Australian Aviation Thread - February 2020

qf789 · Fri Jan 31, 2020 12:56 pm

Welcome to Australian Aviation Thread February 2020. Please add your comments below

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1437871

Qantas Fleet Thread 2020

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1437873&p=21892753#p21892753

qf789 · Fri Jan 31, 2020 1:56 pm

Qantas has officially opened their pilot academy in Toowoomba

https://www.airlineratings.com/news/qan ... toowoomba/

qf789 · Fri Jan 31, 2020 2:10 pm

Construction has begun on the new Swissport lounge at PER

https://www.perthairport.com.au/Home/co ... nstruction

qf789 · Fri Jan 31, 2020 2:14 pm

Perth Airport Dec 19 Numbers

Domestic up 6.5% compared to 2018
International up 4.6%
Aircraft Movements up 5.1%

https://blueswandaily.com/perth-airport ... x-in-2019/

EK413 · Fri Jan 31, 2020 6:23 pm

Update from previous thread the Relief Wuhan Charter will ferry Sydney to Hong Kong on Sunday 2nd February. The aircraft will then hop over to Wuhan on the same day.

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Ethan89 · Fri Jan 31, 2020 6:32 pm

Anyone know why A332 operating AKL-CHC-SYD (QF7523/4) last 2 days? Normally B763 freight route.

qf789 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 1:08 am

Ethan89 wrote:
Anyone know why A332 operating AKL-CHC-SYD (QF7523/4) last 2 days? Normally B763 freight route.

The 763 freighter is currently in SIN getting repainted

qf789 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 1:32 am

The last seasonal SYD-YVR has touched down in SYD this morning

qf789 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 1:41 am

Photo of all 3 carriers serving at AVV

https://twitter.com/SenSHenderson/statu ... 41473?s=20

zkncj · Sat Feb 01, 2020 2:04 am

qf789 wrote:
Photo of all 3 carriers serving at AVV

https://twitter.com/SenSHenderson/statu ... 41473?s=20

How well does the AVV arrivals and departures faculties, handle two International flights at once? Is it like the chaos that OOL becomes when there is more than an single fight in?

What could next for AVV? Maybe an JQ flight to DPS,SIN,AKL?

rjbesikof · Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:00 am

Will AA announce more Australia in their pending long haul announcement?

YYZORD · Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:51 am

qf789 wrote:
The last seasonal SYD-YVR has touched down in SYD this morning

So QF isn't serving YVR anymore???

qf789 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:53 am

Qantas has suspended all flights to China

https://twitter.com/newscomauHQ/status/ ... 64385?s=20

ZK-NBT · Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:54 am

YYZORD wrote:
qf789 wrote:
The last seasonal SYD-YVR has touched down in SYD this morning

So QF isn't serving YVR anymore???

Im pretty sure it’s loaded for July August thus year. It didn’t operate in those months last year from memory due to presumably a lack of aircraft available. Beyond the 744 retirement this year who knows what happens.

qf789 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:59 am

Qantas Press Release on China service suspensions

Flights suspended from 9 Feb to 29 Mar 20, subject to review
Last service of QF107/108 SYD-PEK finishes on 9 Feb instead of 23 Feb
HKG flights remain as scheduled

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media ... -services/

qf789 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 4:10 am

More info on the QF 747 rescue mission into WUH

Scheduled to depart SYD on Sunday 2 Feb 20 at 1230 as QF6031
Operated by VH-OEF
Arrives in HKG at 1900
Position to WUH and arrive at 2330
Will depart WUH 230 Monday 3 Feb 20 as QF6032
Arrive at DRW at 1000
On arrival into DRW it is understood that 2 RAAF C-17's will be meeting the 747 on the tarmac for passenger transfer
C-17's will then position to XCH

https://www.airlineratings.com/news/pas ... er-sunday/

And again the 747 saves the day

EK413 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 4:17 am

qf789 wrote:
More info on the QF 747 rescue mission into WUH

Scheduled to depart SYD on Sunday 2 Feb 20 at 1230 as QF6031
Operated by VH-OEF
Arrives in HKG at 1900
Position to WUH and arrive at 2330
Will depart WUH 230 Monday 3 Feb 20 as QF6032
Arrive at DRW at 1000
On arrival into DRW it is understood that 2 RAAF C-17's will be meeting the 747 on the tarmac for passenger transfer
C-17's will then position to XCH

https://www.airlineratings.com/news/pas ... er-sunday/

And again the 747 saves the day

Yep.

But wait let’s retire all B744’s and have no back up aircraft should such events reoccur.

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ZK-NBT · Sat Feb 01, 2020 4:23 am

EK413 wrote:
qf789 wrote:
More info on the QF 747 rescue mission into WUH

Scheduled to depart SYD on Sunday 2 Feb 20 at 1230 as QF6031
Operated by VH-OEF
Arrives in HKG at 1900
Position to WUH and arrive at 2330
Will depart WUH 230 Monday 3 Feb 20 as QF6032
Arrive at DRW at 1000
On arrival into DRW it is understood that 2 RAAF C-17's will be meeting the 747 on the tarmac for passenger transfer
C-17's will then position to XCH

https://www.airlineratings.com/news/pas ... er-sunday/

And again the 747 saves the day

Yep.

But wait let’s retire all B744’s and have no back up aircraft should such events reoccur.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It’s hardly viable to hold on to a few of a type for back up and not much else. The 744 was once a large fleet and there was often a spare or 2 particularly once the A380 entered the fleet.

I know what you are saying, atleast the 744 is 1 step down or about 120 seats difference from the A380 while now the 789 is half the capacity and the only thing QF have with similar range, until the 35K comes. The A330 is a fine aircraft and is great for what it does to Asia however lacks the range for anymore than that.

aerokiwi · Sat Feb 01, 2020 4:53 am

zkncj wrote:
qf789 wrote:
Photo of all 3 carriers serving at AVV

https://twitter.com/SenSHenderson/statu ... 41473?s=20

How well does the AVV arrivals and departures faculties, handle two International flights at once? Is it like the chaos that OOL becomes when there is more than an single fight in?

What could next for AVV? Maybe an JQ flight to DPS,SIN,AKL?

Thai Air Asia from Phuket or Bangkok, maybe Cebu Pacific too? Not sure if Scoot would move over from MEL but it would further differentiate from the SQ operation.

Flyerqf · Sat Feb 01, 2020 5:09 am

qf789 wrote:
More info on the QF 747 rescue mission into WUH

Operated by VH-OEF

Could be OEF’s last flight before retirement flight next Sunday.

Boof · Sat Feb 01, 2020 5:26 am

ZK-NBT wrote:
YYZORD wrote:
qf789 wrote:
The last seasonal SYD-YVR has touched down in SYD this morning

So QF isn't serving YVR anymore???

Im pretty sure it’s loaded for July August thus year. It didn’t operate in those months last year from memory due to presumably a lack of aircraft available. Beyond the 744 retirement this year who knows what happens.

I’d be hesitant to say this was 100% fact, however as part of some business dealings I’ve heard that QF asked for Canada to be removed from an agreement as they weren’t intending flying there going forwards.

moa999 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 5:51 am

Can't see YVR being operated next summer season. Versus this year you are -6 744s, +3 787s . Something longhaul has to be dropped.

The travel bans imposed by the US and Singapore, preventing you entering if you've been to China in the last 14 days pretty much forces airlines to cancel flights as it makes rostering near impossible otherwise.

ZK-NBT · Sat Feb 01, 2020 5:55 am

Boof wrote:
ZK-NBT wrote:
YYZORD wrote:

So QF isn't serving YVR anymore???

Im pretty sure it’s loaded for July August thus year. It didn’t operate in those months last year from memory due to presumably a lack of aircraft available. Beyond the 744 retirement this year who knows what happens.

I’d be hesitant to say this was 100% fact, however as part of some business dealings I’ve heard that QF asked for Canada to be removed from an agreement as they weren’t intending flying there going forwards.

Well flights are currently loaded for July August, weather they operate or not remains to be seen.

A more leisure configuration on a 789 probably makes the most sense given its a bit more leisure orientated.

qf789 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 6:02 am

moa999 wrote:
Can't see YVR being operated next summer season. Versus this year you are -6 744s, +3 787s . Something longhaul has to be dropped.

The travel bans imposed by the US and Singapore, preventing you entering if you've been to China in the last 14 days pretty much forces airlines to cancel flights as it makes rostering near impossible otherwise.

By the time those 3 787's come in there will be only 5 747's not 6. On top of that the 787's wont be replacing all the 747 flying, A380 and A330 will too. Additionally there is no reason why QF cant operate it as they have been, they will get a free 787 when HKG goes A388 seasonally so they could still operate it.

moa999 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 6:09 am

qf789 wrote:
moa999 wrote:
Can't see YVR being operated next summer season. Versus this year you are -6 744s, +3 787s . Something longhaul has to be dropped.

The travel bans imposed by the US and Singapore, preventing you entering if you've been to China in the last 14 days pretty much forces airlines to cancel flights as it makes rostering near impossible otherwise.

By the time those 3 787's come in there will be only 5 747's not 6. On top of that the 787's wont be replacing all the 747 flying, A380 and A330 will too. Additionally there is no reason why QF cant operate it as they have been, they will get a free 787 when HKG goes A388 seasonally so they could still operate it.

Compare what was in the longhaul fleet this Dec/Jan (with nothing out for maintenance or paint) versus whats expected to be operating next year - all 6 747s currently forecast to be gone by end year as I understand.

PEK will release a 332, but that's about it (assuming PVG and HKG return to normal by then)

qf789 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 6:22 am

Looks like its just a matter of time before Chinese airlines pull their services

The Australian government is no longer permitting Chinese Tourists in Australia, meanwhile Australian citizens are allowed to return but must self isolate for 14 days

https://twitter.com/jenbechwati/status/ ... 89728?s=20

eamondzhang · Sat Feb 01, 2020 7:37 am

qf789 wrote:
Looks like its just a matter of time before Chinese airlines pull their services

The Australian government is no longer permitting Chinese Tourists in Australia, meanwhile Australian citizens are allowed to return but must self isolate for 14 days

https://twitter.com/jenbechwati/status/ ... 89728?s=20

I wouldnt' be surprised with a dramatic short-term drawdown globally for Chinese Airlines, given quite a few countries have banned anyone but essential person (e.g. PRs and aircrew) to enter the country.

Michael

smi0006 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 7:42 am

qf789 wrote:
Looks like its just a matter of time before Chinese airlines pull their services

The Australian government is no longer permitting Chinese Tourists in Australia, meanwhile Australian citizens are allowed to return but must self isolate for 14 days

https://twitter.com/jenbechwati/status/ ... 89728?s=20

Wow - this is a big step. Combined with the bush fires this will be a devastating year for the tourism industry in AU. Whilst of course I hope this virus isn’t as bad as projected- I hope the media and government have been acting responsibly and without agenda to take these steps.

Wonder how self isolation will be managed.

I suspect this must pretty much shut down Chinese carriers into AU? There can’t be that many AU citizens left in China for QF and Chinese carriers to fly home?

qf789 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 8:52 am

Jetstar Asia cancels all mainland China flights through to 31 Mar 20

https://twitter.com/JournoDannyAero/sta ... 49312?s=20

EK413 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 9:39 am

Flyerqf wrote:
qf789 wrote:
More info on the QF 747 rescue mission into WUH

Operated by VH-OEF

Could be OEF’s last flight before retirement flight next Sunday.

The aircraft will most likely under go a deep deep clean prior to operating its last revenue service.

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IndianicWorld · Sat Feb 01, 2020 12:53 pm

aerokiwi wrote:
zkncj wrote:
qf789 wrote:
Photo of all 3 carriers serving at AVV

https://twitter.com/SenSHenderson/statu ... 41473?s=20

How well does the AVV arrivals and departures faculties, handle two International flights at once? Is it like the chaos that OOL becomes when there is more than an single fight in?

What could next for AVV? Maybe an JQ flight to DPS,SIN,AKL?

Thai Air Asia from Phuket or Bangkok, maybe Cebu Pacific too? Not sure if Scoot would move over from MEL but it would further differentiate from the SQ operation.

I think DMK could well be the next destination added, but I think that a market Air Asia also had their eyes on adding (DPS) will now be left to Citilink.

Cebu Pacific has to be an outside chance as they did actually have an agreement in place with AVV prior to eventually starting MEL flights. This mirrors the Air Asia story really, so it may well be something they look at.

Even though I agree that Scoot flying into AVV makes sense, can’t see it happening.

The biggest unknown is what JQ could do, as it wouldn’t be a huge shock if they broaden their horizons from AVV, potentially to NZ.

Domestically will be interesting though to see if any new destinations or airlines are added.

EK413 · Sat Feb 01, 2020 6:42 pm

qf789 wrote:
More info on the QF 747 rescue mission into WUH

Scheduled to depart SYD on Sunday 2 Feb 20 at 1230 as QF6031
Operated by VH-OEF
Arrives in HKG at 1900
Position to WUH and arrive at 2330
Will depart WUH 230 Monday 3 Feb 20 as QF6032
Arrive at DRW at 1000
On arrival into DRW it is understood that 2 RAAF C-17's will be meeting the 747 on the tarmac for passenger transfer
C-17's will then position to XCH

https://www.airlineratings.com/news/pas ... er-sunday/

And again the 747 saves the day

VH-OEE will now operate QF6031/QF6032.

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planemanofnz · Sun Feb 02, 2020 12:16 am

qf789 wrote:
Looks like its just a matter of time before Chinese airlines pull their services

The Australian government is no longer permitting Chinese Tourists in Australia, meanwhile Australian citizens are allowed to return but must self isolate for 14 days

https://twitter.com/jenbechwati/status/ ... 89728?s=20

Yeah - the Chinese airline crews would also not be able to layover in Australia, which makes their flights impossible to run?

Cheers,

C.

log0008 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 12:51 am

planemanofnz wrote:
qf789 wrote:
Looks like its just a matter of time before Chinese airlines pull their services

The Australian government is no longer permitting Chinese Tourists in Australia, meanwhile Australian citizens are allowed to return but must self isolate for 14 days

https://twitter.com/jenbechwati/status/ ... 89728?s=20

Yeah - the Chinese airline crews would also not be able to layover in Australia, which makes their flights impossible to run?

Cheers,

C.

The flights which are running are running with a crew as pax to fly return flight.

zkncj · Sun Feb 02, 2020 1:13 am

qf789 wrote:
Looks like its just a matter of time before Chinese airlines pull their services

The Australian government is no longer permitting Chinese Tourists in Australia, meanwhile Australian citizens are allowed to return but must self isolate for 14 days

https://twitter.com/jenbechwati/status/ ... 89728?s=20

Surely within the next week, all remaining China to Australia flights will stop and the demand would of completely dried up? Would think most Australians in China, not in the locked down down zone would be getting out within the next couple of days.

Will be interesting to see what happens with the services form TPE/HKG to Australia.

a19901213 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 2:08 am

zkncj wrote:
qf789 wrote:
Looks like its just a matter of time before Chinese airlines pull their services

The Australian government is no longer permitting Chinese Tourists in Australia, meanwhile Australian citizens are allowed to return but must self isolate for 14 days

https://twitter.com/jenbechwati/status/ ... 89728?s=20

Surely within the next week, all remaining China to Australia flights will stop and the demand would of completely dried up? Would think most Australians in China, not in the locked down down zone would be getting out within the next couple of days.

Will be interesting to see what happens with the services form TPE/HKG to Australia.

If they gonna block flights from TPE/HKG they might as well block Japan and Thailand which have been confirmed to have more coronavirus cases than Taiwan +HK combined.

eamondzhang · Sun Feb 02, 2020 2:44 am

Just saw some changes regarding China Eastern:
- PVG-BNE cancelled from 23 Feb to 27 Mar, with seasonal suspension then kicked in until 27 Oct
- PVG-SYD/MEL will be reduced to 1x daily between 08 Mar and 24 Oct
- PVG-PER will conclude 17 Feb

I suspect more changes are coming

On the other hand it looks like Air China has closed reservations for both PEK-SYD/MEL from 04 Feb onwards

Michael

SYDSpotter · Sun Feb 02, 2020 2:53 am

Those being evacuated out of Wuhan will now not be charged the $1,000 according to the Treasurer. The PM was apparently given 'incorrect information' from DFAT when announced a few days ago.

How could you possibly get an announcement so wrong? There may be some who may have declined the initial offer evacuation because of cost, they may now struggle to be included in the evacuation plan given the last minute backflip...

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal ... 53wx4.html

qf002 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 2:55 am

SYDSpotter wrote:
Those being evacuated out of Wuhan will now not be charged the $1,000 according to the Treasurer. The PM was apparently given 'incorrect information' from DFAT when announced a few days ago.

How could you possibly get an announcement so wrong? There may be some who may have declined the initial offer evacuation because of cost, they may now struggle to be included in the evacuation plan given the last minute backflip...

Presumably those in direct contact with DFAT received the correct information from the beginning.

SYDSpotter · Sun Feb 02, 2020 3:17 am

qf002 wrote:

Presumably those in direct contact with DFAT received the correct information from the beginning.

When the initial official government media release said a charge would be applicable and various news sources quote those Australians in Wuhan that they would be charged $1,000, it points pretty clearly to this being a policy backflip.

qf789 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:37 am

eamondzhang wrote:
Just saw some changes regarding China Eastern:
- PVG-BNE cancelled from 23 Feb to 27 Mar, with seasonal suspension then kicked in until 27 Oct
- PVG-SYD/MEL will be reduced to 1x daily between 08 Mar and 24 Oct
- PVG-PER will conclude 17 Feb

I suspect more changes are coming

On the other hand it looks like Air China has closed reservations for both PEK-SYD/MEL from 04 Feb onwards

Michael

China Southern has cancelled today's PER flight, expecting more cancellations in the coming days

qf789 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:45 am

EK413 wrote:
qf789 wrote:
More info on the QF 747 rescue mission into WUH

Scheduled to depart SYD on Sunday 2 Feb 20 at 1230 as QF6031
Operated by VH-OEF
Arrives in HKG at 1900
Position to WUH and arrive at 2330
Will depart WUH 230 Monday 3 Feb 20 as QF6032
Arrive at DRW at 1000
On arrival into DRW it is understood that 2 RAAF C-17's will be meeting the 747 on the tarmac for passenger transfer
C-17's will then position to XCH

https://www.airlineratings.com/news/pas ... er-sunday/

And again the 747 saves the day

VH-OEE will now operate QF6031/QF6032.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Now on the way to HKG

https://www.flightradar24.com/QFA6031/23ba6e7a

eamondzhang · Sun Feb 02, 2020 6:13 am

qf789 wrote:
eamondzhang wrote:
Just saw some changes regarding China Eastern:
- PVG-BNE cancelled from 23 Feb to 27 Mar, with seasonal suspension then kicked in until 27 Oct
- PVG-SYD/MEL will be reduced to 1x daily between 08 Mar and 24 Oct
- PVG-PER will conclude 17 Feb

I suspect more changes are coming

On the other hand it looks like Air China has closed reservations for both PEK-SYD/MEL from 04 Feb onwards

Michael

China Southern has cancelled today's PER flight, expecting more cancellations in the coming days

In fact I think there'll be more than a few cancellations from China Southern, including swapping out A380s, reducing frequencies and even suspending a few routes (e.g. BNE, ADL and PER)

Michael

qf789 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 8:54 am

There has been some chaos at SYD today over the China travel ban

https://www.smh.com.au/national/very-co ... 1580631846

qf789 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 1:14 pm

Some passengers stranded after Donghai Airlines cancels SZX-DRW

https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-u ... 31aab2e390

budgetflyer · Sun Feb 02, 2020 2:14 pm

IndianicWorld wrote:
aerokiwi wrote:
zkncj wrote:

How well does the AVV arrivals and departures faculties, handle two International flights at once? Is it like the chaos that OOL becomes when there is more than an single fight in?

What could next for AVV? Maybe an JQ flight to DPS,SIN,AKL?

Thai Air Asia from Phuket or Bangkok, maybe Cebu Pacific too? Not sure if Scoot would move over from MEL but it would further differentiate from the SQ operation.

I think DMK could well be the next destination added, but I think that a market Air Asia also had their eyes on adding (DPS) will now be left to Citilink.

Cebu Pacific has to be an outside chance as they did actually have an agreement in place with AVV prior to eventually starting MEL flights. This mirrors the Air Asia story really, so it may well be something they look at.

Even though I agree that Scoot flying into AVV makes sense, can’t see it happening.

The biggest unknown is what JQ could do, as it wouldn’t be a huge shock if they broaden their horizons from AVV, potentially to NZ.

Domestically will be interesting though to see if any new destinations or airlines are added.

Let's hope that Citilink will be the first of several new airlines to serve AVV!

Though despite their entry onto the route, I can still see AirAsia interested in launching AVV-DPS flights - this time, they'll have a more appropriately-sized aircraft (A321LR), not to mention the market growth in the 4-5 years since they first tried. There's also Vietjet, who have publicly announced their intention to serve AVV along with BNE in 2020.

A question for anyone who can provide some insight - are routes like SGN-AVV/BNE viable with an A321LR, especially in an all-economy layout?
Would have thought these would have been a bit of a stretch

qf789 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:44 pm

China Southern changes

ADL-CAN closed for reservation 12 Feb - 27 Mar 20
BNE-CAN closed for reservation 12 Feb - 28 Mar 20
MEL-CAN, CZ321/322 closed for reservation 3 Feb - 8 Mar 20, seasonal CZ343/344 and CZ643/644 still show tickets available for early Feb
PER-CAN closed for reservation 11 Feb - 28 Mar 20
SYD-CAN down to 1 daily instead of 2-3 1 Feb - 28 Mar 20
MEL-SZX closed for reservation 10 Feb - 28 Mar 20
SYD-SZX closed for reservation 11 Feb - 28 Mar 20

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/ai ... f-02feb20/

qf789 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:45 pm

QF6031 about to land in WUH, change in plan though will now go to LEA instead of DRW

https://www.airlineratings.com/news/pas ... er-sunday/

qf789 · Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:47 pm

Air China changes

SYD-PEK closed for reservation 5 Feb - 28 Mar 20
MEL-PEK closed for reservation 5 Feb - 28 Mar 20
SYD-CTU closed for reservation 3 Feb - 28 Mar 20

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/ai ... f-02feb20/

EK413 · Mon Feb 03, 2020 12:33 am

qf789 wrote:
QF6031 about to land in WUH, change in plan though will now go to LEA instead of DRW

https://www.airlineratings.com/news/pas ... er-sunday/

Just departed WUH 7 hours later than planned with ETA 15:00 into LEA.

Flight QF6032 from Wuhan to Learmonth
https://fr24.com/QFA6032/23bcd270

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