First Qantas A380 returns Tuesday November 9

[MelbourneFlyer]

The first QF A380 was supposed to come back December 25 but now "Qantas will welcome back the first of ten Airbus A380s on Tuesday November 9, in readiness for the restart of superjumbo flights to Los Angeles in late March 2022. The airline has confirmed to Executive Traveller that the A380 will arrive in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, where it's sure to enjoy a warm reception when it pulls into Hangar 96 at the Qantas jet base."

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/first-qantas-a380-returns-tuesday-november-9

[a_pilot]

That can't be right. For the past 18 months all the experts have been telling me that the Qantas A380 will "never ever" fly again. It's dead, it's over. It will never fly again. This is the end of the quad jets. :eek:

I also don't know who will fly them, because these experts also told me that all the Qantas A380 pilots will be made redundant once jobseeker ends, which had already ended. Apparently Qantas was only hanging on these pilots just to collect jobkeeper just to make their balance sheets (income) look better and not because Qantas might actually need them again one day. :D

[Ollie Onion]

This is great news, congratulations to all the 380 crews, hope it see’s you all back at work soon.

[ScepticalOptomist]

That can't be right. For the past 18 months all the experts have been telling me that the Qantas A380 will "never ever" fly again. It's dead, it's over. It will never fly again. This is the end of the quad jets. :eek:

I also don't know who will fly them, because these experts also told me that all the Qantas A380 pilots will be made redundant once jobseeker ends, which had already ended. Apparently Qantas was only hanging on these pilots just to collect jobkeeper just to make their balance sheets (income) look better and not because Qantas might actually need them again one day. :D

Surely no fool takes any notice of the constant nay-sayers - they’re the same ones that said COVID was the end of aviation, traffic won’t be back for 5 years, blah blah blah….

What a miserable bunch they must be.

Aviation is just a cycle - boom, bust, boom ad nauseum.

Great news for the 380 crews, will be great to see them back at work.

[3Greens]

Surely no fool takes any notice of the constant nay-sayers - they’re the same ones that said COVID was the end of aviation, traffic won’t be back for 5 years, blah blah blah….

What a miserable bunch they must be.

Aviation is just a cycle - boom, bust, boom ad nauseum.

Great news for the 380 crews, will be great to see them back at work.
great news. They all said the same about the 12 BA have too. BA start 380 ops again next week with short haul flights from London to FRA and MAD, while cabin and flight crew get back up to speed. The plan is for all 12 to return to service by March 22.

[Capt Fathom]

The aircraft coming home just happened to be in Germany under maintenance. The rest are still in the Californian desert!

[zambonidriver]

great news. They all said the same about the 12 BA have too. BA start 380 ops again next week with short haul flights from London to FRA and MAD, while cabin and flight crew get back up to speed. The plan is for all 12 to return to service by March 22.
Is there any source for the concerned flights (shorthaul 380) ?

[Sparrows.]

The aircraft coming home just happened to be in Germany under maintenance. The rest are still in the Californian desert!

Was going to be sitting around for a few months, as it couldn’t be scheduled in/completed until March. Instead bringing it home to have the maintenance completed here in Hanger 96.

[PW1830]

Damn - pesky pilots seen through the spin

[Stationair8]

Any truth that Qantas will be running the A380 over Rex Saab 340 routes?

[andybsei]

Is there any source for the concerned flights (shorthaul 380) ?

https://mediacentre.britishairways.com/news/06102021/british-airways-to-welcome-back-its-a380-as-it-launches-its-biggest-schedule-since-march-2020

https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-short-haul-a380/

[Going Boeing]

I was one of many who didn’t think the QF A380’s would return to service because the economics of the aircraft are marginal in normal operations over long routes. For the sake of the A380 crews I’m happy to be wrong.

I suspect that Qantas had to bring them back as they don’t have sufficient capacity in long range twins to fly the routes. The A350 will probably be ordered fairly soon and it will pair with the B787 doing long range, point to point routes, with the A380 being moved to medium range (9-11 hours) routes where it has much better potential to be profitable.

I think that everyone agrees that international flying and, airlines in general, will be significantly different post pandemic.

[brokenagain]

Where’s Telfer? :}

[SandyPalms]

The return of 10 A380's it amazing news for everybody in mainline, even those who are not, or have no intention of flying the A380. It's potentialy 100 commands, 100 first officer and 200 second officer positions that don't have to be distributed (through the RIN process) to the remaining LH fleets. It's a game changer for everybody. Hooray!

[Keg]

The return of 10 A380's it amazing news for everybody in mainline, even those who are not, or have no intention of flying the A380. It's potentialy 100 commands, 100 first officer and 200 second officer positions that don't have to be distributed (through the RIN process) to the remaining LH fleets. It's a game changer for everybody. Hooray!

43 Captains, 41 F/Os, and 113 S/Os once the current training allocations flow through. :}

But your point is well made. :ok:

[SandyPalms]

43 Captains, 41 F/Os, and 113 S/Os once the current training allocations flow through. :}

But your point is well made. :ok:

true Keg. I should have included positions that will need to be allocated as well, not just the RIN. Terrific news

[markis10]

I

I suspect that Qantas had to bring them back as they don’t have sufficient capacity in long range twins to fly the routes. The A350 will probably be ordered fairly soon and it will pair with the B787 doing long range, point to point routes, with the A380 being moved to medium range (9-11 hours) routes where it has much better potential to be profitable.

Qantas has plenty of capacity, and will get more with the plan to run A330s to HNL. A380s are coming back to service ports that are slot limited, LHR and LAX being prime examples, that’s it’s sweet spot and the airline has stated as such.

[ScepticalOptomist]

I think that everyone agrees that international flying and, airlines in general, will be significantly different post pandemic.

I agree - they’ll be leaner, and busier! :ok:

[3Greens]

Is there any source for the concerned flights (shorthaul 380) ?

my roster. Which I’m not going to post here. But in all seriousness, it’s literally the first result on google if you search…https://thepointsguy.co.uk/news/british-airways-a380-returns/

[White Knight]

I think that everyone agrees that international flying and, airlines in general, will be significantly different post pandemic.

It won’t be significantly different at all. Airport terminals and flights in the now open parts of the globe are choc-a-bloc!

[Going Boeing]

It won’t be significantly different at all. Airport terminals and flights in the now open parts of the globe are choc-a-bloc!

In my post, the difference that I meant was that the airlines will transition to Point to Point operations and move away from the Hub & Spoke system used in the past.

[Sultan Ismail]

Singapore have already started twice daily flights to Kuala Lumpur with a flight time of 45 minutes, and a block time of 1 hour and 5 minutes.

[cessnapete]

BA started A380 schedule service today. Replaced A320 on Frankfurt rotations for crew recency. Dubai and USA in a week or so.

[tdracer]

Singapore have already started twice daily flights to Kuala Lumpur with a flight time of 45 minutes, and a block time of 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Singapore has long used big aircraft on that short route - for a long time they used a 777. It showed up in the stats as a very high cycle 777 (especially compared with those that averaged 8-10 hour cycles).

[unobtanium]

Celebrations happening soon, patting themselves in the back for flying an empty a380 around the world to save costs.

[Roj approved]

Celebrations happening soon, patting themselves in the back for flying an empty a380 around the world to save costs.

hahahahahahahaha, Gold

[TWT]

ETA of OQB is approx 1500 AEDT

[Chris2303]

Celebrations happening soon, patting themselves in the back for flying an empty a380 around the world to save costs.

Greta will be very angry!

[morno]

... except for all the crew who were shown the door last year.

You mean those who took VOLUNTARY redundancy?

I’m sure they’re enjoying retirement.

[Street garbage]

... except for all the crew who were shown the door last year.

Exactly how many crew were made CR? Is that you Telfer?

[itsnotthatbloodyhard]

Greta will be very angry!

Greta is always very angry.

[blubak]

Celebrations happening soon, patting themselves in the back for flying an empty a380 around the world to save costs.
Its a good news story,it shows how much we care for our people!

[SOPS]

Greta will be very angry!


Until we live in caves again, eating lentils and using God only knows what to warm our cave at night….. Greta will remain furious.

[Bull at a Gate]

Lovely sight over Sydney Harbour mid afternoon. Made me very happy! Another sign of life returning to normal.

[nivsy]

Greta is always very angry.
She should be angry about some flights for COP 26 flying between Glasgow Int and Glasgow Prestwick airport .(exec jets and wide bodies) .a distance of about 20 mins flying or less....funnily enough while in the city she never seemed to mention that one unless I missed it.

[White Knight]

In my post, the difference that I meant was that the airlines will transition to Point to Point operations and move away from the Hub & Spoke system used in the past.

Again, I couldn't disagree more! Hub and Spoke is generally the cheaper option for both airline and passengers. It won't change!

[Transition Layer]

Until we live in caves again, eating lentils and using God only knows what to warm our cave at night….. Greta will remain furious.
You’ve already ticked off one of those items in WA thanks to your hero McGowan.

[nivsy]

You’ve already ticked off one of those items in WA thanks to your hero McGowan.
That will be the "eating of lentils" then.....🤭

[ScepticalOptomist]

Again, I couldn't disagree more! Hub and Spoke is generally the cheaper option for both airline and passengers. It won't change!

Depends which part of the world
you’re in.

Australia would benefit from a mix of both, using Asia as a stopover is popular. Bypassing the Middle East is also very popular. Direct New York / Chicago also highly sought after.

QANTAS know they can charge a premium for a direct service.

[unobtanium]

Depends which part of the world
you’re in.

Australia would benefit from a mix of both, using Asia as a stopover is popular. Bypassing the Middle East is also very popular. Direct New York / Chicago also highly sought after.

QANTAS know they can charge a premium for a direct service.

Bypassing Sydney will be awesome too, who wants to fly into a sheethole of sydney airport after a long flight

[Roj approved]

Bypassing Sydney will be awesome too, who wants to fly into a sheethole of sydney airport after a long flight

Me, because I live in that sheethole ;-)

[Going Boeing]

Again, I couldn't disagree more! Hub and Spoke is generally the cheaper option for both airline and passengers. It won't change!

Your views are contrary to what a number of airline executives (including Joyce) are saying. Prior to COVID, Qantas was already in the process of acquiring the aircraft (B787 & the future A350) to develop Point to Point routes (JFK & European destinations) which bypass the LAX & SIN hubs. Research has confirmed that there is a demand from the travelling public to minimise the number of transit airports in order to reduce virus exposure opportunities. This is a strong enough reason for potential passengers to look at airlines other than where they have loyalty program membership in order to book the most direct flight, thus Qantas has to act quickly in establishing these routes and retain passengers (as well as lure pax from other airlines).

The good news for pilots is that these P2P routes will require a much larger number of mid capacity, ultra long range aircraft to cater for the large number of city pairs. This will mean a lot of promotions and recruitment.

[nivsy]

While I certainly agree on P2P business models as the aircraft that can now do it without having to go via the past traditional hubs it still does very much depend on cost, competition and locations.

Looking as an example, pre Covid on the PER-LHR route, to fly business you needed a second mortgage. For the route to be undertaken, or indeed even via certain euro countries first , the cost is significantly reduced (for the sake of a few hours) . You certainly wouldn't find me up the back of a QF 787 for a non stop service to LHR (it gets so cramped and narrow) nor will you find me forking out 11000 dollars or more for biz. I'll take my chances via wonderful Doha and Qatar airlines or any other stop at the moment until the prices are a bit more realistic (for my purse strings) if that ever happens.

[ScepticalOptomist]

While I certainly agree on P2P business models as the aircraft that can now do it without having to go via the past traditional hubs it still does very much depend on cost, competition and locations.

Looking as an example, pre Covid on the PER-LHR route, to fly business you needed a second mortgage. For the route to be undertaken, or indeed even via certain euro countries first , the cost is significantly reduced (for the sake of a few hours) . You certainly wouldn't find me up the back of a QF 787 for a non stop service to LHR (it gets so cramped and narrow) nor will you find me forking out 11000 dollars or more for biz. I'll take my chances via wonderful Doha and Qatar airlines or any other stop at the moment until the prices are a bit more realistic (for my purse strings) if that ever happens.

You may not be their target audience for that route. I’ve been told there is quite the market for premium seats on the 787, hence the configuration QF went with.
I know of quite a few non business travellers who happily paid for the upgraded premium economy experience in order to maximise their time away, without going the expensive business class option.
There’s nothing wrong with going via the ME to save some cash, and I dare say there’s enough demand to service both options. The ME carriers will still have options out of Oz to Europe.

If I was to travel economy from Oz to Europe I’d be picking shorter hops and taking longer to get there. Glad we have options!

[Keg]

I’ve been told there is quite the market for premium seats on the 787, hence the configuration QF went with.


Whilst there is no doubt the route has been incredibly successful, I think the config is more about MTOW minus max fuel = max useable ZFW. It’s this number that then determined the mix of J/C, W/C and Y/C seats.

Personally I reckon the 787 is way too big in J/C for more the more normal SE Asian routes. Maybe as the A330 retires we might see more QF 787s arrive in a higher density config closer to 300 pax with something like 28J/28W/236 type layout. Of course these airframes wouldn’t be able to easily slot into the PER-LHR or other ULH routes.

[physicus]

Speaking as pax, QF's only first class is in the A380. If they want to retain PO's and other VVIP flyers they'll need to offer first on the Europe/US routes, so the 380 is going to stick around until at least the 350-1000 with F are operational. QF 787 is a god awful experience in J, never would I ever spend more than 4h in that knee cap busting sardine arrangement. Next SYD-LAX is going to be on AA J for that reason.

[Derfred]

Speaking as pax, QF's only first class is in the A380. If they want to retain PO's and other VVIP flyers they'll need to offer first on the Europe/US routes, so the 380 is going to stick around until at least the 350-1000 (tel:350-1000) with F are operational. QF 787 is a god awful experience in J, never would I ever spend more than 4h in that knee cap busting sardine arrangement. Next SYD-LAX is going to be on AA J for that reason.

I have to admit, I don’t know what a PO is.

I don’t even know what a VVIP is.

I probably don’t care to.

I’m going to assume that both acronyms relate to folk who can afford to purchase P class tickets.

Based on your post, I have to assume that you are either a PO or a VVIP, or perhaps both, and that you are dissatisfied with the premium service offered by QF.

Perhaps you are actually a member of a small category of passengers well-known in the industry who are internally and discretely referred to as SICCAGs

I’m not sure, but I think the translation is “Self Important Character* - Can’t Afford Gulfstream”.

They are commonly identified in P class as the ones who complain that the Beluga Caviar served “was a bit off - I can’t believe you served this knee-cap busting crap - Osetra Caviar is always better this time of year. I think I’ll fly Emirates next time”.

Genuinely wealthy folk, who choose to leave the Gulfstream in the hangar and fly commercially, rarely complain, are generally politely humble, and are a delight to serve.

They also tend to recognise, when stuck in knee-cap busting J-class, that they are one of the few privileged who can afford P-class, and that there just aren’t enough of them to justify Qantas providing a customised seat, just for them, on the few days per year that they choose to travel. After all, they have a G5 in the hangar if they really want to relax enroute.

* can’t recall exact wording

[Jetsbest]

Possibly:
PO = Platinum One, &
VVIP = Very Very Important Person
😉🙄

[gordonfvckingramsay]

I enjoyed watching a Captain have a PO couple removed from a flight after they gave the cabin crew a spray of abuse over a service not offered by QF. Said Captain was overheard as saying “If they are that important they would have their own jet. Kick em off!” Bloody classic I though :ok:

[White Knight]

Your views are contrary to what a number of airline executives (including Joyce) are saying

I'll be happy to return to this thread in ten years and see we'll see how it's panned out. You mention Alan Joyce. Is this the weirdo into Unicorns and Rainbow coloured aeroplanes? Hardly fit to be CEO of a big airline when he's pushing his personal agenda heh?

In the meantime my aeroplanes, operating a hub and spoke, seem to be very busy. Especially in First and Business class!