Pacific Islands Aviation Thread 2018

qf789 · Tue Jan 02, 2018 2:11 am

Welcome to the Pacific Islands Aviation thread 2018. Please continue to add your comments below

Link to last thread

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1350435&start=250

qf789 · Tue Jan 02, 2018 2:23 am

In the last thread the following was asked

QANTAS747-438 wrote:
TN is to have it's first 789 delivered in October 2018. When will production on the plane begin?

The delivery date is down as 3rd of September at this stage, which is subject to change. The first 789 for TN will be built in CHS which normally starts final assembly roughly 2 months before the aircraft is delivered, so I would say parts arrive late June for an early July assembly

DavidByrne · Tue Jan 02, 2018 5:05 am

Interesting info here: haven't seen any more detail elsewhere. I know that DY applied for gazillions of routes out of Buenos Aires, including AKL and SYD IIRC, but there were so many that the consensus at the time was that it was a very long-term strategy. Maybe not . . .

https://blueswandaily.com/norwegian-air ... i-service/

c933103 · Wed Jan 17, 2018 11:05 am

DavidByrne wrote:
Interesting info here: haven't seen any more detail elsewhere. I know that DY applied for gazillions of routes out of Buenos Aires, including AKL and SYD IIRC, but there were so many that the consensus at the time was that it was a very long-term strategy. Maybe not . . .

https://blueswandaily.com/norwegian-air ... i-service/

After searching a bit on Google and using mechanical translation, according to French sites, it seems like the "planning" in the news simply mean the hundred and fifty route submissions, which was recently approved. Those report further stated that these might not be as implausible as previously thought because FDF and PTP have already been announced.
See: https://www.tahiti-infos.com/Norwegian- ... 67704.html

Motorhussy · Thu Jan 18, 2018 1:27 am

So this industrial dispute at NAN airport in Fiji is really dragging on.

220 workers, who are also shareholders in 49% of the company Air Terminal Services (ATS), have been locked out since December 16 last year.

A massive rally with thousands of Fijians was held last weekend. Smaller demonstrations have taken place in Wellington and Sydney.

While the experienced and highly trained engineers, caterers, baggage handlers etc have been locked out, unqualified and unvetted ‘temporary’ staff have been brought on to fill the void say unions.

Concerns for security at the airport and passenger safety appear valid, particularly after an NZ 77W was damaged by ground crew and not reported.

Latest here…

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/348372/australian-unions-rally-for-locked-out-fiji-workers

On Air NZ jet here…

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/347859/damage-to-air-nz-jet-not-reported-by-fiji-ground-handlers

USAOZ · Thu Jan 18, 2018 2:10 am

anyone have any idea where the "new" (or used) FJ a332 is coming from ?

qf789 · Thu Jan 18, 2018 3:30 pm

Real Tonga Airlines confirms it will launch operations between Tonga and Samoa, 2 weekly from 12 Feb 18

https://blueswandaily.com/real-tonga-ai ... -feb-2018/

USAOZ · Tue Jan 30, 2018 9:41 am

FJ to fly BNE/LAX direct from later this year

LamboAston · Sat Feb 03, 2018 9:39 pm

USAOZ wrote:
FJ to fly BNE/LAX direct from later this year

That seems like a strange plan - a 6th freedom route. Maybe demand is sufficient though

USAOZ · Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:18 pm

LamboAston wrote:
USAOZ wrote:
FJ to fly BNE/LAX direct from later this year

That seems like a strange plan - a 6th freedom route. Maybe demand is sufficient though

apparently Fiji is booming from Australia & Nzl partly due to bali volcano.

Catch is they must be getting very close to maximum number of sests Australia to Fiji from Bne syd mel under the bilateral. Sounds lije the next increase of seats to Fiji from Australia will have to be from ool, cbr or avv.

USAOZ · Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:27 pm

LamboAston wrote:
USAOZ wrote:
FJ to fly BNE/LAX direct from later this year

That seems like a strange plan - a 6th freedom route. Maybe demand is sufficient though

apparently Fiji is booming from Australia & Nzl partly due to bali volcano.

Catch is they must be getting very close to maximum number of sests Australia to Fiji from Bne syd mel under the bilateral. Sounds lije the next increase of seats to Fiji from Australia will have to be from ool, cbr or avv.

JBusworth · Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:41 pm

USAOZ wrote:
LamboAston wrote:
USAOZ wrote:
FJ to fly BNE/LAX direct from later this year

That seems like a strange plan - a 6th freedom route. Maybe demand is sufficient though
apparently Fiji is booming from Australia & Nzl partly due to bali volcano.

Catch is they must be getting very close to maximum number of sests Australia to Fiji from Bne syd mel under the bilateral. Sounds lije the next increase of seats to Fiji from Australia will have to be from ool, cbr or avv.

I don't think that OOL would work, connecting two leisure oriented markets. They could always get another A332 to upgauge SYD/MEL/BNE is the demand id there and they have the money. I'm not sure FJ have a plane that could fly BNE-LAX and with Qantas going 11 weekly, maybe it might not happen.

USAOZ · Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:45 pm

JBusworth wrote:
USAOZ wrote:
LamboAston wrote:
That seems like a strange plan - a 6th freedom route. Maybe demand is sufficient though
apparently Fiji is booming from Australia & Nzl partly due to bali volcano.

Catch is they must be getting very close to maximum number of sests Australia to Fiji from Bne syd mel under the bilateral. Sounds lije the next increase of seats to Fiji from Australia will have to be from ool, cbr or avv.

I don't think that OOL would work, connecting two leisure oriented markets. They could always get another A332 to upgauge SYD/MEL/BNE is the demand id there and they have the money. I'm not sure FJ have a plane that could fly BNE-LAX and with Qantas going 11 weekly, maybe it might not happen.

fj flew ool nan briefly about 8-10 years ago. Ool is not subject to bilateral whereas bne syd mel are. Fj bne lax isn't nonstop but direct via nan in an a332

USAOZ · Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:48 pm

JBusworth wrote:
USAOZ wrote:
LamboAston wrote:
That seems like a strange plan - a 6th freedom route. Maybe demand is sufficient though
apparently Fiji is booming from Australia & Nzl partly due to bali volcano.

Catch is they must be getting very close to maximum number of sests Australia to Fiji from Bne syd mel under the bilateral. Sounds lije the next increase of seats to Fiji from Australia will have to be from ool, cbr or avv.

I don't think that OOL would work, connecting two leisure oriented markets. They could always get another A332 to upgauge SYD/MEL/BNE is the demand id there and they have the money. I'm not sure FJ have a plane that could fly BNE-LAX and with Qantas going 11 weekly, maybe it might not happen.

fj flew ool nan briefly about 8-10 years ago. Ool is not subject to bilateral whereas bne syd mel are. Fj bne lax isn't nonstop but direct via nan in an a332.

Qf going 11 per week is actually a slight reduction in seats. 744 to 787

Enzed · Fri Mar 16, 2018 2:07 am

speculation by Avalon Airport, that Fiji Airways may fly there, as can't do anymore flights to MEL (lost the link, but it was CEO of AVV suggesting it)

Also, wasn't the additional Airbus A332 Fiji Airways have leased due to arrive this month ?

Enzed · Wed Mar 21, 2018 6:29 am

now a story on FJ getting two A333s from 6 days ago

www.fijivillage.com/news/Board-of-Fiji- ... AG-rk925s/

It correct a big increase in capacity.

Flyingsottsman · Wed Mar 21, 2018 8:33 am

USAOZ wrote:
FJ to fly BNE/LAX direct from later this year

Not sure how that is going to work, when an A330 would not have the range to do Brisbane to LAX direct, could it be that it will be on QF metal with an FJ flight code.

ZK-NBT · Wed Mar 21, 2018 9:05 am

Flyingsottsman wrote:
USAOZ wrote:
FJ to fly BNE/LAX direct from later this year

Not sure how that is going to work, when an A330 would not have the range to do Brisbane to LAX direct, could it be that it will be on QF metal with an FJ flight code.

He means direct via NAN ie same plane service. I did notice a weekly A330 NAN-BNE last I looked, no idea if it’s a same flight number/aircraft or direct as said.

QuayWeeAir · Sun May 06, 2018 8:52 am

Any updates on Samoa Airways services and any upcoming plans? Seems all I've been reading about is there steeming losses and low load factors on all their flights.

Laulau · Mon May 07, 2018 2:31 am

Article related to new jet operation at Samoa Airways formerly Polynesian Airlines. Local Govt has been very careful on press releases due to the high startup costs.

http://sobserver.ws/en/21_11_2017/local ... vealed.htm

YBBNspotter01 · Sun May 13, 2018 10:55 am

Airbus A330-200 DQ-FJO entered into service with Fiji Airways recently bringing their total number of A330s to 5. The aircraft came from Air Seychelles.
DQ-FJG positioned to Seletar today for maintenance.

SpaceshipDC10 · Sun May 13, 2018 12:27 pm

Surprised not to see it mentioned here. Low-cost airline French Bee is only a few hours away of completing its first new twice weekly return service (BF710/711) between Paris and PPT with a stop at SFO.

Gokiwigo · Mon May 14, 2018 12:11 pm

YBBNspotter01 wrote:
Airbus A330-200 DQ-FJO entered into service with Fiji Airways recently bringing their total number of A330s to 5. The aircraft came from Air Seychelles.
DQ-FJG positioned to Seletar today for maintenance.

The “new“ Airbus A330-200, rego: DQ-FJO is on a 4 year lease from Etihad Airways.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 2:12 am

OL is considering taking on a Chinese built plane - I'm not sure it'd be a good idea, to be honest.

See: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... oa-airways.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 2:15 am

It's nice to see that REALtonga Airlines has started twice weekly services between Tonga and Samoa.

See: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... -to-samoa/.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 2:18 am

NF finally has a new CEO, Derek Nice, and is considering expanding its fleet and network - great to hear.

See:
- https://centreforaviation.com/news/air- ... ceo-815171.
- https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... et-network.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 2:20 am

NAN - ADL will be the first route to see FJ's new 737-MAX 8 planes, from December 2018.

See: http://impactpub.com.au/micebtn/85-news ... elaide-run.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 2:24 am

SB will re-introduce Chinese charter flights to New Caledonia, in September 2018.

There is still hope that regular, scheduled services will be introduced at some time.

See: https://lepetitjournal.com/nouvelle-cal ... ien-233881 (only in French).

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 2:30 am

Some developments with PX:

- They will launch a new TKK - NRT flight from September (on 738's)
- They have started to code-share with FJ on POM - HIR - NAN flights
- They still want to develop a hub at POM for Asia - Australia services
- One of their planes was burned down in Mendi by a mob last month

See:
- https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... ir-niugini.
- https://postcourier.com.pg/air-niugini- ... i-airways/.
- https://centreforaviation.com/news/air- ... hub-816119.
- https://www.pngindustrynews.net/governm ... d-in-mendi.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 3:04 am

REALtonga Airlines says that the financial impact of having had to suspend services to Kaufuna Airport on the island of Eua since March (due to high trees not being tended to) may lead to lay-offs. Here's hoping that Tonga sorts out its crippled regional aviation infrastructure, as there are also issues at Ha'apai, Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu.

See: https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... suspension.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 3:12 am

Some developments at IE:

- A new BNE - MUA flight will be launched in a few months.
- A new HIR - PRS flight was launched on 8 June 2018.
- Their 320 is expected to be back at IE later this month.

See:
- https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... instructor.
- http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.ph ... -to-parasi.
- http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.ph ... t-steps-in.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 3:27 am

In Fiji, upgrade work at the Labasa Airport to cater for night landing is near completion - the upgrade will grant a same day return flight from Labasa to Suva.

See: http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/65461/work-a ... completion.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Tue Jul 03, 2018 3:39 am

A businessman has raised a very interesting idea about open-skies in Fiji, suggesting open-skies in underdeveloped areas. For example, an airline could take advantage of "an open skies policy in Vanua Levu and cash in with the fact that you control the airport (Bangkok Airways owns the airport on Ko Samui)."

See: http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/06/29/bajeka ... be-hedged/.

I'm not sure who would be interested in this - pre-HNA Group's financial issues, I would've said HNA Group could've been an option, as they are known to fly to places they build hotel infrastructure in (think Tahiti / PPT). Nowadays though, I can't see anyone else doing it. What do you guys think?

Cheers,

C.

Qantas16 · Tue Jul 03, 2018 4:34 am

planemanofnz wrote:
Some developments at IE:

- A new BNE - MUA flight will be launched in a few months.
- A new HIR - PRS flight was launched on 8 June 2018.
- Their 320 is expected to be back at IE later this month.

See:
- https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... instructor.
- http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.ph ... -to-parasi.
- http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.ph ... t-steps-in.

Cheers,

C.

IE has had a rough couple of months with it's A320 out of service and having to use ON and QQ charter aircraft that aren't always adequate for the flights they operate. MUA was meant to start in April and then June so we will see when it actually happens!

planemanofnz · Thu Jul 05, 2018 2:52 am

Some updates from FJ:

- FJ is reportedly very happy with its SIN flight, and so the Fijian government will cut its marketing grant for the route now.

- Further, FJ has just successfully re-launched NAN - NRT, after a number of years of absence from the Japanese market.

- FJ will name its latest aircraft (an A330), "Island of Vatulele". Villagers from Vatulele were invited to NAN to see the A330.

See:
- http://www.fijitimes.com/singapore-rout ... -airliner/.
- http://www.fijitimes.com/fiji-airways-l ... an-flight/.
- http://www.fijitimes.com/fiji-airways-n ... -vatulele/.

Cheers,

C.

mariner · Thu Jul 05, 2018 4:55 am

planemanofnz wrote:
FJ will name its latest aircraft (an A330), "Island of Vatulele". Villagers from Vatulele were invited to NAN to see the A330.

Vatulele is a long, tiny island somewhat to the south of Suva, whose four villages represent some what less than a couple thousand people. It is home to the unique and protected red prawn, red before it is cooked,

However, it famous for the Vatulele Island Resort - one the ritziest resorts in Fiji - and I suspect this is why it gets an A330 named after it, because of the all the mega-rich foreign visitors it attracts. LOL.

mariner

planemanofnz · Thu Jul 05, 2018 12:49 pm

The Research and Statistics Division of the South Pacific Tourism Office published its Annual Review of Visitor Arrivals in Pacific Island Countries for the year ending 2017. Arrivals in 2017 represented a 3.1% gain over 2016, or 65,004 more tourists during the period. By destinations, double-digit growth was recorded for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Timor Leste, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Fiji continues to be the lead tourism destination in the region and attracted an incremental 39.4% share of the total arrivals.

See: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1806/S ... acific.htm.

Hopefully this growth in tourism will lead to more air services for the region soon.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Mon Jul 09, 2018 3:25 am

SUV's runway extension has been confirmed, with works commencing soon. I understand that this was mainly related to FJ phasing out the 73G and needing to use the MAX-8's at SUV, but could this extension also pave the way for new services, like, say, from NZ?

Just a thought.

See: http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/07/09/nausor ... deal-done/.

Cheers,

C.

Qantas16 · Thu Jul 12, 2018 6:29 am

Fiji Airways in late-June 2018 added FJ-coded flight numbers on Singapore Airlines service on Singapore – London Heathrow route

Source: https://twitter.com/Airlineroute/status ... 6546900997

This is interesting given QF's SIN-LHR service is actually timed (relatively) well to connect with the NAN-SIN-NAN service!

zkncj · Thu Jul 12, 2018 6:35 am

planemanofnz wrote:
SUV's runway extension has been confirmed, with works commencing soon. I understand that this was mainly related to FJ phasing out the 73G and needing to use the MAX-8's at SUV, but could this extension also pave the way for new services, like, say, from NZ?

Just a thought.

See: http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/07/09/nausor ... deal-done/.

Cheers,

C.

FJ already operates SUV-AKL 1-2 weekly - don't really think it could handle much more?

planemanofnz · Fri Jul 13, 2018 5:28 am

zkncj wrote:
FJ already operates SUV-AKL 1-2 weekly - don't really think it could handle much more?

I'm only talking about a low-frequency NZ service too - it's hardly going to break SUV's infrastructure? In terms of accommodation pressures in SUV, SUV can also be used as an access point for many of the surrounding resorts on Fiji's main island. There would also be VFR and freight traffic, not needing hotels or motels.

I think NZ should consider SUV, given that it's reported that its NAN demand has grown by ~30%, and how FJ is set to aggressively beef up its New Zealand operations with more A330's, as well as the MAX-8's. There will be both public and private sector traffic between Fiji and New Zealand - bankers, diplomats etc.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Fri Jul 13, 2018 5:30 am

Some good news on the growth front - FJ will boost its Australian and New Zealand flights (specifically, SYD) with more A330's, while VA will boost its flights ex-Australia to Samoa and Vanuatu for NW.

See:
- https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/new ... d=12088610.
- https://blueswandaily.com/planning-on-h ... -capacity/.

Cheers,

C.

Gokiwigo · Fri Jul 13, 2018 6:39 am

I am actually very pleased that SUV is getting an 'upgrade'. Very old and tired terminal building there. The runway is also little short, meaning the 737 flights are not at full capacity. I will be flying AKL-SUV and back NAN-AKL next year. That way we can start our holiday in Suva and make our west along the coral coast towards Nadi.

planemanofnz · Thu Jul 26, 2018 12:43 pm

FJ is considering NOU and PPT as possible new destinations, and is exploring regional JV opportunities.

IMO, PPT may work - FJ can get feed from HKG, SIN and Australia, given its convenient transit location.

See: http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/07/26/fiji-a ... h-pacific/.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Thu Jul 26, 2018 12:46 pm

Last week, it was revealed that OL is taking out a loan from the Unit Trust of Samoa, to fund its operations.

It's troubling to see OL needing top ups. I do wonder how long OL will last. Will it follow in PH's footsteps?

See: http://www.sobserver.ws/en/26_07_2018/s ... n-loan.htm.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Thu Jul 26, 2018 12:49 pm

A new terminal in Papua New Guinea is not being used by airlines, because the rent is "too expensive," but the government has ordered airlines to move to the new terminal. Hopefully the pending showdown doesn't turn too ugly!

See: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... ew-airport.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz · Mon Jul 30, 2018 3:43 am

Tokelau's government is again identifying a location for an airstrip for a commercial air service - this was revealed in correspondence involving New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister in June.

What do people think about the viability of air services to Tokelau? Would New Zealand subsidize them? Where would they be to - APW? Could NAN be a possibility with an FJ ATR-42 instead?

See: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... rport-site.

Cheers,

C.

aerokiwi · Mon Jul 30, 2018 4:50 am

planemanofnz wrote:
Tokelau's government is again identifying a location for an airstrip for a commercial air service - this was revealed in correspondence involving New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister in June.

What do people think about the viability of air services to Tokelau? Would New Zealand subsidize them? Where would they be to - APW? Could NAN be a possibility with an FJ ATR-42 instead?

See: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... rport-site.

Cheers,

C.

I'd imagine it was used by "micro" operators or general aviation, with a mix of military usage, perhaps? I don't know if there is much of a GA scene in the Pacific but a Cessna Caravan or two would probably help with freight delivery. Arguably it would revolutionise life on the island so I hope it goes ahead. so

Mortyman · Mon Jul 30, 2018 7:25 am

aerokiwi wrote:
planemanofnz wrote:
Tokelau's government is again identifying a location for an airstrip for a commercial air service - this was revealed in correspondence involving New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister in June.

What do people think about the viability of air services to Tokelau? Would New Zealand subsidize them? Where would they be to - APW? Could NAN be a possibility with an FJ ATR-42 instead?

See: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... rport-site.

Cheers,

C.

I'd imagine it was used by "micro" operators or general aviation, with a mix of military usage, perhaps? I don't know if there is much of a GA scene in the Pacific but a Cessna Caravan or two would probably help with freight delivery. Arguably it would revolutionise life on the island so I hope it goes ahead. so

The atolls have about 1000-1500 people and it's not ready for tourism. Barley a hotel and no restaurants / bars or other tourist Activity available. A ship arrives from Apia about a couple of times a month. I honestly lik toi see the atolls left pristine .

aerokiwi · Mon Jul 30, 2018 8:23 am

Sure. But I'm talking about improving their quality of life. So access to medical treatment, regular and faster delivery of all manner of goods, faster assistance following storms etc. An airstrip would be very handy for that.

And besides, what you or I want doesn't really factor here. If the locals want to develop a tourism industry then power to them, whether niche or larger scale. Keeping things "pristine" from a western perspective is a luxury for many Pacidic Islanders. These islands may very well be submerged in 50 years, afterall.

Who is online

Popular Searches On Airliners.net