QF 744 retirement. Where is it at?

[Greg Hyde]

Sorry "efficient" was the word.

Why hasn't QF bought B777 ?

[Todd Hendry]

HAHAHAHA Greg. That's funny.

[Ash W]

Originally Posted by Greg Hyde

Sorry "efficient" was the word.

Why hasn't QF bought B777 ?

Been discussed many times before.

When the 777 came out the models on offer were too big for domestic and too big for Asia (where the 767 was still king) and without legs to go to the US and from Asia to Europe.

By the time the LR's and ER's had come out Qantas had already decided to go for the A380 for long haul, added some 747ER's too, the smaller A330 for Asia and later ordered the 787 for domestic. Remembering the original 787 plan was 788's to JQ, then when 789's came these would replace JQ 788's which would go as is to Qantas for domestic to replace 767's.

Of course the A380 program was delayed which meant the 747's stayed longer than planned, the 787 was also delayed which in turn delayed the 767's being removed, and of course we have had the Qantas restructure which has resulted in orders for long haul aircraft being deferred or cancelled.

So whilst one could say in hindsight Qantas should have ordered the 777, specifically the 777-300ER simple fact is they made other fleet decisions that they felt were right at the time, repeat AT THE TIME. Of course even now Qantas may be able to use a couple of 777-300ER's, the fact is they would only need a couple for niche routes, so hardly worth introducing a new type into the fleet for just a few a/c is it? More so when you think there are now aircraft available in the 789, and even the A350-900 or -1000's that would better suit Qantas.

[Mark Grima]

Its great that this has been confirmed. The OJA deserves to be preserved and have many stories told and many youngsters learn many lessons. Being so accessible is an added bonus.

Originally Posted by Mark C

That article has a heap of factual errors.

You can say that again! My head hurts from trying to read it..

The "no more than about ten minutes" comment hurts too!

I'm by no means a grammar expert, far far from it and guilty of many errors, but if that was published that's embarrassing!!

Cheers

M

[Robert.M]

Worst kept secret really. Going to see if I can fit in a trip to the Gong (depending on time and money).

[Thomas Collins]

Actually, the fleet renewal back in 2000, was for A380's and B787's. Due to the B787 delay, Qantas took A330's as a stop-gap, hence the introduction of a new type into the fleet. These were offered by Airbus for a very good price, as Airbus's plans were to convert A330's to A350's down the track. Airbus wanted to move QF across to an all Airbus fleet.

Qantas went as far as evaluating the A320 when the B737 renewal program commenced with the -800's. At one stage both aircraft (A320 / B738) were in Sydney for Qantas evaluation, however QF continued with the B737 for various reasons.

[Patrick M]

Out of OJI, OJM and OEB, who will be the NEXT TO GO?

[Zac M]

I would expect OJI as it is the only one in the old livery, however it could be any of the three, will all depend on cycles, when maintenance is due, etc.

[Brad Myer]

OJI is next to go.

Then no further retirements with OJM and OEB hanging around.

QF can't afford to drop any more B744s if they still plan to operate the existing schedule plus the seasonal extras etc.

[Patrick M]

This is going to be very interesting to watch as the old 744s go, there may not be enough. I wonder if they'll decide to take at least some of the remaining 8 a380s and / or b789s. Would QF be interested in the two Skymarks a380 frames that they cancelled?