QF187 SYD-HKG schedule, next flight 1/2/24 is a one off?

[TheGildedAge]

Why is QF187 flying on 1 Feb 2024? No other service planned on 2024 from what I can see, and the last time it ran was October 2023 and it also only ran a few times.

 

[anyonebutqantas]

Maybe sending a plane to HAECO for maintenance?

 

[elanshin]

Not certain on this specific one. But usually these strange one offs are positioning flights for a charter or other events on a route they already service so it's not hard to add an extra revenue flight to.

 

[TheGildedAge]

Interesting thanks. I'm on a 48 hour trip and booked this flight so am a bit worried abt any delays or cancellations.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Not certain on this specific one. But usually these strange one offs are positioning flights for a charter or other events on a route they already service so it's not hard to add an extra revenue flight to.

My understanding is that for most airlines positioning flights take a four digit flight number. Additionally civil aviation rules in most jurisdictions require that they do not take on any passengers.

Interesting thanks. I'm on a 48 hour trip and booked this flight so am a bit worried abt any delays or cancellations.

Don't worry about it. If they cancel the flight they'll have to put you on another flight of your choosing per the terms of the Montreal Convention. Plenty of airlines will get you to HKG too like CX.

 

[milehighclub]

My understanding is that for most airlines positioning flights take a four digit flight number. Additionally civil aviation rules in most jurisdictions require that they do not take on any passengers.

You can position an aircraft as a commercial service. Usually positioning flights are not to somewhere an airlines operates which is why they usually go empty and get a different flight number.

As such QF does fly to HKG so it is selling seats for it.

 

[elanshin]

My understanding is that for most airlines positioning flights take a four digit flight number. Additionally civil aviation rules in most jurisdictions require that they do not take on any passengers.

Not a positioning flight in the sense of going to maintenance or storage or to ports they don't already operate at

Good example is all those JQi domestic flights. Those are positioning flights for the 787s which they also sell as commercial flight.

In this case, QF likely needs an aircraft at HKG (or nearby) for something.

 

[TheGildedAge]

Don't worry about it. If they cancel the flight they'll have to put you on another flight of your choosing per the terms of the Montreal Convention. Plenty of airlines will get you to HKG too like CX.

Yeah I know, QF are pretty good about it, but I have a very tight 48 hour schedule in HK and then I'm back to MEL (I'm doing MEL-SYD to catch QF187), so only CX178 would be the alternative that works for me. Anyway, here's hoping no changes to the itinerary.

 

[tomlee1986]

Maybe also to cater for LNY?

 

[RichardMEL]

Maybe also to cater for LNY?

Reasonable thought but its Feb 10th this year - later than usual.. so doubt 1feb has much to do with it.

 

[tomlee1986]

Reasonable thought but its Feb 10th this year - later than usual.. so doubt 1feb has much to do with it.

many do return around this time as well just close to it - not just the last 2-3 days before, hence this theory

 

[RichardMEL]

many do return around this time as well just close to it - not just the last 2-3 days before, hence this theory

Yeah that's fair

 

[VHOEJ]

It is going to HAECO so unless it goes tech on the day, it is certain to go.

 

[TheGildedAge]

It is going to HAECO so unless it goes tech on the day, it is certain to go.

Thanks! Just snagged Row 46 this morning after it became available.

 

[MelbFlyer]

Interesting thanks. I'm on a 48 hour trip and booked this flight so am a bit worried abt any delays or cancellations.

Don't worry about it. If they cancel the flight they'll have to put you on another flight of your choosing per the terms of the Montreal Convention. Plenty of airlines will get you to HKG too like CX.

If for any reason your flight is cancelled and you get that dreaded text message / email, don't wait for Qantas to find you a new flight and send details - call them up immediately.