering QFi if you wisely wish to change to QF81?

T-80 ought be enough time for someone at a QF call centre to answer.

Great advice, I will keep checking them. I’m hoping the delays keep narrowing and they slowly start to get back on schedule towards the end of this week but im not holding my breath.

 

[love_the_life]

Or (if CBR?) far more comfortably, and not cancelled, a NSW TrainLink Endeavour railcar with on-board buffet.

My bold

 

[Flyerqf]

The ever reliable AFFer Flyerqf informed us in post #13094 that VH-OQD had 'gone tech' (failed) last Wednesday, and ever since there have been delays

Basically all of the delays relate to Wednesday’s QF1 delay. The rolling impact on aircraft availability and crew rest and availability (LHR end) have resulted in rolling delays.

Assuming QF1 gets out of SYD tonight, they should have caught up with the schedule now.