Qantas Update On Qf32 And Qantas A380 Operations

Qantas Update on Qf32 and Qantas A380 Operations

UPDATED 2.00PM 5 NOVEMBER 2010

The Qantas B747-400 dispatched as a relief flight last night to Singapore to bring passengers affected by yesterday's QF32 engine failure was scheduled to depart Singapore at 10.30am local time. QF8032 is expected to arrive in Sydney at 8.45pm tonight.

Qantas continues to provide assistance to customers affected by the temporary suspension of A380 operations, including hotel accommodation, where needed, and meals, as arrangements are made to get people on flights as soon as possible. All available Qantas aircraft capacity is being used and the airline is also in discussions with other carriers regarding aircraft charter options in addition to the QF10 charter listed below.

Qantas continues to work with Rolls-Royce and Airbus to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the engine failure ahead of taking the first steps toward to resuming operations. It is still too soon to be able to provide an indication of when this might be.

The ATSB investigation is in its early stages and Qantas will work closely with the Bureau to ensure the industry benefits from a detailed understanding of what caused the incident.

More than 70 Qantas international flights, serviced by other fleet types, will operate into and out of Australia today as scheduled. Qantas A380s typically operate 50 departures each week out of more than 600 departures per week.

Flight update:
* today's QF93 service (Melbourne-Los Angeles), normally operated by an A380, has been delayed by 24 hours
* QF12 and QF108 (both Los Angeles-Sydney) and QF94 (Los Angeles-Melbourne) have also been delayed by 24 hours. These flights were scheduled to depart Los Angeles on 4 November local
* QF11 (Sydney-Los Angeles) and QF31 (Sydney-London via Singapore) will operate to schedule, with B747-400 aircraft replacing A380 aircraft
* QF10 (London-Singapore) on 5 November will be operated by a B777 aircraft chartered from British Airways. A decision will be made later this morning regarding customers with onward travel to Melbourne

Every effort has been made, and will continue to be made, to contact customers regarding the flight changers that may affect them.

Background Information on QF32

A Qantas A380 aircraft operating QF32 from Singapore to Sydney experienced an engine issue soon after take off and returned to Singapore.

The aircraft had 440 passengers and 26 crew on board. In line with procedure, the pilot sought priority clearance for its return to Singapore. The aircraft landed safely at 11.45am local time.

Some media reports suggested the aircraft had crashed. These reports are incorrect. No Qantas aircraft has crashed. There were no injuries to any customers or crew.

Qantas has commenced its own investigations into how the incident occurred. The Australian Transport safety Bureau (ATSB) was notified immediately and Qantas will work with the Bureau as it investigates the issue.

In accordance with its commitment to the highest safety standards, Qantas yesterday suspended scheduled A380 operations until sufficient information had been obtained about what occurred on the QF32 aircraft.

Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q5029d)
Media Enquiries: M: +61 (0)418 210 005

SOURCE: Qantas