Today's QF43 is being operated by VH QPD, the 300 variant of the A330's. According to the qantas source it's the second time an A330-300 has operated the route since it was upgraded over the holidays. Be nice to see the A330 year round on the route.

BAeRJ100 wrote:

There are rumours swirling of Q400's by mid-year, plus the introduction (or rather, RE-introduction - hint, hint) of Ejets at one of the regional airlines.

This has got me intrigued. All I can think of is Cobham. Don't forget how it worked out for Jetgo..
I'd love to see Airnorth expand into southern NSW. Maybe take on some of those old Jetgo routes? Think FC are doing okay with the Saabs.

qf2048 wrote:

BAeRJ100 wrote:

There are rumours swirling of Q400's by mid-year, plus the introduction (or rather, RE-introduction - hint, hint) of Ejets at one of the regional airlines.

This has got me intrigued. All I can think of is Cobham. Don't forget how it worked out for Jetgo..
I'd love to see Airnorth expand into southern NSW. Maybe take on some of those old Jetgo routes? Think FC are doing okay with the Saabs.

This is intriguing- I took RE to possibly mean Regional Express. Bit extreme but they need to start thinking of SAAB replacements soon

I fly ZL regularly and the 340's are getting old. An E-jet may work on their heavier trafficked routes. I fly them to ONG 5 or 6 times a year. Has anyone else on here ever flown to ONG ?

NTLDaz wrote:

qf2048 wrote:

BAeRJ100 wrote:

There are rumours swirling of Q400's by mid-year, plus the introduction (or rather, RE-introduction - hint, hint) of Ejets at one of the regional airlines.

This has got me intrigued. All I can think of is Cobham. Don't forget how it worked out for Jetgo..
I'd love to see Airnorth expand into southern NSW. Maybe take on some of those old Jetgo routes? Think FC are doing okay with the Saabs.

This is intriguing- I took RE to possibly mean Regional Express. Bit extreme but they need to start thinking of SAAB replacements soon

I fly ZL regularly and the 340's are getting old. An E-jet may work on their heavier trafficked routes. I fly them to ONG 5 or 6 times a year. Has anyone else on here ever flown to ONG ?

If you mean OAG then that would be a yes for me. Last ZL flight form there broke down before even departing. Locals call them REX because they recks you plans..

NTLDaz wrote:

qf2048 wrote:

BAeRJ100 wrote:

There are rumours swirling of Q400's by mid-year, plus the introduction (or rather, RE-introduction - hint, hint) of Ejets at one of the regional airlines.

This has got me intrigued. All I can think of is Cobham. Don't forget how it worked out for Jetgo..
I'd love to see Airnorth expand into southern NSW. Maybe take on some of those old Jetgo routes? Think FC are doing okay with the Saabs.

This is intriguing- I took RE to possibly mean Regional Express. Bit extreme but they need to start thinking of SAAB replacements soon

I fly ZL regularly and the 340's are getting old. An E-jet may work on their heavier trafficked routes. I fly them to ONG 5 or 6 times a year. Has anyone else on here ever flown to ONG ?

I’m pretty sure the hint is suggesting that a previous E-jet operator is giving consideration to reintroducing the type. That narrows it down to VA, and probably VARA.

Maybe lower lease rates and lower VARA operating costs mean that E-jets are being looked at as a viable long-term replacement for the F100s on regional routes? I read on another thread that JetBlue are due to return a large number of leased E-jets from 2020 onwards as new A220s are delivered...

qf2048 wrote:

NTLDaz wrote:

qf2048 wrote:

This has got me intrigued. All I can think of is Cobham. Don't forget how it worked out for Jetgo..
I'd love to see Airnorth expand into southern NSW. Maybe take on some of those old Jetgo routes? Think FC are doing okay with the Saabs.

This is intriguing- I took RE to possibly mean Regional Express. Bit extreme but they need to start thinking of SAAB replacements soon

I fly ZL regularly and the 340's are getting old. An E-jet may work on their heavier trafficked routes. I fly them to ONG 5 or 6 times a year. Has anyone else on here ever flown to ONG ?

If you mean OAG then that would be a yes for me. Last ZL flight form there broke down before even departing. Locals call them REX because they recks you plans..

Nope defo ONG.

QF754 wrote:

NTLDaz wrote:

qf2048 wrote:

This has got me intrigued. All I can think of is Cobham. Don't forget how it worked out for Jetgo..
I'd love to see Airnorth expand into southern NSW. Maybe take on some of those old Jetgo routes? Think FC are doing okay with the Saabs.

This is intriguing- I took RE to possibly mean Regional Express. Bit extreme but they need to start thinking of SAAB replacements soon

I fly ZL regularly and the 340's are getting old. An E-jet may work on their heavier trafficked routes. I fly them to ONG 5 or 6 times a year. Has anyone else on here ever flown to ONG ?

I’m pretty sure the hint is suggesting that a previous E-jet operator is giving consideration to reintroducing the type. That narrows it down to VA, and probably VARA.

Maybe lower lease rates and lower VARA operating costs mean that E-jets are being looked at as a viable long-term replacement for the F100s on regional routes? I read on another thread that JetBlue are due to return a large number of leased E-jets from 2020 onwards as new A220s are delivered...

You may be right but my thinking was the capitals- RE. Can't imagine VA going down that path again.

QF754 wrote:

NTLDaz wrote:

qf2048 wrote:

This has got me intrigued. All I can think of is Cobham. Don't forget how it worked out for Jetgo..
I'd love to see Airnorth expand into southern NSW. Maybe take on some of those old Jetgo routes? Think FC are doing okay with the Saabs.

This is intriguing- I took RE to possibly mean Regional Express. Bit extreme but they need to start thinking of SAAB replacements soon

I fly ZL regularly and the 340's are getting old. An E-jet may work on their heavier trafficked routes. I fly them to ONG 5 or 6 times a year. Has anyone else on here ever flown to ONG ?

I’m pretty sure the hint is suggesting that a previous E-jet operator is giving consideration to reintroducing the type. That narrows it down to VA, and probably VARA.

Maybe lower lease rates and lower VARA operating costs mean that E-jets are being looked at as a viable long-term replacement for the F100s on regional routes? I read on another thread that JetBlue are due to return a large number of leased E-jets from 2020 onwards as new A220s are delivered...

Lol; at a stretch, wasn’t REX originally Hazelton- who operated Bandeirante‘s so whilst not E-jets they were Embraers?

But seriously would be amazed if VA picked some up. Whilst the lower costs of VARA make sense (do they still own Skywest, who operate VARA? Or is VARA rebranded skywest?) surely that must raise questions why they weren’t moved to VARA previously?

Could Cobham take some over some cheap ones to replace QFLinks 717s?

With regard to Q400s have QF maxes out the utilisation of theirs? Do they need more, maybe replace the 300s?

On a sidenote what’s happening to the VA ATRs parked in NSN in NZ? Are they being returned to lease, operation or sold?

qf789 wrote:

smi0006 wrote:

QF754 wrote:

I’m pretty sure the hint is suggesting that a previous E-jet operator is giving consideration to reintroducing the type. That narrows it down to VA, and probably VARA.

Maybe lower lease rates and lower VARA operating costs mean that E-jets are being looked at as a viable long-term replacement for the F100s on regional routes? I read on another thread that JetBlue are due to return a large number of leased E-jets from 2020 onwards as new A220s are delivered...

Lol; at a stretch, wasn’t REX originally Hazelton- who operated Bandeirante‘s so whilst not E-jets they were Embraers?

But seriously would be amazed if VA picked some up. Whilst the lower costs of VARA make sense (do they still own Skywest, who operate VARA? Or is VARA rebranded skywest?) surely that must raise questions why they weren’t moved to VARA previously?

Could Cobham take some over some cheap ones to replace QFLinks 717s?

With regard to Q400s have QF maxes out the utilisation of theirs? Do they need more, maybe replace the 300s?

On a sidenote what’s happening to the VA ATRs parked in NSN in NZ? Are they being returned to lease, operation or sold?

Skywest was rebranded VARA after VA purchased Skywest.

I have heard interesting things regarding VA's F100's replacements. To say the least some may go quicker than some may think and they could be replaced by something unexpected

Unexpected sounds good! The more variety we can get domestically the better

Could AirNorth be considering the E190 to compliment their E170’s?

RyanairGuru wrote:

To be fair I also assumed that you meant OAG.

After you insisted it was ONG I had to Google it. Certainly an interesting destination! For those who are equally confused ONG is Mornington Island Airport in the Gulf of Carpentaria (and is indeed a ZL destination)

It was a BPA destination before that, for some decades before that.. [BPA = Bush Pilots Airlines]

Gemuser

qf2048 wrote:

BAeRJ100 wrote:

There are rumours swirling of Q400's by mid-year, plus the introduction (or rather, RE-introduction - hint, hint) of Ejets at one of the regional airlines.

This has got me intrigued. All I can think of is Cobham. Don't forget how it worked out for Jetgo..

smi0006 wrote:

But seriously would be amazed if VA picked some up. Whilst the lower costs of VARA make sense (do they still own Skywest, who operate VARA? Or is VARA rebranded skywest?) surely that must raise questions why they weren’t moved to VARA previously?

Could Cobham take some over some cheap ones to replace QFLinks 717s?

QF754 wrote:

I’m pretty sure the hint is suggesting that a previous E-jet operator is giving consideration to reintroducing the type. That narrows it down to VA, and probably VARA.

Don't forget Cobham operated the E190 between 2015 and 2018!

But yes, word is that Cobham will use the Q400 for gravel strips as there is no suitable jet replacement for the gravel kit-equipped 146/RJs, while at the same time more Ejets will at first complement but subsequently replace the rest of the fleet. This is purely for the Regional/charter side of the operation.

Does anybody know what happened with the Virgin 'meltdown' in Sydney this week?

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/i-expected-it-to-be-busy-but-wow-delays-at-sydney-airport-due-to-fog-20190102-p50p6i.html

I'm always cynical about these type of stories, but queuing out the door like that suggests something went pretty badly wrong.

NTLDaz wrote:

[]

This is intriguing- I took RE to possibly mean Regional Express. Bit extreme but they need to start thinking of SAAB replacements soon

I fly ZL regularly and the 340's are getting old. An E-jet may work on their heavier trafficked routes. I fly them to ONG 5 or 6 times a year. Has anyone else on here ever flown to ONG ?

Does ZL have the captail for an fleet replacement project? If there were interested in going larger NZ/VA has both recently off loaded there 72-500s, VA still has an grave yard of them in NSN.

Does anyone know why PR Q400’s are flying into BNE?

RyanairGuru wrote:

NTLDaz wrote:

qf2048 wrote:

If you mean OAG then that would be a yes for me. Last ZL flight form there broke down before even departing. Locals call them REX because they recks you plans..

Nope defo ONG.

To be fair I also assumed that you meant OAG.

After you insisted it was ONG I had to Google it. Certainly an interesting destination! For those who are equally confused ONG is Mornington Island Airport in the Gulf of Carpentaria (and is indeed a ZL destination)

Population about 1300, the vast majority of which are Aboriginal. Gets 2 flights per day as part of milk runs. Mt Isa - Doomadgee - ONG - Normanton- Cairns and another in the opposite direction. 2 days per week there is a stop in Karumba between Normanton and ONG. Mornington Island and Doomadgee have Alcohol Management Plans and announcements are made that any alcohol needs to be surrendered to the Flight Attendant.

I remember reading a trip report of someone who took the milk run from Mt Isa to Brisbane on Rec. It stops about 5 or 6 times on the way.

qf789 wrote:

Ryanair01 wrote:

Does anybody know what happened with the Virgin 'meltdown' in Sydney this week?

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/i-expected-it-to-be-busy-but-wow-delays-at-sydney-airport-due-to-fog-20190102-p50p6i.html

I'm always cynical about these type of stories, but queuing out the door like that suggests something went pretty badly wrong.

VA had put out on social media that morning that delays were expected in both SYD and MEL as it was going to be particularly busy. The flight referenced in the article being VA555 was delayed for operational reasons. On top of that VA had to deal with a A332 at the wrong port after the red eye from PER diverted to MEL due to the fog in SYD. VA555 was operated by the inbound aircraft from HKG, with it only having just under 2 hours ground time, turning it around and add in it needed to be towed which could have been delayed to ATC it was an uphill battle to get the flight out of time. The displaced aircraft in MEL was ferried to SYD to operate the HKG flight which ended up with about a 3hr delay.

On top of those challenges the biggest issue is the fact it was the busiest day of the year in the busiest terminal in Australia. Doesn't take much to go wrong for chaos to ensue in those circumstances. Terminal 2 is not big enough ground side for the amount of people who go through it.

[list=][/list]

VHOGU wrote:

Does anyone know why PR Q400’s are flying into BNE?

There not actually the Q400. Flight radar 24 is just showing this because this new particular A321neo has the same rego as an old Q400 which doesn’t have it anymore. But as the FR24 system hasn’t picked this up yet, it is still showing a Q400. The Q400 doesn’t have the range or speed for MNL-BNE.

NTLDaz wrote:

qf789 wrote:

Ryanair01 wrote:

Does anybody know what happened with the Virgin 'meltdown' in Sydney this week?

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/i-expected-it-to-be-busy-but-wow-delays-at-sydney-airport-due-to-fog-20190102-p50p6i.html

I'm always cynical about these type of stories, but queuing out the door like that suggests something went pretty badly wrong.

VA had put out on social media that morning that delays were expected in both SYD and MEL as it was going to be particularly busy. The flight referenced in the article being VA555 was delayed for operational reasons. On top of that VA had to deal with a A332 at the wrong port after the red eye from PER diverted to MEL due to the fog in SYD. VA555 was operated by the inbound aircraft from HKG, with it only having just under 2 hours ground time, turning it around and add in it needed to be towed which could have been delayed to ATC it was an uphill battle to get the flight out of time. The displaced aircraft in MEL was ferried to SYD to operate the HKG flight which ended up with about a 3hr delay.

On top of those challenges the biggest issue is the fact it was the busiest day of the year in the busiest terminal in Australia. Doesn't take much to go wrong for chaos to ensue in those circumstances. Terminal 2 is not big enough ground side for the amount of people who go through it.

Could be over dramatic article but those photos seem telling. Seems like VA didn’t get their resourcing right - they had deployed additional curb side Checkin counters at one point. However opening all counters, and having staff roaming around handing out bottled water would have reduced a lot of that angst. New Years shouldn’t have surprised them, and they should have planned for potential disruptions.

I wonder what the arrangement is in SYD around infrastructure- why does VA not have more Checkin kiosks and any Auto bag drops? They have only just installed some in MEL. Their bag drop transaction time is woeful, I with no staff to handle kiosk issues. Perth was done years ago and flows so well! Not to mention QF did it maybe 10years ago? I do hope we see some major investment in this terminal to expand Checkin.

SACL seem to be eternal dreamers and planners, never wanting to invest as they don’t want to invest in technology or infrastructure that isn’t future proof - but are so slow they simply can’t keep up on any front and are perpetually evaluating!

smi0006 wrote:

NTLDaz wrote:

qf789 wrote:

VA had put out on social media that morning that delays were expected in both SYD and MEL as it was going to be particularly busy. The flight referenced in the article being VA555 was delayed for operational reasons. On top of that VA had to deal with a A332 at the wrong port after the red eye from PER diverted to MEL due to the fog in SYD. VA555 was operated by the inbound aircraft from HKG, with it only having just under 2 hours ground time, turning it around and add in it needed to be towed which could have been delayed to ATC it was an uphill battle to get the flight out of time. The displaced aircraft in MEL was ferried to SYD to operate the HKG flight which ended up with about a 3hr delay.

On top of those challenges the biggest issue is the fact it was the busiest day of the year in the busiest terminal in Australia. Doesn't take much to go wrong for chaos to ensue in those circumstances. Terminal 2 is not big enough ground side for the amount of people who go through it.

Could be over dramatic article but those photos seem telling. Seems like VA didn’t get their resourcing right - they had deployed additional curb side Checkin counters at one point. However opening all counters, and having staff roaming around handing out bottled water would have reduced a lot of that angst. New Years shouldn’t have surprised them, and they should have planned for potential disruptions.

I wonder what the arrangement is in SYD around infrastructure- why does VA not have more Checkin kiosks and any Auto bag drops? They have only just installed some in MEL. Their bag drop transaction time is woeful, I with no staff to handle kiosk issues. Perth was done years ago and flows so well! Not to mention QF did it maybe 10years ago? I do hope we see some major investment in this terminal to expand Checkin.

SACL seem to be eternal dreamers and planners, never wanting to invest as they don’t want to invest in technology or infrastructure that isn’t future proof - but are so slow they simply can’t keep up on any front and are perpetually evaluating!

There isn't really room for automated bag drops. They have to share the terminal with Jetstar, Tiger, Rex and Fly Pelican. They really need their own terminal like QF has.

Friend is currently on QF9
Last night in Perth apparently a few passengers were offloaded due to weight restrictions. She was one of them but was able to get a seat due to work commitments.

Were offerend Perth-Singapore-London in business if they went two days later.

Any ideas why it might be the case?
More fuel?

There isn't really room for automated bag drops. They have to share the terminal with Jetstar, Tiger, Rex and Fly Pelican. They really need their own terminal like QF has.

SYD T2 is operating way above the capacity it wa designed for when AN opened it nearly 20 years ago. It is felt most acutely at landside check-in and security but the terminal does struggle. There was a plan at one stage of doing an airside link between T3 and T2 which would potentially reduce congestion as some airlines could use the T3 check-in hall. Nothing has come of this; maybe it will change at the end of the QF lease of T3 at which time their exclusivity over that terminal will end and will probably move to a priority gate arrangement similar to what VA has in T2.

No reason Syd Airport can't introduce common automated check-in and bag drop facilities

moa999 wrote:

No reason Syd Airport can't introduce common automated check-in and bag drop facilities

Exactly!! ADL has it for goodness sake, with NZ,JQ,TT all sharing kiosk and bag drops in the morning peak!

TT and VA should be able to share kiosks and bag drops easily. JQ can have their own end as they currently do.

On reflection my suspicion would be the injection rates for the bags is a lot faster when automated - and the SACL sortation system can handle the throughput....

waoz1 wrote:

Friend is currently on QF9
Last night in Perth apparently a few passengers were offloaded due to weight restrictions. She was one of them but was able to get a seat due to work commitments.

Were offerend Perth-Singapore-London in business if they went two days later.

Any ideas why it might be the case?
More fuel?

Stronger than normal headwinds? It looks like QF9 clocked in at 18hrs yesterday which seems above the normal flight time.

Major delays at SYD this evening, with at least a dozen flights diverted, and double that number in cancellations. I assume it is due to the weather events passing through our region. Domestic and international diversions include to CBR, MEL, BNE, PQQ, OOL.

qf789 wrote:

smi0006 wrote:

QF754 wrote:

I’m pretty sure the hint is suggesting that a previous E-jet operator is giving consideration to reintroducing the type. That narrows it down to VA, and probably VARA.

Maybe lower lease rates and lower VARA operating costs mean that E-jets are being looked at as a viable long-term replacement for the F100s on regional routes? I read on another thread that JetBlue are due to return a large number of leased E-jets from 2020 onwards as new A220s are delivered...

Lol; at a stretch, wasn’t REX originally Hazelton- who operated Bandeirante‘s so whilst not E-jets they were Embraers?

But seriously would be amazed if VA picked some up. Whilst the lower costs of VARA make sense (do they still own Skywest, who operate VARA? Or is VARA rebranded skywest?) surely that must raise questions why they weren’t moved to VARA previously?

Could Cobham take some over some cheap ones to replace QFLinks 717s?

With regard to Q400s have QF maxes out the utilisation of theirs? Do they need more, maybe replace the 300s?

On a sidenote what’s happening to the VA ATRs parked in NSN in NZ? Are they being returned to lease, operation or sold?

Skywest was rebranded VARA after VA purchased Skywest.

I have heard interesting things regarding VA's F100's replacements. To say the least some may go quicker than some may think and they could be replaced by something unexpected

If they were going the cheap to obtain option:
To me unexpected would be some cheap 737-300s.

If they were going the unexpected expensive option.
A220s.

Or wild card:
A319s - seems to be a few available these days - and VARA does operate A320s atm, with more coming from TT

smi0006 wrote:

QF754 wrote:

NTLDaz wrote:

This is intriguing- I took RE to possibly mean Regional Express. Bit extreme but they need to start thinking of SAAB replacements soon

I fly ZL regularly and the 340's are getting old. An E-jet may work on their heavier trafficked routes. I fly them to ONG 5 or 6 times a year. Has anyone else on here ever flown to ONG ?

I’m pretty sure the hint is suggesting that a previous E-jet operator is giving consideration to reintroducing the type. That narrows it down to VA, and probably VARA.

Maybe lower lease rates and lower VARA operating costs mean that E-jets are being looked at as a viable long-term replacement for the F100s on regional routes? I read on another thread that JetBlue are due to return a large number of leased E-jets from 2020 onwards as new A220s are delivered...

Lol; at a stretch, wasn’t REX originally Hazelton- who operated Bandeirante‘s so whilst not E-jets they were Embraers?

But seriously would be amazed if VA picked some up. Whilst the lower costs of VARA make sense (do they still own Skywest, who operate VARA? Or is VARA rebranded skywest?) surely that must raise questions why they weren’t moved to VARA previously?

Could Cobham take some over some cheap ones to replace QFLinks 717s?

With regard to Q400s have QF maxes out the utilisation of theirs? Do they need more, maybe replace the 300s?

On a sidenote what’s happening to the VA ATRs parked in NSN in NZ? Are they being returned to lease, operation or sold?

The VA ATR's are sitting in NSN till their lease is up or if required. Way cheaper to store then operate

qf789 wrote:

Weather at SYD is causing delays and diversions tonight with many aircraft currently in holds.

Diversions
QF580 PER-SYD diverted to MEL
QR908 DOH-SYD diverted to MEL
QF146 AKL-SYD diverted to MEL
SQ241 SIN-SYD diverted to MEL
QF756 ADL-SYD diverted to CBR
QF2265 LDH-SYD diverted to PPQ
VA958 BNE-SYD diverted to BNE
QF28 SCL-SYD diverted to BNE
QF164 WLG-SYD diverted to BNE
JQ204 AKL-SYD diverted to OOL
VA1558 HVB-SYD diverted to BNE
QF2261 LDH-SYD diverted to PPQ
NZ835 ZQN-SYD diverted to MEL
QF4 HNL-SYD diverted to BNE
QF122 ZQN-SYD diverted to BNE

Just looked at VA556 PER-SYD today, the 737 today was in the air for 5hrs 36 mins, the average for this flight is 3hrs 41 mins, the flight was put into a holding pattern 2 and half hours before landing

There is also a good chance that VA562 PER-SYD which is due to arrive just before the curfew will be diverted.

Thank you for that list - add to that OL855 diverted to CBR. Interesting evening. These weather events for late 2018 into 2019 are becoming far more frequent it seems? To not get caught up in one is a bonus when travelling.

Pax have taken to social media to vent/share their experiences. Two and a half hours or more on the ground. I assume you can’t use the restroom when the aircraft is on the ground? Yikes.

Source: https://mobile.twitter.com/neighbour_s/ ... gr%5Etweet
Source: https://mobile.twitter.com/Capitan_Typo ... gr%5Etweet


Source: https://www.flightradar24.com

va562 timed to eta syd 2248. should be ok.

va562 touched down 2258 whew

VapourTrails wrote:

Two and a half hours or more on the ground. I assume you can’t use the restroom when the aircraft is on the ground? Yikes.

Of course you can. I've used them at the boarding gate before flight, and also once on an American flight where we sat on the tarmac for close to two hours as DCA was closed while a storm passed through. They work just as well on the ground as they do in the air.

The weather sure was fun! 2 missed approaches for QF26 at around 12-1230.

tullamarine wrote:

There isn't really room for automated bag drops. They have to share the terminal with Jetstar, Tiger, Rex and Fly Pelican. They really need their own terminal like QF has.

SYD T2 is operating way above the capacity it wa designed for when AN opened it nearly 20 years ago. It is felt most acutely at landside check-in and security but the terminal does struggle. There was a plan at one stage of doing an airside link between T3 and T2 which would potentially reduce congestion as some airlines could use the T3 check-in hall. Nothing has come of this; maybe it will change at the end of the QF lease of T3 at which time their exclusivity over that terminal will end and will probably move to a priority gate arrangement similar to what VA has in T2.

T3 opens up to other airlines this year, under a deal they did a few years back QF will keep priority access to 12 of 17 gates and 75% of check in desks until 2025. Most of the shop leases also end this year, so there might be some upgrades to the facilities on offer. I wondered if we might see Jetstar relocate to ease T2?

True, T2 landside is essentially as Ansett left it. What struck me is that the disruption seemed limited to VA and not the other carriers in T2.

qf789 wrote:

Ryanair01 wrote:

Does anybody know what happened with the Virgin 'meltdown' in Sydney this week?

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/i-expected-it-to-be-busy-but-wow-delays-at-sydney-airport-due-to-fog-20190102-p50p6i.html

I'm always cynical about these type of stories, but queuing out the door like that suggests something went pretty badly wrong.

VA had put out on social media that morning that delays were expected in both SYD and MEL as it was going to be particularly busy. The flight referenced in the article being VA555 was delayed for operational reasons. On top of that VA had to deal with a A332 at the wrong port after the red eye from PER diverted to MEL due to the fog in SYD. VA555 was operated by the inbound aircraft from HKG, with it only having just under 2 hours ground time, turning it around and add in it needed to be towed which could have been delayed to ATC it was an uphill battle to get the flight out of time. The displaced aircraft in MEL was ferried to SYD to operate the HKG flight which ended up with about a 3hr delay.

Interesting to know. Twitter videos seemed to show Jetstar just about coping, REX/Tiger desks coping but largely unstaffed and VA with queues out the door. I noticed somewhere it said they were queuing by departure time. I wondered if too many people turning up too early was a problem? I've known it when you need to ask pax who've arrived early to queue elsewhere, so that passengers for immediate flights can be processed. Certainly the number of desks VA has doesn't match their proportion of flights from T2, which would make that balance harder to achieve.

Hope there weren't too many people with connections in HKG!

Hey guys,
Further to the EJet speculation.... I would think Cobham as well....
As for the VARA Fokker replacements, let's just pray for Superjets! THAT would be left-of-the-centre and totally astonishing! And also very short term I would think: look at Brussels Airlines experiences with the type! Back to reality and I agree that more A320s from TIger or possibly some dirt-cheap A319ceos may find their way into VARA's fleet.
Over Christmas / NY I had interesting conversations with some other avgeeks, commercial pilots and one defence force pilot. one of the pilots I spoke with suggested to me that QantasLink will gain some more ex-Jetstar A320s by the end of this year and that the QF narrow body replacement decision won't be made until 2020 at the earliest.
Interesting times ahead.
Cheers
And a happy new year!
Bunumuring

Lowlight 2018: Termination of regularly scheduled QF 747 ex JFK, LAX, and BNE

Looking on Flightradar QF have a flight Syd- Sin QF83 looks like it operates Fri, Sat &Sun. Is this a seasonal flight or permanent addition? Its a lot of seats with QF 81 & QF 1 daily. bearing in mind they don't have the SQ feed at the Sin end .

qf789 wrote:

An767 wrote:

Looking on Flightradar QF have a flight Syd- Sin QF83 looks like it operates Fri, Sat &Sun. Is this a seasonal flight or permanent addition? Its a lot of seats with QF 81 & QF 1 daily. bearing in mind they don't have the SQ feed at the Sin end .

Its only seasonal, the aircraft was freed up since PER-JNB didn't go ahead

Thanks
Shame they never put it through BNE. I'm going to SIN next week and have been sent via MEL on QF 35. long way round travelling from EMD!
AN767

EY Syd over April May

Abu Dhabi – Sydney 31MAR19 – 30MAY19 EY450/451 777-300ER replaces A380