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If you look at NZs network now and then in 5 years it will be interesting to see but imagine hypothetically 2027/28 peak with 22 787s, they could operate what they had or close to it, but that’s about it.

Code 3 227 seat 789 x 8
14x LAX
7x ORD
7x JFK

Code 1.5 272 seat 789 x 14
7x SFO
7x YVR
7x PVG
7x HKG
7x SIN
7x NRT
10x PER
5x ICN
5x TPE
4x HNL
3x KIX
3x PPT
5x CHC-SIN
2x CHC-PER

It would be a bit tight to operate that many flights with 22 787s
I would say swap out 7 weekly LAX with 7 to IAH. Reduce PER to 7 and drop the CHC routes and it could work.

zkojq wrote:
Airwork bought an Airbus A321 earlier this. MSN1015 built in 1999. I assume they intend to convert it?

DavidByrne wrote:
Perhaps that’s intended for the CHC-MEL route whic I saw on another site Airwork is going to operate for FedEx?

Or Australian domestic freight runs, QF is converting a321 into freighters for there domestic contracts.

Airwork currently operates an bunch on 733/734s in Australia on behalf of toll.

It would certainly sense as a capacity upgrade over the 737-400s. I assume that there will be more as a fleet of one isn't so great.

I must have missed them getting an A321, but just saw it somewhere else, didn’t they get 2 757s as well? Where are they going? Bit of a mixed fleet.

The 757 freighters were acquired from the Greek airline that was operating on behalf of Airwork on Tassie runs. I believe they're stored somewhere in California. Not sure why they're there or what they're waiting for. It does make me wonder if they're for sale or something, with Airwork intending to operate A321s instead. But then why buy them in the first place?

Bear in mind that Airwork does own various 757 freighters just have never arrived in New Zealand. From memory they had a couple leased out to the Russian Carrier Aviastar-TU....which I guess they may have had stolen.

ZK-NBT wrote:

NZ516 wrote:

If you look at NZs network now and then in 5 years it will be interesting to see but imagine hypothetically 2027/28 peak with 22 787s, they could operate what they had or close to it, but that’s about it.

Code 3 227 seat 789 x 8
14x LAX
7x ORD
7x JFK

Code 1.5 272 seat 789 x 14
7x SFO
7x YVR
7x PVG
7x HKG
7x SIN
7x NRT
10x PER
5x ICN
5x TPE
4x HNL
3x KIX
3x PPT
5x CHC-SIN
2x CHC-PER

It would be a bit tight to operate that many flights with 22 787s
I would say swap out 7 weekly LAX with 7 to IAH. Reduce PER to 7 and drop the CHC routes and it could work.

That’s a peak summer Dec-Jan schedule. Outside of that several routes would operate 5-6 weekly which frees up an aircraft. Winter swap KIX with additional HNL and add DPS with other freed up frames etc.

Yes that makes sense re peak summer. Perhaps some routes won't return to daily eg HKG due to reduced demand.
What could work for CHC to PER to return is if Air NZ swapped a domestic A321on order for a couple of 321LRs they could also be useful for AKL-DPS to make it a year round operation.

WLGs express Airport bus resumed today, good to have an in airport precinct service again, though having regularly done the walk to get the #2 it wasn't near as arduous as some would make you think.

Hours are good, reflects the full domestic schedule nicely and would cover a reasonable amount of staff shifts as well. First bus to the airport at 0450 and last from the airport at 2220. Slightly condensed schedules on the weekend of course, again reflects the different flight schedules on those days.

Fares are reasonable.

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-reopens-auckland-wellington-lounges

QF is reopening there AKL and WLG lounges this month.

Apparently the AKL has had an modest refresh, which doesn’t sound too promising.

zkncj wrote:

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-reopens-auckland-wellington-lounges

QF is reopening there AKL and WLG lounges this month.

Apparently the AKL has had an modest refresh, which doesn’t sound too promising.

Seems like they reopened yesterday according to the article. Modest refresh probably doesn't even go close to what is needed in AKL and be years before anything happens there I bet.

In terms of WLG the lounge is ok, I'll be through there again in a couple weeks and that could definitely do with barista made coffee bar but otherwise it's generally fine for what is needed in the am. Afternoons pre covid it did get very full and I always thought it could do with expansion but that would also include extending the whole building several metres to the car par which is 99% unfeasible. Would also allow for a refresh / extension to Air NZ lounge too mind you

zkncj wrote:

Apparently the AKL has had an modest refresh, which doesn’t sound too promising.

Just so long as they’ve kept the pancake machine. About the only redeeming feature of that lounge.

New Wellington airport bus started yesterday. Sounds like people have been appreciating not having to walk from Burger King.

Last nights JQ220 ZQN to MEL had an impressive 30 minute gate turn around after the late arrival from SYD. They got airborne 20 minutes before the 10pm curfew. The flight must not have been very full as they cruised at FL380 on the way home.

Next week there is a big ramp up of flights.
The week beginning 4 July in CHC there is 28 international NZ 320 flights 3 morning and one afternoon. This is up from a total of 12 this week ending today so more than double the services offered. It's good really as QF/JQ have been in the mid 20 per week on the Tasman.

ZKNHF wrote:

Last nights JQ220 ZQN to MEL had an impressive 30 minute gate turn around after the late arrival from SYD. They got airborne 20 minutes before the 10pm curfew. The flight must not have been very full as they cruised at FL380 on the way home.

Just waiting for the NZ Hearld article, maybe they left either the passengers or baggage in ZQN?

30minutes is doable with a a320, with dual stairs. Might not of had a clean before the next load of passengers.

zkncj wrote:

ZKNHF wrote:

Last nights JQ220 ZQN to MEL had an impressive 30 minute gate turn around after the late arrival from SYD. They got airborne 20 minutes before the 10pm curfew. The flight must not have been very full as they cruised at FL380 on the way home.

Just waiting for the NZ Hearld article, maybe they left either the passengers or baggage in ZQN?

30minutes is doable with a a320, with dual stairs. Might not of had a clean before the next load of passengers.

I’d say it was probably empty. Many Tasman flights have been running late lately, NZ, JQ, and QF. They don’t seem to make up much lost time during the turnaround.
They tanker a lot of fuel into ZQN, but the uplift must’ve also been pretty low in the 30 mins.
30 mins dual stairs for an AKL flight maybe, but not international. Makes you wonder why they bothered flying it at all, the previous evening’s flights were canceled.

Also, tonight’s flight returned to the gate on taxi out at SYD.

ZKNHF wrote:

zkncj wrote:

ZKNHF wrote:

Last nights JQ220 ZQN to MEL had an impressive 30 minute gate turn around after the late arrival from SYD. They got airborne 20 minutes before the 10pm curfew. The flight must not have been very full as they cruised at FL380 on the way home.

Just waiting for the NZ Hearld article, maybe they left either the passengers or baggage in ZQN?

30minutes is doable with a a320, with dual stairs. Might not of had a clean before the next load of passengers.

I’d say it was probably empty. Many Tasman flights have been running late lately, NZ, JQ, and QF. They don’t seem to make up much lost time during the turnaround.
They tanker a lot of fuel into ZQN, but the uplift must’ve also been pretty low in the 30 mins.
30 mins dual stairs for an AKL flight maybe, but not international. Makes you wonder why they bothered flying it at all, the previous evening’s flights were canceled.

Also, tonight’s flight returned to the gate on taxi out at SYD.

Probably more they needed that aircraft back in MEL, to kick of some early AM flights.

Today was a good day for more flying, slowly the schedules are returning to normal.

As the A320 neos are doing more international flights.
Only NHE, NNB, NNG were flying domestic, one NNE not in operation while the other 9 neos were all flying international.
Just two weeks ago only 5 neos were in use internationally.

On the domestic side there was 16 in service today including OJM. While only OXB, OAB were not in operation

This flight did a long return loop 13 hours due to windshield issues. Was the right decision to divert to AKL with maintenance facilities there. The flight originally left from CHC and was meant to land in Shanghai.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-t ... ir-problem

Jetstar is significantly cutting capacity for the month of August (see AeroRoutes update) Their offering is frankly, really minimal now. Do we expect them to last much longer on domestic?

ZK-NBT wrote:

NZ321 wrote:

Jetstar is significantly cutting capacity for the month of August (see AeroRoutes update) Their offering is frankly, really minimal now. Do we expect them to last much longer on domestic?

QF are doing similar in Australia, maybe not as much while some routes increase. Crew shortages?

I understand this is crew shortages. It’s not a surprise given during the Matariki long weekend, on the Sunday, they cancelled 2 or 3 CHC- AKL flights for that reason.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/129 ... land-skies

I had a read of this story and it mentions that United are missing from NZ. But having a look at their website you can book with them in December their flight departs AKL at 1530. So I think it's a situation of lack of journalism research again. The Chinese airlines still remain away at this stage.

Air Asia X may return to Auckland via Australia from today's news. I'm not sure why if they could not make money last time why decide to come back when jet fuel is at record levels.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/300 ... urns-to-nz

NZ321 wrote:

Jetstar is significantly cutting capacity for the month of August (see AeroRoutes update) Their offering is frankly, really minimal now. Do we expect them to last much longer on domestic?

Yes it is a big reduction. No routes get cut luckily though. Here is the link to the change of frequencies if anyone is interested.

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220704-jqaug22nz

ZK-NBT wrote:

NZ516 wrote:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/129178285/7-international-airlines-that-are-still-missing-from-new-zealand-skies

I had a read of this story and it mentions that United are missing from NZ. But having a look at their website you can book with them in December their flight departs AKL at 1530. So I think it's a situation of lack of journalism research again. The Chinese airlines still remain away at this stage.

UA resume in September at this stage AFAIK.
TG will return i am sure, they are often last minute.
PR I think will as well.

CX are showing currently 9 weekly with the morning flight daily. Still changes coming through, not sure when QR plan to recommence the non stop DOH-AKL

This is good news especially the CX service offered. I knew United have made announcements for returning to NZ.
Here it is United to return on the 2nd of August with 3 per week.

https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220530-uans2 ... =United%20

NZ516 wrote:

Air Asia X may return to Auckland via Australia from today's news. I'm not sure why if they could not make money last time why decide to come back when jet fuel is at record levels.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/300 ... urns-to-nz

This article is purely an announcement about an announcement. I’d be surprised if it happens anytime soon and if the fares are low given other factors at the moment.

ZK-NBT wrote:

NZ516 wrote:

Air Asia X may return to Auckland via Australia from today's news. I'm not sure why if they could not make money last time why decide to come back when jet fuel is at record levels.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/300 ... urns-to-nz

Less competition. I think via SYD or MEL myself.

I guess that could work while VA are absent over the Tasman.

ZK-NBT wrote:

NZ516 wrote:

ZK-NBT wrote:

Less competition. I think via SYD or MEL myself.

I guess that could work while VA are absent over the Tasman.

Since they were last here EK no longer fly the Tasman ex AKL, not sure if CI will return via BNE, currently no VA, just LA to SYD.

Yes it's a huge reduction in available seats. EK were once 3 daily A380s over the Tasman to AKL in addition to their non stop A380 DXB-AKL service. So 5 daily all in all to NZ including their CHC service. Remarkable how big a player they once were flying here.

Here is some new air cargo news. FEDEX on the 4th of July has started a new service 5 times per week between AKL, CHC and MEL.

https://www.aircargonews.net/sectors/ex ... w-zealand/

ZK-NBT wrote:

NZ516 wrote:

Here is some new air cargo news. FEDEX on the 4th of July has started a new service 5 times per week between AKL, CHC and MEL.

https://www.aircargonews.net/sectors/ex ... w-zealand/

These are operated by Airwork 737s.

So similar to the DHL flights CHC to MEL that started a year ago using Airwork 737s, that company is certainly getting busy now.

To be fair, Air Asia X struggles as it is, but demand for cheap tickets to SE Asia is always worth pushing. The loss of EK has been bad for kiwi consumers (thank you Aussie competition authorities for blocking QF and NZ). Prices has gone up and competition has taken a pretty huge hit. Not exactly a consumer / citizen friendly approach to market dominance.
However, I am not sure what Air Asia X can do on the Tasman. It feels like one of those extensions that just never work. Australia from KUL worked for them. New Zealand never did. Lets just hope they don't think Avolon is the answer.

Flew in to AKL a few nights ago. It was chaos. Swissport employees had left the building before the final flight arrived (go figure). Since Jetstar is handled by them and SYD has a staff-shortage there were heaps of passengers without bags and no one to file a claim with. Biosecurity then thought these people should have a report since they don't bring some of their suitcases and requested it, issue was of course that no Swissport staff stayed long enough to be there for the final flight (that were on time) and issue missing bag reports. Result was a wonderful conundrum and severely slowed down queues. AKL felt like a zoo, but those that came from SYD said that airport was way worse and things took forever there.
Felt weird, all of a sudden when arriving in AKL we were told to wear masks and stay 1.5 metres apart, issue was of course that people had been inside a small airtube for hours without being 1.5 metres apart or in masks - felt Kafka like. Also first time in more than a year i entered a country where you need that damn arrival card filled in. How New Zealand cant make it an online form like SG etc is beyond me. Its such a wonderful waste of everyones time and with sustainability on the agenda we surely must be able to do something much better.

ZK-NBT wrote:

Some sort of QF charter routing BNE-AKL-LAS as QF 311. A332 VH-EBR

Flight centre maybe?

In the past that would of highly likely been an flight centre staff charter, maybe picking up staff in AKL along the way?

Surely BNE-LAS should be doable non stop on an charter.

ZK-NBT wrote:

Some sort of QF charter routing BNE-AKL-LAS as QF 311. A332 VH-EBR

Flight centre maybe?

Another interesting QF A330 route today, VH-QPB is on a return SYD-TBU as QF336, and the same return is scheduled for next week.

Today’s NZ973 TBU-AKL NZK taxied out and lined up on RW29 before returning to the apron. Makes me wonder if some hydraulic or engine oil was leaking, as the QF 330 departed from the intersection 2.5 hours later. NZK is still on the ground (scheduled departure was 15:10).

Interestingly, NZM is showing scheduled as NZ946 RAR-TBU tomorrow afternoon. Might just be a glitch, or maybe it’s picking up today’s passengers if NZK is going to be out of action for a while.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/129204503/pies-on-a-plane-meat-pies-added-to-the-menu-on-some-air-new-zealand-international-flights

Not sure if you would call this a upgrade or a downgrade? NZ is to introduce Pie's yes Pies as a meal offering for lunch on the Tasman.

ZK-NBT wrote:

ZKNHF wrote:

Another interesting QF A330 route today, VH-QPB is on a return SYD-TBU as QF336, and the same return is scheduled for next week.

Today’s NZ973 TBU-AKL NZK taxied out and lined up on RW29 before returning to the apron. Makes me wonder if some hydraulic or engine oil was leaking, as the QF 330 departed from the intersection 2.5 hours later. NZK is still on the ground (scheduled departure was 15:10).

Interestingly, NZM is showing scheduled as NZ946 RAR-TBU tomorrow afternoon. Might just be a glitch, or maybe it’s picking up today’s passengers if NZK is going to be out of action for a while.

QF have been running some charters to TBU ex SYD/BNE I think weekly, I wonder if TBU has ever had 2 widebodies on the ground together given the NZ 789 was there also. When I saw it on FR NZ was pinging so may have been after it had taxied back in.

Sounds like a rescue mission for NZM doesn’t it, code 2 aircraft must be lighter loads coming back.

I’ve just had another look at the timings. QF landed on 11 and held short of the single taxiway while NZ back taxied to line up on 29. QF then turned around and departed from the taxiway intersection on 29 while NZ was still stopped at the 29 threshold.

So yes, 2 widebodies on the ground at the same time, but not 2 widebodies on the apron at the same time. I don’t envy those poor NZ pax sitting on the runway for 90 minutes.

NZ321 wrote:

Jetstar is significantly cutting capacity for the month of August (see AeroRoutes update) Their offering is frankly, really minimal now. Do we expect them to last much longer on domestic?

I doubt they will be pulling out. but presumably August is not a peak travel month as its outside of peaks and in the middle of winter?