Why is QF63/64 SYD-JNB flown by 380 ?
Feb 8, 2025 | 1:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
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Posts: 616
Why is QF63/64 SYD-JNB flown by 380 ?
Never flown this route, but I wonder whether this route is really busy. These behemoths are normally used on busy routes (to e.g. LHR, LAX, SIN in the case of QF) or for hub oriented airlines such as EK. But SYD-JNB ? That was a 787 route, an ideal aircraft for such 'niche' connections, like QF 27/28 to SCL. It used to be 744 jumbos before the 787, probably because of ETOPS restrictions as it is a large airportless water body.
But now a daily 380 flight ? Are these full ?
But now a daily 380 flight ? Are these full ?
Feb 8, 2025 | 2:32 pm
#2
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I don't know the load factor on this routes but Qantas was very vocal about introducing the A380 on that route. Maybe they also saw some traffic going via DXB? This might also be part of a wider plan to gain approval for more international codeshares in southern Africa. When they announced the A380 they also introduced some domestic codeshares on Airlink with the view to gain approval for a wider network across southern Africa.
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-...s/airlink.html
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-...s/airlink.html
Feb 8, 2025 | 2:36 pm
#3
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Never flown this route, but I wonder whether this route is really busy. These behemoths are normally used on busy routes (to e.g. LHR, LAX, SIN in the case of QF) or for hub oriented airlines such as EK. But SYD-JNB ? That was a 787 route, an ideal aircraft for such 'niche' connections, like QF 27/28 to SCL. It used to be 744 jumbos before the 787, probably because of ETOPS restrictions as it is a large airportless water body.
But now a daily 380 flight ? Are these full ?
But now a daily 380 flight ? Are these full ?
Not everyone wants to fly to JNB via SIN or DXB.
Feb 8, 2025 | 4:02 pm
#4
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QF are short of ULH capable aircraft. All long hauls are balancing loads with departure altitude ( remember JNB is 1750 m ASL ). Apparently the 380 is more flexible than the twins in this regard. Both the 789 and 380 can easily do the range but I dont know whether the 789 has proportionally less capacity for a full pax/ freight load than the 380. QF insiders would know more.
Feb 8, 2025 | 7:19 pm
#5
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QF used to use a 747 on the route - using a 380 seems to be a similar capacity aeroplane, so if there is the passenger/cargo business to use the larger aeroplane, why wouldn't it?
If is also the only aeroplane type that has a 1st class cabin - perhaps there is also a market for 1st class on that route
If is also the only aeroplane type that has a 1st class cabin - perhaps there is also a market for 1st class on that route
Feb 9, 2025 | 2:13 am
#6
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That is a good reason, as that is a considerable detour. When there is really demand, other airlines (SA, MK ?) can join in. And, indeed, the only ULH capable aircraft of QF are the 789 and 380. But next year the long 350s (35X) and long 787s (78X) will arrive.
Feb 9, 2025 | 7:32 am
#7
Formerly known as tireman77
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This may still be because of ETOPs for technical reasons. Yes, the SYD-JNB route is approved for ETOPs 330, but it also means the diversion airports need to be operational at the time of the flight and can accept the size of plane in question. Given that airfields in the Southern Ocean are few and far between, and likely very much affected by weather, the number of days in a year where the route can be operated without a major flight deviation on a twin engined plane.
The A380 offers year round stability on the route.
The A380 offers year round stability on the route.
Feb 9, 2025 | 4:18 pm
#8
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Yes.
When VA (IIRC) flew SYD/MEL-JNB with their 77W they always took a longer northerly route to be within distance of their chosen alternates. I dont recall them taking close to a GC route - unlike QF doing so with their 744s on the same day.
When VA (IIRC) flew SYD/MEL-JNB with their 77W they always took a longer northerly route to be within distance of their chosen alternates. I dont recall them taking close to a GC route - unlike QF doing so with their 744s on the same day.
Feb 9, 2025 | 4:29 pm
#9
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I can tell you that the 4 flights myself and Mr Pants did, it was packed to the gills. He ended up buying a last minute fully flex W ticket because he was foolishly trying to do staff travel and wouldnt even have been able to access a jump seat it was so busy
Mar 6, 2025 | 7:32 pm
#11
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Never flown this route, but I wonder whether this route is really busy. These behemoths are normally used on busy routes (to e.g. LHR, LAX, SIN in the case of QF) or for hub oriented airlines such as EK. But SYD-JNB ? That was a 787 route, an ideal aircraft for such 'niche' connections, like QF 27/28 to SCL. It used to be 744 jumbos before the 787, probably because of ETOPS restrictions as it is a large airportless water body.
But now a daily 380 flight ? Are these full ?
But now a daily 380 flight ? Are these full ?
But also, it's not ETOPS. Australia operate under EDTO that applied equally to twins and quads, interestingly the A380 doesn't go any further south: https://www.analyticflying.com/p/cha...-how-far-south
Mar 6, 2025 | 7:33 pm
#12
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This may still be because of ETOPs for technical reasons. Yes, the SYD-JNB route is approved for ETOPs 330, but it also means the diversion airports need to be operational at the time of the flight and can accept the size of plane in question. Given that airfields in the Southern Ocean are few and far between, and likely very much affected by weather, the number of days in a year where the route can be operated without a major flight deviation on a twin engined plane.
The A380 offers year round stability on the route.
The A380 offers year round stability on the route.
Mar 7, 2025 | 11:06 pm
#13
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Mar 7, 2025 | 11:07 pm
#14
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SYD-JNB-LHR is the best way to get to the UK.
Daytime flight to JNB, arrive around 5pm or something, shower, dinner in the lounge, sleep on the overnight BA flight JNB-LHR, arrive first thing the morning - ZERO jet lag.
10/10 would recommend.
Daytime flight to JNB, arrive around 5pm or something, shower, dinner in the lounge, sleep on the overnight BA flight JNB-LHR, arrive first thing the morning - ZERO jet lag.
10/10 would recommend.
Mar 13, 2025 | 10:12 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2023
Posts: 347
Anyway this maybe slightly oot. But for 25 May and 31 May Qantas will operates A380 on SIN-MEL routes QF36 and QF35 I believe. Wonder why they deploy only like 2 days? And they dont even sell the PY or F, so basically if you purchase Y you can sit on PY seat.