Longhornmaniac wrote:

So what's the story with the Air New Zealand 777-200 sitting on the north cargo ramp? Looks like it was operating NZ28 AKL-IAH on Friday and diverted, presumably due to weather.

Curious what the plans are for this aircraft and crew.

Edit: Well, looks like it's off to Auckland as NZ6001. Took off about 50 minutes ago. Answered my own question haha.

That's gotta be the first ever AUS-Oceania nonstop flight, I'd imagine!

Thanks, Longhornmaniac! I had to do a double take when riding from the terminal to The Parking Spot (west) after landing from a work gig last Saturday night. I was irritated by the livery on the bus windows which impeded visibility, but was ecstatic to see the 772 nonetheless.

Looks like they are pouring concrete for the apron on the southern gates. That's good news for an on time delivery of the final gates in June.

Will be great to get those gates in time for increased summer frequencies!

freerover wrote:

Looks like they are pouring concrete for the apron on the southern gates. That's good news for an on time delivery of the final gates in June.

No full strength concrete yet. Only base layers to this point.

llintner wrote:

freerover wrote:

Looks like they are pouring concrete for the apron on the southern gates. That's good news for an on time delivery of the final gates in June.

No full strength concrete yet. Only base layers to this point.

What is full strength concrete?

Longhornmaniac wrote:

So what's the story with the Air New Zealand 777-200 sitting on the north cargo ramp? Looks like it was operating NZ28 AKL-IAH on Friday and diverted, presumably due to weather.

Curious what the plans are for this aircraft and crew.

Edit: Well, looks like it's off to Auckland as NZ6001. Took off about 50 minutes ago. Answered my own question haha.

That's gotta be the first ever AUS-Oceania nonstop flight, I'd imagine!

Hello, Wondering if anyone has additional information on this divert? If plane stayed in AUS from Friday till Sunday how did passengers get to IAH? I assume the plane flew back to AKL empty?

AADC10DFWAUS wrote:

Longhornmaniac wrote:

So what's the story with the Air New Zealand 777-200 sitting on the north cargo ramp? Looks like it was operating NZ28 AKL-IAH on Friday and diverted, presumably due to weather.

Curious what the plans are for this aircraft and crew.

Edit: Well, looks like it's off to Auckland as NZ6001. Took off about 50 minutes ago. Answered my own question haha.

That's gotta be the first ever AUS-Oceania nonstop flight, I'd imagine!

Hello, Wondering if anyone has additional information on this divert? If plane stayed in AUS from Friday till Sunday how did passengers get to IAH? I assume the plane flew back to AKL empty?

Likely used charter buses as it’s only a few hour drive.

March 2019 traffic numbers: http://austintexas.gov/news/march-2019- ... -bergstrom

I went down Saturday morning to check it out when she was at the gate, pretty cool to see ANZ here!

malev2012 wrote:

March 2019 traffic numbers: http://austintexas.gov/news/march-2019- ... -bergstrom

If we keep up a enplanement growth rate of 13.2% then we'll hit about 9 million for 2019 which is where we are suppose to be in 2023.

freerover wrote:

malev2012 wrote:

March 2019 traffic numbers: http://austintexas.gov/news/march-2019- ... -bergstrom

If we keep up a enplanement growth rate of 13.2% then we'll hit about 9 million for 2019 which is where we are suppose to be in 2023.

The breakneck-pace growth continues. It's just amazing to continue watching.

New United livery coming in today as UA1076 just before 5PM.

Some Port Updates

1) They're going forward with JE Dunn Construction on a 65 million contract to build the consolidated maintenance facility on the NE corner of the property. It's a little campus of multiple buildings.

2) Design of Checkpoint 1 remodel to add two new checkpoints has begun.

3) Design of new IT building is almost done.

4) First 5 levels of new parking garage are substantially complete. Construction ongoing for Admin building, economy lots, new employment center, LED signage and entry/exit plazas.

5) The 2040 Master Plan is still under FAA review

6) Remaining Eastern expansion gates now estimated to open late June or July


7) General Aviation Aviation: Atlantic Aviation (“Atlantic”) is near full occupancy with available space currently under lease negotiations with potential tenants. Atlantic is currently evaluating opportunities for renovation or construction of additional facilities. SignatureFlightSupport:SignatureFlightSupport(“Signature”)is currently at 100% occupancy. Construction of two additional hangars is currently undenvay and construction of an additional hangar is under evaluation. Million Air: Million Air is currently under construction with completion estimated this year. Additional general aviation facilities at Million Air are contemplated as part of a second phase of development.



This is the 2nd delay we've seen for the opening of the new gates and I'm willing to bet it's because of the rain since they are working with dirt in prepping the new apron space. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Not knowing when you will get new gates is a good reason why airlines shouldn't announce new flights.

The Sky Club is opening tomorrow supposedly, can anyone confirm this?

Fargo wrote:

The Sky Club is opening tomorrow supposedly, can anyone confirm this?

Yes per Delta press release: https://news.delta.com/newest-delta-sky ... tic-austin

Story on the local news about the opening of the Delta SkyClub set for tomorrow.

https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/ ... 2015270436

Interesting the spin being put on "considering more business" in Austin. Once again, the Focus City moniker is being brought up.

tcfc424 wrote:

Story on the local news about the opening of the Delta SkyClub set for tomorrow.

https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/ ... 2015270436

Interesting the spin being put on "considering more business" in Austin. Once again, the Focus City moniker is being brought up.

Yes, it is interesting KXAN continues to refer to AUS as a focus city. Regardless of whether or not they add p2p flights like RDU, with that big of a lounge, I would have to imagine at least TATL service is on the horizon.

Anyone know about the observation deck's opening date, if not already? I'm flying back home on a US (technically AA) 319 PHL-AUS as I write this, so I'm eager to know if I can check it out after arriving. TIA.

Western727 wrote:

Anyone know about the observation deck's opening date, if not already? I'm flying back home on a US (technically AA) 319 PHL-AUS as I write this, so I'm eager to know if I can check it out after arriving. TIA.

The Sky Club opened, not sure about the observation deck though. Do let us know if it has, as I'm flying out this afternoon on LH.

Western727 wrote:

Anyone know about the observation deck's opening date, if not already? I'm flying back home on a US (technically AA) 319 PHL-AUS as I write this, so I'm eager to know if I can check it out after arriving. TIA.

It’s open now, both the public and Sky Club.

Fargo wrote:

Western727 wrote:

Anyone know about the observation deck's opening date, if not already? I'm flying back home on a US (technically AA) 319 PHL-AUS as I write this, so I'm eager to know if I can check it out after arriving. TIA.

It’s open now, both the public and Sky Club.

Yay, thank you! I'm sure CPS001 thanks you as well.

I'm at the observation deck. It's really sweet.

Why on earth did they use that grating instead of glass panels? I guess there could be a technical reason? It's quite jarring for an "observation deck."

mfe777 wrote:

Why on earth did they use that grating instead of glass panels? I guess there could be a technical reason? It's quite jarring for an "observation deck."

Probably didn't want debris flying over the edge yet wanted to offer circulation. And of course safety.

I am able to squeeze my phone camera between the grates though.

Especially when you have efficient, and million dollar vacuum cleaners down on the tarmac.

SFO has no issue with glass panels on their decks

CPS001 wrote:

mfe777 wrote:

Why on earth did they use that grating instead of glass panels? I guess there could be a technical reason? It's quite jarring for an "observation deck."

Probably didn't want debris flying over the edge yet wanted to offer circulation. And of course safety.

I am able to squeeze my phone camera between the grates though.

I would think that glass panels and some fans would solve both of those issues much better. This is highly disappointing. I'm going to get flamed for this but it looks terrible, uninviting, and I would not want to spend time up in a rooftop cage without being able to view out to the runways, especially on a scorching Austin Spring or Summer day.

Hopefully they realize their mistake quickly and come up with a better solution.

Hello Austinites! (Is that the correct term?)

Question for you regarding AUS's future Speedbird service. Over on the SAN-thread it was brought up that SAN will be seeing year-round 744 service on BA next year. It's also been mentioned that PHX is going to be down-sized to some flavor of 787 (from a 744.) Disclaimer: these were posts on A.net; accuracy is totally uncertain!

It has been my idea (and maybe some other peoples' as well) that BA has swapped SAN's and AUS's equipment for a few years now: you get the 77W in the winter while we see the 774, then they swap both a/c-types in the spring. Of course it may not be an actual swap between our 2 cities but it certainly could be perceived as such.

In my research into this, I'm curious if any of you have heard anything recently about what species of Speedbird AUS is going to see in the near future? I assume your capacity will remain high, as will ours since BA seems to be very happy with both stations, AUS and SAN! It's pretty much confirmed that this fall, SAN will again get the 744 back and I assume AUS will get the 77W. The big question is: what about spring 2020?

Any input you folks can provide would be appreciated. (BTW, I'm very jealous of your observation deck; that's something that I feel is missed very much at SDIA! But I do agree with those of you kind of bewildered by the metal grating used in AUS... Maybe it's temporary?)

bb

From what I have seen the 747 is still scheduled to come to Austin next spring and summer.

SANFan wrote:

Hello Austinites! (Is that the correct term?)

Question for you regarding AUS's future Speedbird service. Over on the SAN-thread it was brought up that SAN will be seeing year-round 744 service on BA next year. It's also been mentioned that PHX is going to be down-sized to some flavor of 787 (from a 744.) Disclaimer: these were posts on A.net; accuracy is totally uncertain!

It has been my idea (and maybe some other peoples' as well) that BA has swapped SAN's and AUS's equipment for a few years now: you get the 77W in the winter while we see the 774, then they swap both a/c-types in the spring. Of course it may not be an actual swap between our 2 cities but it certainly could be perceived as such.

In my research into this, I'm curious if any of you have heard anything recently about what species of Speedbird AUS is going to see in the near future? I assume your capacity will remain high, as will ours since BA seems to be very happy with both stations, AUS and SAN! It's pretty much confirmed that this fall, SAN will again get the 744 back and I assume AUS will get the 77W. The big question is: what about spring 2020?

Any input you folks can provide would be appreciated. (BTW, I'm very jealous of your observation deck; that's something that I feel is missed very much at SDIA! But I do agree with those of you kind of bewildered by the metal grating used in AUS... Maybe it's temporary?)

bb

AUS recently started getting the 77W service as of last fall. Now that it seems SAN and AUS are interchangeably using equipment in opposite seasons, I guess it's assumed that we have an equal trade off in terms of cargo and pax capacity.

It was mentioned when 747 service started last summer that they were using the lighter density (more premium heavy) configuration on the route which might imply a heavier emphasis on the money F and J classes are making for the route. Loads have been reported to be consistently solid for the summer seasons, with BA holding a steady passenger increase on month-to-month basis.

The presence of another European legacy carrier will be fun to watch as both battle to catch the intra-Euro/Middle East connecting passenger. BA obviously has the upper hand on the F class pax, but LH is known to have better connections so we shall see...

ViaAir has been expelled from ABIA, their last day of service is May 30. Reason for the expulsion is not meeting contract obligations with the port.
http://www.austintexas.gov/news/statement-airlines-termination

So I flew out on LH on the 22nd. The flight was completely full, with mostly transit passengers, a lot of them to India. About 15-20 pax transited with me to MAA (Chennai).

Thanks for the pictures and insight CPS001! Good to see the flight full!

Looks like the Landor 747 is broken (or diverted?) in AUS. It's sitting up on the north cargo ramp, in a good spot to get pictures through the fence. Saw it on my way home and had to make a quick diversion to see it.

I definitely haven't followed it religiously, but it's the first time I've seen it in AUS.

It's probably my favorite of the retro jet schemes.

Longhornmaniac wrote:

Looks like the Landor 747 is broken (or diverted?) in AUS. It's sitting up on the north cargo ramp, in a good spot to get pictures through the fence. Saw it on my way home and had to make a quick diversion to see it.

I definitely haven't followed it religiously, but it's the first time I've seen it in AUS.

It's probably my favorite of the retro jet schemes.

Nice! She was here about a week and a half ago. I saw "Negus" here a few weeks back as well. She was scheduled yesterday and the outbound from Austin was cancelled. Also of note, today they sent the One World 747 in. Two specials at one airport.

And wouldn't you know it, tomorrow we get the BA One World a second day in a row. 3 days and 3 BA specials.

Longhornmaniac wrote:

Looks like the Landor 747 is broken (or diverted?) in AUS. It's sitting up on the north cargo ramp, in a good spot to get pictures through the fence. Saw it on my way home and had to make a quick diversion to see it.

I definitely haven't followed it religiously, but it's the first time I've seen it in AUS.

It's probably my favorite of the retro jet schemes.

Drove out to see it on the ramp and ran into the BA Manager. Said it was a maintenance issue from yesterday.

rajincajun01 wrote:

Longhornmaniac wrote:

Looks like the Landor 747 is broken (or diverted?) in AUS. It's sitting up on the north cargo ramp, in a good spot to get pictures through the fence. Saw it on my way home and had to make a quick diversion to see it.

I definitely haven't followed it religiously, but it's the first time I've seen it in AUS.

It's probably my favorite of the retro jet schemes.

Drove out to see it on the ramp and ran into the BA Manager. Said it was a maintenance issue from yesterday.

Any updates? I saw her still there at 11:30p local time last night (Monday 27 May). While it was dark, it was fairly apparent that the flaps were fully extended, suggesting an issue with these.

Western727 wrote:

rajincajun01 wrote:

Longhornmaniac wrote:

Looks like the Landor 747 is broken (or diverted?) in AUS. It's sitting up on the north cargo ramp, in a good spot to get pictures through the fence. Saw it on my way home and had to make a quick diversion to see it.

I definitely haven't followed it religiously, but it's the first time I've seen it in AUS.

It's probably my favorite of the retro jet schemes.

Drove out to see it on the ramp and ran into the BA Manager. Said it was a maintenance issue from yesterday.

Any updates? I saw her still there at 11:30p local time last night (Monday 27 May). While it was dark, it was fairly apparent that the flaps were fully extended, suggesting an issue with these.

Going in this evening. Will check. Not sure if they’ll fly her back empty. One World livery operating today’s flight.

The Landor livery is my favorite BA livery by far. Really nice shot of it. Thanks for sharing.

rajincajun01 wrote:

Western727 wrote:

rajincajun01 wrote:

Drove out to see it on the ramp and ran into the BA Manager. Said it was a maintenance issue from yesterday.

Any updates? I saw her still there at 11:30p local time last night (Monday 27 May). While it was dark, it was fairly apparent that the flaps were fully extended, suggesting an issue with these.

Going in this evening. Will check. Not sure if they’ll fly her back empty. One World livery operating today’s flight.

Still on the ground as of lunch time today. Not in the schedule either. So it looks like it may be some time yet. Must have been a serious issue.

WN732 wrote:

rajincajun01 wrote:

Western727 wrote:

Any updates? I saw her still there at 11:30p local time last night (Monday 27 May). While it was dark, it was fairly apparent that the flaps were fully extended, suggesting an issue with these.

Going in this evening. Will check. Not sure if they’ll fly her back empty. One World livery operating today’s flight.

Still on the ground as of lunch time today. Not in the schedule either. So it looks like it may be some time yet. Must have been a serious issue.

Should be ferrying out around 21:00 tonight.

Has it left? Not seeing anything on FR24...

Was still here as of 2000. There was an apparent hole in the wing of some kind.

rajincajun01 wrote:

Was still here as of 2000. There was an apparent hole in the wing of some kind.

Yikes! Birdstrike maybe?

I see it on FR24 now as BA 9172:
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ba9172

http://www.austintexas.gov/news/april-2 ... -bergstrom
More impressive numbers for April 2019. NK's presence definitely gave a boost in numbers.

I see those yellow birds all the time (and other NK a320s). They really have some nice frequencies for a new carrier (or I’m just luckily always at that rare moment they pass by).

Austin had a ton of diversions today from DFW/DAL. Most notable were an AA 772, AA MD80 and an SQ 744.

Not sure this has been discussed here since the RFP was put out but the airport seems to be moving forward with a request for proposals for a common use lounge: http://austintexas.gov/department/you-leave-home

I would imagine the earliest the lounge could open is sometime in 2021, as that office space has to be vacated and move into the part of the blue garage that will house offices.

WN732 wrote:

Austin had a ton of diversions today from DFW/DAL. Most notable were an AA 772, AA MD80 and an SQ 744.

I saw an AA 772 at, I believe, gate 2, a DL gate, yesterday (Monday) morning. DFW had storms again the evening prior. Nice eye candy, since the BA and LH jumbos don't visit AUS until the late afternoons.