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22-Nov-2010 7:56 AM

Qantas updates international schedule as A380s remain grounded

Qantas released (19-Nov-2010) an updated schedule for travel on its international network until 03-Dec-2010 to ensure minimum disruption to passengers following the grounding of its A380 fleet. The carrier stated all passengers will be accommodated on services across the entire international network regardless of when A380 aircraft re-enter service. The updated schedule will continue to see B747s replace A380s on all US and some UK services, which are all operating normally, as well as the replacement of B747s with A330s on seven Sydney-Hong Kong services per week. There have been no cancellations to services to the US or UK, usually serviced by A380s. B767s will also continue to replace A330 aircraft on 14 Perth-Singapore services per week and A330s will replace B747s on seven Sydney-Tokyo services each week. In addition, to maximise our fleet capability the QF67, which operates Perth-Hong Kong and the QF97, which operates Brisbane-Hong Kong, will both be re-timed to depart 12 hours earlier. [more]

Qantas may reportedly need to do work on up to 10 Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines powering its A380, down from a previous estimate of up to 14 (Dow Jones, 19-Nov-2010). The work may be anything from part replacement to a complete engine replacement. The aircraft may now be grounded for weeks as the investigation continues (Reuters, 20-Nov-2010). Qantas has said there is no schedule to return the aircraft to service. The carrier will need to receive final approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority before the aircraft can resume operations.

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