VH-OEB F cabin gets a surprise refresh

[Quickstatus]

This is one of the 2 QF 747-400 with the legacy F cabin operating as J cabin (the other -OJS remains unrefurb)
7 day turnaround in SYD for this mini refurbish
In preparation for a RTW private charter where this cabin will again be an official F cabin
Looks nice.
Pity these are being replaced by the 789
Might be a nice way to experience the 747 F one last time for the romantics/nostalgics but will cost $78000 each
https://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-refreshes-boeing-747-first-class
Tour company to use Qantas Boeing 747 for private around-the-world charter | Australian Aviation
Constellation Journeys Trip Details, Trip Dates, Constellation Journeys Pricing | Constellation Journeys, Australia

 

[mannej]

It's actually OJM the other non-refurb, not OJS.

 

[muppet]

This is one of the 2 QF 747-400 with the legacy F cabin operating as J cabin (the other -OJS remains unrefurb)
7 day turnaround in SYD for this mini refurbish
In preparation for a RTW private charter where this cabin will again be an official F cabin
Looks nice.
Pity these are being replaced by the 789
Might be a nice way to experience the 747 F one last time for the romantics/nostalgics but will cost $78000 each
https://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-refreshes-boeing-747-first-class
Tour company to use Qantas Boeing 747 for private around-the-world charter | Australian Aviation
Constellation Journeys Trip Details, Trip Dates, Constellation Journeys Pricing | Constellation Journeys, Australia

Seems a bit over the top to link a cabin refresh to a charter that is 12 months away. Surely that refresh cost more than Qantas will make on a single 21 day charter?? And if Constellation paid for the refresh then why would they want pesky Qantas WPs riuning the new car smell of those seats for the next 12 months??

 

[moa999]

Yeh. Not sure about the charter link although given it only took 7 days why didn't they do it earlier.

In what way are the Vantage XL suites a regional product?? QF/VA are just being very generous in putting an international product on Regional routes.

Ideal solution for Qantas in the next 18 months is to refurb the following with the new building Business Suites, PE and WiFi
12 A380s
6 747ERs
2 330s (EBG/EBL depending on leases)
This would give QF a common business product until 2022/23 when they get whatever large replacement 777-9X or 350ULR they select

But I suspect the accountants will baulk at the 747ER refit and we will be left with the same issue we have today

 

[moa999]

Also came across a very interesting post on Whirlpool from Grover51 re the A380 refurb

They haven't announced it but it is happening.

First is moving upstairs. The front stairs are going.

First, business and PE will be upstairs.

Downstairs will be economy only.

 

[Quickstatus]

A change of coverings would not cost that much. Maybe they had a technical reason to remove the F cabin accoutrements?. Who knows - seems like a plausible reason.

Whatever the news, it's a nice touch and great for those pesky WP.

...

Yes the front stairs of the A380 is a bit of a waste but was necessary for the movevent of cabin crew especially. I wonder if they will substitute it for a narrower set of stairs

 

[serfty]

More here:

http://www.airlinehubbuzz.com/zone-a-first-cabin-qantas-747-vh-oeb-gets-refresh

 

[Quickstatus]

I actually prefer this "all aisle access" config rather than the config in the nose area of the refurb 747.

 

[moa999]

Yes the front stairs of the A380 is a bit of a waste but was necessary for the movevent of cabin crew especially. I wonder if they will substitute it for a narrower set of stairs

Was more necessary in the early days when some airports didn't have A380 gates, and I guess the passenger need goes away if F and J are both on the upper level

Reportedly Airbus has a unit that has smaller stairs - although the article suggests only new build not refit
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/a...sts-a380-capacity-by-20-with-redesign-435794/

I believe it can be stacked above the stairs down to the lower crew rest - so these stairs would be mid-plane

 

[straitman]

Yes the front stairs of the A380 is a bit of a waste but was necessary for the movevent of cabin crew especially. I wonder if they will substitute it for a narrower set of stairs

Was more necessary in the early days when some airports didn't have A380 gates, and I guess the passenger need goes away if F and J are both on the upper level

Reportedly Airbus has a unit that has smaller stairs - although the article suggests only new build not refit
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/a...sts-a380-capacity-by-20-with-redesign-435794/

I believe it can be stacked above the stairs down to the lower crew rest - so these stairs would be mid-plane

Remaining OT for a moment.
I was reading an article in Aviation Week & Space Technology last night.

They are being developed for new a/c and with a retrofit option for older a/c. Still a way to go yet but the plans are out there.

I'll try and find an link

 

[moa999]

Assume this one which mentions the Door 1 to Door 2 shift
http://m.aviationweek.com/aircraft-interiors-expo/airbus-reveals-a380-cabin-stairs-option

 

[BD1959]

Assume this one which mentions the Door 1 to Door 2 shift
Airbus Reveals A380 Cabin-Stairs Option | Aircraft Interiors Expo content from Aviation Week

11 abreast in Y?

I know 1 ME carrier who will be happy!

Regards,

BD

 

[straitman]

Assume this one which mentions the Door 1 to Door 2 shift
Airbus Reveals A380 Cabin-Stairs Option | Aircraft Interiors Expo content from Aviation Week

Thank you.

 

[Paddy55]

Pity these are being replaced by the 789
Might be a nice way to experience the 747 F one last time for the romantics/nostalgics but will cost $78000 each

Sign... yes, love the 744

 

[juddles]

Hooray. It took me a while plying the SCL-SYD route, but finally today I get to try out the refreshed OEB - travelling in 1A of course

 

[moa999]

travelling in 1A of course

And worth it, or you'd prefer one of the other birds

 

[juddles]

Hooray. It took me a while plying the SCL-SYD route, but finally today I get to try out the refreshed OEB - travelling in 1A of course

Did it an not really impressed. Better thatn the ancient F fittings, but with that tiny IFE screen, extremely limited IFE content, etc, it is still far under just a current J seat in any of the other 747's. Just happy I did not suffer the "J" offerring