Qantas committed to US flights as concerns grow over 5G rollout

Qantas is satisfied there is no safety risk to US flights as other airlines adjust schedules over concerns with the 5G wireless network rollout.

Rising concerns among airline executives over the 5G network rollout in the US have led to numerous flight cancellations. Picture: AFP

Qantas is satisfied it remains safe to fly to the US in Boeing 787s and A380s, amid a growing furore over potential interference with some aircraft from the 5G wireless network rollout.

Several other airlines, including Emirates, Air India, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines and Korean Air, have cancelled some US services or adjusted schedules following a warning from the regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA advised that the 5G network could potentially interfere with height readings that are critical in bad weather landings.

The problem stems from the fact a segment of the airwaves being used by American telecommunications companies for 5G is too close to that used by radio altimeters that measure an aircraft’s clearance height over terrain.

Boeing 777s appear most susceptible to the issue, although a warning was also issued for Boeing 787-9s.

Qantas does not operate any 777s but does use 787s on its US service from Sydney to Los Angeles, as well as the Airbus A380.

It’s understood Qantas has no plans to change its schedule into the US at this point, but would take extra precautions, such as carrying more fuel on 787s. This would allow a flight to spend extra time in the air in the event of bad weather or poor visibility that would increase reliance on height readings. Such conditions are rare at Los Angeles international airport.

“Our flights in the United States will fully comply with the safety regulator’s requirements,” said Qantas chief technical pilot, Captain Alex Passerini.

“We would never operate unless it was completely safe to do so.”

Emirates was preparing to suspend flights to nine US destinations from Wednesday, January 19, the date of deployment for the 5G.

The airline would continue to operate to LA, Washington and New York’s JFK airport, however.

Other carriers indicated they would pull 777s off US routes until safety was confirmed.

Two wireless operators, AT&T and Verizon, announced they would delay turning on 5G towers near airports, a move welcomed by US President Joe Biden.

However, airlines were believed to be awaiting further advice from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The issue with the 5G network in the US is not replicated in Australia because of the lower frequency range used. But a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) spokesman said it would continue to monitor the situation.

“We are not aware of any confirmed cases of 5G interference with radio altimeters in this country since the technology rolled out,” he said.

“Nonetheless, we have asked pilots to report radio altimeter issues so that any information on potential interference can inform future decisions.”

He added that any airline operating to the US would have to abide by the directions of the FAA.