QF to return to SFO?

[opusman]

Apparently there are rumours that QF are going to start flying to SFO again soon. Anyone heard anything?

 

[Aussie_flyer]

With what? Do they have enough aircraft to do that? I would have thought not

 

[opusman]

Thread here. No idea if it's true or not.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

so that thread says they will bring 2 747's OUT of retirement, it's a nice idea but I wonder how true it is.

 

[Travelqueen]

Mmmnn, interesting.....

 

[Limewood]

Many years ago I was on the first Qantas SYD/SFO flight and was even bumped up from J to F at the gate, a fantastic trip it was up there in the bubble (where the F seats were then), had a chat to a young Bob Jane too.

 

[PaulST]

so that thread says they will bring 2 747's OUT of retirement, it's a nice idea but I wonder how true it is.

Would they ever consider refurbishing some older 747s if they're expected to stay in service longer (I don't believe there's any more A380s joining the fleet any time soon).

Need a few 777s.

 

[Limewood]

They might borrow some new 787's of JQ

 

[Mattg]

I'm sceptical, but it would be fantastic news if true. My understanding is that the route was in fact profitable when QF used to operate it, but they decided to switch to DFW at the time they ceased SFO flights due to AA having their major hub there. Nevertheless trans-pacific is one of the most profitable arms of Qantas' international business so it would make sense to add services there.

I just don't think Qantas have enough aircraft though at this stage. And aren't there rumours they are going to start flying to YVR as well?

 

[codash1099]

Bring it on! SFO is way ahead of LAX as a city to visit (IMHO)

 

[moa999]

Post #11 in the PP thread seems to knock the initial post on its head.

Maybe when QF converts the 789 options

 

[Isochronous]

Maybe the drop in oil prices means using the 747s is cheaper and easier than financing new planes, so why not run it on an oligopoly route where the cost base won't be such an issue

 

[Mr_Orange]

Interesting, I would far rather visit San Fran than LA.

 

[sydstar]

An interesting rumour, but the 747s that have been parked are all 1990/1991/1992 builds, so is it really worthwhile bringing a 23-25 year old aircraft out of retirement? Surely there would be costs involved in bringing these aircraft back to life.

SYD-SFO has 789 written all over it, along with SYD-VYR and BNE-LAX-JFK.

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

SYD-SFO has 789 written all over it, along with SYD-VYR and BNE-LAX-JFK.

Unless you think Deathstar will take over those routes, I think that is sadly a pipe dream at the moment...

 

[madrooster]

Maybe the drop in oil prices means using the 747s is cheaper and easier than financing new planes, so why not run it on an oligopoly route where the cost base won't be such an issue

A consideration would be that these are non refurbed 744's... which in terms of product, is actually worse than UA's current 772 product on the same route. Their ability to charge more than UA would potentially be an issue...

 

[smit0847]

I could see this happening but v with a 787 so think it'll be put off for a few years until they get their 787s. I don't think bringing 747s out of retirement is as simple as just sending a pilot over to fly it back.

 

[smit0847]

A consideration would be that these are non refurbed 744's... which in terms of product, is actually worse than UA's current 772 product on the same route. Their ability to charge more than UA would potentially be an issue...

That's a good point. Angled flat J without direct aisle access for 14 hours is going to be very hard to sell.

 

[kevrosmith]

I could see this happening but v with a 787 so think it'll be put off for a few years until they get their 787s. I don't think bringing 747s out of retirement is as simple as just sending a pilot over to fly it back.

Did anyone watch the 60-minutes story when they flew the (767?) to the aircraft graveyard. They did a segment in one of the 747s and started up the plane. It almost seemed that they could've taken the engine covers off and taxiied it out to take off.... [or am I being too optimistic..?].

 

[Himeno]

Did anyone watch the 60-minutes story when they flew the (767?) to the aircraft graveyard. They did a segment in one of the 747s and started up the plane. It almost seemed that they could've taken the engine covers off and taxiied it out to take off.... [or am I being too optimistic..?].

Would depend on the aircraft and what is being done with it at the boneyard.
If they were expecting to have it return to service (either with them, or with another airline), they'd keep up with basic maintenance.


Australia has unlimited flight rights to/from the US. The only "approval" they'd need are slots at each airport.
QF has no widebodies due to arrive before 2017/18 at the earliest. To restart any routes, they'd need to cut back on other routes, bring back parked aircraft, or find somewhere to lease something from with short notice.

Maybe they could do SFO with A330s via HNL or AKL