ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 11380 times:
Welcome to number 121 Part of the New Zealand Aviation Thread. In number 120 we talked about; New Zealand Aviation Thread Part 120 (by ZKOJH Oct 2 2012 in Civil Aviation)
* Bali services return next year
* NZ and 'STAR ALLIANCE' is it the right alliance?
* ZK-MVA first ATR 72-600 all ready to come home to New Zealand
* ATR 72-600 Routes
* Star Alliance changes for 'GOLD'
* Nelson Airport voted best airport in New Zealand
* ANZ A320 help in Sea Rescue Mission
* AKL-AMS on ''Grabaseat''
* NZ 'Nightrider' Fares drop to NZ$7 in the lead up to Xmas
* NZ third in 'Conde Nast Travelers list of best foreign airlines
* Gisborne Airport raise landing fees NZ reduce services
* WLG terminal upgrade cost 40 Million NZ$
* NZ and the new 'Hobbit 77W'
* Uzbekistan 763 in CHC along with an NZ 763!
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 11371 times:
and the price war has started !
''Jetstar offers 1c airfares''
That 10 cent coin in the back of your jeans could soon see you flying across the country and back.
Jetstar has launched a sale campaign across its domestic network this week with seats on sale for one cent each.
The airline is offering 600 1c airfares every weekday between 6pm and 7pm, with a total of 3000 seats on offer.
Wonder if NZ will react? Obviously not expecting 1c fares tho!
SQ have purchased a 10% share in Virgin Australia, Virgin Oz have purchased a 65% share in Tiger Australia and Virgin Oz have offered a take over price of SkyWest Australia.
Tiger launching LCC NZL services soon with a DJ code?
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 10, posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 11086 times:
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 9): Apparently DJ has realised that you can't be a LCC and a full service carrier at the same time, which is what something NZ has been chasing to become.
Air New Zealand is profitable, so I don't know why it can't work.
Virgin Australia has (effectively) bought an undercutting competitor, based on a simple, time honoured theory - if you can't beat 'em, buy 'em.
Or DJ could use TT to their advantage like QF with JQ. Use TT for routes DJ can't operate with a good profit on due to TT's lower costs (HLZ), launch LCC leisure routes (OOL) and heck.........we might even see TT on..........domestic routes here if DJ wanted.
CHCalfonzo From New Zealand, joined Mar 2007, 161 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 10883 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 12): we might even see TT on..........domestic routes here if DJ wanted.
And giving the bird to NZ in the process. Like I alluded before, DJ would only allow this if NZ was onside, otherwise they would loose NZ as a partner. NZ is perfectly capable of combating JQ on their own, there is no need for a dedicated "low cost" airline to supplement NZ services.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 14, posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 10865 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 12): Or DJ could use TT to their advantage like QF with JQ. Use TT for routes DJ can't operate with a good profit on due to TT's lower costs (HLZ), launch LCC leisure routes (OOL) and heck..
Several posters on the other thread have referred to Tiger's lower costs, but I wonder how much lower they actually are.
Yes, it has a newer staff (lower pay?) but it doesn't have economies of scale on the fleet and it pays the same fuel costs as everyone else, and airport costs since since it left Avalon.
The only accounts I can find are for the Tiger group and the CASK number is not particularly low. I assume the Australian costs are higher than the system average. Additionally, the CASK went up by 12% in the last year.
It's possible the Tiger parent in Singapore is quite pleased to have someone else take over what has been a problem airline.
MotorHussy From New Zealand, joined Mar 2000, 2760 posts, RR: 10 Reply 15, posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 10689 times:
On the Nightrider front, have just heard an interesting yarn from a friend I used to work with in the advertising industry...
We all know the incumbent NZ CEO is the face for the Nightrider campaign. Well apparently The Hoff, David Hasselhoff, the original Nightrider, was the intended face of the campaign. However, on his way to shoot the commercial he got so loaded on the flight, mixing booze with prescription meds, that he was unable to meet his commitments to the airline (by all accounts was a blithering mess, see youtube of him and his daughter for reference http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jGDc-v_Nms).
NZ's advertising agency had already booked the media and the production company was waiting for talent; the airline had completed planning and back-end booking systems for Nightrider so NZ went into emergency strategy with the new face being the 'recently single' Rob Fyfe who was on-hand for the commercial shoot.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 16, posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 10530 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 14): Several posters on the other thread have referred to Tiger's lower costs, but I wonder how much lower they actually are.
There are so many hoops to jump through for any business in NZ of course they are not going to be lower cost than JQ. Especially for a tiny market like NZL. VA already tried and failed, and even Jetstar have not been able to expand as planned. It is hard to have lower costs when there are not enough people to fill the aircraft that are flying.
Quoting mariner (Reply 14): It's possible the Tiger parent in Singapore is quite pleased to have someone else take over what has been a problem airline.
I agree. I think SQ is glad to be rid. They have other risks like Scoot to offset.
sunrisevalley From Canada, joined Jul 2004, 3954 posts, RR: 4 Reply 17, posted (6 months 3 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 10484 times:
Will be interesting to see what the flight plan is for NZ39 ( or is it NZ35) on Nov. 1st for the HKG-LHR section.Apparently the 77W might be technical restricted from flying on the Y1 airway across China that the 77E is able to use
Possibly it might look more like a CX 77W flight plan for that sector.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 22, posted (6 months 3 weeks 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 9964 times:
Quoting ZKOJH (Reply 19): Around 13hrs to go to the world see's the new NZ Safety Video for the 'Hobbit' and from the the small clip already out it looks FANTASTIC!
deconz From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 124 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (6 months 3 weeks 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 9921 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 22): I'm not particularly fond of the souped up safety videos, but I think this one is very good. It certainly held my attention.
I totally agree. Just the right mix of kiwi humor in this one!
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 24, posted (6 months 3 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 9827 times:
the new video is rather gripping - probably more so than the actual movies will be :-P Best of them by a long way - but then WETA workshop did create it...
Yes I'm sure you can expect the new briefing tonight on NZ35..
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 25, posted (6 months 3 weeks 5 days ago) and read 9942 times:
Quoting PA515 (Reply 18): Will the ATR72-600's be fitted with ADS-B?
ZK-MVA has ADS-B and showed up on flightradar24.com as 'ZKMVA', not as an Air NZ Flight Number.
It departed TLS 31 Oct at about 0958 UTC and after exactly five hours was between Crete and Egypt heading for ALY when the signal went out of range. Looks like an overnight in CAI which would be about a 6hr 30m flight.
Interesting to see what they do.. Would they be able to offload the CZ A380 at one Gates 15/16 before moving it to a remote and bringing back EK407 to the gate while not causing any delays? Or would they take a remote stand/the single airbridge gate?
Zkpilot From New Zealand, joined Mar 2006, 4739 posts, RR: 10 Reply 30, posted (6 months 3 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 9966 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 29): Interesting to see what they do.. Would they be able to offload the CZ A380 at one Gates 15/16 before moving it to a remote and bringing back EK407 to the gate while not causing any delays? Or would they take a remote stand/the single airbridge gate?
Time for AKL to upgrade a gate to have dual airbridges. Gate 6,8,10? Whichever one has the biggest box space to the next gate with clearance behind. Speaking of, most of the airbridges at AKL are in pretty poor condition these days! (Inside they look ok but they are rusting away and are very slow (delaying disembarkation). Most of them have got to be 30 years old which coupled with salt air and high levels of rainfall shorten their life.
In todays Dominion Post, the article was slightly different, whats not talked about in the above link is the All Blacks ATR first route.......CHC-WLG early this month!
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 32, posted (6 months 3 weeks 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 9771 times:
''Crash pilots ignored cockpit warning alerts - report''
Findings in an inquiry into an Air Nelson plane that skidded along a runway on its nose landing gear doors have been dismissed by the airline, which says the incident was due to inaccurate advice from the plane's manufacturer rather than the pilots.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has found the pilots of a Bombardier Dash 8 ignored two warnings that the landing gear was unsafe as it came in to land at Blenheim on September 30, 2010.
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11318 posts, RR: 17 Reply 33, posted (6 months 3 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 9705 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
The Fokker F27 that operated between WLG - Chatham Islands years ago made its final journey back to the Chathams this morning from Timaru by boat. NZ have donated it to the Islands aviation museum.
SXI899 From New Zealand, joined Jan 2008, 194 posts, RR: 0 Reply 36, posted (6 months 3 weeks 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 9506 times:
Quoting PA515 (Reply 25): ZK-MVA has ADS-B and showed up on flightradar24.com as 'ZKMVA', not as an Air NZ Flight Number.
It departed TLS 31 Oct at about 0958 UTC and after exactly five hours was between Crete and Egypt heading for ALY when the signal went out of range. Looks like an overnight in CAI which would be about a 6hr 30m flight.
PA515
First leg was filed as LFBO-HELX (Luxor). Flight was indeed on registration, with NZM in item 18 as operator.
It'll be interesting to see what the rest of the routing is (unfortunately I can only view flightplans that operate in the Eurocontrol area).
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 37, posted (6 months 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 9440 times:
Quoting SXI899 (Reply 36): First leg was filed as LFBO-HELX (Luxor). Flight was indeed on registration, with NZM in item 18 as operator.
It'll be interesting to see what the rest of the routing is (unfortunately I can only view flightplans that operate in the Eurocontrol area).
Thanks Yorden.
'ZKMVA' appeared on flightradar24.com NW of RUH at 0940UTC and 25,000 ft, tracked east to just north of BAH then southeast over AUH and at 1235UTC went out of signal range at 22,550 ft about 100 kms from MCT. Next stop CMB?
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 38, posted (6 months 3 weeks 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 9405 times:
Yesterday a New Zealand aviation website gave the delivery routing for ZK-MVA as Toulouse, Luxor, Muscat, Colombo, Singapore/Seletar, Darwin, Brisbane, Christchurch, arriving 06 November.
bonzolab From New Zealand, joined Jun 2012, 17 posts, RR: 0 Reply 39, posted (6 months 3 weeks 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 9308 times:
Indeed the routing is a 6 day journey through Luxor, Muscat, Columbo, Singapore, Bali, Darwin and Brisbane. Here are some more pics, interior looks great!
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 44, posted (6 months 3 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 9101 times:
And the battle between Air New Zealand and Jetstar heat up even more;
''Air NZ offers free flights to Christchurch''
Air New Zealand is offering free flights to Christchurch as the battle for the cheapest airfares reaches its nadir.
The move comes just days after Jetstar offered one-cent flights every day this week - a deal which came hot on the heels of Air NZ's offer of $7 tickets between Auckland and Wellington on late night flights in the week before Christmas.
Air NZ said 1500 free one-way airfares into and out of Christchurch would be available to customers travelling between November 12 and December 2.
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 47, posted (6 months 3 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 8956 times:
Quoting sunrisevalley (Reply 17): Will be interesting to see what the flight plan is for NZ39 ( or is it NZ35) on Nov. 1st for the HKG-LHR section.Apparently the 77W might be technical restricted from flying on the Y1 airway across China that the 77E is able to use
Possibly it might look more like a CX 77W flight plan for that sector.
ANZ35 showed up on flightradar24.com just south of between Almaty and Bishkek. At 0628UTC it was heading 295 at 32,000ft and 490kt. At 0634UTC about 20 kms north of Bishkek and about to cross into Kazakhstan. There won't be much coverage in Kazakhstan, but Russia is almost 100% covered from the Kazakhstan border to the rest of Europe.
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 48, posted (6 months 3 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 8925 times:
it seems that NZ have got it right with the new 'Hobbit' Safety film
Even Sky News in London picked it up this morning,
''A four-minute-long Air New Zealand safety video celebrating the upcoming premiere of the first film in the Hobbit trilogy has gone viral within 24 hours of being posted on YouTube.
The in-flight video – which features the character Gollum and the film director Sir Peter Jackson - has received more than two million hits.
SXI899 From New Zealand, joined Jan 2008, 194 posts, RR: 0 Reply 49, posted (6 months 3 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 8655 times:
Quoting PA515 (Reply 47): Quoting sunrisevalley (Reply 17):
Will be interesting to see what the flight plan is for NZ39 ( or is it NZ35) on Nov. 1st for the HKG-LHR section.Apparently the 77W might be technical restricted from flying on the Y1 airway across China that the 77E is able to use
Possibly it might look more like a CX 77W flight plan for that sector.
ANZ35 showed up on flightradar24.com just south of between Almaty and Bishkek. At 0628UTC it was heading 295 at 32,000ft and 490kt. At 0634UTC about 20 kms north of Bishkek and about to cross into Kazakhstan. There won't be much coverage in Kazakhstan, but Russia is almost 100% covered from the Kazakhstan border to the rest of Europe.
ANZ35 will probably reappear near Uralsk.
PA515
Doesn't look like there were any restrictions on the routing, although there was a notable difference when compared to other B77W routings on the same day.
The two Cathay flights (CPA253/CPA251) and the one BA flight (BAW28) operated with B77Ws all took a more northerly option (here compared with the ANZ35. The BAW28 took a more southerly initial routing upon entering Russian airspace):
Quoting SXI899 (Reply 49): Doesn't look like there were any restrictions on the routing, although there was a notable difference when compared to other B77W routings on the same day.
Quoting 777ER (Reply 50): Interesting difference in flight routes between NZ and CX/BA considering every aircraft was B77Ws. Wonder why NZ decided to fly further south?
Since I started using flightradar24.com earlier this year ANZ39 (now ANZ35) has always been a southerly routing over Kazakhstan into southern Russia, then to Germany via southern Latvia and down the Baltic or via Belarus and Poland.
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 53, posted (6 months 3 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 8395 times:
Quoting SXI899 (Reply 49): The two Cathay flights (CPA253/CPA251) and the one BA flight (BAW28) operated with B77Ws all took a more northerly option (here compared with the ANZ35. The BAW28 took a more southerly initial routing upon entering Russian airspace):
Quite interesting, especially as it still transverses a part of Russia.
Regardless if 77W or not, CX have operated that northerly route for a long time. Watching the 744 as well will show that they'll also take that northerly route.
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 54, posted (6 months 3 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 8192 times:
An interesting read ,
''Air NZ wedges passengers into seats''
After Americans and Australians, New Zealanders are the fattest people on the planet, but our national airline has some of the narrowest seats in the world.
A new global survey of 32 airlines by British magazine Business Traveller found Air New Zealand economy seats were among the most cramped in the skies.
The airline tied for 28th place out of 32 airlines with Qatar Airways, which has an economy seat width of between 41.9cm and 45.7cm.
Kaiarahi From Canada, joined Jul 2009, 2579 posts, RR: 24 Reply 55, posted (6 months 3 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 8159 times:
Quoting ZKOJH (Reply 54): After Americans and Australians, New Zealanders are the fattest people on the planet.
I don't know which nostril they plucked their information from, but I just looked at the WHO world BMI statistics (because I was surprised by the statement). There are at least 30 countries (I stopped counting) with higher average BMI than NZL.
SXI899 From New Zealand, joined Jan 2008, 194 posts, RR: 0 Reply 56, posted (6 months 3 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 8178 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 53): Regardless if 77W or not, CX have operated that northerly route for a long time. Watching the 744 as well will show that they'll also take that northerly route.
Pretty much everyone except ANZ takes the northerly route, CX, BA, and VS. The Cathay flights operated with other types (CPA255 - A343; CPA257 - B744) are also filed on the same routing as the B77W operated flights.
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 5305 posts, RR: 3 Reply 57, posted (6 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 8106 times:
Quoting ZKOJH (Reply 54): After Americans and Australians, New Zealanders are the fattest people on the planet, but our national airline has some of the narrowest seats in the world.
I'd say that the kiwi's who are responsible for making our average weight as hefty as it's become are not the kind of kiwis that can afford to fly long haul so it's not going to be as big a problem as you're making it out to be.
WSTAKL From New Zealand, joined Jun 2011, 50 posts, RR: 0 Reply 58, posted (6 months 3 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 8053 times:
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 57):
I'd say that the kiwi's who are responsible for making our average weight as hefty as it's become are not the kind of kiwis that can afford to fly long haul so it's not going to be as big a problem as you're making it out to be.
Ahhh the classic Kiwi sweeping generalization comment from the white middle class!
MotorHussy From New Zealand, joined Mar 2000, 2760 posts, RR: 10 Reply 59, posted (6 months 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 7928 times:
Quoting WSTAKL (Reply 58):
Ahhh the classic Kiwi sweeping generalization comment from the white middle class!
In general, we're all getting larger yet Y seats are getting smaller. Is it coming to a point where IATA and governments to either intervene or get some minimum standards based around the reality of humanity?
There are large differences in the prevalence of obesity by ethnicity. Among the population aged 15 years and over in 2006/2007, Pacific peoples (65 percent) and Māori (43 percent) had significantly higher age-standardised obesity rates than the total population in this age group, while Asians (12 percent) had a significantly lower rate. The obesity rate of European/Other was (23 percent). For Māori, there was no significant change from 1997 to 2006/2007 in the prevalence of obesity, adjusted for age, either for men or for women. Between 2002/2003 and 2006/2007, only Asians had a statistically significant increase in obesity.
Among children aged 5–14 years in 2006/2007, the pattern of ethnic differences in the prevalence of obesity was similar to that of the population aged 15 years and over. Pacific children had the highest rate (26 percent), followed by Māori children (13 percent), Asian children (6 percent) and children of European/Other ethnic groups (5 percent).
Quoting MotorHussy (Reply 59):
In general, we're all getting larger yet Y seats are getting smaller. Is it coming to a point where IATA and governments to either intervene or get some minimum standards based around the reality of humanity?
It's not the size of the seats that's the problem, it's the excessive overeating of the passengers that is. If large people want to get comfortable buy two seats or as NZ has now provided the sleeper seat for economy.
SXI899 From New Zealand, joined Jan 2008, 194 posts, RR: 0 Reply 64, posted (6 months 3 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 7400 times:
Quoting sunrisevalley (Reply 61): Are you able to calculate the airways distance for both routes?
For ANZ35, the track distance was 5536nm, for the two Cathay flights it was 5455nm, and for the BA flight it was 5476nm.
To show how much of an effect the winds had over the course of the day, the ANZ35 departing at 0025Z had a filed flight time of 11:53, the CPA253 departing at 0705Z was 12:37, the BAW28 departing at 1545Z was 12:48, and the CPA251 departing at 1555Z was 12:43.
Quoting nZ99 (Reply 62): Interesting to see the flight filed with AT75 aircraft type
I've noticed that the new ICAO type designator of AT76 still isn't really used. Here in Europe the generic designator AT72 is mostly used, and the few times I've filed as AT76, the systems have complained that its an unknown type!!
MotorHussy From New Zealand, joined Mar 2000, 2760 posts, RR: 10 Reply 65, posted (6 months 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 7357 times:
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 60):
It's not the size of the seats that's the problem, it's the excessive overeating of the passengers that is.
Please don't purport to be an expert on something you're clearly not. And stop using data selectively to support such an insulting argument. I'm a New Zealander of Pacific Island origin (Samoan) and fly long-haul semi-regularly and I am not overweight; I am however a large person at 6' with a solid build - and find economy class seats increasingly difficult over 5-hours.
Now to your scurrilous piece of conjecture on overeating: dietary change in the western world to an addiction to simple carbohydrates, is the single most important piece of evidence supporting the obesity epidemic in the wealthier parts of the globe. Now couple this change with body types that have evolved until very recently to be very efficient with calorie use as with Polynesians, ie take smaller amounts of calories to achieve higher workloads, and you exacerbate this issue hugely. It's mostly the types of food being eaten, rather than the volume, that's causing the problem and unfortunately it's cheaper to drink Coke than milk (trim or otherwise).
I do believe that it's coming to a time where governments and IATA may have to intervene for the health and safety of passengers to ensure a minimum width of seat and minimum legroom.
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 5305 posts, RR: 3 Reply 66, posted (6 months 3 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 7300 times:
Quoting MotorHussy (Reply 65): And stop using data selectively to support such an insulting argument.
Being overweight and being of pacific island or maori decent is a fact, the statistics bear this out. You could also add that the reduced economic state of said group also makes them less likely to fly long haul.
Quoting MotorHussy (Reply 65): I'm a New Zealander of Pacific Island origin (Samoan) and fly long-haul semi-regularly and I am not overweight
Good for you, there are always exceptions, according to the stats 35% of Pacific Islanders aren't obese.
Quoting MotorHussy (Reply 65): It's mostly the types of food being eaten, rather than the volume, that's causing the problem and unfortunately it's cheaper to drink Coke than milk (trim or otherwise).
Water from the tap is cheaper than coke, what's your point, people make lousy food choices then try blame someone else.
Quoting MotorHussy (Reply 65): I do believe that it's coming to a time where governments and IATA may have to intervene for the health and safety of passengers to ensure a minimum width of seat and minimum legroom.
I think the best way of sorting this out is if you don't fit into a standard seat you should buy two seats, it's not the airlines fault that a person is overweight, and as I pointed out NZ now has the economy sleeper seat, this is great for the bigger person.
I wouldn't be surprised if one day an airline starts charging by passenger weight, after all post and freight is charged by weight or volume so why not people; is if fair for a 40kg asian woman to pay the same fare as a 100kg pacific island woman for the same flight?
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 67, posted (6 months 3 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 7296 times:
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 66): I wouldn't be surprised if one day an airline starts charging by passenger weight, after all post and freight is charged by weight or volume so why not people
Back to the future?
When I first started flying we were often weighed at check-in, especially if it was a flight on a smaller aircraft such as a Dragon Rapide.
aklrno From United States of America, joined Dec 2010, 693 posts, RR: 0 Reply 68, posted (6 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 7140 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 67):
When I first started flying we were often weighed at check-in, especially if it was a flight on a smaller aircraft such as a Dragon Rapide.
I'm looking forward to that. I'd save a lot of money. In addition it would give the airlines a positive incentive to feed us better meals!
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 70, posted (6 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 6885 times:
Something happening with ZKMVA. Descended from 25,000 ft to 23,000ft and soon after circled for about 30 mins 100kms west of Maryborough. Resumed towards BNE at 23,000ft then descended to 13,000ft, but now circling about 30 kms west of Maroochydore.
NZ1 From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 2188 posts, RR: 27 Reply 72, posted (6 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 6793 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Air NZ is dropping the HKG-LHR sector. Interesting that NZ have chosen to align with CX who are part of Oneworld.
Air New Zealand will withdraw services between Hong Kong and London from 4 March 2013 as the airline focuses on returning its international network to profitability.
In a separate move which is part of Air New Zealand’s strategy to implement an alliance based network with a Pacific Rim focus, the airline has also formed a strategic agreement with Cathay Pacific on the Auckland – Hong Kong route.
Rob Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer, says a comprehensive review of the Hong Kong – London service has confirmed the route would not become profitable in the foreseeable future. A reduction of approximately 70 London based cabin crew roles is expected as a result.
And now with that done, they should also exit out of China and codeshare fully through CX/KA for flights to PVG and PEK but also to so many other places around China/SE Asia. Those planes to PVG are still arguably better off serving other ports..
I wonder how NZ will time this flight - would they keep a midnight departure out of AKL so that during the summer, there'll be 3 times throughout the day to fly to HKG at?
koruman From Australia, joined Feb 2006, 2983 posts, RR: 6 Reply 74, posted (6 months 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 6674 times:
Quoting NZ1 (Reply 72): Air New Zealand will withdraw services between Hong Kong and London from 4 March 2013 as the airline focuses on returning its international network to profitability.
In a separate move which is part of Air New Zealand’s strategy to implement an alliance based network with a Pacific Rim focus, the airline has also formed a strategic agreement with Cathay Pacific on the Auckland – Hong Kong route.
Rob Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer, says a comprehensive review of the Hong Kong – London service has confirmed the route would not become profitable in the foreseeable future. A reduction of approximately 70 London based cabin crew roles is expected as a result.
Shame.
HKG-LHR was only ever going to be viable if Hong Kong was developed as a mini-hub with feed from Australia as well as New Zealand. The failure of the sector is because failure to feed in was tantamount to slow strangulation.
More to the point, the sector should have been NZ 7/8 SFO-LHR or NZ6 LAX-MAN in the first place. And the shedding of LHR-based staff makes it clear that neither of those routes will now happen.
Cathay Pacific must be feeling pretty smug: they have now lost competition from both Qantas and Air New Zealand on HKG-LHR within the space of just a few months.
LAXintl From United States of America, joined May 2000, 22070 posts, RR: 51 Reply 76, posted (6 months 3 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 6628 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 73): And now with that done, they should also exit out of China and codeshare fully through CX/KA for flights to PVG and PEK but also to so many other places around China/SE Asia. Those planes to PVG are still arguably better off serving other ports..
Well in many ways the tourism and maybe even commercial future of New Zealand is tied to China to some degree.
If anything NZ should look at ways to increase its exposure to China not lessen it. With CX/KA certainly many secondary cities can be connected via HKG, but to proffer the idea to drop out of China completely by NZ itself seems way too short sighted.
Was HKG-LHR not a problematic route for NZ? They seemed to reduce frequencies, along with now for a couple years murmurs that route had issues.
This seems like a sensible move. Still provide a LHR link, and save the aircraft utilization for something else.
As I have long said - and will continue to say, I suspect one day the same will happen with LAX-LHR. NZ can connect to Star partner UA, or maybe future member VS. Again save one aircraft for something else.
I think NZ strength lies in the Pacific basin, not running its own small fleet to the other end of the planet.
From the desert to the sea, to all of Southern California
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 77, posted (6 months 3 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 6746 times:
Quoting LAXintl (Reply 76): I think NZ strength lies in the Pacific basin, not running its own small fleet to the other end of the planet.
Halleluja!
Still, it is interesting to watch the change in economic realities. When I first arrived in NZ in 1965, the UK was called "home", ships from the UK were called "home boats" and anyone going to the UK was "going home."
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 80, posted (6 months 3 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 6776 times:
Quoting sunrisevalley (Reply 78): I am going to date myself, I remember flying from IVC to DUN on one just before Christmas 1954.
Cute, efficient aircraft, and quite comfortable for their small size. The only real problem was that the ones on which I flew didn't have a lav and once I got caught short (for a pee) halfway through the flight.
I told my mother (I was ten years old) who told the pilot who handed over an empty bottle he kept on the aircraft for the purpose.
aerokiwi From New Zealand, joined Jul 2000, 2410 posts, RR: 4 Reply 82, posted (6 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 6768 times:
Quoting MotorHussy (Reply 65): Now to your scurrilous piece of conjecture on overeating: dietary change in the western world to an addiction to simple carbohydrates, is the single most important piece of evidence supporting the obesity epidemic in the wealthier parts of the globe.
Actually, I just read a New Yorker article on the matter, and there's now pretty strong evidence that a single bacteria that lives in our gut and has done so for millions of years, and which our use of antibiotics and c-section births has largely wiped out during the second half of the 20th century, is responsible for regulating our appetites and satisfaction after food consumption.
But that's seriously off topic...
Quoting mariner (Reply 67): When I first started flying we were often weighed at check-in, especially if it was a flight on a smaller aircraft such as a Dragon Rapide.
I don't see why this isn't reintroduced. It seems fair (and efficient) to measure the whole package, so to speak. If every kilo is so precious, you'd think they'd be consistent.
Quoting NZ1 (Reply 72): Air NZ is dropping the HKG-LHR sector. Interesting that NZ have chosen to align with CX who are part of Oneworld.
Of greater concern is what happens to AKL-HKG. Are we seeing yet another monopoly route? Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, mainland US... this is getting depressing.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 73): And now with that done, they should also exit out of China and codeshare fully through CX/KA for flights to PVG and PEK but also to so many other places around China/SE Asia.
I disagree. As skeptical as I was with the China strategy, I don't think it's plausible to think you can serve it as a foreign carrier via codeshare arrangements and one-stop.
koruman From Australia, joined Feb 2006, 2983 posts, RR: 6 Reply 83, posted (6 months 2 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 6692 times:
Quoting LAXintl (Reply 76): Well in many ways the tourism and maybe even commercial future of New Zealand is tied to China to some degree.
If anything NZ should look at ways to increase its exposure to China not lessen it. With CX/KA certainly many secondary cities can be connected via HKG, but to proffer the idea to drop out of China completely by NZ itself seems way too short sighted.
I don't understand why you persist in making this argument.
As you know, routes from other western countries - even Australia - to China carry significant outbound premium traffic, but the market from NZ to China is VFR and students. And the inbound market from China to New Zealand is even lower-yielding package tourists.
I do not in any way doubt that New Zealand (the nation) benefits from Chinese inbound tourist dollars. But in terms of aviation, we are talking about a LOOOONG-haul route with comedy yields, and Air New Zealand needs the People's Republic of China in 2012 (and in all likelihood also 2022 and 2032) like it needs a hole in the head.
The Chinese long-haul market to New Zealand is in aviation terms analogous to short-haul European package tourism in about 1972, and is several decades of development behind where Fukuoka, Nagoya, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei and Bangkok were when those destinations were terminated by Air New Zealand.
I would be delighted for China Southern and any number of other Chinese carriers to service New Zealand as heavily as they like.
But I am appalled at the idea that HKG-LHR is axed by Air New Zealand while AKL-PVG survives.
LAXintl From United States of America, joined May 2000, 22070 posts, RR: 51 Reply 84, posted (6 months 2 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 6683 times:
Its not a matter of persistence, then simply stating reality.
The dynamics of the Pacific rim, and broader world are changing. For Pacific nations we have a growing economic and political power on ascent with China.
Here in the US while many politicians might not want to accept it, the business community has fast learned that China is a key to the future.
Sure you might today view Chinese travelers to NZ as lower yield package tourist, but this process is only beginning.
In the future even larger waves will bring more wealthy individual travelers. We see this in the US and Europe already. The Chinese now have the deepest pockets of all coming to the US. Quite a feat.
As posted in previous discussions the NZ tourism authorities see this already, and are shifting their primary focus to further build such links. In Australia did the government not recently also issue a policy paper that focused on greater engagement with China as its key strategic and economic policy goals?
So the sooner we learn to accept these changes in the neighborhood, and can put the nostalgic past behind us, the sooner we can get in line to engage and do business. Remember China is not going anywhere, but its up to us to earn a piece of the pie.
If Air NZ snoozes, in the long run it will lose.
From the desert to the sea, to all of Southern California
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 85, posted (6 months 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 6677 times:
Quoting LAXintl (Reply 84): If Air NZ snoozes, in the long run it will lose.
But then you ask yourself how long they must wait to reap rewards; and if it was actually beneficial to the airline to maintain such a route instead of pursuing other opportunities. It has been around 6 years since the opening of that route. And that was over a period when China's economy was strong.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 86, posted (6 months 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 6664 times:
Quoting LAXintl (Reply 84): The dynamics of the Pacific rim, and broader world are changing. For Pacific nations we have a growing economic and political power on ascent with China.
There is a considerable resistance to that concept, though, at least in some airline circles.
There was a huge negative reaction to Qantas pulling out of FRA and dropping a couple of its LHR routes and there was negative "surprise" expressed that Qantas moved outside OneWorld to embrace Emirates.
Air New Zealand has said that HKG isn't profitable, nor expected to be so in the foreseeable future, which seems an extraordinarily sensible reasons to drop a route. More than that, Air NZ's tie-up with Cathay Pacific, seems, to me, eminently sensible and something I have hoped to see.
I cannot imagine what AKL-PVG has to do with those decisions, except, perhaps, as an illustration of the changing times.
LAXintl From United States of America, joined May 2000, 22070 posts, RR: 51 Reply 87, posted (6 months 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 6689 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 85): But then you ask yourself how long they must wait to reap rewards; and if it was actually beneficial to the airline to maintain such a route instead of pursuing other opportunities. It has been around 6 years since the opening of that route. And that was over a period when China's economy was strong.
Fair question.
If you look at US airlines many of whom have served China for 20-years, some report say its still a loss making venture as recently as a year or two ago.
But what they do see is growing volumes each year unlike many other markets globally that are stagnant or even declining.
For New Zealand specifically we have seen that travel from the UK is on the decline, while China continues to grow.
I guess to me guess the bigger question is, how long does is NZ willing to hang on in a shrinking market, or does it go ahead and plant a flag in a market where all signs point to continued growth, which hopefully turns out to be profitable as well at the end.
Quoting mariner (Reply 86): There is a considerable resistance to that concept, though, at least in some airline circles.
One thing I have found is this industry is very stuck on nostalgia.
From the desert to the sea, to all of Southern California
koruman From Australia, joined Feb 2006, 2983 posts, RR: 6 Reply 88, posted (6 months 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 6682 times:
Quoting LAXintl (Reply 84): The Chinese now have the deepest pockets of all coming to the US. Quite a feat.
No, it's just that in general only the very, very affluent can actually get a Visa to travel to the USA, so you have a situation which is skewed by immigration rules.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 85): But then you ask yourself how long they must wait to reap rewards; and if it was actually beneficial to the airline to maintain such a route instead of pursuing other opportunities
Precisely.
Six years in, and the flight still has the demographics of a Ryanair two hour flight from a secondary airport in northern England to a beach resort in Spain.
They have already downgauged to ensure that many of the flights lack lie-flat beds and a Premium Economy cabin, because nobody was buying them. Where is this supposed to end?
Shanghai is a large volume market, but the yields reportedly make Air NZ's bean-counters long for the long-axed routes to Nagoya, Fukuoka and Taipei.
xiaotung From New Zealand, joined Jan 2006, 677 posts, RR: 0 Reply 89, posted (6 months 2 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 6621 times:
Quoting koruman (Reply 88): No, it's just that in general only the very, very affluent can actually get a Visa to travel to the USA, so you have a situation which is skewed by immigration rules.
This is no longer than case. I have a few very low income friends who have had their visas issued without any problem. You would find that the US has relaxed the visa requirements quite a bit especially in places like Shanghai and Beijing.
In China, a Chinese citizen can't move to another province permanently freely without applying for residence in that province. You get issued a provincial government issued ID and a household registration book known as Hukou. With a Shanghai issued ID and Hukou, the visa application and interview nowadays seem more like just a formality.
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 5305 posts, RR: 3 Reply 92, posted (6 months 2 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 6607 times:
Quoting koruman (Reply 88): Six years in, and the flight still has the demographics of a Ryanair two hour flight from a secondary airport in northern England to a beach resort in Spain.
Come on you can't make a sweeping statement like that without any proof, unless you're actually working for ANZ you have no knowledge of the demographics of the passengers on that route, or any other for that matter.
zeke From Hong Kong, joined Dec 2006, 7727 posts, RR: 73 Reply 94, posted (6 months 2 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 6601 times:
Some news on NZ plans for next year from CAPA today, explains where they redeploying the capacity from the HKG-LHR route.
• Auckland-Honolulu: Capacity increase with upgauge from Boeing 767-300ER to 777-200ER equipment for a three times weekly service from 25-Jun-2013 to 12-Oct-2013. According to Innovata, Hawaiian Airlines also operates on the route;
• Auckland-Los Angeles: Frequency increase from 12 to 14 times weekly from 31-Jul-2013 utilising a 777-200ER/777-300ER mix. From 06-Jul-2013 to 27-Jul-2013 service will increase from 14 to 15 times weekly. According to Innovata, the carrier is the sole operator on the route;
• Auckland-San Francisco: Frequency increase from five times weekly to daily from 31-Mar-2013 utilising a 747-400/777-200ER mix. According to Innovata, the carrier is the sole operator on the route;
• Auckland-Vancouver: Frequency increase from two to three times weekly from 31-Mar-2013 utilising 777-200ER equipment. From 17-Jul-2013 to 25-Aug-2013, frequency increases from three to four times weekly. According to Innovata, the carrier is the sole operator on the route.
We are addicted to our thoughts. We cannot change anything if we cannot change our thinking – Santosh Kalwar
koruman From Australia, joined Feb 2006, 2983 posts, RR: 6 Reply 96, posted (6 months 2 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 6614 times:
Honolulu unfortunately might face the axe.
Air NZ's problem has been that on the 767 Hawaiian is matching them - beating them to be precise - for price it is offering better inclusions in Economy and 30% lower fares in Business.
NZ is choosing not to compete for price, but rather to offer better Economy IFE plus Premium Economy plus a Business bed, but at a substantially higher fare.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 97, posted (6 months 2 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 6572 times:
Quoting koruman (Reply 96): Air NZ's problem has been that on the 767 Hawaiian is matching them - beating them to be precise - for price it is offering better inclusions in Economy and 30% lower fares in Business.
nascarnut From New Zealand, joined Oct 2008, 217 posts, RR: 0 Reply 98, posted (6 months 2 weeks 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 6570 times:
The Black ATR ZK-MVA scheduled to operate some proving flights on 12th/13th
On the 12th as follows
IVC between 1210 - 1430
DUD between 1500 - 1600
Returning to CHC
On the 13th
NSN between 0945 - 1100
NPL between 1145 - 1300
WLG between 1350 - 1500
Returning to CHC
First scheduled revenue flight is NZ5051/15th Nov CHC-DUD
Haha, the return of the talk about WLG direct flights to Asia. At this stage, I still think that maybe CZ via BNE/SYD/MEL is the only (if at all) viable option.
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 102, posted (6 months 2 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 6645 times:
Flights from WLG to Asia really? The only two that could have a go are China Southern and Dragonair, but CZ are already looking at increasing AKL, does WLG runway allow for a full loaded aircraft to operate a 12 hr flight non-stop? The days that we see WLG on the Hong Kong screens would make me laugh , good luck anyway and no-way Air Asia X!
deconz From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 124 posts, RR: 0 Reply 107, posted (6 months 2 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 6574 times:
Quoting nascarnut (Reply 98): The Black ATR ZK-MVA scheduled to operate some proving flights on 12th/13th
On the 12th as follows
IVC between 1210 - 1430
DUD between 1500 - 1600
Returning to CHC
On the 13th
NSN between 0945 - 1100
NPL between 1145 - 1300
WLG between 1350 - 1500
Returning to CHC
We missed her @ IVC yesterday as NZ cancelled all her flights late morning. I see she is about to land @ NSN as NZ5970. Any idea if we might see the aborted schedule for yesterday performed tomorrow?
nascarnut From New Zealand, joined Oct 2008, 217 posts, RR: 0 Reply 109, posted (6 months 1 week 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 6535 times:
Quoting deconz (Reply 107): We missed her @ IVC yesterday as NZ cancelled all her flights late morning. I see she is about to land @ NSN as NZ5970. Any idea if we might see the aborted schedule for yesterday performed tomorrow?
MVA is due back into IVC on the 16th.
Currentky scheduled to operate as follows
NZ5061 CHC-IVC eta 1125
NZ5062 IVC-CHC etd 1145
At the moment that is it for the week. Over the next 6 days it is scheduled to operate revenue services to
15th - DUD/CHC/ROT/WLG
16TH - DUD/CHC/IVC
17TH - WLG/DUD/PMR/AKL
From the 18th pretty much staying in the CHC/DUD/WLG sectors
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 110, posted (6 months 1 week 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 6546 times:
Lets get ready for -
''On Saturday 24 November, Air New Zealand’s Hobbit inspired Boeing 777-300 will be revealed to the world!
This spectacular aircraft celebrates the first film in The Hobbit trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and will be unveiled at an exclusive event in Auckland.''
''WIN: The Chance to be at The Hobbit Inspired Boeing 777-300 Reveal!''
Immigration New Zealand has stuck a deal with China Southern Airlines to fast-track the visitor visa applications of the airline's gold and silver frequent flyer cardholders.
The deal was outlined in a leaked memo from June which shows the visitors would be able to "avoid the necessity to answer questions relating to financial backing and employment history and provide evidence of these".
I find these types of deals very concerning, just because they have status with an airline, shouldn't give them a route to easy access. They all deserve the same treatment as the once a year flyer
deconz From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 124 posts, RR: 0 Reply 114, posted (6 months 1 week 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 6530 times:
Quoting rwy21 (Reply 113): Was kind of a hard position with Queenstown and Dunedin Airports on either side with considerably higher flight frequency and cheaper fares
Hardly either side ... DUD is 252km away by road while ZQN is only 63km. Hell it's only 422km to CHC so I don't see why anyone in Wanaka would seriously consider DUD as a gateway!
nzrich From New Zealand, joined Dec 2005, 1488 posts, RR: 1 Reply 115, posted (6 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 6524 times:
Quoting deconz (Reply 114): Hardly either side ... DUD is 252km away by road while ZQN is only 63km. Hell it's only 422km to CHC so I don't see why anyone in Wanaka would seriously consider DUD as a gateway!
zkojq From New Zealand, joined Sep 2011, 784 posts, RR: 1 Reply 119, posted (6 months 1 week 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 6499 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 111): I find these types of deals very concerning, just because they have status with an airline, shouldn't give them a route to easy access. They all deserve the same treatment as the once a year flyer
Agreed. It seems that the deal was in-part negotiated by SkyCity so that they can bring high value gamblers to their casino more easily. I have concerns about this because, gambling is often used by corrupt PRC government officials and crime syndicates to launder/hide money (see link below). While I like to think that SkyCity wouldn't be purposefully targeting such customers, I don't trust that company an inch.
Additionally, why should China Southern customers get this benefit and other airlines customers not? Hardly seems fair. http://www.economist.com/node/21541417
rwy21 From New Zealand, joined Feb 2007, 84 posts, RR: 0 Reply 120, posted (6 months 1 week 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 6509 times:
Quoting deconz (Reply 114): Quoting rwy21 (Reply 113):
Was kind of a hard position with Queenstown and Dunedin Airports on either side with considerably higher flight frequency and cheaper fares
Hardly either side ... DUD is 252km away by road while ZQN is only 63km. Hell it's only 422km to CHC so I don't see why anyone in Wanaka would seriously consider DUD as a gateway!
I guess you havent lived in Wanaka, my family and friends have always considered it an option, while its always nice to fly out of WKA, it was often either ZQN and DUD that you used (or on occasions of a sweet grab a seat deal TIU) the difference between 1 hr /2.5 hrs to ZQN/DUD/TIU and 5 hrs driving to CHC is err, well pretty self explanatory
Most people I know think nothing of the drive from anywhere in Central to Dunedin, I guess it is the strong links between the two with family/education/healthcare, heck its quite common to find people heading across to Dunedin to go to Pak N Save for groceries
Quoting nzrich (Reply 115): Even IVC is closer than DUD at 242 km
While exact distance wasnt exactly my point, DUD-WKA is 242 and IVC-WKA is 255 so DUD is closer, the point is still still 2 major domestic airports with considerably more flights, fare price points etc
nzrich From New Zealand, joined Dec 2005, 1488 posts, RR: 1 Reply 121, posted (6 months 1 week 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 6494 times:
Quoting rwy21 (Reply 120): the point is still still 2 major domestic airports with considerably more flights, fare price points etc
Yes totally agree and when a destination is served only with the Beach there is zero chance of getting a really reasonable fare all the time . I have friends that live in DUD but drive to CHC to get the cheaper fares . When you have a big city it will attract people to drive to get the cheapest fares .
alangirvan From New Zealand, joined Nov 2000, 2091 posts, RR: 1 Reply 122, posted (6 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 6489 times:
You said Beach when you meant Beech, but interesting thought - what types can get into the strip at Milford Sound - does it have to be General Aviation Planes or would Beech 1900Ds make it in with sight seers? A short flight compared with five hour bus trip, and much less expensive than the civil engineering projects to do tunnels or cable cars.
Wanaka is disappointing, but one thing you find when you are in the town is that there is a very good shuttle bus service to Queenstown Airport, which picks people up from their door in Wanaka (this service also does one of the runs between Wanaka and Dunedin) so Wanaka residents get all the air fares from ZQN. A single daily Beech cannot compete against that. Wanaka was on the point of thinking about some upgrades and some may still be worthwhile - as a diversion airport for ATRs because there are days when Wanaka is open on days when Queenstown is closed. This means the expense of upgrading the firefighting services as one example, so there are some major issues.
As a thought from left field - an aircraft that has no history in NZ, but has had some operation in Australia - I wonder how the Short 360 might go in this country. Long out of production, but low cost to operate - lower cost than some smaller planes, Unpressurised, so have to put up with South Island weather,
I agree seeing the koru into a place like Milford would be cool. But logistically it's not a go. Even if a B1900 could operate out of there (remember that the ATO certificate require a runway to be quite a bit longer than is actually physically required for an aircraft) the payload restriction imposed would make it not worth while. I don't see them extending the runway there any time soon. If NZ bought a small fleet of Caravans though...
BonzoLab From New Zealand, joined Jun 2012, 17 posts, RR: 0 Reply 126, posted (6 months 1 week 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 6478 times:
As logical as one would think Wanaka cannot be used as an ALT on Queenstown for many reasons, no RFS, no ATC, and the main one being it's non-certificated which would require a CAA exemption for each and every flight. Much easier to divert to IVC and the bus is waiting. Good money for the local bus company! I am disappointed too that they have axed WKA. They could have grown that market had they chosen to. But as a media article pointed out 25,000 seats in and out of ZQN per week compared to 38 seats in and out of Wanaka each day...
NZ1 From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 2188 posts, RR: 27 Reply 127, posted (6 months 1 week 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 6550 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
It's the same old story I'm afraid. If people don't use the service then it is unfair to complain and be upset if the airline withdraws it. NZ is not a charity and cannot keep flying to a destination because people think it's a good place to go to.
"Gold Elite and Gold Airpoints members booked onto an Air New Zealand flight operated by Cathay Pacific (e.g. NZ4990) are able to take an additional piece of checked-in baggage up to 23kgs if travelling on a fare product that allows bags."
Does it mean they will start doing S2S on AKL-HKG?
xiaotung From New Zealand, joined Jan 2006, 677 posts, RR: 0 Reply 133, posted (6 months 1 week 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 6523 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 132): I have no idea what the resistance is to S2S here. I love it.
Because at times it just doesn't make any sense. You will not love it when you buy an expensive flexi fare or a full economy fare and find that your fare doesn't include bags. I like the DJ fare structure better. It's more logical. Only the Saver fares don't come with a bag. And status holders don't pay for bags with any type of fares.
Depends on the fare.. Those who are the real bargain hunters might appreciate S2S to HKG - leave with nothing and then buy up large in HK. May save them a little bit of money. But I still don't see mysefl flying NZ to HKG for the time being.. I'm far happier on my CX benefits!
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 135, posted (6 months 1 week 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 6530 times:
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 133): Because at times it just doesn't make any sense. You will not love it when you buy an expensive flexi fare or a full economy fare and find that your fare doesn't include bags.
I've never had that trouble with it - or any trouble - and I resist all of Air NZ's offers to bid for an upgrade to Business.
cchan From New Zealand, joined May 2003, 1702 posts, RR: 2 Reply 136, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 6531 times:
I was reading a bit more details on the NZ website regarding the so-called alliance between NZ and CX, if my understanding is correct, it is just a simple code sharing arrangement between the two airlines with no further co-operation. There is also no information about NZ code sharing on CX's HKG-LHR, HKG-PVG and HKG-PEK flights. Passengers with NZ tickets or Koru club members go to the CNAC lounge in HKG, not the CX lounge, NZ still uses KA connections to China as before. Airpoints allow members to earn and redeem points on CX flights only between AKL and HKG, Asia Miles has no mention of Air NZ as a partner at all, neither does the CX website.
Is this so-called alliance just some NZ marketing department idea to cover up the fact that they are the losers on AKL-HKG-LHR and to market their pulling out of HKG-LHR to be something more positive than "we lost the game"?
nz2 From New Zealand, joined Aug 2007, 182 posts, RR: 0 Reply 137, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 6527 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 10): Air New Zealand is profitable, so I don't know why it can't work.
Quoting NZ1 (Reply 127): It's the same old story I'm afraid. If people don't use the service then it is unfair to complain and be upset if the airline withdraws it. NZ is not a charity and cannot keep flying to a destination because people think it's a good place to go to
Fully agree, a shame but reality
Quoting mariner (Reply 132): I have no idea what the resistance is to S2S here. I love it.
You obviously have never had to make an urgent trip to Oz and find fares are $600-$700 or more ONE way with seat only. Unfortunately I am forced to the flying roo in such cases even though it is not my money it is the principle of paying 3 or 4 times the real price . True timing and demand count, I do try to plan as much as I can however.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 139, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 6530 times:
Quoting nz2 (Reply 137): You obviously have never had to make an urgent trip to Oz and find fares are $600-$700 or more ONE way with seat only.
Not for a while, those days are behind me. But is that a factor of S2S? As long as I've been travelling people have been complaining about last-minute walk-up fares.
xiaotung From New Zealand, joined Jan 2006, 677 posts, RR: 0 Reply 140, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 6527 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 139): Not for a while, those days are behind me. But is that a factor of S2S? As long as I've been travelling people have been complaining about last-minute walk-up fares.
But don't airlines make most of their Econony Class money on those last minute expensive fares? Yes people have been complaining about them but by removing checking bags you expect that to get better?
When only those who plan well ahead and only buy the cheapest Seat Only fares are happy you know your model has a problem.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 141, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 6532 times:
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 140): But don't airlines make most of their Econony Class money on those last minute expensive fares?
My experience of this is mostly in the US, but I've always thought that was a bit of an airline legend. It would mean that the airline is relying on an almost guaranteed supply of last minute walk-ups to make money. Well, maybe once upon a time.
But if it was ever true, I think the relentless rise of the LCC's may have changed things. LCC's surely don't rely on the high paying walkup, even the best of 'em. But they don't make money on the junk fares, either.
I'm told that reduced capacity and frequency has also changed booking patterns, at least in the US. The gung-ho cowboy days of the high spending walk-ups have been curtailed somewhat, because, with such high load factors, there's a chances they may not get a seat at any price.
I have no doubt that there are still high profile routes where people will play very high prices, any price, to get on a plane. It happened to me once when my employer absolutely, positively had to get me from a Caribbean island to the studios in Brisbane NOW. Money was no object and I didn't understand why - I didn't do much when I got there. I believe travel budgets by that company have since been reduced quite dramatically since then.
So I wouldn't base a business model on exceptions like that.
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 140): When only those who plan well ahead and only buy the cheapest Seat Only fares are happy you know your model has a problem.
It may be another airline myth that everyone is on the prowl for rock bottom, cheap skate fares all the time. Some are, yes, and they know exactly how to work the system. It isn't rocket science. I could get you from Phoenix to Denver for US$70 - roundtrip - most of the days between now and Christmas (not Thanksgiving). You'd have to pay for a bag.
Most people, within my experience, are more concerned with perceived value for money, as I am.
I'm Works de Luxe to Melbourne on Wednesday and I toyed with bidding for an upgrade to business last week, but when the fancy meter said that $200 was unlikely to cut it, I lost interest. I can afford $200 bucks, or much more, but - why?
xiaotung From New Zealand, joined Jan 2006, 677 posts, RR: 0 Reply 142, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 6535 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 141): I could get you from Phoenix to Denver for US$70 - roundtrip - most of the days between now and Christmas (not Thanksgiving). You'd have to pay for a bag.
If you are talking about UA then no I would not have to pay for my first 2 bags with any *G status. That's another problem with NZ. There will be market confusions when you use the same brand for a LCC and a full service carrier using the same planes. Virgin Australia understands that better with the Tiger move.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 143, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 6534 times:
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 142): If you are talking about UA then no I would not have to pay for my first 2 bags with any *G status.
I wasn't talking about United, I can't find that $70 roundtrip fare on United. If you can, you're smarter at this than I am.
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 142): That's another problem with NZ. There will be market confusions when you use the same brand for a LCC and a full service carrier using the same planes.
I don't know why there should be confusion. The airline is doing it now and no one seems confused. Except, perhaps, for a few elites.
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11318 posts, RR: 17 Reply 144, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 6525 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
I'm looking at booking flights to the USA at Christmas and noticed the VA code-share deal also applies to VAs international flights (excluding the Islands). Does anyone know if you earn status points on Virgin Australia's USA flights or is it only airpoints?
Whats the deal with TN in regards to status points?
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 145, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 6532 times:
Anyone know why nothing was allowed to land at Auckland International until after 0430 this morning. The sky was clear but six aircraft were waiting to land. LAN801 was circling over the Hunua Ranges, a VOZ 738 was circling over Whitford while three more VOZ 738's and QF125 were diverted over the Hauraki Gulf between Waiheke Island and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Mr AirNZ From New Zealand, joined Feb 2002, 766 posts, RR: 1 Reply 146, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 6554 times:
Quoting PA515 (Reply 145): Anyone know why nothing was allowed to land at Auckland International until after 0430 this morning. The sky was clear but six aircraft were waiting to land. LAN801 was circling over the Hunua Ranges, a VOZ 738 was circling over Whitford while three more VOZ 738's and QF125 were diverted over the Hauraki Gulf between Waiheke Island and the Coromandel Peninsula.
One likely reason but since the NOTAM detailing what it was is gone I can only offer an educated guess (someone else will no doubt jump in if it was for another reason this morning).
Work is currently being undertaken on the runway lighting system (specifically centreline lights I believe) which requires men and equipment on the runway. The field would still be available in an emeregency situation but otherwise, if you are on a scheduled service and just happen to arrive a shade early you could expect to hold until the time outlined in the NOTAM.
haggis73 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2010, 81 posts, RR: 0 Reply 148, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day ago) and read 6561 times:
Quoting PA515 (Reply 145): Anyone know why nothing was allowed to land at Auckland International until after 0430 this morning. The sky was clear but six aircraft were waiting to land. LAN801 was circling over the Hunua Ranges, a VOZ 738 was circling over Whitford while three more VOZ 738's and QF125 were diverted over the Hauraki Gulf between Waiheke Island and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Mr Air NZ is quite correct. AIAL preform essential runway manitenance work early on Monday mornings every week. Airport is closed but can reopen if an emergency situation delevops. Closed from after the SQ 282 departure till 0430.
Air NZ keeps Virgin stake at 19.99% as Singapore buys in
Air New Zealand has kept its stake in partner airline Virgin Australia, buying 49.1 million shares to retain ownership at 19.99% after Singapore Airlines joined the shareholder register."
byronicle6 From New Zealand, joined Oct 2011, 262 posts, RR: 0 Reply 151, posted (6 months 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 6499 times:
Air New Zealand will offer a second season of non-stop Sunshine Coast services next winter.
"The direct service will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Sundays from 18 June to 13 October 2013. The 17 week season is being extended next year to include the October school holidays, following the success of the 2012 season."
NZ1 From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 2188 posts, RR: 27 Reply 155, posted (6 months 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 6628 times:
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For those that can get to AKL this Saturday, don't forget to pop along to the Airport for a look at OKP as it's rolled out of the Hangar. From what I've seen so far, I can tell you it is stunning and will definitely be a great advertisement not only for the movie, but the country and the Airline.
Not worth my job to post any pictures sorry. You'll have to wait for the reveal.
texan From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 4204 posts, RR: 53 Reply 163, posted (6 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6503 times:
The Mount Tongariro eruption has led airlines to cancel some flights. Expect some more cancelations until we figure out the speed/direction/quantity of ash and how fine it is.
Texan
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."
A TUO-WLG and WLG-TUO sector was cancelled. All TUO, Wanganui, WLG-Whangarei, WLG-PMR, AKL-BHE, GIS, PMR-HLZ and two AM services from New Plymouth in the next 12 hours are cancelled. Basically nearly all 1900D services are affected with a few Q300 services also
motorhussy From New Zealand, joined Mar 2000, 2760 posts, RR: 10 Reply 166, posted (6 months 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 6040 times:
On the eruption front, yesterday at WLG the check-in team for Jetstar abandoned their posts and decided to tell passengers nothing about delays to flights and what was due to happen. When one passenger decided to call the Jetstar help desk for answers, the offshore call centre had no idea there was a civil emergency/eruption and started to argue with the passenger who was trying to find out when her flight was likely to be rescheduled.
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 169, posted (6 months 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 5730 times:
Looking forward to see what comes out of the hanger!
'“The hobbit imagery will cover the length of the 73 metre Boeing 777-300ER aircraft' did the LOTR's one cover the whole aircraft - don't think it did?
on this site there is a picture of OKP in the hanger I like the sign that say's 'NO PICTURES'! haha someone will have a try.
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11318 posts, RR: 17 Reply 170, posted (6 months 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 5667 times:
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Quoting ZKOJH (Reply 169): The hobbit imagery will cover the length of the 73 metre Boeing 777-300ER aircraft' did the LOTR's one cover the whole aircraft - don't think it did?
The LOTR decals covered just over half to around 80-90% of each aircraft, with ZK-NBV having just under half of the rear covered
Not sure how you work that one out. The global publicity from the revel of this decal and the safety video via social media is priceless. In fact there was some estimates done on the US alone, how much it would have cost using conventional advertising to reach as many American's as this latest Hobbit exercise has. If I could share the numbers I would but regardless of if this decal reached it's full potential in some opinions, there has been no missed opportunities.
Palmyboy12 From New Zealand, joined Oct 2011, 16 posts, RR: 0 Reply 177, posted (6 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 4746 times:
In 2009, when the Sharklets for the A320 was first released, NZ was announced as launch customer, but the only A320 with Sharklets in an airline's full livery I see is with QR, which I'm not sure has been delivered to them yet, while AK has been announced as launch customer by Airbus. Can someone please explain what is going on? I have Googled and researched but can't find any detailed information on this topic, or on why NZ would give up the opportunity as launch customer.
As for the Hobbit livery, I think it is a pretty good effort, but if they could paint the wordmark and the koru shining gold, just like in the advertisments, that would have been stunning! Somehow that black tail just looks sort of....unfinished.
aotearoa From New Zealand, joined May 2005, 82 posts, RR: 0 Reply 178, posted (6 months 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 4128 times:
I believe ANZ were the first customer to order the sharklets, so by virtue of this order were called a 'launch customer' by Airbus. However they will not be the first customer to receive these aircraft. The first A320 with sharklets will be delivered to ANZ in 7 months time around June 2013. Rego OXA....?
Domestic only a/c fit. No EDTO equipment aboard. Delivery route to be via the East for the first time (previous deliveries were across to the USA then across the Pacific), due no HF radio.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 179, posted (6 months 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 4077 times:
Quoting aotearoa (Reply 178): Domestic only a/c fit. No EDTO equipment aboard. Delivery route to be via the East for the first time (previous deliveries were across to the USA then across the Pacific), due no HF radio.
I know that it saves money for base spec cockpit and ongoing EDTO and IFE maintenance costs but does it seem unusual to anyone else that NZ don't gain more flexibility with their small A320 fleet (as a fleet pool of 27 rather than 17/10) so they can rotate their fleet based on the operational demands of the day through domestic or indeed international operations more like like JQ and TK do. Common configuration means Common Shorthaul/domestic cabin crew/pilots/Engineers, a Common product - especially given that there are no dedicated C Class seats in either configuration.
I think so too.. Especially seeing that the sharkletted ones are likely to generate greater cost savings than the original A320s; adding to the argument for fleet commonality in the sense of operations. I never understood the reason to put the sharkletted ones to domestic rather than international, unless they were always eyeing up the NEO and knew of its imminent release not long after they ordered the last round of A320s..
WSTAKL From New Zealand, joined Jun 2011, 50 posts, RR: 0 Reply 181, posted (6 months 22 hours ago) and read 3682 times:
Some help please, just been having a look at flightradar24 and noticed an aircraft with a call sign of 525C112 flying up the west coast of both islands and descending into AKL. What grabbed my attention was the altitude of 45,000ft.
Just wondering what type of aircraft this could of been. Guessing private jet of some kind? FR24 isn't stating type or departure point (although looks like ZQN. Thanks in advance.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 182, posted (6 months 19 hours ago) and read 3547 times:
Quoting WSTAKL (Reply 181): Just wondering what type of aircraft this could of been. Guessing private jet of some kind? FR24 isn't stating type or departure point (although looks like ZQN. Thanks in advance.
Actually the Regional and Domestic markets are quite different, and therefore drive different a/c specifications and layouts.
Let me try and explain..... Here are a few examples.
The regional configuration requires more toilets (3 vs 2), plus no forward galley and accompanying stowages; these two alone drive a different seating layout for each fleet. The additional space on the domestic fleet allows for a few extra seats, however the main benefit is in increased seat pitch, especially for the frequent flier section.
EDTO (the old ETOPS), IFE fit out and additional galleys amount to significant weight. Someone once told me that the new domestic a/c are over 2000kg lighter than the regional a/c! That is a huge number. Think about the fuel savings that weight saving would translate to over a 20 year operational life! This number could also allow the airline to lift an additional 20 pax out of an airport like ZQN where the take off weight can sometimes be restrictive.
The other issue that can come into play when you try and mix regional operations with domestic operations is around the 'delay crossovers'. The domestic market is a very time sensitive market. Try explaining to the 170 pax waiting in WLG to depart for AKL at 1600 that their flight is delayed due to a baggage handlers strike in SYDNEY. Due to the domestic feet being distinct, the fleet starts each day with a clean slate. It is very rare to have delays from the previous day impinging on the next. When you try to mix operations, you can see significant delay issues coming into play.
Remember, the airline can always tip in regional A320 to assist in the domestic operation, and it often does. There is always enough heavy metal sitting around AKL to assist with a u/s regional A320.
I hope this helps you all to understand why the fleets are better off separate.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 185, posted (6 months 3 hours ago) and read 3140 times:
Quoting aotearoa (Reply 183): I hope this helps you all to understand why the fleets are better off separate.
Yes it does in general, but with a few more ponderings
Given that an aircraft can operate on an MEL with a u/s toilet and still match international regulations, it seems an excess requirement having never used an aircraft bathroom on a Transtasman or domestic flight. Most people go before and after their flight.
I'd rather fly the domestic configuration any day over the international, better seat pitch, nicer seats, WIFI. don't really like the Neon lights of the domestics and the IFE could still be piped through the overhead screens used for Safety demos and trivia. The international shorthaul food may as well be the domestic style. Those early morning domestic mueslis and muffins are very tasty for example, certainly better than a pie or anything offered as a Works meal. When somewhere between half and three quarters of people onboard aren't getting food that is of secondary consideration anyway..
Quoting aotearoa (Reply 183): Try explaining to the 170 pax waiting in WLG to depart for AKL at 1600 that their flight is delayed due to a baggage handlers strike in SYDNEY.
Easy...lol I've done that kind of thing many many times. It wouldn't worry me enough to make it a valid reason for not changing them (even though the others are good reasons)
Quoting aotearoa (Reply 183): Someone once told me that the new domestic a/c are over 2000kg lighter than the regional a/c!
If true, NZ would not have any of the consistent problems with not enough weight to the Pacific Islands if they were operated with the current domestic cabin configuration. The flight could operate with up to 10-12 more passengers than they can currently restrict sales to AND take a small volume of cargo. Seems a pretty big benefit, especially when the savings to the individual IFE are included.. Savings that can be passed on to the very price sensitive Pacific market.
texan From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 4204 posts, RR: 53 Reply 186, posted (6 months 2 hours ago) and read 3113 times:
The Hobbit is on the ground at WLG. Doing a low level fly-by tomorrow, but I don't remember the exact time right now. Will check in and hopefully post it tomorrow.
Texan
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."
texan From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 4204 posts, RR: 53 Reply 188, posted (6 months ago) and read 3029 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 187): Quoting texan (Reply 184):
Just landed, apparently off again at 1215. Then the flyover's tomorrow around 1730.
Gracias. We made it out for the takeoff. Great sight, gorgeous plane. Since the flyover tomorrow will be at 1,000 feet, we'll be up at the Mount Vic summit from 5 pm on if anyone wants to join us.
Texan
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."
aerokiwi From New Zealand, joined Jul 2000, 2410 posts, RR: 4 Reply 189, posted (6 months ago) and read 3014 times:
Quoting aotearoa (Reply 183): The other issue that can come into play when you try and mix regional operations with domestic operations is around the 'delay crossovers'. The domestic market is a very time sensitive market. Try explaining to the 170 pax waiting in WLG to depart for AKL at 1600 that their flight is delayed due to a baggage handlers strike in SYDNEY. Due to the domestic feet being distinct, the fleet starts each day with a clean slate. It is very rare to have delays from the previous day impinging on the next. When you try to mix operations, you can see significant delay issues coming into play.
Can totally understand this logic. It's part of the reason Jetstar (and before it, JetConnect) is such a basketcase for reliability on New Zealand domestic - a delay in Sydney at midday translates to a cancelled late night departure from WLG to AKL. Infuriating and a reason I will never fly Jetstar domestic again.
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 185): I'd rather fly the domestic configuration any day over the international, better seat pitch, nicer seats, WIFI. don't really like the Neon lights
I think the current domestic 320s have a cheapish feel. I much prefer the solid and comfy 733s - nicer seats, more cosy interior, bigger windows (albeit, lower down). The neon lighting just adds to the plastic fantastic feel of those birds. I'm not ashamed to admit that the cosiest I've ever flet on a plane is sitting on a rainy tarmac in an NZ 733. Can't explain it, it just...is
aerokiwi From New Zealand, joined Jul 2000, 2410 posts, RR: 4 Reply 192, posted (5 months 4 weeks 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 2846 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 190): Towards the end, the 733s were purely on domestic flights. I'd say ZQN was more of a factor in delays than anything else.. And it still hampers JQ.
Likely a contributing factor, but I know from a source at Qantas HQ that the integrated Tasman/NZ domestic operations are a core reason for JQ's domestic reliability issues, as it was with JetConn. I think they've now added one or two aircraft dedicated to the domestic market, but frankly, given it's Jetstar, that might've just been rubbish.
PS. Anyone else read about the pre-Xmas JQ flight that was cancelled on MEL-AKL? Numpties.
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11318 posts, RR: 17 Reply 193, posted (5 months 4 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 2804 times:
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Quoting NZ107 (Reply 187): the flyover's tomorrow around 1730.
Anyone know the planned flight path over Wellington? Would love to go to the Mt Vic lookout and watch it but think the hills above Thorndon would be better.
Theres two flights departing AKL tomorrow with AKL as its destination, NZ6693 at 3.30pm and NZ2964 at 3.35pm. Presume the 'Hobbit' is NZ6693? Arriving above Wellington around 4.30pm?
Megatop747-412 From New Zealand, joined Sep 2000, 244 posts, RR: 0 Reply 195, posted (5 months 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 2748 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 194): Quoting aerokiwi (Reply 192):
PS. Anyone else read about the pre-Xmas JQ flight that was cancelled on MEL-AKL? Numpties.
Simply shocking since the pax were re-booked on a flight nearly 1 week later when there were other flights earlier!
Yep totally agree! Read somewhere in today's papers that JQ is now scrambling to put on an extra flight pre X'mas. I would be keen to know the "real" reason behind the cancellation - guess we'd probably find out! :P
Having said that, I have been lucky enough that all the JQ flights that I've taken so far (I've only flew them WLG-AKL vv, plus 1x AKL-SIN-AKL last year when it was using a 3K flight number) have been on time, except the SIN-AKL flight in June last year that was delayed - that was the first light that departed post the Chilean Volcano saga hence the flight was chocka..
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 197, posted (5 months 4 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 2719 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 193): Theres two flights departing AKL tomorrow with AKL as its destination, NZ6693 at 3.30pm and NZ2964 at 3.35pm. Presume the 'Hobbit' is NZ6693? Arriving above Wellington around 4.30pm?
Today's ZK-OKP AKL- WLG was ANZ6691 and WLG-AKL ANZ6692. ANZ6693 at 1530 must be ZK-OKP, but that's two hours before the 1730 flyby in WLG.
aerokiwi From New Zealand, joined Jul 2000, 2410 posts, RR: 4 Reply 201, posted (5 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 2346 times:
Quoting Megatop747-412 (Reply 195): Yep totally agree! Read somewhere in today's papers that JQ is now scrambling to put on an extra flight pre X'mas. I would be keen to know the "real" reason behind the cancellation - guess we'd probably find out! :P
I believe the email (yes, email) message the passengers got informing them of the change alluded to cancelling the flight to allow JQ to keep "everyday fares low for thousands of people blah blah blah". It was reported here in Melbourne in a local rag with a direct quote that I can't find.
So either the plane could be used more profitably elsewhere, in which case passengers be damned, or there weren't enough bookings for that flight at a sufficient fare level to cover costs, in which case passengers be damned. Either way...
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 202, posted (5 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 2343 times:
Quoting deconz (Reply 199): not a great load for that premium time of the year
Ahh you see many people probably booked on NZ or QF so they can be sure they will actually get to Christmas dinner with the family etc on time and on the same day
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