nz2 From New Zealand, joined Aug 2007, 182 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (2 months 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 15668 times:
If you were GE as opposed to G you could access R inventory now for a Recognition Upgrade, but in spite of the spin we now know that your Recognition inventory at 72 hours will be whatever hasn't been OneUp'd, so my advice is just request to use a Recognition if your OneUp is rejected.
SYDAIRPORTS From Australia, joined Mar 2013, 40 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (2 months 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 15660 times:
TN is dumping seats AKL/LAX/AKL in Christmas school holiday period, at least as part of a MEL/AKL/PPT/LAX ticket.
Saw a cheap airfare MEL/LAX on www.gumtree.com.au of all places & when went to compare on www.webjet.com.au & QF fare came up, but it was only QF MEL/AKL/MEL (with overnight accommodation at AKL on way over not included) & TN rest of way for just over AUD$2k inc taxes. Still cheap if don't mind spending night at AKL & going 2 stops in each direction. QF nonstops were $3375 & VA $3200.
How are TN going ? Weren't they in trouble financially recently ?
FJ have the right aircraft for the right jobs, and they are moving forward to replace the weakpoints (read 744s). TN have a ridiculous fleet for what they use them for AND they show no sign of digging themselves out by ordering a better fleet for their requirements. With the A32xNEO on the horizon that is what they should be focussing on for the South Pacific services to AKL/SYD/BNE/MEL/NAN/HNL and something in the 763/788/332 size for flights like HKG/NRT/PVG/LAX/CDG.
My dream scenario is a predatory takeover by NZ of both FJ & TN which involves a full disestablishment of both their businesses, and the set up of a Pacific subsidiary that uses NZ for fleet bargaining, maintenance and fleet commonality with the greater NZ fleet.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 8, posted (2 months 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 15549 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 7): My dream scenario is a predatory takeover by NZ of both FJ & TN which involves a full disestablishment of both their businesses, and the set up of a Pacific subsidiary that uses NZ for fleet bargaining, maintenance and fleet commonality with the greater NZ fleet.
I'm with you on that, or something close to it.
I hoped the Virgin Blue/Polynesian deal might become a model for some of the smaller island airlines.
DavidByrne From New Zealand, joined Sep 2007, 1527 posts, RR: 2 Reply 9, posted (2 months 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 15531 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 7): My dream scenario is a predatory takeover by NZ of both FJ & TN which involves a full disestablishment of both their businesses, and the set up of a Pacific subsidiary that uses NZ for fleet bargaining, maintenance and fleet commonality with the greater NZ fleet.
I'm with you on this as well, though the politics of running an airline in the islands is fraught with difficulty - different difficulties for different islands,as we have seen recently with Chatham Pacific and the Tongan government. Fiji is hardly the most stable place to do business right now, and French Polynesia would surely require some kind of "deal" to ensure ongoing support for its tourist industry - which might make any takeover rather less appealing. But notwithstanding, I think the idea has considerable merit in principle.
I still also harbour dreams that NZ might set up a subsidiary with a single Q300 to connect the islands along the old Coral route and also to feed the sole remaining service from the islands to LAX at RAR. NAN-APW-IUE-RAR-PPT anyone? Or K'man's RAR-BOB perhaps? But these dreams are probably just about as far-fetched . . .
This is not my beautiful house . . . This is not my beautiful wife
SYDAIRPORTS From Australia, joined Mar 2013, 40 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (2 months 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 15530 times:
Quoting DavidByrne (Reply 9): My dream scenario is a predatory takeover by NZ of both FJ & TN which involves a full disestablishment of both their businesses, and the set up of a Pacific subsidiary that uses NZ for fleet bargaining, maintenance and fleet commonality with the greater NZ fleet.
NZ ?
Aren't you dreaming.
NZ had to be bailed out by the govt after Ansett debacle. You guys have short memories.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 11, posted (2 months 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 15515 times:
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 10): NZ had to be bailed out by the govt after Ansett debacle. You guys have short memories.
And has been profitable virtually ever since. The last reported profit a couple of weeks ago bested Virgin Australia by some scores of millions and - relative to ROI - may have bested Qantas:
Air New Zealand says it is back in "growth mode" after declaring a huge improvement in half-year net profit to $100 million, up from $38m at the same time last year."
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 13, posted (2 months 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 15427 times:
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 12): shouldn't that be offset by losses previously ?
Why - and what losses previously?
i thought we were talking about now and the recent past, not the dark ages before re-nationalization. Unlike Qantas and Virgin Australia, Air NZ remained profitable throughout the GFC.
SYDAIRPORTS From Australia, joined Mar 2013, 40 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (2 months 6 days ago) and read 15333 times:
just had a look at fares to Queenstown in August form Brisbane. Will virtually no competition (Qantas only has 1 flight for about 2 months in winter) fares seem to have increased a lot. AUD$862 on Virgin/Air NZ. For $200 more can go to LAX.
NZ has a modern fleet better suited to its operating conditions with no extra costs involved, unlike AN and TN. TNs A340 fleet is like NZs B744 fleet (which is now down to only two frames pending arrival of more long haul aircraft) and that is being fuel hungry. NZs 777 fleet costs way less to run then A340s.
A340s arn't suitable for TN operations due to their higher costs
Quoting mariner (Reply 13): Unlike Qantas and Virgin Australia, Air NZ remained profitable throughout the GFC.
Because NZ was able to change its operations better then QF and VA.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 16, posted (2 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 15262 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 15): A340s arn't suitable for TN operations due to their higher costs
That's true but the only reason TN got 340s to start off with was due to being a new start up carrier and not having the ability to operate twins due to ETOPs requirements until it has been proven their maintianence program is reliable. I'm not sure if this has been proven yet but if not, then the 340 is pretty much their only choice, PPT being so isolated from anywhere else.
I'm sure given the choice years ago they would have rather operated 767s or 777s
koruman From Australia, joined Feb 2006, 2988 posts, RR: 6 Reply 17, posted (2 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 15253 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 7): My dream scenario is a predatory takeover by NZ of both FJ & TN which involves a full disestablishment of both their businesses, and the set up of a Pacific subsidiary that uses NZ for fleet bargaining, maintenance and fleet commonality with the greater NZ fleet.
Quoting mariner (Reply 8): I'm with you on that, or something close to it.
The main common need is to for Air Tahiti Nui, Fiji Air, Air Calin and Air New Zealand to merge their China and Japan operations, as all four airlines need the Asian market, but none of them can make the routes viable on their own.
I've previously shown how I'd do that:
It's got to make more sense than parallel losses operating
You can't ski in LA and the scenery is knowhere near as pretty.
the point being, people will weigh up the fact that flying 3+ hours to Queenstown is not much less than 13-15 hours to LAX.
Those people who aren't necessarily looking for a ski holiday, just a holiday, might, in a lot o cases, go LAX is much better value & so go there instead.
On the other hand, there are many hundreds of Qantas frequent flyer seats into ZQN from SYD & MEL with connections from BNE, but Qantas makes these hard to find, ie. if for example, you search for BNE/ZQN on Qantas website for frequent flyer seats, the only options that appear, will be via AKL with an overnight & same day flights won't show up.
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 5306 posts, RR: 3 Reply 20, posted (2 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 15135 times:
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 19): the point being, people will weigh up the fact that flying 3+ hours to Queenstown is not much less than 13-15 hours to LAX.
But if they only want to go for a long weekends skiing holiday in Queenstown (which is what most Aussies going to Queenstown are going to do) won't be in the market for a trip to LA.
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (2 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 15123 times:
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 19): On the other hand, there are many hundreds of Qantas frequent flyer seats into ZQN from SYD & MEL with connections from BNE, but Qantas makes these hard to find, ie. if for example, you search for BNE/ZQN on Qantas website for frequent flyer seats, the only options that appear, will be via AKL with an overnight & same day flights won't show up.
This shouldn't be a problem for someone living in DRW, like yourself who could travel via SYD or MEL, but it could be a pain for a BNE resident wanting Simplicity. Someone from BNE once suggested flights to IVC were the answer
aklrno From United States of America, joined Dec 2010, 693 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (2 months 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 14756 times:
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 18): You can't ski in LA and the scenery is knowhere near as pretty.
For about $90 you can walk to the next terminal over and fly Southwest to Reno. Better skiing than in NZ (I've done both, and I'm skiing in the Sierra tomorrow morning.)
aerokiwi From New Zealand, joined Jul 2000, 2410 posts, RR: 4 Reply 24, posted (2 months 5 days ago) and read 14663 times:
Quoting PA515 (Reply 21): This shouldn't be a problem for someone living in DRW, like yourself who could travel via SYD or MEL, but it could be a pain for a BNE resident wanting Simplicity.
Haha!
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 14): Will virtually no competition (Qantas only has 1 flight for about 2 months in winter) fares seem to have increased a lot. AUD$862 on Virgin/Air NZ. For $200 more can go to LAX.
Did Virgin fly this separately prior to the "merger"? If so, I agree it's probably a casualty of what really was a highly anticompetitive move by NZ and VA. Though they are able to charge that much because of demand, driven in large part by well (over?) paid Queenslanders seeking some snow.
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 5306 posts, RR: 3 Reply 25, posted (2 months 5 days ago) and read 14754 times:
Quoting aklrno (Reply 22): For about $90 you can walk to the next terminal over and fly Southwest to Reno. Better skiing than in NZ (I've done both, and I'm skiing in the Sierra tomorrow morning.)
But that's not a weekend trip, you can't fly to LA on a Friday night, have two days skiing then fly back Sunday night ready for work Monday morning, which is what a lot of Aussies flying to Queenstown during winter do.
IndianicWorld From Australia, joined Jun 2001, 2403 posts, RR: 0 Reply 26, posted (2 months 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 14723 times:
Quoting koruman (Reply 17): The main common need is to for Air Tahiti Nui, Fiji Air, Air Calin and Air New Zealand to merge their China and Japan operations, as all four airlines need the Asian market, but none of them can make the routes viable on their own.
As much as this makes sense, most of this has to do with both prestige and employment generation in their respective countries. Such a move would be a weakening in both aspects unfortunately to a few of the smaller countries.
Such a hub would definitely strengthen the ability to make profits though.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 28, posted (2 months 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 14913 times:
Quoting koruman (Reply 27): The former derives almost 70% of its passengers from Australia, the latter sources fewer than 5% of its passengers from that market.
Hmmmm? Tahiti appears to be a growth market for Australians - this is dated March 2013:
"According to annual tourism figures, Australian visitor numbers to Tahiti increased 24 per cent in 2012 - the third largest increase experienced by any international destination last year.
"The last time we saw Australian visitors around this mark was before the GFC so we couldn't be more thrilled," Tahiti Tourisme Australia Director Robert Thompson said.
"From what we've already seen this year and looking at forward bookings, it's a trend that we expect to continue throughout 2013."
Tahiti Tourisme has reported a 26 percent increase in the number of Australian visitors to French Polynesia for the first half of the year, compared to the period in 2011.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that French Polynesia experienced the largest growth in Australian travellers across all international destinations during the last financial year, rising 43 percent."
"In April, the number of Australian visitors has practically doubled with 86.5 percent more visitors from this market and New Zealand visitors are coming back in force with a record 103 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2010."
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 30, posted (2 months 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 14496 times:
Quoting NZ1 (Reply 29): Air NZ are dropping domestic standby travel effective 6th May. I guess it wasn't as lucrative as first thought.
More grabaseats though, people in N.Z didn't really pick up and run with standby fares as first thought...Personally I think if the grabaseat site wasn't such a major thing for NZers it might have been more popular, but the standby fare was not the best option when you could often get standard fare for not much more than standby and be guaranteed to go.
aerokiwi From New Zealand, joined Jul 2000, 2410 posts, RR: 4 Reply 31, posted (2 months 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 14474 times:
Quoting NZ1 (Reply 29): Air NZ are dropping domestic standby travel effective 6th May. I guess it wasn't as lucrative as first thought.
That's a shame, seemed like a good idea. As geeky as it sounds, the measures of its effectiveness would be fascinating to see. Did it fill otherwise empty seats? Did it cannibalise higher fares? From memory, they did raise the fares from $49 to $69, which probably didn't help. I think it proved useful for some Cantabrians needing to escape their situation post-earthquake though.
Yes it did. A few flights I've been on have been filled to capacity thanks to SBY fares. Seats would have otherwise gone out empty. Whether or not it was worth it economically I don't know, but it proved popular with the public (at least in the regional ports that I'm thinking of)
I'm wondering if the reason for standbys being scrapped has more to do with it being hard to deal with from a staff perspective rather than lack of popularity
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 33, posted (2 months 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 14390 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 32): I'm wondering if the reason for standbys being scrapped has more to do with it being hard to deal with from a staff perspective rather than lack of popularity
I am fairly confident that was not the reason. A firm ticket was always obtainable for staff regardless of commercial standby, often for cheaper than standard staff standby. Personally speaking I never travel on standby staff tickets domestically.
I think its sad that NZ is stopping a great idea like stand by fares. NZs reason on twitter was that passengers prefered a confirmed ticket instead of not knowing if they would travel. If passengers liked a confirmed ticket then they could have easily purchased a full class fare (which NZ would certainly prefer) but for passengers needing to make last minute travel/emergency plans the stand by fares for last minute bookings were excellent. Just wish NZ offered at least status points on stand by fares since all the other fares earned status points
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11319 posts, RR: 17 Reply 35, posted (2 months 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 14310 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
IVC is set to receive all NZ international stop over flights from ZQN this winter for fuel top ups after NZ trialed IVC as a fuel stop over destination last winter. NZ Employees/aircraft fuelers have been trained on working with A320s. Sending the A320s to IVC saves the flight 1 hour flying time compared to sending the A320 to CHC as previously done
sunrisevalley From Canada, joined Jul 2004, 3955 posts, RR: 4 Reply 36, posted (2 months 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 14214 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 35): IVC is set to receive all NZ international stop over flights from ZQN this winter for fuel top ups after NZ trialed IVC as a fuel stop over destination last winter
What are the specific weather conditions ( or their effect) that require a reduction in fuel load ( thus TOW ) for a ZQN- Aus sector?
Unclekoru From New Zealand, joined Oct 2009, 240 posts, RR: 0 Reply 37, posted (2 months 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 14212 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 33): I am fairly confident that was not the reason. A firm ticket was always obtainable for staff regardless of commercial standby, often for cheaper than standard staff standby. Personally speaking I never travel on standby staff tickets domestically.
I took from ZKSUJs comment that he was questioning weather it took a comparatively large amount of staffing resource to process the standby passengers, rather than any impact on staff travel 'privileges".
It sounds like english, but I can't understand a word you're saying
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 38, posted (2 months 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 14028 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 33): I am fairly confident that was not the reason. A firm ticket was always obtainable for staff regardless of commercial standby, often for cheaper than standard staff standby
Staff travel privilleges hadn't crossed my when I wrote up that comment. I was thinking of SBY fares on a few occasions leading to more work for staff before departure. Are these tickets worth the extra hassle for the company?
Once again it's my take on it. Could be totally off the ball
Quoting Unclekoru (Reply 37): I took from ZKSUJs comment that he was questioning weather it took a comparatively large amount of staffing resource to process the standby passengers, rather than any impact on staff travel 'privileges".
taieridrome From New Zealand, joined Oct 2011, 17 posts, RR: 0 Reply 39, posted (2 months 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 13879 times:
Have just noticed a very long and impressive contrail over CHC. Not too unusual to see these except this one was coming from the east (from direction of Port Hills) and heading in a westerly direction. Possibly from South America somewhere heading for Australia?? Would have a guess and say 30,000 ft ++
deconz From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 124 posts, RR: 0 Reply 40, posted (2 months 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 13879 times:
Quoting taieridrome (Reply 39): Have just noticed a very long and impressive contrail over CHC. Not too unusual to see these except this one was coming from the east (from direction of Port Hills) and heading in a westerly direction. Possibly from South America somewhere heading for Australia?? Would have a guess and say 30,000 ft ++
It is more often related to a number of factors, not just the ZQN weather.
Here is an example. If a ZQN BNE flight has to carry additional fuel for a more distant alternate airport like SYDNEY instead of a typically closer airport like OOL, than this extra fuel can easily amount to an additional 2000kgs.
Combine this with a full load of pax and baggage, then throw in a wet runway, low atmospheric pressure and no headwind on the takeoff runway and the total aircraft weight can exceed the maximum for the conditions.
This normally occurred on RWY 05 in the past, as this runway had more significant obstacles in play that restricted the weight more than RWY 23. However, new RNP based procedures were put in place last November that now deliver significantly more weight on RWY 05.
Still, if all the factors line up, an IVC technical stop makes sense. Roll out the red carpet Tim!
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 44, posted (2 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 13644 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 38): . I was thinking of SBY fares on a few occasions leading to more work for staff before departure. Are these tickets worth the extra hassle for the company?
Nah, not really much extra work from a passenger handling perspective - standby go where they're put, no need for seat preferences and no guaranteed seat meaning that you can leave them behind/inhibit certain flights/insist cabin luggage only if it poses a risk to departure OTP/MTOW etc.
From a baggage/loading perspective potentially yes it may present a time limitation getting standby bags from check in to gate, and loaded but if I'm honest it isn't really that much extra work over and above what they have to do anyway
zkojq From New Zealand, joined Sep 2011, 785 posts, RR: 1 Reply 51, posted (2 months 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 12974 times:
Speaking of VIP aircraft, the Thai Prime Minister visited last week, does anyone know what she flew to get here? I know the Thai Government was using an A340-500 (HS-TLD?) for VIP flights at one stage, was this the case on the trip to NZ?
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 16): the 340 is pretty much their only choice, PPT being so isolated from anywhere else.
I think Tahiti to Japan would be a bit of a challenge for an A330. Air Calin seems to make NOU-KIX/NRT work though.
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 52, posted (2 months 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 12882 times:
Quoting zkojq (Reply 51): Speaking of VIP aircraft, the Thai Prime Minister visited last week, does anyone know what she flew to get here? I know the Thai Government was using an A340-500 (HS-TLD?) for VIP flights at one stage, was this the case on the trip to NZ?
Flew either on the usual 772 flight or its own 772.. Nothing special. HS-TJW.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 53, posted (2 months 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 12875 times:
Quoting zkojq (Reply 51): Speaking of VIP aircraft, the Thai Prime Minister visited last week, does anyone know what she flew to get here? I know the Thai Government was using an A340-500 (HS-TLD?) for VIP flights at one stage, was this the case on the trip to NZ?
There were 2 TG 772s in AKL on sunday, 1 parked at a hard stand so maybe that was it? I was wondering why there were 2 TG aircraft there
HLZCPH From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 123 posts, RR: 0 Reply 55, posted (2 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 12857 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 53): There were 2 TG 772s in AKL on sunday, 1 parked at a hard stand so maybe that was it? I was wondering why there were 2 TG aircraft there
It was parked on the Friday too. Only stood out to me as we took off to DUD behind the other departing TG 772.
Just thought it was related to the TG tyre issue a few days prior.
motorhussy From New Zealand, joined Mar 2000, 2760 posts, RR: 10 Reply 59, posted (2 months 14 hours ago) and read 12281 times:
I was at WLG this morning and didn't see the Sultan's Flight (it was still very dark). Anyone know where it's parked?
Also, on another matter, is the A321-NEO range capable for AKL-PER return unimpeded by restriction? Is NZ likely to utilise this aircraft to take over from the 763/772 or is it more likely to be the 789?
sunrisevalley From Canada, joined Jul 2004, 3955 posts, RR: 4 Reply 61, posted (2 months 7 hours ago) and read 12076 times:
Quoting motorhussy (Reply 59): Also, on another matter, is the A321-NEO range capable for AKL-PER return unimpeded by restriction?
The westbound sector ESAD of about 3100nm would be very close to max passenger load. This is generally considered not to be commercially viable. Standard passenger configuration of 185 leaves it considerably less than a 763 and if traffic is supporting a 772 with 300 seats then it would be a way short. Other than on other trans-Tasman routes where else would you use it ?
WSTAKL From New Zealand, joined Jun 2011, 50 posts, RR: 0 Reply 63, posted (2 months 6 hours ago) and read 12037 times:
Could one of the regular AKL spotters (NZ107 I'm looking at you!) tell me what time the Fedex MD-11F usually arrives in AKL on a Sunday? Heading up for a day's spotting and would like to get times sorted beforehand. Thanks
aerojoe From United States of America, joined Dec 2006, 21 posts, RR: 0 Reply 66, posted (2 months 4 hours ago) and read 11937 times:
I see stuff is reporting that the 787 may struggle to receive ETOPS any time soon. What does this mean for NZ's plans for 787 operations from 2014 and new routes?
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 67, posted (2 months 4 hours ago) and read 11913 times:
In Australia, the ACCC has given it's final approval to the Qantas Emirates deal, although it has made certain conditions with regard to the four common Trans Tasman routes:
The most contentious part of the deal has been for it to include routes between Australia and New Zealand.
As a condition of the approval, the regulator will force the airlines to maintain the level of capacity they had on four over-lapping trans-Tasman routes before the alliance."
BUT - the NZ part of the alliance, which starts in a few days, still needs the approval of the NZ Transport Minister:
"The airlines still need approval from New Zealand Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee for code-sharing on flights on trans-Tasman routes."
I guess the flights can still fly - without his approval and without the code share - and hopefully the Minister will step up to the plate now the ACCC has given the nod.
But ti always puzzles me that these things take so long.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 68, posted (2 months 3 hours ago) and read 11893 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 65): I wonder what the view is like from BK
Burger King?
Quoting aerojoe (Reply 66):
I see stuff is reporting that the 787 may struggle to receive ETOPS any time soon. What does this mean for NZ's plans for 787 operations from 2014 and new routes?
Would mean any expansion plans/new routes put on hold for a start
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 69, posted (2 months 3 hours ago) and read 11879 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 58): Residents of PMR are complaining of NZs "rip off" fares
AKL-PMR is often on grabaseat and is cheaper than most flights in NZ.
Quoting WSTAKL (Reply 63): Could one of the regular AKL spotters (NZ107 I'm looking at you!) tell me what time the Fedex MD-11F usually arrives in AKL on a Sunday? Heading up for a day's spotting and would like to get times sorted beforehand. Thanks
1905 Layover 82. more or less, as with all freighters it is unreliable
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11319 posts, RR: 17 Reply 70, posted (2 months 3 hours ago) and read 11881 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 68): Quoting NZ107 (Reply 65):I wonder what the view is like from BKBurger King?
Yes Burger King has opened behind the Z station and forgot about spotting chances as theres not really any good viewing spots due to the high timber fence beside the International terminal.
haggis73 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2010, 81 posts, RR: 0 Reply 71, posted (2 months 3 hours ago) and read 11880 times:
Garuda must be getting close to making an announcement about there start up dates to AKL soon.
That's all I'm going to say about that.
Quoting WSTAKL (Reply 63): Could one of the regular AKL spotters (NZ107 I'm looking at you!) tell me what time the Fedex MD-11F usually arrives in AKL on a Sunday?
FX75 HNL - AKL 1800 ARR
FX75 AKL - SYD 1930 DEP
STA & STD according to the schedule I have in front of me for the 31st.
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 72, posted (2 months ago) and read 11776 times:
Quoting motorhussy (Reply 59): Also, on another matter, is the A321-NEO range capable for AKL-PER return unimpeded by restriction?
Quoting sunrisevalley (Reply 61): The westbound sector ESAD of about 3100nm would be very close to max passenger load.
Quoting mariner (Reply 62): I would fall over in shock if the A321Neo were capable of AKL-PER
Hawaiian Airlines 25 March 2013 Press Release says an operating range of 3,650 nautical miles. AKL-PER is 2,888 nautical miles (5,348 kms). Could be possible.
Quote: Hawaiian's A321neo will seat approximately 190 passengers in a two class configuration (First and Coach) and have an operating range of 3,650 nautical miles
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 73, posted (2 months ago) and read 11712 times:
Quoting PA515 (Reply 72): Hawaiian Airlines 25 March 2013 Press Release says an operating range of 3,650 nautical miles. AKL-PER is 2,888 nautical miles (5,348 kms).
That's the still air range given by Airbus. Real world applications - weather/winds - are somewhat different.
No one presently flies the A320 family on much more than about 2400 nautical miles and Lufthansa gives the range of the A321 as that - 2400 nm - with a viable commercial payload.
(The exception to this is British with JFK-LCY with the A318, but that's with a dramatically reduced payload - 42 business class seats.)
Although range will increase (sharklets and the Neo), no one is convinced that it will have the range for trans-Atlanctic (with a regular payload). The practical range appears to be about 3000 nm but not everyone is convinced of that:
The CEO of US Airways, for example, isn't sure that the A321Neo has the legs for PHX-HNL - 2535 nautical miles.
"The problem, said Parker, is that US Airways is not certain the A321neo can fulfil the Phoenix-Hawaii missions currently operated by the carrier with its 757s."
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 74, posted (1 month 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 11652 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 70): forgot about spotting chances as theres not really any good viewing spots due to the high timber fence beside the International terminal.
It seemed like you could maybe just see over the fence when I was taxiing towards the terminal..
Quoting haggis73 (Reply 71): Garuda must be getting close to making an announcement about there start up dates to AKL soon.
That's all I'm going to say about that.
Interesting subtle hint Just hoping it won't be that 738 via BNE which they've just announced!
Quoting haggis73 (Reply 71):
FX75 HNL - AKL 1800 ARR
FX75 AKL - SYD 1930 DEP
STA & STD according to the schedule I have in front of me for the 31st.
The end of daylight saving this weekend brings it back to 1800 - makes total sense. Guess I'll be waiting for the summer to come back before I get a departure shot of it.
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11319 posts, RR: 17 Reply 75, posted (1 month 4 weeks 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 11544 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 74): Quoting 777ER (Reply 70):
forgot about spotting chances as theres not really any good viewing spots due to the high timber fence beside the International terminal.
It seemed like you could maybe just see over the fence when I was taxiing towards the terminal..
When I was there last month, the upstairs area was closed off so I'm not 100% sure about viewing upstairs but downstairs looked basically impossible.
WLG is supposed to get a cafe with outdoor viewing areas beside the RNZAF terminal which will look over the RNZAF apron beside the fence and when theres no aircraft parked there you'll get good views of the main terminal but when an aircraft is there, you'll only get the southern half of the runway. The former Wellington Aero Club building was moved there late last year but from what I've seen nothing has been done in terms of fixing it up.
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 76, posted (1 month 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 11558 times:
Quoting aerojoe (Reply 66): I see stuff is reporting that the 787 may struggle to receive ETOPS any time soon. What does this mean for NZ's plans for 787 operations from 2014 and new routes?
Air NZ have said the 787-9 will be introduced on routes to North Asia / Japan in a leisure configuration. NZCAA EDTO regulations require 12 months of EDTO 180 before EDTO 240 can be applied for, and 12 months of EDTO 240 before EDTO 330 can be applied for.
So long as FAA approval remains in synch with this process Air NZ should not be affected apart from the uncertainty. Air NZ gets it's first 787-9 in July 2014. So FAA EDTO 240 approval by July 2015 and EDTO 330 approval by July 2016 means nothing changes.
sunrisevalley From Canada, joined Jul 2004, 3955 posts, RR: 4 Reply 80, posted (1 month 4 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 11439 times:
Quoting PA515 (Reply 72): Hawaiian Airlines 25 March 2013 Press Release says an operating range of 3,650 nautical miles. AKL-PER is 2,888 nautical miles (5,348 kms). Could be possible.
Doing further research, then if 3650nm holds up it should do it. Remember westbound is 6hr 30min or about 3100nm ESAD. But the 185-seats will not cut it in my view, especially if they are getting something > than 80% load factors on the 77E. running at 7X weekly.
PPT-AKL is about the only South Pacific sector the A320 with 168 seats can't do . The A320 provides pretty good coverage in my view.
nz2 From New Zealand, joined Aug 2007, 182 posts, RR: 0 Reply 81, posted (1 month 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 11346 times:
Hi guys
I am about to book some seats for the wife and I in PE on the 772 AKL/HNL. Do the bulkead (centre) seats have reasonable leg room? I am keen on these due to fact no-one reclines into you. I know the legroom is generous anyway but I have not sat in these particular seats previously.Sometimes because you dont have a seat in front to put your legs under is can be a little bit constrained compared to other non buklkhead seats
ZKEOJ From New Zealand, joined Feb 2005, 924 posts, RR: 7 Reply 82, posted (1 month 4 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 11145 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 53):
There were 2 TG 772s in AKL on sunday, 1 parked at a hard stand so maybe that was it? I was wondering why there were 2 TG aircraft there
The Thai Prime Minister received an Honorary Doctorate at AUT on Saturday, just a day after the NZ Prime Minister opened a brand new building at AUT...
I thought that involved taking a payload hit? I could be wrong though. Keep in mind also that Qantas' A330 fleet (MSN 887, 892, 898, 976, 1061, 1094, 1169, 1174, 1365) is reasonably new and thus has the higher available MTOW, giving a longer range. If Air Tahiti Nui were to buy A330s, I don't think they could afford new ones with the higher MTOW.
SYDAIRPORTS From Australia, joined Mar 2013, 40 posts, RR: 0 Reply 84, posted (1 month 4 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 11029 times:
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 25): But that's not a weekend trip, you can't fly to LA on a Friday night, have two days skiing then fly back Sunday night ready for work Monday morning, which is what a lot of Aussies flying to Queenstown during winter do.
Don't think any Australians would go alll the way to Queenstown for a weekend.
Well thats what frequently happens! Queenstown and Christchurch are a popular Australian winter holiday destination with the ski fields being only a few hours drive away. Fly out of Australia Friday evening and return on the afternoon Sunday flights in time for work on Monday. Where else can MEL, SYD and BNE residents fly to within a 3.5 flying time to access world class ski fields?
WLG frequently reports Australian leisure arrivals are up over the weekends, especially over Australia's long weekends with family's wanting a quick get away. I'm sure its the same with CHC and AKL also. With New Zealand's currency being at record highs, New Zealand is prooving to be a popular tourist destination as tourists get more value with their money
sunrisevalley From Canada, joined Jul 2004, 3955 posts, RR: 4 Reply 86, posted (1 month 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 10983 times:
Quoting zkojq (Reply 83): I thought that involved taking a payload hit? I could be wrong though
I believe QF were flying the 233t version at that time. If so they were good for about 30t westbound LAX-AKL which allowed a healthy spread from the passenger load of ~23t for the 239-seat layout.
nz2 From New Zealand, joined Aug 2007, 182 posts, RR: 0 Reply 95, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 9980 times:
Need some help from experts about earning status points (Koruman?)
I need to fly to SIN at short notice this week. Would I be better going via BNE on NZ then Etihad or just going direct on SG ?
the Etihad option is not too bad as far as the connection times go and allow opportunity to catch up on emails during the layover. I saw on NZ website that no points are earned on Etihad and while points are not that important, the status points are.
IIRC you can only earn status points on codeshared *A partners (exception being VA?) - EY isn't a *A member so you wouldn't get any status points. Then it'd come down to the fare class you're booking in - I see a Tasman Flexi gives you 50 SPs and full economy partner *A NZ-Asia in full Y gives you 45... Go figure!
Edit: A completely different story if you're flying Business...
koruman From Australia, joined Feb 2006, 2988 posts, RR: 6 Reply 99, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 9877 times:
NZ2
The Etihad code shares are as useless as the Virgin Atlantic ones: zero status earning.
Be careful too with SQ, as Status earning is fine but Airpoints earning in full Economy is at discount Economy levels.
If Status earning is paramount, you could even fly on an NZ code to HKG and buy a separate ticket to Singapore either direct on SQ or via Thailand on Thai.
I once bought a Star Alliance Circle Pacific fare to get from Brisbane to Singapore for a conference. In those days (?2005ish) it was $5500 return in Business Class and after a year of paternity-leave induced minimal travel it kept my Gold Elite status. I had time on my hands and my in-laws encamped in my house, and a few days with friends in LA, Hong Kong and Christchurch en route to Singapore seemed a great idea. Mrs Koruman felt the same way, so I ended up with my in-laws home alone in my house and with all four of us travelling, but it was a lot of fun.
Sadly Circle Pacific fares are now about the worst value in the world.
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 5306 posts, RR: 3 Reply 100, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 9730 times:
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 84): Don't think any Australians would go alll the way to Queenstown for a weekend.
they do, NZ even increases flights over the winter period to cater for the demand.
Quote:
“As a fly-in fly-out world-class ski destination, Queenstown has proved very popular with Australians looking for a convenient skiing option and competitive package deals. Together, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand now offer 18 return trips per week from Australia, providing travellers with a range of options at great value prices.
ZKEOJ From New Zealand, joined Feb 2005, 924 posts, RR: 7 Reply 102, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 9703 times:
Hi Guys
does The Works trans-Tasman (AKL-OOL) earn 30 or 50 status points? If I didn't get it wrong the accrual table (ticketed after 24 Feb) onlt talks about Full Economy/Flexi Plus/Flexi, but the s2s terminology. Maybe I looked up the worng site?
SYDAIRPORTS From Australia, joined Mar 2013, 40 posts, RR: 0 Reply 103, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 9638 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 85):
Well thats what frequently happens! Queenstown and Christchurch are a popular Australian winter holiday destination with the ski fields being only a few hours drive away. Fly out of Australia Friday evening and return on the afternoon Sunday flights in time for work on Monday. Where else can MEL, SYD and BNE residents fly to within a 3.5 flying time to access world class ski fields?
No one is going to go to all that trouble & expense for 1 day of skiing. The above only works for CHC & Mt Hutt.
You can't depart Australia Friday evening to Queenstown.
So you either have to depart on a Friday am to ski 1 day at Queenstown ski sreas, or get a Saturday am flight & fly home Sunday & don't get to ski at all.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 91): Not that you need them on a single ticket.. A travel agent could do it if you really wanted it on one ticket.
Most travel agents I've spoken to, don't even do TT tickets as they make nothing.
It's much easier to sell a cheap ticket to LAX for example $999 return at present saw on www.statravel.com.au website (for everyone not just students)& make a little commission than sell & $600-$1000 return ticket to ZQN & make virtulaly nothing.
For this reason, think ZQN will suffer this winter, especially from markets like BNE due to lack of competition.
nz2 From New Zealand, joined Aug 2007, 182 posts, RR: 0 Reply 104, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 9562 times:
Quoting koruman (Reply 99): The Etihad code shares are as useless as the Virgin Atlantic ones: zero status earning.
Be careful too with SQ, as Status earning is fine but Airpoints earning in full Economy is at discount Economy levels.
If Status earning is paramount, you could even fly on an NZ code to HKG and buy a separate ticket to Singapore either direct on SQ or via Thailand on Thai
Quoting 777ER (Reply 97): Status Points are only earned on Star members, VA's Tasman service with NZ flight number and CX services with NZ flight number.
Airpoints are earned on Etihad but status points arn't
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 96): IIRC you can only earn status points on codeshared *A partners (exception being VA?) - EY isn't a *A member so you wouldn't get any status points. Then it'd come down to the fare class you're booking in - I see a Tasman Flexi gives you 50 SPs and full economy partner *A NZ-Asia in full Y gives you 45... Go figure!
There are two options - you either buy "the works" or you select the flexible option for "the works", which is another $100+. I think that's the difference between 30 and 50 SPs.
ZKEOJ From New Zealand, joined Feb 2005, 924 posts, RR: 7 Reply 106, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 9470 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 105): There are two options - you either buy "the works" or you select the flexible option for "the works", which is another $100+. I think that's the difference between 30 and 50 SPs.
Thanks, NZ107. I have a ticket (bought by my employer) with Seat&Bag, and can upgrade online to The Works for $30. I guess that would be only the 30 SPs then...
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11319 posts, RR: 17 Reply 107, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 9424 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 103): Quoting 777ER (Reply 85):
Well thats what frequently happens! Queenstown and Christchurch are a popular Australian winter holiday destination with the ski fields being only a few hours drive away. Fly out of Australia Friday evening and return on the afternoon Sunday flights in time for work on Monday. Where else can MEL, SYD and BNE residents fly to within a 3.5 flying time to access world class ski fields?
No one is going to go to all that trouble & expense for 1 day of skiing
Well then the same could be said for New Zealanders who drive to a ski field on friday evening/saturday morning and return sunday night in time for work the next morning, they go for one days skiing because its better then no skiing. Coronet Peak is about 20mins drive from ZQN, so by the time you leave the aircraft, clear customs/quarantine, collect your bags and collect rental car your looking at arriving at the ski field in 1-1.5 hours depending on how many other aircraft are arriving at the same time
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 103): Quoting NZ107 (Reply 91):Not that you need them on a single ticket.. A travel agent could do it if you really wanted it on one ticket.
Most travel agents I've spoken to, don't even do TT tickets as they make nothing.
Don't know what type of travel agents you talk to, but the last time I was in SYD and MEL I talked to several travel agents as part of some work there and they said TT always sells. If they don't 'make any money' then why arn't they adding any commissions. Every travel agent I've spoken to always have their own commission rates added on afterwards because many airlines have cut the rate they pay agents to basically nothing now
koruman From Australia, joined Feb 2006, 2988 posts, RR: 6 Reply 108, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days ago) and read 9319 times:
SYDAIRPORTS
Have you never heard of Rostered Days Off?
I can't ski, but a friend from the Gold Coast is using one day annual leave and an RDO this August. She flies out of BNE early Thursday morning, getting into Queenstown around 2pm from memory. Her return flight is late afternoon on Sunday.
So she will get two full days of skiing (Friday and Saturday) as well as a full evening of not so much après-ski as avant-ski on Thursday, and either an extra half-day of skiing on Sunday or a lazy lie-in.
Even if she lived in Dunedin or Christchurch she wouldn't be getting in more skiing in a weekend.
That's a sensational long weekend which is costing her a paltry one day of annual leave.
Like you, I'd rather go to LA. But I don't enjoy flying across the Pacific in Economy, whereas on a $1000 budget I have no qualms at all about crossing the ditch in Economy Class - I've done it three times in the last fortnight. And if you combine it with the paid loyalty program's of the Accor and InterContinental brands, you can easily stay 4 nights in a luxury hotel for the price of 2, which equates to around A$500, or $250 per person.
So a couple can have a terrific 4 day weekend in a deluxe hotel with three full days skiing and all social expenses for around $1600 each, or $2000 each if they really choose to eat and drink in style. That's quite an attractive proposition.
NZ1 From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 2188 posts, RR: 27 Reply 109, posted (1 month 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 8894 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Air Pacific flew their new A330 into AKL today in the new Fiji Airways livery. I like it, but still thinks it lacks a little colour. I suppose the same could be said for the Air NZ livery.
nascarnut From New Zealand, joined Oct 2008, 217 posts, RR: 0 Reply 111, posted (1 month 3 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 8329 times:
There is talk circulating around airport that EK will be adding 3rd A380 into AKL. EK434/435 DXB-BNE-AKL-BNE-DXB will be upgauged to an A380 in October.
AIAL is looking at modifying Gate 10 to accomodate A380 allowing them to handle 3 on the ground at any given time.
Looking forward to hearing any developments.
Well, I wouldn't be too surprised.. They need to get onto building the next 2 gates on Pier B ASAP. Imagine if Gate 10 gets held up by the late operating of one of the EK flights and that could put pressure on the OTP of the NZ North American flights.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 113, posted (1 month 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 8192 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 112): Well, I wouldn't be too surprised.. They need to get onto building the next 2 gates on Pier B ASAP. Imagine if Gate 10 gets held up by the late operating of one of the EK flights and that could put pressure on the OTP of the NZ North American flights.
US Flights have priority over EK 380s for those gates. They would just have to delay/tow off EK - the other airlines at AKL will insist...
The mind boggles how AIAL would cope if NZs CEO decided that 5-6 A380s would be the best option for expansion of North America. Not that it would happen, but shows how much the AIAL would struggle with that if they did
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 114, posted (1 month 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 8126 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 113): The mind boggles how AIAL would cope if NZs CEO decided that 5-6 A380s would be the best option for expansion of North America. Not that it would happen, but shows how much the AIAL would struggle with that if they did
I'm sure the rest of Pier B (both sides) can be completed in the time it takes between ordering and EIS, if NZ happened to do that. But they really need to do more with that pier before capacity starts to overwhelm them. The evening wave is quite substantial now with all the North American flights, CZ/CI/EK..
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 115, posted (1 month 3 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 8099 times:
Knowing AIAL, they wont do anything until it's too late. Seems to be very reactive in their approach when compared to places like SIN where they develop space before capacity demands it. AKL seems to be playing catch up.
They needed a bigger terminal long before pier B was done.
They are 'upgrading' the current domestic terminal too, putting off building a new one for a while yet. The terminal hasn't grown in size/number of aircraft it can handle even though domestic travel has increased in the past few years. Once again, reactive managment
This is currently also being discussed in the Australian Aviation Threads. Apparantly BNE is getting the A380 at the expense of PER
Yesterday at Wellington Hospitals helipad, one of Hastings rescue Helicopters (callsign Air Hastings 2, a BK117) was damaged while taking off from the roof top pad after a freak gust of wind caused its rotor blade to hit the tail. A massive crane was used this afternoon to remove the helicopter from the roof so it can be trucked back to its base at Hastings Hospital. Certainly caused a crowd while leaving work.
QF175 From Portugal, joined Mar 2007, 599 posts, RR: 2 Reply 117, posted (1 month 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 7883 times:
Quoting nascarnut (Reply 111): There is talk circulating around airport that EK will be adding 3rd A380 into AKL. EK434/435 DXB-BNE-AKL-BNE-DXB will be upgauged to an A380 in October.
Correct, the plan is for A380 services to commence operating DXB-BNE-AKL from 01OCT13
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 118, posted (1 month 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 7855 times:
Quoting QF175 (Reply 117): Correct, the plan is for A380 services to commence operating DXB-BNE-AKL from 01OCT13
I think something like this puts the whole "you must maintain or increase capacity on the Tasman sectors" requirement in the QF/EK alliance to ridicule.. There's something about the ACCC having power to increase that minimum capacity but if EK is operating 4x A380s to NZ (just say CHC was upsized too), it's a bit obvious that they can't increase capacity anymore.. And QF has cut down so much over the last 5-10 years, especially on the AKL-SYD/MEL sectors, that I'm sure there'd be some spaces for further growth. Such as making a link across the Tasman to one of the other EK flights to DXB. I still hope to see a return of a scheduled QF widebody to AKL which isn't a freighter..
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 119, posted (1 month 3 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 7788 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 114): I'm sure the rest of Pier B (both sides) can be completed in the time it takes between ordering and EIS
They struggled to have pier B up and running in time for the first A380 and also to meet US DoT/CAA passenger segregation requirements, I think they would be struggling to meet a deadline this tight. They will struggle to cope with the extra 77Ws and the 789s due next year...
TBH the issue is not so much the quantity of A380s, it's all the other restrictions that they have for all the other gates, which change depending on the time of day, what day of the week and whether the A380s or US departures are in residence. If the gates were uniformly able to take widebodies of any size on any gate to any destination there would be no problems with current gate capacity. Because of their kneejerk reaction to LPD(US screening) when the rules changed they have actually made things very difficult for themselves as well as the airlines. Not one gate lounge on Pier A has enough seats/space for a full widebody departure internally, and even the ramp areas are tight compared to most - AKL has a rep amongst pilots for being cluttered and disorganised on the ramp - even when all the GSE is positioned correctly within the lines.
The obvious answer was to extend pier B to have enough gates to have the USA flights on the end of that pier, with a specialised screening area for those flights, then have the A380 alongside and have the original 10 gates that can always be used at any time of day for all the other flights, Preferably with the intention for rebuild to include (ideally it should be flattened but that's too logical and cost effective for AIAL):
- The ability to secure any gate lounge as needed (currently gates 3,4,7,8,10 have passengers trying to walk through the middle of them to gates 1,2,5,6,9)
- The ability to handle up to widebody size on any gate. (currently only 737/A320s can use every gate)
- Arrivals Level 1, Departures Level 2 for the whole Pier with no requirement for the glassed in tunnels
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 115): Once again, reactive management
reactive mismanagement maybe.. even reactive management by definition requires some degree of managing the situation rather just praying for the best case scenario....they have wilfully ignored most of the problems until they are forced by National/International legislation to change.
Isn't the problem due to the ownership structure of the AIAL ? The municipalities look upon it as a cash cow when more of the cash surplus each year should be going to service debt and/or pay for the improvements needed to keep pace with demand . There were hints at one time that the airlines led by NZ might build their own terminal. Is the land upon which AKL is sited owned by AIAL or by the Government? Perhaps it was too bad the takeover bid was not allowed to proceed a few years ago.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 121, posted (1 month 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 7685 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 119): even reactive management by definition requires some degree of managing the situation rather just praying for the best case scenario....
Put a smile on my face and sums it up perfectly. AKL is a mess, the company really needs to stop being a shopping center and focus more on what it's primary purpose is. Being proactive believe it or not will be better in the long run.
On the domestic side it's pretty much a daily occurence that at certain times of the day on certain flights, you have to hold on the taxiway for gates to become free due lack of space. With the fees the airlines are paying you'd think AIAL would sort their sh*t out (pardon my french)
sunrisevalley From Canada, joined Jul 2004, 3955 posts, RR: 4 Reply 122, posted (1 month 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 7661 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 121): With the fees the airlines are paying you'd think AIAL would sort their sh*t out (pardon my french)
Who has a gun in their back to force them to shape up. Nobody! Nothing short of a change of ownership of the facility will change things. The government should setup a corporation of private/public capital to take the municipalities out of AIAL .
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 123, posted (1 month 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 7670 times:
Knowing the way that AKL runs they will just get the extra A380 service to use stairs and buses, they do it for 77Ws at times so hey why not a A380!
The whole domestic jet gates are joke, to the point that they think the 1960 Intentional Pier of that Terminal is a great waiting room! really don't see how they are going to add more space and gates to that pier!
What they really need to do is build a combined (Domestic / Tasman / Pacific Island) Pier in between the two terminals that handles all the A320/737 flights. All they would need to build was a pier that has 3 levels, example Ground: Domestic Arrivals & Departures / level 1 Int Arivals / Level 2 Int Departures
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 124, posted (1 month 3 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 7647 times:
Quoting zkncj (Reply 123): The whole domestic jet gates are joke, to the point that they think the 1960 Intentional Pier of that Terminal is a great waiting room! really don't see how they are going to add more space and gates to that pier!
What they really need to do is build a combined (Domestic / Tasman / Pacific Island) Pier in between the two terminals that handles all the A320/737 flights. All they would need to build was a pier that has 3 levels, example Ground: Domestic Arrivals & Departures / level 1 Int Arivals / Level 2 Int Departures
A couple more regional gates are to be added is what I'm told. Those are the gates that are really short. I agree with you, all needs to be 1 terminal like CHC and WLG. But AIAL's answer is to 'revamp' the current terminal. Very inconvenient for pax if you ask me
nascarnut From New Zealand, joined Oct 2008, 217 posts, RR: 0 Reply 126, posted (1 month 3 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 7638 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 124): The whole domestic jet gates are joke, to the point that they think the 1960 Intentional Pier of that Terminal is a great waiting room! really don't see how they are going to add more space and gates to that pier!
At times it looks like they are trying to squeeze a square peg into a round hole.
On a regular basis a Dash may sit for 10 minutes on the taxiway waiting for a gate. Lack of changes from AIAL has delayed introduction of more Dash 8 and ATR into AKL during peak times because there is simply no place to park them. Short term solutions are coming but for the next 5 - 7 years NZ is stuck. Things may chnage if/when JQ get their own terminal between DOM and INTL terminals but once again that is pending AIAL decision.
It all comes back to the Domestic Terminal was originally built as a Cargo shed and has only had a facelift since.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 127, posted (1 month 3 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 7693 times:
Quoting nascarnut (Reply 126): On a regular basis a Dash may sit for 10 minutes on the taxiway waiting for a gate. Lack of changes from AIAL has delayed introduction of more Dash 8 and ATR into AKL during peak times because there is simply no place to park them.
I've had waits longer than 10 mins (not exaggerating), it's a joke. As I said apparantly a couple more gates for these aircraft will be up and running soon, but we'll have to wait and see what happens. Arrive on time, disembark 15-20 mins late, then as a result of the flow on effect the rest of the days flights are late
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 128, posted (1 month 3 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 7679 times:
Just booked a AKL-WLG-AKL return for $2 with a 65minute connection in WLG, Haven't done it in a while.
Can't remeber what will happen in my AKL-WLG flight is late and makes me miss my WLG-AKL Flight?
They have a chance to improve post-US screening facilities.. I wouldn't expect them to have changed since I flew out of Gate 6 in 2010. Luckily there was no plane in at Gate 8 (NZ2) because we were overflowing into the empty gate area. Yet beside all of this sits their 'prestigious' Top 10 airports in the world trophy. And they're not even willing to provide decent amenities to passengers including free wifi! Even some American airports have leapfrogged AKL and are now providing wifi.
Quoting zkncj (Reply 123): Knowing the way that AKL runs they will just get the extra A380 service to use stairs and buses, they do it for 77Ws at times so hey why not a A380!
At least, arguably, a bus service is better than a single airbridge gate....
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 125): Quoting zkncj (Reply 123):
What they really need to do is build a
Brand new terminal that handles everything under the one roof, OSL would be a fine example to copy.
Well the previous long term plans of AKL had the international terminal stretching some distance around the carpark and hotel, then linking up with the domestic terminal. That'd still be ideal.
NZ have to put you on the next possible service, even if its via say PMR or HLZ, if its the next day then they have to put you in a hotel for the night
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 131, posted (1 month 3 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 7562 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 130): NZ have to put you on the next possible service, even if its via say PMR or HLZ, if its the next day then they have to put you in a hotel for the night
Cool, couldn't remember if they cover me for doing turn around like that
Mr AirNZ From New Zealand, joined Feb 2002, 766 posts, RR: 1 Reply 132, posted (1 month 3 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 7482 times:
Quoting zkncj (Reply 128): Just booked a AKL-WLG-AKL return for $2 with a 65minute connection in WLG, Haven't done it in a while.
Can't remeber what will happen in my AKL-WLG flight is late and makes me miss my WLG-AKL Flight?
As long as it's all on one ticket then like 777ER says, your fine. If they are booked separately though then you are on your own.
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 133, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 7482 times:
Quoting Mr AirNZ (Reply 132): As long as it's all on one ticket then like 777ER says, your fine. If they are booked separately though then you are on your own.
Single booking, I'm arriving at 12:50 and flying out at 1:55 done 75minute turn around for Status Points before the days of the CHC Quakes.
Those status points runs can be fun especially if its done for next too nothing. I've already got my current status renewed till August 2014 so I'm not really concerned by needing to do status runs.
Quick question for anyone who knows (I've forgotten the process) if you earn enough status points to upgrade to the next level (like I'm going to do when I go to Miami in June) then does that next status level expire 12 months afterwards or does it continue till August 2014 like my current status expries in.
I'm considering doing some flying on QF/AA if the new status would expire 12 months after the new level was earned
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11319 posts, RR: 17 Reply 135, posted (1 month 2 weeks 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 6737 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Does anyone know if NZ, VA or QF are putting on extra services into WLG on April 25th for the ANZAC day AFL match between Sydney and Melbourne at Westpac Stadium? The scheduled flights look fairly full with only the full economy fares available
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 136, posted (1 month 2 weeks 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 6359 times:
Just crossed over to the dark side for a random logbook run.... Booked a ticket to SYD for next month on EK for $397 tax inclusive - That's $98 one way before taxes... good value for a couple of A380 sectors+ 30KG + Meal. Cheaper than JQ!
Quoting 777ER (Reply 135): Does anyone know if NZ, VA or QF are putting on extra services into WLG on April 25th for the ANZAC day AFL match between Sydney and Melbourne at Westpac Stadium?
Very good value! Good luck in getting a new A380.. The IFE is super impressive, even compared to the one in their older A380s.. It seems like a lottery between the first 6 A380s, EDM/NO/P or Y/Z.
xiaotung From New Zealand, joined Jan 2006, 677 posts, RR: 0 Reply 138, posted (1 month 2 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 6299 times:
A local Guangzhou newspaper has reported that China Southern is studying to launch either CHC or WLG shortly. I don't think WLG runway is long enough to take their A330. What is the current runway extension plan? This may very well be WLG's first long haul route. I am sure WLG is lobbying hard.
Meanwhile, the simplified visa proccessing deal for Chinese citizens has been extended to elite Airpoints members but I doubt this deal is meaningful at all. How many China based Chinese citizens are active Airpoints members? The deal with China Southern last year has delivered 100 elite frequent flyer visa applicants so far. I guess people who will benefit from the Airpoints deal will be stay within 1 digit.
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 139, posted (1 month 2 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 6254 times:
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 138): I don't think WLG runway is long enough to take their A330.
Via Australia and it would seem viable.. Though I'm not sure if CAN was the Asian port many Wellingtonians had in mind for direct flights.. Beggars can't be choosers I suppose!
Gotta love their ambitions though.. An Air NZ 744 in the background!?
Just as long as the views from the Koru Lounge aren't affected, it sounds decent.. And also sounds fairly expensive!
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 144, posted (1 month 2 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 6114 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 143):
Gotta love their ambitions though.. An Air NZ 744 in the background!?
Just as long as the views from the Koru Lounge aren't affected, it sounds decent.. And also sounds fairly expensive!
The Lounge Shouldn't be effected at all, as they main part of the upgrade is next to the current check-in area. So the lounge will lose its view of the car park tho....
ZKEOJ From New Zealand, joined Feb 2005, 924 posts, RR: 7 Reply 146, posted (1 month 2 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 6059 times:
Hi All
does anybody know if QF charges a credit card fee or booking fee? The fare is the same as through expedia, and expedia has no additional fees. I can't test it, because you have to enter names first, and then will proceed to the payment page...
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11319 posts, RR: 17 Reply 147, posted (1 month 2 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 6049 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Heard about WLGs upgrade on the radio early this afternoon. Happy the next part of their 30 year plan is about to start. The plan of having one AVSEC secuirty screening location is a good idea and will reduce boarding times but gone are the day of having your family greet you/farewell you at the gate which has always been one of the reasons why IMHO WLG has been family friendly compared to AKL and CHC.
Interesting that China Southern is (possibly) launching both CHC and WLG. Wonder when the announcement will be?
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 148, posted (1 month 2 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 5961 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 147): The plan of having one AVSEC secuirty screening location is a good idea and will reduce boarding times but gone are the day of having your family greet you/farewell you at the gate which has always been one of the reasons why IMHO WLG has been family friendly compared to AKL and CHC.
Would it really be that much of an issue? in the end its going to save the family about 30minutes of parking at WLG.
CHCalfonzo From New Zealand, joined Mar 2007, 161 posts, RR: 0 Reply 150, posted (1 month 2 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 5864 times:
Quoting 777ER (Reply 147): Interesting that China Southern is (possibly) launching both CHC and WLG. Wonder when the announcement will be?
If they launched both it would have to be a CAN-WLG-CHC-CAN routing, an A330 wouldn't manage the 5165NM WLG-CAN without a massive payload hit. There would be stronger demand for cargo from CHC aswell, I'm sure Canterbury exporters would relish the opportunity to send fresh produce non-stop to China.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 151, posted (1 month 2 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 5853 times:
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 138): What is the current runway extension plan? This may very well be WLG's first long haul route. I am sure WLG is lobbying hard.
No runway extension plans as far as I'm aware so I presume CZ would only go to WLG as a TT tag on. Good news on the domestic expansion though, wish AKL would take a leaf of WLG's book
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 153, posted (1 month 2 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 5777 times:
Quoting ZKEOJ (Reply 146): does anybody know if QF charges a credit card fee or booking fee? The fare is the same as through expedia, and expedia has no additional fees. I can't test it, because you have to enter names first, and then will proceed to the payment page...
I know they charge a fee for domestic Australian flights but I'm not too sure about TT flights. But when you're paying by AUD if you're travelling domestic in Australia, you can buy gift vouchers (of any amount under the ticket price) and get around having to pay a credit card fee.
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 154, posted (1 month 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 5672 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 151): Good news on the domestic expansion though, wish AKL would take a leaf of WLG's book
Auckland put on Tenders early this year for work to start on July at Domestic. Work includes more regional gates, upgraded single Jet airside with more gates and food venues. Also new baggage claim for NZ Jets
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 156, posted (1 month 2 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 5607 times:
Quoting zkncj (Reply 154):
Auckland put on Tenders early this year for work to start on July at Domestic. Work includes more regional gates, upgraded single Jet airside with more gates and food venues. Also new baggage claim for NZ Jets
But not a whole new terminal, which is pretty much what's needed.. At least WLG is a proper terminal and not an old cargo shed which happened to be in an ideal place for a domestic terminal.. The utilisation of that space could be better; but a brand new terminal would easily beat the hundreds of modifications made to the terminal. They need to get bids from people to start construction of the new terminal.
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 157, posted (1 month 2 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 5606 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 156): They need to get bids from people to start construction of the new terminal.
Will never happen while NZ is the main national airline, they are far to cheap to put anything towards it/ they wouldn't want to pay the increased lease charges for a new terminal.
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 159, posted (1 month 2 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 5475 times:
Quoting sunrisevalley (Reply 158):
Before this you need plans. Have there ever been plans drawn for a new domestic terminal at AKL ?
Yes. It all fits in with their "2025 Master Plan" to have the 2nd runway built and new terminal over there. It might end up being a 2050 master plan.....
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 160, posted (1 month 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 5320 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 159):
Yes. It all fits in with their "2025 Master Plan" to have the 2nd runway built and new terminal over there. It might end up being a 2050 master plan.....
Can't find the article, but they did say recently that the new domestic terminal project is now 50 years away!
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 161, posted (1 month 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 5336 times:
Quoting zkncj (Reply 160): Can't find the article, but they did say recently that the new domestic terminal project is now 50 years !
Sad to know that I'm a few years shy of 30 and this will only happen after I reach retirement age... So the cargo shed will last another 50 years? I guess that will limit how much growth can occur by the airlines
sunrisevalley From Canada, joined Jul 2004, 3955 posts, RR: 4 Reply 162, posted (1 month 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 5107 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 161): Sad to know that I'm a few years shy of 30 and this will only happen after I reach retirement age... So the cargo shed will last another 50 years? I guess that will limit how much growth can occur by the airlines
From a passengers viewpoint do I get a significantly better experience from the very modern WLG domestic than from the 1960's AKL domestic. I am not thinking shopping or food services; I am thinking parking or drop off, check in , baggage and getting to the gates on departure or the reverse on arrivals . It is about 5-years since I went through both domestic terminals and I don't remember WLG being significantly more functional than AKL at that time.
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 163, posted (1 month 2 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 5061 times:
Quoting sunrisevalley (Reply 162): From a passengers viewpoint do I get a significantly better experience from the very modern WLG domestic than from the 1960's AKL domestic. I am not thinking shopping or food services; I am thinking parking or drop off, check in , baggage and getting to the gates on departure or the reverse on arrivals . It is about 5-years since I went through both domestic terminals and I don't remember WLG being significantly more functional than AKL at that time.
Auckland Domestic has had some major improvements over the past 5 years, albeit most of the improvements only have benefits for NZ. When you look at it, allot has been achieved to make it more functional.
- New Regional Gates & Baggage Claim for NZ
- Enlarged check-in area for NZ, with completely self service check-in
- New food court and screening point between the NZ/JQ Terminal
- Complete soft refit of fittings within the NZ Terminal
- Refitting of the old International pier as over flow get gates
- added an second screening check point to the main domestic jet departures.
- Doubled the size of the Koru Club
- Enlarge the car park
- new two lane Public Drop off / Pick up with covered areas outside NZ.
Once they start the next stage in July, its going to be an half decent terminal. As after all they are going to enlarge the domestic jet gate areas, which are the main let down.
SYDAIRPORTS From Australia, joined Mar 2013, 40 posts, RR: 0 Reply 164, posted (1 month 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 4926 times:
Quoting koruman (Reply 108): So a couple can have a terrific 4 day weekend in a deluxe hotel with three full days skiing and all social expenses for around $1600 each, or $2000 each if they really choose to eat and drink in style. That's quite an attractive proposition.
that's 2 day skiing not 3. Almost impossible to ski am on Sunday & fly out.
Apart from your rare example, people just don't do it. It's just too hard & expensive.
Airfare/taxes components are the same.
+ Qantas have just changed points required fro BNE/ZQN unless you can get ff seats on rare nonstop (only about 12 nonstops a year)
For example, it used to be 18,000 QF points + taxes to go one way BNE/ZQN via AKL, CHC, SYD or MEL, but now it's from 22,400 or more depending on whether QF or JQ or JQ & QF services are used. Minor increase maybe, but it's just another thing making it harder to get to Queenstown this year.
Have heard from tour operators that ex Qld numbers for NZ are way down cf. to same time last year, but numbers for Australian resorts are up.
Think Queenstown will really suffer this ski season with lack of competition on flights BNE/ZQN.
SYDAIRPORTS From Australia, joined Mar 2013, 40 posts, RR: 0 Reply 165, posted (1 month 2 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 4874 times:
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 164): For example, it used to be 18,000 QF points + taxes to go one way BNE/ZQN via AKL, CHC, SYD or MEL, but now it's from 22,400 or more depending on whether QF or JQ or JQ & QF services are used. Minor increase maybe, but it's just another thing making it harder to get to Queenstown this year.
Have heard from tour operators that ex Qld numbers for NZ are way down cf. to same time last year, but numbers for Australian resorts are up.
Think Queenstown will really suffer this ski season with lack of competition on flights BNE/ZQN.
if fly BNE/SYD/ZQN/AKL/BNE is now a minimum of 50,000 QF points when a week or 2 was only 36,000.
So a family of 6 now needs to find another 84,000 points to get the same thing.
Mr AirNZ From New Zealand, joined Feb 2002, 766 posts, RR: 1 Reply 166, posted (1 month 2 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 4788 times:
Quoting SYDAIRPORTS (Reply 164): Apart from your rare example, people just don't do it. It's just too hard & expensive.
I'm not a skier but do you know how many short breaks I have had over the years just by co-ordinating a weekend off with a days leave either side on the Friday and the Monday? Countless!.
All over East Coast Australia plus umpteen other places around New Zealand. I think it's all much more common than you wish to admit.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 167, posted (1 month 1 week 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 4281 times:
Quoting sunrisevalley (Reply 162): From a passengers viewpoint do I get a significantly better experience from the very modern WLG domestic than from the 1960's AKL domestic. I am not thinking shopping or food services; I am thinking parking or drop off, check in , baggage and getting to the gates on departure or the reverse on arrivals
Well IMHO you do at Welly. Lack of gates at AKL for a start puts PAX arriving in peak times either late deplaning or boarding for those departing. International PAX have to walk in the weather to connect with overseas flights or wait around for a bus that pops around every 10-15 minutes, not very convenient when you look at CHC and WLG all under one roof.
The baggage claim and check in is fine in AKL. But the 'new' pick up/drop off area seems to be chaotic with a queue of cars stretching beyond the terminal past the domestic carparks.
The AKL terminal has served it's purpose, but I feel that even though it has been constantly upgraded, demand in doestic travel has outgrown the size and functionality of the current terminal.
It's great they are upgrading the place yet again, but even when it's completed it will be playing catch up as domestic traffic increases, and the same problems will creep up again. Why not just build a terminal with ample space (more than what is presently required) to 'future proof' the place rather than thinking 'Awh yea, I think we're running out of gates heaps eh, should probably chuck in another couple to be safe and re route traffic to make it more flash'
I fully agree with your statements. I'll use WLG as the example in this as I havn't really experienced CHCs new domestic terminal in both situations.
WLG IMHO built the right amount of gates to cater for the peak travel periods when you see B737s (and now also A320s) parked at every domestic gate (including NZ 50% of the time at the international/domestic 'swing' gates) on the JQ side. During off peak times you only see 2 NZ gates being used by B737s/A320s with one jet usually parked at a gate for upto 2 hours. JQ usually only have 1 A320 at a gate so for off peak times theres more room for expansion.
If WIAL require more domestic gates then whats offered (including the swing gates) then I've seen the main international gates also being used with barriers up preventing interational/domestic pax from mixing. This was seen during the rugby world cup in 2011.
With WIAL's next expansion plan, (if we go by WIAL's press release last week) WIAL don't really need to install more jet gates because with a bigger waiting area aircraft turn around times should apparantly be quicker (don't know how WIAL thinks that). IIRC WIAL are planning on adding more jet gates (as well as adding extra regional gates) later on as part of the 2030 plan but currently theres 8 gates (including the swing gates) for domestic use with the options of four extra gates in the main international terminal if situations require them. WLG
Compare WLGs gate options to AKL now, AKL have four gates in a VERY crowded area beside the Koru Club, four more up stairs on the other side of the building and three or four on the ground level with boarding stairs. AKL have the same number of gates as WLG for Jet services but from a passengers point of view WLG is more spread out and has more space.
I'll quickly discuss my limited experiences with CHC's new terminal. CHC is a VERY spread out terminal with amazing space for departing passengers and have used the land options totally to their advantages. The whole terminal (including check in) puts both WLG and AKL to shame. Only issues I found with CHC was theres two gates beside the international gates that with both gates being used at once the area to the north of the departing lounge gets VERY crowded. CHC could have planned this are a bit better
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 170, posted (1 month 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 4110 times:
Quoting zkncj (Reply 169): All-good wanting a new domestic terminal, but how would the public feel about paying at $5 domestic departure tax to pay for it?
Well tbh whether the public like it or not, they will have to pay it. People in NZ have no choice. PMR and HLZ had the domestic tax, it wasn't popular but people paid it. NZ as a country being a low population for a comparitively large country needs aviation to link places up. We do not have the luxury of a population number to support infrastructure like a high speed rail network, plus this little think called the Cook Strait further stresses the importance of domestic aviation to the country. Peopel are not in a position to boycott flying for anothe rmode of transportation. If JQ and NZ popped an extra 5 bucks on the price of a ticket, people WILL pay because there is no other option, and most will not even realise it is an airport tax.
Yes NZ is unlikely to put money into a new terminal, but NZ and even JQ can argue that with AKl airport fees for the airlines being as high as they are, they should be demanding adequate gate spaces and facilities which at the moment is not happening
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 171, posted (1 month 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 4097 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 170): Yes NZ is unlikely to put money into a new terminal, but NZ and even JQ can argue that with AKl airport fees for the airlines being as high as they are, they should be demanding adequate gate spaces and facilities which at the moment is not happening
The problem with AIAL is that NZ is very powerful when it comes to getting what it wants. If AIAL we're to announce they we're going to charge a tax to pay for a new terminal, NZ would tell them they will refuse to charge it. Then from NZ pressure AIAL will drop the project. Just like with the Northern runway, NZ said they didn't want to pay extra fees to have it. So AIAL pushed the project back by at-least 25 years.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 172, posted (1 month 1 week 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 4087 times:
Quoting zkncj (Reply 171): The problem with AIAL is that NZ is very powerful when it comes to getting what it wants. If AIAL we're to announce they we're going to charge a tax to pay for a new terminal, NZ would tell them they will refuse to charge it. Then from NZ pressure AIAL will drop the project. Just like with the Northern runway, NZ said they didn't want to pay extra fees to have it. So AIAL pushed the project back by at-least 25 years
Fair enough point, I see what you mean. Could'nt they find revenue in another stream though? Parking fees etc etc, after all that is how the company aparantly makes a huge share of it's money
But new terminal aside, with the current fees being charged, AKL are not delivering the service to NZ at the moment with lack of gates/infrastructure for the capacity of people. It's not NZ's fault that AIAL are behind the ball.
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 173, posted (1 month 1 week 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 3857 times:
''Wellington 'not a good example of a safe airport'''
Runway safety at New Zealand's third busiest airport has been called into question by an aviation expert.
Aviation commentator Peter Clark has labelled Wellington Airport as "not a good example of a safe airport" given the limited buffer area provided if an aircraft is unable to take off by the time it has reached the end of the runway or if an aircraft lands before the runway.
Clark has compared Wellington to the same Brazilian airport where an aircraft skidded down the runway before ploughing into a gas station and air cargo building. The 2007 crash claimed the lives of 199 people.
ZKOJH From China, joined Sep 2004, 1501 posts, RR: 1 Reply 174, posted (1 month 1 week 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 3845 times:
interesting read about Airfares between AKL and IVC!
People are choosing to drive hours to big-city airports, rather than fly out of their home bases, to save hundreds of dollars.
Flying out of Invercargill has become so expensive for Southlanders, many of them drive for two hours to the busy Queenstown airport to catch a flight from there.
And, bizarrely, it's often cheaper to fly from Invercargill to Sydney than it is to Auckland.
The problem is replicated in other regional centres as soaring ticket prices from smaller airports make air travel unaffordable.
Invercargill residents are finding it cheaper to fork out $45 for petrol to Queenstown, where fares are kept low by competition between Air New Zealand and Jetstar.
Flights out of their own airport are up to four times more expensive because of the lack of competition after Ansett's liquidation in 2001.
aerokiwi From New Zealand, joined Jul 2000, 2410 posts, RR: 4 Reply 175, posted (1 month 1 week 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 3810 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 172): But new terminal aside, with the current fees being charged, AKL are not delivering the service to NZ at the moment with lack of gates/infrastructure for the capacity of people. It's not NZ's fault that AIAL are behind the ball.
I think this is the crux of the issue.
The fact is that AIAL are milking the motherload out of existing assets, which is fine, but is a fundamental flaw when privatising airports, particularly those in a monopoly position. Note that the recent reveal of the redesign of the roads approaching AKL lack any space for a rail link? Why? Because what are customers going to do... go elsewhere?
That is why I liked the idea of maintaining Whenuapai. One, for military and civil defence reasons, but two, to apply pressure on AIAL to keep up with the play regarding facilities and amenities.
Why it is assumed there has to be a tax to pay for any terminal expansion is beyond me. I read recently that AIAL is providing a commercial return within the top 3 (possibly the highest) in the admittedly small world of privatised airports. Somewhere within that return should be the funding for terminal and facilities development. But there's simply no motivation to do so.
So we're stuck with a mess of an international terminal that's too small, an architectural mishmash, a ridiculous layout for pax; and a domestic terminal that remains a warmed-over barn from the 1960s. Meanwhile, the whole area gets paltry public transport access and even in a private vehicle it is a hike from central Auckland.
Airports often reflect the values of the city or country they're in. AKL is a half-hearted, barely adequate, disjointed facility with no long-term vision, no attempt at design excellence and little in the way of public amenities (McDonalds and Countdown notwithstanding). Our own apathy as rate and taxpayers has led us to this situation.
So what is IVC wanting? NZ to give them A320 services direct to Auckland? that will last a couple of months then see NZ completely pull out of IVC?.
I do find it funny how regional New Zealand at times does find it hard to understand economics, an full A320 is always going to be more economical than a full 72-500/600.
deconz From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 124 posts, RR: 0 Reply 177, posted (1 month 1 week 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 3768 times:
Quoting zkncj (Reply 176): So what is IVC wanting? NZ to give them A320 services direct to Auckland? that will last a couple of months then see NZ completely pull out of IVC?.
I do find it funny how regional New Zealand at times does find it hard to understand economics, an full A320 is always going to be more economical than a full 72-500/600.
All true, but how NZ can justify 4 times the price is even beyond me!!! I wonder how expensive it would be for JQ to add a ZQN/IVC tag to one of their AKL/ZQN/AKL turns? Only 20mins flight time and 30mins on the ground
zkncj From New Zealand, joined Nov 2005, 180 posts, RR: 0 Reply 178, posted (1 month 1 week 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 3720 times:
Quoting deconz (Reply 177): All true, but how NZ can justify 4 times the price is even beyond me!!! I wonder how expensive it would be for JQ to add a ZQN/IVC tag to one of their AKL/ZQN/AKL turns? Only 20mins flight time and 30mins on the ground
Smaller airports have a much higher operating cost for the airlines, compared to larger airports where they are able to spread the cost over more passengers / flights. To run a ATR out of IVC they still require around 3 ground staff, we're as ZQN might spread 5 across 2 A320's.
I would say that it would be rather costly for JQ to add this tag on service. They would need to employ ground staff, buy ground equipment, pay for a terminal upgrade to meet AVSEC requirements.
A good post, AIAL needs to get it's act together but I don't see them doing that anytime soon. It will be interesting to see how much they struggle if/when EK bring in the 3rd A380 along with CZ. Air stairs anyone?
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 180, posted (1 month 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 3583 times:
Quoting deconz (Reply 177): I wonder how expensive it would be for JQ to add a ZQN/IVC tag to one of their AKL/ZQN/AKL turns? Only 20mins flight time and 30mins on the ground
An IVC tag on would be 1 hr 50 mins. 25 mins each way, 30 mins on the ground at IVC and an another 30 mins at ZQN. IVC-DUD was 30 mins when NZ had the 737-200 tag on.
Quoting zkncj (Reply 178): Smaller airports have a much higher operating cost for the airlines, compared to larger airports where they are able to spread the cost over more passengers / flights. To run a ATR out of IVC they still require around 3 ground staff, we're as ZQN might spread 5 across 2 A320's.
JQ turns the 320 around in 30 mins at DUD where NZ takes 35 mins for a 733. Does JQ use NZ ffor ground handling at DUD?
Quoting zkncj (Reply 178): I would say that it would be rather costly for JQ to add this tag on service. They would need to employ ground staff, buy ground equipment, pay for a terminal upgrade to meet AVSEC requirements.
And the aircraft would be less than half full as most pax would be AKL-ZQN, some AKL-IVC, and virtually no ZQN-IVC.
deconz From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 124 posts, RR: 0 Reply 182, posted (1 month 1 week 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 3413 times:
Quoting PA515 (Reply 180): An IVC tag on would be 1 hr 50 mins. 25 mins each way, 30 mins on the ground at IVC and an another 30 mins at ZQN. IVC-DUD was 30 mins when NZ had the 737-200 tag on.
PA515 From New Zealand, joined Nov 2007, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 183, posted (1 month 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3289 times:
Quoting deconz (Reply 182): I was thinking AKL/ZQN/IVC/AKL (or vice versa)
Sorry to be pessimistic, but Air NZ did a late afternoon/early evening CHC-ZQN-IVC-CHC with the AT7 some years ago which only lasted about six months and may have been Fri only.
IVC-CHC is the only realistic possibility for a 733 or 320 service and may require the IVC City Council to break the impasse and cover the extra costs for the airline(s).
Still makes you wonder if/when TK will enter the Australian market. Though it's a highly interesting codeshare; especially the LAX-IST route. The LHR-IST and IST-HKG routes definitely make sense, as do the ones on NZ.
sunrisevalley From Canada, joined Jul 2004, 3955 posts, RR: 4 Reply 186, posted (1 month 1 week 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 2795 times:
I wonder if Aerorobnz had any part in this . I recollect that he is a keen TK proponent. Anyway it is good to see such an arrangement with a class operator such as TK.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 187, posted (1 month 1 week 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 2803 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 184): I think it is a remarkably good idea - and outside the box thinking.
I'm happy too, as TK is my preferred airline to fly longhaul in Y & PE. I hope the PE fares are competitive though, as I suspect they'll be more in line with NZ pricing than TKs... I'm sure it will be better to buy two separate tickets. My fares on TK Comfort Class last year were very reasonable, and even business class was comparable to what NZ charge for PE...
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 185): the LHR-IST and IST-HKG routes definitely make sense, as do the ones on NZ.
The problem with IST HKG codeshare is that it leaves late at night and NZ metal arrives early in the morning.
However they will make use of NZ codeshares on CX for good connections I guess...so you can fly NZ codeshare from AKL-HKG-IST-LHR without actually flying NZ....Ideal if you don't want a 10 abreast 777...
The LAX-IST is actually a good connection for either NZ6 or 2 - depending on how fast you like to move through LAX...
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 188, posted (1 month 1 week 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 2795 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 187): The LAX-IST is actually a good connection for either NZ6 or 2 - depending on how fast you like to move through LAX...
And the NZ move to TBIT will make it easier for connections.. Though they're both really long flights compared to a modest hop to HKG and then down to AKL from there. I start to wonder if the route is more aimed at RTW pax (though you can do this already on a *A RTW fare, right?) than anyone else. Oh well, might pay to have a TK FF card soon
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 189, posted (1 month 1 week 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2773 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 188): Oh well, might pay to have a TK FF card soon
It's pretty reasonable to get status and redemption to all the places TK flies is probably pretty useful... The *G Lounge in IST is excellent. Best I have visited.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 191, posted (1 month 1 week 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 2730 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 187): I'm happy too, as TK is my preferred airline to fly longhaul in Y & PE.
If this is an example Mr. Luxon's thinking we're in for some interesting times - hallelujah! I think it is innovative and smart and allies Air NZ to a powerhouse airline.
I'll be interested to see how - and if - it develops, but even if it just stays as it is, it's pretty good.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 192, posted (1 month 1 week 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 2636 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 191): If this is an example Mr. Luxon's thinking we're in for some interesting times - hallelujah
Yes, the next few years have plenty to look forward to. NZ has gone from being a stagnant pond, to being a bubbling spring again. There's plenty more work to do yet, but the plan is starting to show itself.
Interesting and excellent news regarding the TK deal. Just means that NZ keep a threat/star member out of our skies and ensures as many star airlines as possible don't fly here.
I remember reading on here 2 years ago that TK were looking at adding WLG via Australia.
Found an article from 2010 stating WLG
The airline is considering Detroit, Mexico City, Boston, Miami, Montreal, Houston and Buenos Aires. Other possibilities include Ulan Bator, Kuala Lumpur, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Wellington and Sydney. In the case of Sydney, this route launch could be next year or 2012.THY also see opportunities in Africa such as Oran, Kinshasa and Zanzibar.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 195, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 2387 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 192): NZ has gone from being a stagnant pond, to being a bubbling spring again. There's plenty more work to do yet, but the plan is starting to show itself.
I was reading the airline rankings today and notice NZ have slipped 12 places in the past 2 years on skytrax. We were number 5 in 2010 and are now number 17. Our business class product, economy product, IFE, and in flight service are not ranked among the top amidst all the hype about it. We didnt get the ATW award for 2013, that went to ANA. Stagnant pond yes, and I hope we can pick up our act and claw back some ground (I know skytrax is not as accurate as many would like but it is still an indicator). Many on here don't see eye to eye with what NZ has done, we are quick to criticize and find fault. But I think we all sincerely want the best for NZ and are just identifying what we think can be made better. I hope Mr Luxon and his managment team do the same, a bit less spiel on how good we think we are and more on what we have to do to be a really great carrier
On a side note: Now that gay marriage is legalised, I hope NZ capitalises on it and maybe offer packages to promote the country and the new law. Maybe a competition for overseas customers who would like to be married, flights, a few family/mates, a ceremony, a few nights in a nice place etc etc to get things started (like the great walker thing). Could boost a market that is yet to be developed and take advantage of the new law
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 196, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 2247 times:
Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 195): On a side note: Now that gay marriage is legalised, I hope NZ capitalises on it and maybe offer packages to promote the country and the new law.
Business traffic usually goes heavily one way across the Tasman, but with the imminent passing of New Zealand's gay marriage bill, thousands of same-sex Australian couples are expected to make the trek in the other direction."
Kaiarahi From Canada, joined Jul 2009, 2579 posts, RR: 24 Reply 197, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 2241 times:
In testimony before the U.S. Senate, the FAA Administrator confirmed that the 787 ETOPS certification is under review:
"Coincident with [the battery] review was a review where we went back and looked at our original determination relating to ETOPS flight. The question there is the airplane when it was grounded was certified for ETOPS of 180min," he says. "And so the question for us was would we return it at that level."
What ETOPS certification does NZ need to operate the 789 most efficiently on Trans-Pacific flights and what are the implications/costs of less than 180 certification (this is probably a sunrisevalley question)?
sunrisevalley From Canada, joined Jul 2004, 3955 posts, RR: 4 Reply 198, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 2168 times:
Quoting Kaiarahi (Reply 197): What ETOPS certification does NZ need to operate the 789 most efficiently on Trans-Pacific flights and what are the implications/costs of less than 180 certification (this is probably a sunrisevalley question)?
Happy to oblige.. we know that something greater than 180-min. saves about 300km on LAX-AKL. If southbound the equator is crossed at W162 the airway distance LAX-AKL is ~10898km. If it is crossed at W153 the distance is 10589km. The track of the first has quite a curve towards Hawaii , the second is almost a straight line.
Except for LAX-AKL and PPT-LAX ( not a current route) 180-minutes works . Of course any future routes to South America need something like 250 or 260-min to be efficient.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 199, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 2140 times:
Quoting Kaiarahi (Reply 197): What ETOPS certification does NZ need to operate the 789 most efficiently on Trans-Pacific flights and what are the implications/costs of less than 180 certification (this is probably a sunrisevalley question)?
NZ 787 ops will almost certainly be to the EH destinations like HKG/NRT/PVG while 777s will fly to the WH like LAX/SFO/YVR/South America. Reduced to EDTO 120 will not affect any of asia.
Quoting CHCalfonzo (Reply 200): This video was recently added to YouTube. JustPlanes video of a Freedom Air 737 landing on the rarely used RWY11 at CHC.
I was in an AirNZ 767-200ER which landed on that runway in the late 80s. There was a Qantas Captain who did a take off on the runway in a 747, which was such a rare event that everyone came rushing out to watch. I spoke to the Captain some years after the event.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 204, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 1994 times:
Quoting kiwirob (Reply 203): But if gay marriage is still illegial in Aussie would a gay marriage in NZ be worth anything, it still wouldn't be recognised in Australia would it?
It wouldn't be recognized as a marriage in Australia, although the Greens are introducing a private member's bill bill to change that.
For the same reason, many (gay) Americans go to the states where it is legal to be married, knowing that it won't be recognized back in their home state.
Whatever your views of it, it is of extraordinary significance to those who want to do it, even if it has no legal standing elsewhere.
IndianicWorld From Australia, joined Jun 2001, 2403 posts, RR: 0 Reply 205, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 1971 times:
A gay marriage won't be recognised in Australia, as hard as the Greens try and change that. They are not a significant force and will likely be even less so after the next election.
NZ may well see a short term gain in tourist arrivals from Australia from this but longer term not so sure. The reasons for NZ citizens moving to Australia are usually economic and not sure that this decision will bring people back in great numbers to take advantage of this new right.
As for aviation matters, the TK deal is good but lets be honest, they have no intention of starting their own services to NZ. The market is not sufficient to justify a move, hence code sharing is the best way forward for both parties.Even a SYD (or MEL) service would be a struggle, and the market potential is significantly greater.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22729 posts, RR: 88 Reply 206, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 1949 times:
Quoting IndianicWorld (Reply 205): A gay marriage won't be recognised in Australia, as hard as the Greens try and change that. They are not a significant force and will likely be even less so after the next election.
Not yet, no, and I can't predict the future. However, since marriage equality is official Labor policy - despite Ms. Gillard - I doubt the issue is going away.
Quoting IndianicWorld (Reply 205): NZ may well see a short term gain in tourist arrivals from Australia from this but longer term not so sure.
I'm only talking about the immediate future, the short term. Like the Pink flights.
Quoting IndianicWorld (Reply 205): As for aviation matters, the TK deal is good but lets be honest, they have no intention of starting their own services to NZ.
I can't imagine that they will, nor do I think it is particularly desirable. But I can imagine they'll get pretty decent bookings through Air NZ for 1915, if nothing else.
And I can see them increasing their presence in Asia, with potential for other link-ups with Air NZ there. Be funny if Turkish started a flight to Bali, just a couple of times a week.
TheCommodore From Australia, joined Dec 2007, 2346 posts, RR: 7 Reply 207, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 1897 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 204): Whatever your views of it, it is of extraordinary significance to those who want to do it, even if it has no legal standing elsewhere.
Can Australians Marry in NZ if they are not residents ?
I think that is the case in the Netherlands too, where one of the couple, must be of Dutch nationality, or at least a resident there.
Flown 905,468 kms or 2.356 times to the moon, 1296 hrs, Longest flight 10,524 kms
TheCommodore From Australia, joined Dec 2007, 2346 posts, RR: 7 Reply 209, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 1892 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 208): But an Australian passport gives you automatic residence in NZ. That's how I can live here.
Thanks Mariner
Yes I knew about having an Australian Passport and residency in NZ. Just wasn't sure about this new Gay marriage bill, and its limitations/requirements.
Cheers.
Flown 905,468 kms or 2.356 times to the moon, 1296 hrs, Longest flight 10,524 kms
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 211, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 1851 times:
Quoting nzrich (Reply 210): Trial for direct flights between CHC and PER
A mission for a sharklet fitted intl A320 perhaps... I have often thought that there was a market for it, given that half a perth flight is from West Auckland, and the other half from Christchurch...
xiaotung From New Zealand, joined Jan 2006, 677 posts, RR: 0 Reply 212, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 1832 times:
Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 211): A mission for a sharklet fitted intl A320 perhaps... I have often thought that there was a market for it, given that half a perth flight is from West Auckland, and the other half from Christchurch...
This will be a B767 route. These B767s must be the most utilised aircraft in the fleet.
ZKSUJ From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6937 posts, RR: 10 Reply 214, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day ago) and read 1787 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 213): But I thought the sharkletted A320s were heading to the domestic fleet.
I was under the impression these were heading to the Tasman replacing the current 320's which will be the ones replacing the 733s on the domestic fleet.
CHCalfonzo From New Zealand, joined Mar 2007, 161 posts, RR: 0 Reply 215, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day ago) and read 1777 times:
Quoting nzrich (Reply 210):
Newest route for Air NZ and CHC
Trial for direct flights between CHC and PER
Fantastic news! Well done NZ and CHC.
The schedule appears to be:
NZ161 CHC PER 15:40 18:00 36 763
NZ162 PER CHC 19:10 06:20 36 763
The press release from CIAL says that the 767 will also operate flights to SYD, so it seems fair to assume the aircraft will route AKL-SYD-CHC-PER-CHC-SYD-AKL.
xiaotung From New Zealand, joined Jan 2006, 677 posts, RR: 0 Reply 217, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day ago) and read 1753 times:
Quoting CHCalfonzo (Reply 215): The press release from CIAL says that the 767 will also operate flights to SYD, so it seems fair to assume the aircraft will route AKL-SYD-CHC-PER-CHC-SYD-AKL.
This is a good start. Business Class is returning to ports other than AKL for the first time since the introduction of S2S. Perhaps this will prompt them to review the S2S model.
This comes just days after Australian Business Traveller reported that Virgin Australia intended to introduce free meal service to all flights with flying time of more than 2:45 including Phuket and Bali. It didn't mention trans-Tasman and Pacific Islands though but it does make you wonder where NZ's S2S is heading considering AKL-DPS and AKL-HNL are a lot longer than VA's Phuket and Bali routes. They have been saying both airlines will align products and services but from where I can see, they are taking exact opposite directions.
gasman From New Zealand, joined Mar 2004, 733 posts, RR: 0 Reply 218, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day ago) and read 1745 times:
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 217): This is a good start. Business Class is returning to ports other than AKL for the first time since the introduction of S2S. Perhaps this will prompt them to review the S2S model.
Dear Sweet Mother of All that is Pure and Holy, please let this be so. Endured another trans-tasman flight in "works deluxe" on a ratty A320 yesterday; trying to work on my laptop while people of all shapes and sizes tripped over my feet for 3 hours.... grrrr.... Will be my last time for a while, as I have clocked enough status points to maintain *G for another year, so EK and QF are going to enjoy my custom for the next six months.
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 219, posted (1 month 1 week 1 day ago) and read 1742 times:
Quoting xiaotung (Reply 212):
This will be a B767 route. These B767s must be the most utilised aircraft in the fleet.
They're easily the most flexible in the fleet.. They are able to go anywhere on the current route map apart from non-stop to America and obviously LHR. I was pretty surprised to see a few leave in the mid 2000s. I wouldn't be too sure about being able to fill a 763 too often on CHC-PER. I wonder what NZ would be like now if they had a few 752s in their fleet.. Or even if a 752 equivalent was available, how well they'd be used across the Tasman and into the islands.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6328 posts, RR: 14 Reply 220, posted (1 month 1 week 23 hours ago) and read 1709 times:
Quoting Mr AirNZ (Reply 216): No. Sharklets or not, an A320 would not have the range. The Sharklet aircraft are solely for domestic ops.
It has the range according to the airbus website. What it does not have is the range to return to ADL if PER is below limits, The same reason why PPT still gets the 763....
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 213): But I thought the sharkletted A320s were heading to the domestic fleet
Eventually there will be a retrofit program for earlier A320s...
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 222, posted (1 month 1 week 23 hours ago) and read 1644 times:
Quoting ZK-NBT (Reply 221): I wonder where the 763 capacity will come from?
Maybe from throwing on a 772 on another AKL-SYD if there's room.. Or 744 if they're desperate? The fact that it's only 2x weekly means that it'd surely be quite easily covered.
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