QF 744 retirement. Where is it at?

[Brad Myer]

I doubt if QF will be retiring any B744s before the B789s arrive.

The international fleet is stretched at the moment and delivering record results.

Infact Im guessing QF wish they had held onto 1 or 2 additional B744s and had them all refurbished so routes like YVR etc could be year round, and additional frequencies added to SCL, SFO etc

[Fred C]

Here is a short QF video about fitting a V-Pod to a 747.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWfA...ature=youtu.be

[Alex Lui]

According to flightradar24.com, VH-OJM is back in action,

Flew January 7 to HND as QF25 as it flew January 8 back as QF26 and is now enroute to JNB as QF63.

[Dennis McLean]

OEB went to HKG for maintenance on 10 March, not due out till mid May. I guess it will be getting its cabin refresh done at the same time. Any bets it will come out with no First Class like the 9 which have been done?

If so then I suppose OJM will be done. OJM has been to HKG for maintenance a few months ago so only the cabin refresh will be needed.

[Steve S... 2]

By the time OJM is retired, it will be the longest serving 747-400 to have flown for QF. Am I correct?

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by Dennis McLean

OEB went to HKG for maintenance on 10 March, not due out till mid May. I guess it will be getting its cabin refresh done at the same time. Any bets it will come out with no First Class like the 9 which have been done?

If so then I suppose OJM will be done. OJM has been to HKG for maintenance a few months ago so only the cabin refresh will be needed.

I don't think it will get its cabin refreshed at the same time, I still think they will have a look at what might be available re a newer product than the Skybed Mk2 which is now quite dated.

[Dennis McLean]

But remember that OJM and OEB will be the first 2 744's to leave the fleet after I guess 3 789's are in service. My thoughts are 2 x 789 -1 744 and the
3rd 789 - 2nd 744. Then when nos 4-8 of the 789s are delivered, OJS, T & U will be gone. I read the 6 x 744ER's will be here into the early2020's.

5x 744s = approximately 1800 seats and 8 x 789s at the "heresay" figure of 250 = 2000. So there is not much room for expansion??????

[Christopher Campbell]

they need to order another 16 787-9 for delivery between FY2020-FY2022 for a total of 24 787-9s for real expansion. this would mean an extra 2000 seats or 8 aircraft.

[Brad Myer]

Wouldn't be surprised to see OJM/OEB as the only B744s retired when the first B789s arrive. The international division is performing well and will need the initial B789s for expansion rather then replacement. I see OJS/T/U sticking around for a little while longer.

As for the refurb of OJM/OEB… Its only cosmetic, they are not replacing any of the seats, they simply refurbing them with new cushions and seat covers to match the rest of the B744/A380 fleets. Carpets and curtains will also be replaced. Bulk heads and toilets will get a minor refresh.

Both OJM/OEB will be retired as soon as the first few B789s are in service. Leaving only the 9 fully refitted B744s in service.

[Christopher Campbell]

Do you think QF will confirm more orders late next year for the replacement of the last B747s?