Welcome to the Australian Aviation Thread -April 2022. Please continue to add your comments below

Link to last thread

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1470855&p=23240713#p23240713

Hopefully no April fools this year - last two years has been a bit of a joke as it is in this industry!

Hoping April brings us more route resumption, and announcements!

Out at SYD international today busiest it’s been in two years! Great vibe.

Nice to see QF flying passengers on BNE-LAX again, starting today. And on an A330-200 too!

And set to be slowly phased in to double daily with a AM and PM (evening) departure ex-BNE. Obviously in absence of the SFO flights pre-COVID.

QF according to current plans seems to be planning Trans-Pacific daylight flights back to Australia (BNE) again around mid of this year, even though it didn't work for SYD years ago.

SCFlyer wrote:

And set to be slowly phased in to double daily with a AM and PM (evening) departure ex-BNE. Obviously in absence of the SFO flights pre-COVID.

QF according to current plans seems to be planning Trans-Pacific daylight flights back to Australia (BNE) again around mid of this year, even though it didn't work for SYD years ago.

Virgin ran a daytime flight as well (VA10) LAX-BNE for awhile too - not sure how successful it was? I think it was to allow them to do a split schedule with Melbourne when they reduced the frequency from daily to 6 days/week in the last year or so of their ops?

Looks like the A388 for MEL-LAX will operate 3 weekly with another 8 weekly with 789’s

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220331-qfmellax

KLM to resume code sharing with JQ on flights to/from DPS from SYD, ADL, MEL and PER

Will also add codeshares from DPS to DRW, CNS and BNE

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220328-kljqns22

Korean Air planning on operating 5 weekly A333 on BNE-ICN for NS23

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220328-keapr23

Apparently the two A388's that QF won't be returning to service will be transferred to Jetstar Japan (GK) to go head to head with ANA between Japan and Hawaii.



Happy April Fools Day

Sorry, stuck at home with a recent CoVid diagnosis, even after triple vaxes, and just a bit bored.

Cheers.

From 4 May 22 Scoot will add A321neo service to PER, 10 weekly services in total, 7 weekly 789 and 3 weekly A321neo

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220401-tr32q

After the Qantas relaunch of BNE-LAX today, the CEO of BNE Airport has hinted that BNE-ORD could be launched as early as this year

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/ ... this-year/

Hard to see this with pretty much all existing 789's accounted for

Chipmunk1973 wrote:

Apparently the two A388's that QF won't be returning to service will be transferred to Jetstar Japan (GK) to go head to head with ANA between Japan and Hawaii.



Happy April Fools Day

Sorry, stuck at home with a recent CoVid diagnosis, even after triple vaxes, and just a bit bored.

Cheers.

Thanks Chipmunk. That's the best one I have read for a April fool's day joke.

qf789 wrote:

After the Qantas relaunch of BNE-LAX today, the CEO of BNE Airport has hinted that BNE-ORD could be launched as early as this year

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/ ... this-year/

Hard to see this with pretty much all existing 789's accounted for

Given the date of this article and the flight number selection, is this real or is this a joke article?

qf2220 wrote:

qf789 wrote:

After the Qantas relaunch of BNE-LAX today, the CEO of BNE Airport has hinted that BNE-ORD could be launched as early as this year

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/ ... this-year/

Hard to see this with pretty much all existing 789's accounted for

Given the date of this article and the flight number selection, is this real or is this a joke article?

It’s real. However weather the BNE CEO is getting ahead of himself I don’t know?

I’d be surprised if it happened this year, but once more A380s are in service, a few more 789s get delivered and baring any more surprises from covid, intl travel becomes more established again I’d hope to see it happen. I actually didn’t realise it was so close to launching, would of only been a month or so to inaugural when borders shut down.

[photoid][/photoid]

a320fan wrote:

I’d be surprised if it happened this year, but once more A380s are in service, a few more 789s get delivered and baring any more surprises from covid, intl travel becomes more established again I’d hope to see it happen. I actually didn’t realise it was so close to launching, would of only been a month or so to inaugural when borders shut down.

I suspect with QF being lean on 789 frames it could be come a question of not whether BNE-ORD makes money or is it a priority, but where a 789 is sent most profitably - does BNE-SFO restart first, BNE-LAX reverts to a 789 or PER-EU, SYD-SCL? Hopefully we see the new deliveries arrive soon - I’m still optimistic of a top up order perhaps in a less premium config, or the much rumoured JQ788, could actually be a good size for BNE-SFO,NRT,HKG, SYD-HNL, stage lengths where fuel savings over a 330 would be of benefit.

On a side note could we see a 330 BNE-SFO?

Unlikely I know but would still love to see some 787-10 for Asia, but that’s a long way down the track!

With VA returning to DPS soon, does anyone know if they have made any Lounge arrangements?

DPS-BNE in J and can't seem to find anything about lounge access in DPS? before covid did they use an lounge in DPS for J passengers?

zkncj wrote:

With VA returning to DPS soon, does anyone know if they have made any Lounge arrangements?

DPS-BNE in J and can't seem to find anything about lounge access in DPS? before covid did they use an lounge in DPS for J passengers?

VA used MyLounge, which had Virgin Australia branding below the owner's name at the International Terminal before COVID.

That lounge is now owned by Swissport and is still closed, so no idea what VA plans to use at the International Terminal when they re-commence short haul international ex-BNE.

smi0006 wrote:

[photoid][/photoid]

a320fan wrote:

I’d be surprised if it happened this year, but once more A380s are in service, a few more 789s get delivered and baring any more surprises from covid, intl travel becomes more established again I’d hope to see it happen. I actually didn’t realise it was so close to launching, would of only been a month or so to inaugural when borders shut down.

I suspect with QF being lean on 789 frames it could be come a question of not whether BNE-ORD makes money or is it a priority, but where a 789 is sent most profitably - does BNE-SFO restart first, BNE-LAX reverts to a 789 or PER-EU, SYD-SCL? Hopefully we see the new deliveries arrive soon - I’m still optimistic of a top up order perhaps in a less premium config, or the much rumoured JQ788, could actually be a good size for BNE-SFO,NRT,HKG, SYD-HNL, stage lengths where fuel savings over a 330 would be of benefit.

On a side note could we see a 330 BNE-SFO?

Unlikely I know but would still love to see some 787-10 for Asia, but that’s a long way down the track!

I suspect/will tip that some of the BNE-LAX frequencies will eventually be replaced with BNE-SFO before the end of this year, still on a A330 most likely. QF also can take their time on BNE-SFO as it's unlikely UA will be commencing BNE for the foreseeable future.

Can't see QF's BNE-ORD starting this year, probably early next year at the earliest (which I also doubt which is the case), or when the remaining 3x 789s gets delivered.

smi0006 wrote:

[photoid][/photoid]

a320fan wrote:

I’d be surprised if it happened this year, but once more A380s are in service, a few more 789s get delivered and baring any more surprises from covid, intl travel becomes more established again I’d hope to see it happen. I actually didn’t realise it was so close to launching, would of only been a month or so to inaugural when borders shut down.

I suspect with QF being lean on 789 frames it could be come a question of not whether BNE-ORD makes money or is it a priority, but where a 789 is sent most profitably - does BNE-SFO restart first, BNE-LAX reverts to a 789 or PER-EU, SYD-SCL? Hopefully we see the new deliveries arrive soon - I’m still optimistic of a top up order perhaps in a less premium config, or the much rumoured JQ788, could actually be a good size for BNE-SFO,NRT,HKG, SYD-HNL, stage lengths where fuel savings over a 330 would be of benefit.

On a side note could we see a 330 BNE-SFO?

Unlikely I know but would still love to see some 787-10 for Asia, but that’s a long way down the track!

Are any of the current 789 routes likely to be upgraded back to A380 routes? Eg could a MEL-DFW upgrade to A380 with stronger bookings? Or some sort of mixed operation on that or another route. Would BNE-ORD need to be a daily to start with? A 3 or 4pw would need less frames.

A380 struggled with DFW-SYD, zero chance for MEL.

Remember they are dropping two frames, and I suspect that will be the DFW rotation.
In full service 380s will go back to LHR and LAX.

The HKG service is probably the only questionable one given Chinese continued Covid policies.

And if Sunrise is committed too think we will gradually more A380 retirements as A350s arrive, but that's likely to be a drawn out delivery schedule as you've also got a heap of domestic capex.

moa999 wrote:

A380 struggled with DFW-SYD, zero chance for MEL.

Remember they are dropping two frames, and I suspect that will be the DFW rotation.
In full service 380s will go back to LHR and LAX.

The HKG service is probably the only questionable one given Chinese continued Covid policies.

And if Sunrise is committed too think we will gradually more A380 retirements as A350s arrive, but that's likely to be a drawn out delivery schedule as you've also got a heap of domestic capex.

I would have said MEL-SIN A380 would be the service to be dropped QF for most of the year flew 10 of 12 A380s so dropping MEL-SIN would allow SYD-DFW to be an A380, although I must admit with MEL-DFW it does make it seem less likely DFW will see the A380 again.

SYD-DFW going back to an A380 would free 2 789s up. Adding BNE-ORD is interesting now with BNE-LAX being an A330 though meaning no other 789 service ex BNE but it does allow those from SYD/MEL wanting to go to ORD to connect in BNE.

QF had mentioned more A380s to Asia however so will be interesting to see, They wanted SYD-HND but were denied.

If we’re talking full ramp up of intl ops I’d expect to see the 380 on SYD/MEL - LAX, SYD-SIN-LHR, and MEL-SIN. With HGK the way it is id be surprised to see it there, and HND has the often spoken about issues. I only see them going back to DFW if it’s necessary due to limited 789 fleet they want to use elsewhere then I imagine it’d be a decision out of SYD-DFW or SYD-JNB that get the 380, with JNB dropping back to 5 weekly. (I believe it had gone daily pre covid?)

a320fan wrote:

If we’re talking full ramp up of intl ops I’d expect to see the 380 on SYD/MEL - LAX, SYD-SIN-LHR, and MEL-SIN. With HGK the way it is id be surprised to see it there, and HND has the often spoken about issues. I only see them going back to DFW if it’s necessary due to limited 789 fleet they want to use elsewhere then I imagine it’d be a decision out of SYD-DFW or SYD-JNB that get the 380, with JNB dropping back to 5 weekly. (I believe it had gone daily pre covid?)

Yep it’s about range for QF, they would need imo to be using 9 of 10 A380s year round and 13 of 14 789s with higher in peak times. JNB was daily for years on the 744, it did reduce to 5-6 weekly in off peak at times, I personally can’t see the A380 there as PER-JNB has often come up and has again recently, I think additional at least seasonal JNB capacity will be an A330 from PER. I can’t see HKG ever being an A380 again, maybe never is to strong a word but not in the short term that’s for sure. Outside of MEL-SIN I don’t know where else the A380 would go in Asia?

If they can't fly the 380 into HND, either a MEL/SYD-NRT or possibly a return to KIX. There would be plenty of demand to either once Japan reopens.

Maybe QF and CX should retry for codesharing from Australia to HKG. Let CX do most, or all the flying and QF can use their metal somewhere else. QF have permanently closed the lounge in HKG and most likely will direct pax to CX lounges anyway.

melpax wrote:

If they can't fly the 380 into HND, either a MEL/SYD-NRT or possibly a return to KIX. There would be plenty of demand to either once Japan reopens.

I’m not sure mainline will return to NRT myself. KIX sure not on an A380 though.

ZK-NBT wrote:

melpax wrote:

If they can't fly the 380 into HND, either a MEL/SYD-NRT or possibly a return to KIX. There would be plenty of demand to either once Japan reopens.

I’m not sure mainline will return to NRT myself. KIX sure not on an A380 though.

I'm on the fence with NRT. I kinda suspect that SYD-NRT will return at some point (perhaps 3x weekly) to compensate for the lost capacity from the B744 at HND. QF definitely won't be adding the A380 to NRT though.

Fuling wrote:

ZK-NBT wrote:

melpax wrote:

If they can't fly the 380 into HND, either a MEL/SYD-NRT or possibly a return to KIX. There would be plenty of demand to either once Japan reopens.

I’m not sure mainline will return to NRT myself. KIX sure not on an A380 though.

I'm on the fence with NRT. I kinda suspect that SYD-NRT will return at some point (perhaps 3x weekly) to compensate for the lost capacity from the B744 at HND. QF definitely won't be adding the A380 to NRT though.

That is true, there was at one stage talk from memory of mainline returning to CNS-NRT, I wonder if that is still a possibility?

SCFlyer wrote:

smi0006 wrote:

[photoid][/photoid]

a320fan wrote:

I’d be surprised if it happened this year, but once more A380s are in service, a few more 789s get delivered and baring any more surprises from covid, intl travel becomes more established again I’d hope to see it happen. I actually didn’t realise it was so close to launching, would of only been a month or so to inaugural when borders shut down.

I suspect with QF being lean on 789 frames it could be come a question of not whether BNE-ORD makes money or is it a priority, but where a 789 is sent most profitably - does BNE-SFO restart first, BNE-LAX reverts to a 789 or PER-EU, SYD-SCL? Hopefully we see the new deliveries arrive soon - I’m still optimistic of a top up order perhaps in a less premium config, or the much rumoured JQ788, could actually be a good size for BNE-SFO,NRT,HKG, SYD-HNL, stage lengths where fuel savings over a 330 would be of benefit.

On a side note could we see a 330 BNE-SFO?

Unlikely I know but would still love to see some 787-10 for Asia, but that’s a long way down the track!

I suspect/will tip that some of the BNE-LAX frequencies will eventually be replaced with BNE-SFO before the end of this year, still on a A330 most likely. QF also can take their time on BNE-SFO as it's unlikely UA will be commencing BNE for the foreseeable future.

Can't see QF's BNE-ORD starting this year, probably early next year at the earliest (which I also doubt which is the case), or when the remaining 3x 789s gets delivered.

SC flyer with respect to the BNE-SFO UA flight, do you reckon that because there is lack of business market still or a combo of factors such as star alliance member AC resuming BNE. Regardless you're probably right. Personally though would be nice now that they are teamed up with VA.

gpasternak wrote:

SCFlyer wrote:

smi0006 wrote:

[photoid][/photoid]

I suspect with QF being lean on 789 frames it could be come a question of not whether BNE-ORD makes money or is it a priority, but where a 789 is sent most profitably - does BNE-SFO restart first, BNE-LAX reverts to a 789 or PER-EU, SYD-SCL? Hopefully we see the new deliveries arrive soon - I’m still optimistic of a top up order perhaps in a less premium config, or the much rumoured JQ788, could actually be a good size for BNE-SFO,NRT,HKG, SYD-HNL, stage lengths where fuel savings over a 330 would be of benefit.

On a side note could we see a 330 BNE-SFO?

Unlikely I know but would still love to see some 787-10 for Asia, but that’s a long way down the track!

I suspect/will tip that some of the BNE-LAX frequencies will eventually be replaced with BNE-SFO before the end of this year, still on a A330 most likely. QF also can take their time on BNE-SFO as it's unlikely UA will be commencing BNE for the foreseeable future.

Can't see QF's BNE-ORD starting this year, probably early next year at the earliest (which I also doubt which is the case), or when the remaining 3x 789s gets delivered.

SC flyer with respect to the BNE-SFO UA flight, do you reckon that because there is lack of business market still or a combo of factors such as star alliance member AC resuming BNE. Regardless you're probably right. Personally though would be nice now that they are teamed up with VA.

Combination of factors. Lower Yielding Market and QF has most of the TransPac high yielding market out of BNE sewn up (assuming including most of the ex-VA long haul J pax).
AC may also be a minor factor, but AC were also established in BNE pre-COVID and already had VA codeshares beforehand, whereas UA's presence in BNE was minimal with only the NZ codeshares and are content with sending BNE passengers through SYD/MEL with VA when the new VA partnership starts.

Although there's been paywall news reports (News Corp Media) about Queensland Tourism (a part of the Queensland Government) approaching the US3 (including UA) by flying their head of marketing to LAX to meet up with US3 representatives about providing partial subsidies for one of them to start BNE from their hubs, none of them are confirmed (or are hesitant - and probably rightly so in their case) to take up the offer.

SCFlyer wrote:

gpasternak wrote:

SCFlyer wrote:

I suspect/will tip that some of the BNE-LAX frequencies will eventually be replaced with BNE-SFO before the end of this year, still on a A330 most likely. QF also can take their time on BNE-SFO as it's unlikely UA will be commencing BNE for the foreseeable future.

Can't see QF's BNE-ORD starting this year, probably early next year at the earliest (which I also doubt which is the case), or when the remaining 3x 789s gets delivered.

SC flyer with respect to the BNE-SFO UA flight, do you reckon that because there is lack of business market still or a combo of factors such as star alliance member AC resuming BNE. Regardless you're probably right. Personally though would be nice now that they are teamed up with VA.

Combination of factors. Lower Yielding Market and QF has most of the TransPac high yielding market out of BNE sewn up (assuming including most of the ex-VA long haul J pax).
AC may also be a minor factor, but AC were also established in BNE pre-COVID and already had VA codeshares beforehand, whereas UA's presence in BNE was minimal with only the NZ codeshares and are content with sending BNE passengers through SYD/MEL with VA when the new VA partnership starts.

Although there's been paywall news reports (News Corp Media) about Queensland Tourism (a part of the Queensland Government) approaching the US3 (including UA) by flying their head of marketing to LAX to meet up with US3 representatives about providing partial subsidies for one of them to start BNE from their hubs, none of them are confirmed (or are hesitant - and probably rightly so in their case) to take up the offer.

AA have a JV with QF, I would have thought at some point AA metal would be seen in BNE and MEL for that matter, apparently an AA 789 can’t do DFW-BNE, must be some union thing? I could see AA supplement QF on BNE-LAX, maybe when QF restart BNE-SFO which would be at the expense on the second LAX frequency.

UA makes sense, curious with borders having been closed for 2 years, VA must have had some premium traffic ex BNE that might consider UA if they added BNE. LAX is a larger local market but SFO is UA’s main hub so they could do either.

I can’t see DL given they no longer have VA, not sure they will go beyond the daily SYD service now, though I always thought a DL 77L LAX-MEL might have been a better fit than VA’s 77W..

ZK-NBT wrote:

SCFlyer wrote:

gpasternak wrote:

SC flyer with respect to the BNE-SFO UA flight, do you reckon that because there is lack of business market still or a combo of factors such as star alliance member AC resuming BNE. Regardless you're probably right. Personally though would be nice now that they are teamed up with VA.

Combination of factors. Lower Yielding Market and QF has most of the TransPac high yielding market out of BNE sewn up (assuming including most of the ex-VA long haul J pax).
AC may also be a minor factor, but AC were also established in BNE pre-COVID and already had VA codeshares beforehand, whereas UA's presence in BNE was minimal with only the NZ codeshares and are content with sending BNE passengers through SYD/MEL with VA when the new VA partnership starts.

Although there's been paywall news reports (News Corp Media) about Queensland Tourism (a part of the Queensland Government) approaching the US3 (including UA) by flying their head of marketing to LAX to meet up with US3 representatives about providing partial subsidies for one of them to start BNE from their hubs, none of them are confirmed (or are hesitant - and probably rightly so in their case) to take up the offer.

AA have a JV with QF, I would have thought at some point AA metal would be seen in BNE and MEL for that matter, apparently an AA 789 can’t do DFW-BNE, must be some union thing? I could see AA supplement QF on BNE-LAX, maybe when QF restart BNE-SFO which would be at the expense on the second LAX frequency.

UA makes sense, curious with borders having been closed for 2 years, VA must have had some premium traffic ex BNE that might consider UA if they added BNE. LAX is a larger local market but SFO is UA’s main hub so they could do either.

I can’t see DL given they no longer have VA, not sure they will go beyond the daily SYD service now, though I always thought a DL 77L LAX-MEL might have been a better fit than VA’s 77W..

Considering even UA are hesitant about starting BNE despite Queensland Tourism (and I'm assuming BAC as part of the Queensland Government announcement) throwing money at UA to partially subsidise a BNE-USA service with the VA partnership, I think that says it about the yields in the BNE market atm.

I would think UA may look at restarting AKL-LAX alongside their SFO-LAX service (with the NZ JV) and look at filling up AKL-LAX with VA passengers from Queensland (including BNE, OOL, seasonal CNS and maybe even 2x-3x weekly seasonal MCY) before considering starting BNE on their own metal.

SCFlyer wrote:

ZK-NBT wrote:

SCFlyer wrote:

Combination of factors. Lower Yielding Market and QF has most of the TransPac high yielding market out of BNE sewn up (assuming including most of the ex-VA long haul J pax).
AC may also be a minor factor, but AC were also established in BNE pre-COVID and already had VA codeshares beforehand, whereas UA's presence in BNE was minimal with only the NZ codeshares and are content with sending BNE passengers through SYD/MEL with VA when the new VA partnership starts.

Although there's been paywall news reports (News Corp Media) about Queensland Tourism (a part of the Queensland Government) approaching the US3 (including UA) by flying their head of marketing to LAX to meet up with US3 representatives about providing partial subsidies for one of them to start BNE from their hubs, none of them are confirmed (or are hesitant - and probably rightly so in their case) to take up the offer.

AA have a JV with QF, I would have thought at some point AA metal would be seen in BNE and MEL for that matter, apparently an AA 789 can’t do DFW-BNE, must be some union thing? I could see AA supplement QF on BNE-LAX, maybe when QF restart BNE-SFO which would be at the expense on the second LAX frequency.

UA makes sense, curious with borders having been closed for 2 years, VA must have had some premium traffic ex BNE that might consider UA if they added BNE. LAX is a larger local market but SFO is UA’s main hub so they could do either.

I can’t see DL given they no longer have VA, not sure they will go beyond the daily SYD service now, though I always thought a DL 77L LAX-MEL might have been a better fit than VA’s 77W..

Considering even UA are hesitant about starting BNE despite Queensland Tourism (and I'm assuming BAC as part of the Queensland Government announcement) throwing money at UA to partially subsidise a BNE-USA service with the VA partnership, I think that says it about the yields in the BNE market atm.

I would think UA may look at restarting AKL-LAX alongside their SFO-LAX service (with the NZ JV) and look at filling up AKL-LAX with VA passengers from Queensland (including BNE, OOL, seasonal CNS and maybe even 2x-3x weekly seasonal MCY) before considering starting BNE on their own metal.

This conversation comes up quite regularly, last time it came up I don’t think there had been any talks ?

UA AKL-LAX, I do agree there, depends how much capacity NZ go for to LAX, was previously 2 daily AKL-LAX, maybe some seasonal UA capacity? Not sure how NZ would feel about about putting pax on UA for the trans pacific crossing? They share SFO but LAX is a bigger market and I could see NZ adding it’s second daily again if they have the aircraft to do so which is the question, so they have the aircraft?

ZK-NBT wrote:

SCFlyer wrote:

ZK-NBT wrote:

AA have a JV with QF, I would have thought at some point AA metal would be seen in BNE and MEL for that matter, apparently an AA 789 can’t do DFW-BNE, must be some union thing? I could see AA supplement QF on BNE-LAX, maybe when QF restart BNE-SFO which would be at the expense on the second LAX frequency.

UA makes sense, curious with borders having been closed for 2 years, VA must have had some premium traffic ex BNE that might consider UA if they added BNE. LAX is a larger local market but SFO is UA’s main hub so they could do either.

I can’t see DL given they no longer have VA, not sure they will go beyond the daily SYD service now, though I always thought a DL 77L LAX-MEL might have been a better fit than VA’s 77W..

Considering even UA are hesitant about starting BNE despite Queensland Tourism (and I'm assuming BAC as part of the Queensland Government announcement) throwing money at UA to partially subsidise a BNE-USA service with the VA partnership, I think that says it about the yields in the BNE market atm.

I would think UA may look at restarting AKL-LAX alongside their SFO-LAX service (with the NZ JV) and look at filling up AKL-LAX with VA passengers from Queensland (including BNE, OOL, seasonal CNS and maybe even 2x-3x weekly seasonal MCY) before considering starting BNE on their own metal.

This conversation comes up quite regularly, last time it came up I don’t think there had been any talks ?

UA AKL-LAX, I do agree there, depends how much capacity NZ go for to LAX, was previously 2 daily AKL-LAX, maybe some seasonal UA capacity? Not sure how NZ would feel about about putting pax on UA for the trans pacific crossing? They share SFO but LAX is a bigger market and I could see NZ adding it’s second daily again if they have the aircraft to do so which is the question, so they have the aircraft?

Paywall Link

Paywall article states that the TQ Head of Marketing has flown to LAX to meet up with representatives from the US3 to discuss plans (Edit: assumed subsidies per Qld Government Press Release titled "$200 million to fly international visitors to Queensland") to commence flights between BNE and USA from their hubs, but nothing has come out of the meetings thus far. UA's new partnership with VA is briefly mentioned but doesn't mention any separate conversation between TQ and UA.

Also I do agree it's whether if UA has the aircraft to dedicate to a 2nd AKL-USA service that may play a part in them resuming AKL-LAX.

Although, my thought is running UA's AKL-LAX alongside NZ's own services but assisting's UA's own AKL-LAX by putting some of VA Queensland passengers on AKL-LAX (especially the low yielding budget conscious California/Disneyland passengers that don't want to go via SYD or MEL to head to the USA).

qf2048 wrote:

Maybe QF and CX should retry for codesharing from Australia to HKG. Let CX do most, or all the flying and QF can use their metal somewhere else. QF have permanently closed the lounge in HKG and most likely will direct pax to CX lounges anyway.

Such a setup would be unlikely to pass ACCC review. Now VA no longer serves HKG, CX and QF have 100% of traffic between Australia and Hong Kong. The removal of any semblance of competition would not get approval.

melpax wrote:

If they can't fly the 380 into HND, either a MEL/SYD-NRT or possibly a return to KIX. There would be plenty of demand to either once Japan reopens.

I would love to see QF try MEL-KIX, I think it’s a route worth exploring if we are to be less dependent on China.

MEL-ICN is another one that pops to mind that could be explored. MEL seems to always get the short end of the stick when it comes to Japan, Taiwan and Korea but it seems it’s gained traction with CI adding TPE, JL adding NRT in recent years which all continued during the pandemic to some capacity.

Elsewhere I think more Indian cities like BLR and BOM are explored. Hopefully GA is back and expanding again, MEL-CGK could be a lucrative A321NEO route for JQ.

Will be interesting to see what the demand for Australia-Hong Kong flights will be once things in HK return to something resembling normalcy. Certainly couldn't see QF run 380's up there, if anything would probably be a candidate for A321XLR's once they're in the fleet.
MEL-KIX would be a perfect JQ flight also. If they wanted to be daring, and not want to cannibalise QF mainline fares, they might run AVV-KIX/NRT flights. Handling costs would certainly be cheaper than MEL...

Anyone have any idea why all the Tassie to Melbourne flights are making a weird turn as they hit the southern vic coast? Weather related?

Just some speculating regarding QF intl fleet and routes:

I can see QF getting the VA HND slot which will enable them to operate daily flights from SYD, MEL, and BNE.

As for QF A380s I see 9 of 10 planned frames being used on the below daily:

*SYD-SIN-LHR
*SYD-LAX
*MEL-LAX
*SYD-HKG (Will free up A330)
*MEL-SIN (Will free up A330)

QF will be very short of WB frames, remember compared with pre covid they have lost or about to lose 6 B744s, 2 A380s, and 2 A330s. They are only gaining 3x B789s which are pretty much already included in the schedules for later this year.

I can't see BNE-ORD coming back or any B789 BNE-USA flying unless other B789 routes are cut or more aircraft ordered.

All the talk of new routes/destinations can only happen at the expense of previous routes, QF simply do not have the aircraft.

Can't see QF sending a A380 to HKG for the foreseeable future until normalisation improves over there, which will be a long while off, considering they share the same COViD Zero views with thee mother country.

Flyingdevil737 wrote:

Anyone have any idea why all the Tassie to Melbourne flights are making a weird turn as they hit the southern vic coast? Weather related?

I would say so. A wet day here in Melbourne today, and there is heavy rain with flooding expected in the East Gippsland area later tonight.

SCFlyer wrote:

Can't see QF sending a A380 to HKG for the foreseeable future until normalisation improves over there, which will be a long while off, considering they share the same COViD Zero views with thee mother country.

I agree, I just think SYD-DFW will get the A380 as they only have the A380 and 789 that can fly LH or ULH and a limited number of them. Perhaps SYD-DFW will be 3x 789, 4x A380 plus the 4x 789 ex MEL?

SYD-SFO is loaded as 6x weekly instead of 7
SYD-SCL is 4x weekly instead of 7
MEL-LAX is showing 8x 789 and 3x A380 so I could see just 4x 789 flights and 3x A380, I wonder if they can bring an additional A380 back by the end of the year to make MEL-LAX daily?

So there is potentially another 2 at least 789s free should the above changes happen.

I do agree the problem possibly with BNE-ORD this year is it would be the only 789 ex BNE and less than daily so not the best utilisation.

Airfares to SFO or LAX in November are high. My wife and I each have 1600 in QF credits and we're looking at nearly an extra grand to fly to SFO.

myki wrote:

NTLDaz wrote:

Airfares to SFO or LAX in November are high. My wife and I each have 1600 in QF credits and we're looking at nearly an extra grand to fly to SFO.

This is normal. Supply vs demand.
If you want to go in February or March, my guess is that it will be much cheaper.

Of course supply and demand drives prices. My point is November is normally a fairly cheap month so this may be a sign that international travel is picking up. Options much cheaper on NZ, FJ and AC but I've got credits to use.

NTLDaz wrote:

My point is November is normally a fairly cheap month so this may be a sign that international travel is picking up.

If you're comfortable taking the risk I'd sit tight and see what happens.

I am heading over to the US mid-year and QF's fares have been declining all year for my dates, and the flights still look very quiet so I'm expecting them to drop further (currently sitting at the high end of average for May/June). I think QF is a bit hesitant to start throwing lots of low fares around when forward demand is so uncertain, otherwise they could end up leaving money on the table.

Speaking of how the 789 fleet is stretched very thin at the moment, todays (Sunday) QF93 is copping a four hour delay (STD 2130hrs, revised to 0130hrs) due to immediate maintenace requirements that cannot be delayed.

As most of us are aware, Qantas has been copping a hammering with the beyond significant wait times with the wait times of six, seven hours, if not longer.
A few days ago Stephanie Tully (Chief Customer Officer) of Qantas had a phone in interview with 2GB radio Ben Fordham.

https://www.2gb.com/appalling-service-b ... hy-delays/

I'll let you all decide.

Qantas has a habit of running a tight schedule, but it currently does appear to be pushing things fairly hard to ramp up.

The additional aircraft that will come on line will all be utilised very quickly once they arrive it appears also.

As for the earlier comments about BNE-US, airports and governments speak with airlines all the time, and can take years to get service from that investment of time and effort. With airlines having constraints in terms of fleet due to retirements, manufacturer delays and operational challenges, getting a carrier to commit may take even longer at present.

I am sure that at some point another airline will jump on board a BNE-US route though. Whether it be UA or AA, there will likely be opportunities for the future that will develop.

SYD and MEL have appeared to be the main focus, but they have a head start in terms of the market being open longer than Qld, but even then UA has been quite conservative in its relaunch for MEL and SYD-IAH.