Quoting ZKOJQ (Reply 71):

OKN then OKP in November. Balance of the repainting continues after the peak Dec/Jan schedule.

Quoting PA515 (Reply 98):

Air NZ's 14th ATR72-600 will be delivered in 2017.

http://www.luchtzak.be/airlines_pres...-atr-72-600-at-the-paris-air-show/

PA515

How long can NZ keep the 72-500s going for without needing to replace them?

MCA - Oc 1999
MCB - Nov 1999
MCF - Nov 1999
MCJ - Nov 1999
MCO - Dec 1999
MCP - Jan 2000
MCU -Feb 2000
MCW - Sept 2000
MCX - Jul 2002
MCY - Jan 2003
MCC - Nov 1999


With the youngest 72-500 being 11 years old, and with the first 8 approaching 15-16 years old. They are becoming the second oldest aircraft in the fleet after the 763s.

Quoting wstakl (Reply 77): Fair enough, after saving $700 flying QF to NRT instead of NZ, I thought maybe NZ had increased their fares for the privilege of riding in a 20% more fuel efficient machine.

We just had $NZ500 return per person AKL-NRT-AKL. I understand that was a one-off promotion, but too good to say no to - we had a great trip!

Quoting aerorobnz (Reply 96): 10 abreast is more narrow than the 9 abreast BUT I have found it better than I expected and the IFE and ability to order drinks/snacks from it compensates adequately.

We just had the Skycouch on the 787-9 AKL-NRT-AKL. Out just the two of us, and back with a 3rd person. You are aware that the pitch is larger, i.e. if the counch is not used, you have more legroom. We were on the 77W in the middle block AKL-LAX and it REALLY felt incredibly cramped. The worst flight I had in a VERY long time.
Regarding service: I never experienced a lack of watrer-runs druing long haiuls - I always noted how frequently they come through the cabin. The order-via-screen is good, BUT about half way through the floght NRT-AKL they ran out of ALL snacks. There was virtually NOTHING available. They apologised and said "we have quite a few children on board today, and they ate it all". Great excuse (not), and if you know you have many children on board and they order a lot, you need to cater properly.
In terms of staff, I hardly ever had a poor, or even bad experience. The flight crews have almost always been good to great, and they are the best asset of NZ.

My main gripe is the Airpoints programme: Last year I have flown more than ever in my life, and yet I lost my Gold status. It is just not worth it anymore.

In short: I try to avoid the 10 abreast 777s when I can, but are still happy flying NZ.

Premium Economy now bookable TT:

http://www.ausbt.com.au/air-new-zeal...aunch-trans-tasman-premium-economy

They didn't mention the 767s - are they all being withdrawn from TT? I doubt it. They also did not mention anything regarding the NB fleet. As discussed on here many time,s there is hope that some sort of premium (economy) product will be on the A321s and hopefully the A320s once they come into service. It also means that if Y+ is bookable, there will be less seats for frequent flyers available. While that is sad ofr FFs, it is totally understandable that they want to make a few extra $$ by selling the seats. I for one would be happy paying for it, if it is not outrageously expensive.

Cheers
micha

Quoting zkeoj (Reply 103): They didn't mention the 767s - are they all being withdrawn from TT? I doubt it. They also did not mention anything regarding the NB fleet.

As per the NZ site the A320/763 service will still keep the Works Duluxe Product. Would be supersized if the 321NEOS came with PE seats, rather than Business Class.

Quoting zkncj (Reply 104): 321NEOS came with PE seats,

If at all, it will be the new PE seats, not the space seats I guess...Although for the 3-5 hour flights the space seats are great...

Quoting zkncj (Reply 104): As per the NZ site the A320/763 service will still keep the Works Duluxe Product. Would be supersized if the 321NEOS came with PE seats, rather than Business Class.

763 retrofit with current PE seats would be nice for transtasman, even HNL.

Quoting zkeoj (Reply 103): They apologised and said "we have quite a few children on board today, and they ate it all"

Maybe a little more in the way of "adult taste" snacks to balance it out would be good. I didn;t order the chips/cookies so don't know if they ran out, I stuckto JD and Coke and water/juice.

Quoting gasman (Reply 97): If one perceives that a certain product is taking a nosedive, there should not be an impetus to provide positive comments as well just to pay lip service to a balanced picture.

I actually perceived (and was pleasantly surprised by) an improved product over a number of varied flights and thought it was worth mentioning given that I had previously been in total agreement with you. One must continually have evidence to back up the topic of debate to be current, remember that your point of view may actually affect whether someone reading this may or may not purchase an NZ ticket.

I still agree with you on price vs airpoints accrual related issues vs competition issues, and the things I mentioned in flight only have a certain value if the price is right. The 10 abreast thing is an issue that can be mitigated by cost and soft product and perhaps now I won't have to fly around it so much to avoid it. Remember that AA is 10 abreast 777 and 9 abreast 787. If the price is right I will fly them too.

Y+ and Works Deluxe are basically the same offering except for the premium meal.

Quoting 777ER (Reply 107): Y+ and Works Deluxe are basically the same offering except for the premium meal.

And the seat differential.

Quoting gasman (Reply 49): IMHO, these are NZ's truly iconic aircraft/livery combinations:

I was always partial to the NZ interim red and orange scheme on the domestic fleet. Were my first memories as a wee boy. Well, that and the "engine on top" planes.

In Paris Airshow news, it appears Qatar is taking four of the five white tail C17s. I'm thinking we can kiss goodbye to the thoughts of RNZAF getting them. Which I think is a good thing, frankly.

And on the NZ-bashing front... I mean, of course they're the target. 1. They're state owned. 2. They have a monopoly on a tonne of routes. 3. NZ markets itself as Kiwi this and down-home, matey that, inviting scorn. And 4. They're largely all we've got to talk about on the local scene.

Rule of thumb - don't want to talk about it, then don't talk about it.

[Edited 2015-06-16 23:54:23]

Quoting motorhussy (Reply 108):

Another extra product offering on Tasman routes. WLG and CHC have Works Deluxe while AKL gets Works and Y+. Going from this, I'm believing its safe to say the new A320/321s WILL have a premium product offering to either simplify the products or give another offering with Works Deluxe offering changing to remove as much product matching as possible

Quoting 777ER (Reply 110): Another extra product offering on Tasman routes. WLG and CHC have Works Deluxe while AKL gets Works and Y+. Going from this, I'm believing its safe to say the new A320/321s WILL have a premium product offering to either simplify the products or give another offering with Works Deluxe offering changing to remove as much product matching as possible

AKL is only really getting PE because SYD/MEL/BNE get at least an daily 772/77W/789 which all have 20-50 PE seats, that otherwise got given away for free. Plus there is all the long-hual passengers to/from SYD/MEL/BNE that are on PE tickets, this way they get the same product for the whole trip.

Problem being with the current A320s ex-AKL its pretty common to be on them when they are 100% fill, apart from one blocked seat for WD.

Quoting Mr AirNZ (Reply 100): OKN then OKP in November. Balance of the repainting continues after the peak Dec/Jan schedule.

So I guess that means OKQ lives for another summer. Still wish they had no plans to get rid of the current scheme.. It is so much better than the black version of the new livery.

Quoting 777ER (Reply 110):

Splitting Y+ from Works Deluxe works for NZ currently - PE has J meals, which would already be made in AKL but not in WLG or CHC (well CHC to a far lesser extent as the CHC-PER is seasonal). Smaller marginal cost for them to serve Y+ meals.

The changes benefit those travelling to/from Australia in Y+. There is no advantage to anyone else..

I would suspect NZ will be doing a bit of "product rationalisation" in the years to come.

They offer, Y, Y+, Works deluxe, and J. Then there are the three different Y+ offings (old 772/773/789) and the 763 has an antiquated J product. For an airline that doesn't offer F, that's a lot of possibilities.

Quoting TheCommodore (Reply 72): Damm straight bring back the Solent! My Grandparents flew on them, and had many stories to tell. What a fantastic way to have travelled

Not completely. As a child I was once seasick before takeoff and then airsick once airborne. Non-pressurized, piston-engined long distance air travel was slow and often turbulent. Standard cabins much roomier than now, but entertainment was a pack of cards. Excitement was provided by frequent stops and engine trouble - and flying within the weather. Flying used to be like setting off on safari on dirt roads in Africa. Now it is like staying in a plush hotel. They both have their virtues.

Quoting antskip (Reply 114): Flying used to be like setting off on safari on dirt roads in Africa. Now it is like staying in a plush hotel.

*Plush hotel* might be just a tad generous. I'd say more like a cheap, soul-less chain hotel where they've taken away your bed and added thirty other people into your room - but given everyone their own TV to compensate.

Quoting antskip (Reply 114): As a child I was once seasick before takeoff and then airsick once airborne. Non-pressurized, piston-engined long distance air travel was slow and often turbulent. Standard cabins much roomier than now, but entertainment was a pack of cards. Excitement was provided by frequent stops and engine trouble - and flying within the weather.

  

My first flying journey was on a flying boat - Empire class. I don't remember much (if anything) about it, only later flying boat journeys, but my mother used to tell horror stories of it, from Alexandria to Durban over three or four days, with nights spent at sometimes dodgy hotels. Not fun for a woman travelling alone with three children during the war.

Quoting gasman (Reply 115): *Plush hotel* might be just a tad generous. I'd say more like a cheap, soul-less chain hotel where they've taken away your bed and added thirty other people into your room - but given everyone their own TV to compensate.

It's all comparative. You sound as if you want a private room at the Ritz, all for a Y class fare.

mariner

[Edited 2015-06-17 14:11:55]

Quoting mariner (Reply 116): Alexandria to Durban over three or four days, with nights spent at sometimes dodgy hotels. Not fun for a woman travelling alone with three children during the war.

It's all comparative. You make it sound as if she wanted a private room at the Ritz, all for a Y class fare.

Quoting gasman (Reply 117): t's all comparative. You make it sound as if she wanted a private room at the Ritz, all for a Y class fare.

All she wanted was a room where she felt safe and could get my nappies wahed.

She didn't want a room where a man armed with a knife came in through the windows (there was no air-conditioning in Port Sudan then) at 3 am to try and rob her.

Nor was she saying the fare, she was wife of Imperial Airways staff - my father - and we were being evacuated from the Middle East to South Africa.

But - sneer away. One day someone will write a book about what the wives of the Empire builders had to contend with.

mariner

[Edited 2015-06-17 14:40:15]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/n...ticle.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11467070

Big Jetstar domestic announcement later today.

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 119): Big Jetstar domestic announcement later today.

Interesting. Just when I thought the domestic aviation scene was reaching a sort of sweet spot, with NZ/JQ competing on the main trunk and a handful of targeted niche operators serviving the smaller, but individually unique regional markets.

And they're the ones that would stand to lose from Jetstar straying off the main trunk.

I guess we'll know soon.........

Quoting DavidByrne (Reply 89): Not saying it isn't valid (though I don't share the views) but it's t-e-d-i-o-u-s. Could we perhaps have a thread entitled "Dump on NZ" (Parts 1 to 84) so that the rest of us don't have to endure it?

Speaking of which, while we bicker among ourselves over if NZ is/isn't a good carrier, our cousins across the ditch are getting through aviation thread's at an ever increasing pace. If we're not careful, they'll overtake us and take the crown for the a.net thread with the most parts. Type faster, fellow Kiwis. 

Quoting keen2fly (Reply 94): The airline's financial results as of late show they're doing something right, with a few favourable market conditions thrown into the mix.

Thing is though, how much of their profits are due to having a monopoly on certain routes? What would their profits be like if they didn't have a North American (minus Hawaii) monopoly?

Quoting PA515 (Reply 98): ZK-MVG is on display at the Paris Air Show, and there's a report Air NZ has ordered one ATR72-600.

Good; more jobs! Every extra aircraft counts.

Quoting Mr AirNZ (Reply 100): OKN then OKP in November. Balance of the repainting continues after the peak Dec/Jan schedule.

Cheers for the info. 

Quoting zkncj (Reply 102): How long can NZ keep the 72-500s going for without needing to replace them?

Quoting zkncj (Reply 102): With the youngest 72-500 being 11 years old, and with the first 8 approaching 15-16 years old. They are becoming the second oldest aircraft in the fleet after the 763s.

Are they causing problems to the airline or costing too much to operate? Is there a real need to replace them? I have no idea about this, but if it ain't broke....

Quoting aerokiwi (Reply 109): I'm thinking we can kiss goodbye to the thoughts of RNZAF getting them.

Only a single white tail left, according to NYC777 (who is very well informed with regards to most things Boeing related). So, presumably A400M is the most likely candidate for the RNZAF's next airlifter?

Quoting aerokiwi (Reply 109): Which I think is a good thing, frankly.

  
Would have been a big waste of taxpayer dollars.

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 119): Big Jetstar domestic announcement later today.

Quoting gasman (Reply 120): Interesting. Just when I thought the domestic aviation scene was reaching a sort of sweet spot, with NZ/JQ competing on the main trunk and a handful of targeted niche operators serviving the smaller, but individually unique regional markets. And they're the ones that would stand to lose from Jetstar straying off the main trunk. I guess we'll know soon.........

Flying long haul from Auckland? To LAX? That would be interesting! Maybe its as close as we'll get to having QF return to the route.

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 119): Big Jetstar domestic announcement later today.

I wonder what Gold/Silver paints looks like on a Dash 8?

Quoting ZKOJQ (Reply 121): So, presumably A400M is the most likely candidate for the RNZAF's next airlifter?

I dunno - it's hardly getting rave reviews and is a programme in trouble after the Spain crash.

I'm still holding out for the Embraer KC390 - would be a great strategic move to boost New Zealand-Brazil relations too.

Quoting jasewgtn (Reply 122):

Ditch JQ and bring QF back  

Quoting jasewgtn (Reply 122): I wonder what Gold/Silver paints looks like on a Dash 8?

Doesn't Qantas have an few spare Q300s parked up in QLD? maybe they could be heading this way.

Apart from say AKL-NSN, we're else could JQ use an A320?

Quoting zkncj (Reply 125):

DUD-WLG, DUD-CHC, ROT-CHC, PMR-CHC?? Even IVC-CHC?

Dash 8s would be better suited...

Quoting zkncj (Reply 125): Apart from say AKL-NSN, we're else could JQ use an A320?

Down here in IVC, we can take the A320's very easily   

Not much banter about the Y+ impact on FF, I for one am disappointed as I would always strive to book on a 772/773 TTAS where possible to get the Y+ seat even if it meant choosing a more expensive flight. I am on the 773 to MEL Monday and have a spaceseat, it makes that 4 hr trip that much more pleasant.

Going forward this little perk wont be available which is a shame but I do understand it was never formally a benefit, unfortunately the company wont pay for PE on the Tasman. Will be interesting to see what the premium is for Y+

Quoting nz2 (Reply 128): Will be interesting to see what the premium is for Y+

Do a dummy search after Oct 25. It's $20-50 or something more than WD.

Just out JQNZ to get Q300s

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/n...ticle.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11467277

Quoting zkncj (Reply 130):

Balsy move.

One always got the impression that NZ served the regions due a certain public utility role and social conscience, rather than it screaming "payday". Still, this can only be good news for the regions.

Quoting gasman (Reply 131): One always got the impression that NZ served the regions due a certain public utility role and social conscience, rather than it screaming "payday". Still, this can only be good news for the regions.

Until NZ plays its tricks and chases them out of town, maybe we could see the return of jet services on certain regional routes for an short period.

Quoting zkncj (Reply 132): Until NZ plays its tricks and chases them out of town, maybe we could see the return of jet services on certain regional routes for an short period.

QF/JQ have a lot of experience in the NZ domestic market, I am sure they will be expecting a strong fight from NZ. It's not like QF doesn't have the funds to keep it running at a loss for a while if need be.

Quoting zkncj (Reply 130):

I guess that seals it for Kiwi Regional Airlines. I can almost hear Ewan Wilson vomiting in the toilet now. The cities they're considering are basically covering right where KRA want to operate, definitely not enough room for a third airline with no money when the competition between NZ and JQ just entered regional territory.

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 124): Ditch JQ and bring QF back

If only!

Quoting keen2fly (Reply 134): I guess that seals it for Kiwi Regional Airlines.

I was just thinking this! Unless they go to very small destinations, they would be completely squeezed out. Sad day for them.

Quoting ZKOJQ (Reply 135): Sad day for them.

Is there even a "them" yet?? Or just Ewan and a website?

Quoting ZKOJQ (Reply 135): Sad day for them.

Yeah, but he was silly if he thought he could go up against NZ again. Initially it looked like they'd stay in the regions, but his plan developed into something that, while not direct competition, probably was too close for comfort and would have triggered a reaction in NZ to squish him again.

I'm far more interested in how NZ will react to JQ's regional venture, because this is NZ heartland and they will bring out the big guns on this, whether they try to push them out or try to limit further expansion I'm not really sure. But you gotta give it to JQ, they mean business.

Quoting zkncj (Reply 130): Just out JQNZ to get Q300s

Fantastic!

Quoting keen2fly (Reply 137): But you gotta give it to JQ, they mean business.

Absolutely. As much as Jetstar gets my goat, they've established themselves and are targeting the monopoly routes. What surprises me most is the lack of DUD flights. Surely CHC-DUD would be up there on target routes.

But still - hooray!

Livery looks great on the Q300!

Can't wait for their schedule announcement. I would look to the routes that NZ operates most frequently, these are the most likely ones for JQ to enter.

Dunedin is an obvious choice to start, they already operate there from Auckland and could add Christchurch (NZ operates 8x daily) and Wellington (6x daily) flights on the Q300. If these services were timed to connect to Auckland flights they would have a very compelling network for Dunedin based travellers.

Routes from Auckland to Palmerston North, Napier and New Plymouth are also obvious choices. These are all operated 7x daily or more by NZ. We could also see Christchurch and Wellington from some of these ports too.

Nelson is almost a certainty, it is served frequently by NZ to all three major cities.

I also think Rotorua is an obvious fit with it's tourist based market which fits nicely for JQ. QF operated CHC-ROT with their 737's before JQ took over.

It will be interesting to see where JQ bases and how they schedule the aircraft. Generally regional aircraft are based in the regional cities and operate their first flights to the major cities each morning. This is contrary to the way in which JQ currently operates it's fleet in NZ, with all aircraft based in AKL and CHC where their crew bases are.

I'm also interested to see what terminals they will operate from, especially in Auckland. It makes most sense to park their Q300s near their existing operation at the domestic terminal, but there isn't much space available. Christchurch will also be interesting, with the regional terminal controlled by NZ I wonder what provisions there are to allow other operators to use that part of the terminal.

Quoting CHCalfonzo (Reply 139): I'm also interested to see what terminals they will operate from, especially in Auckland. It makes most sense to park their Q300s near their existing operation at the domestic terminal, but there isn't much space available. Christchurch will also be interesting, with the regional terminal controlled by NZ I wonder what provisions there are to allow other operators to use that part of the terminal.

Most regional airports still have empty check-in desks left over from the likes of Freedom Air, Anestt NZ, Orgin Pacifc etc. Auckland and Christchurch would be the most challenged with NZ currently taking taking up all of the regional space.

In Auckland they could make an couple of regional gates to the left of gate 20, the area that back in the late 1999 that Ansett starting to put the poles in for an new airbridge. That still have the empty poles sitting there! They wouldn't want to use there curren't gates as there would require an $5 fee for screening.

And so Propstar was born.

Excited with JQ finally launching regional routes but surprised they aren't going with the Q400 or both the Q300/Q400 option.

WLG will be easier then AKL or CHC for regional parking space with the two regional gates in front of the large glass windows

Looks like some good sales coming shortly!

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 129): Do a dummy search after Oct 25. It's $20-50 or something more than WD.

Well, that's not too bad actually....

On 3 News tonight, it was said JQ is still in talks with Councils over possible service. One question the 3 News reporter asked the JQ spokesperson was if JQ was seeking cash from Councils to help operate the service. The JQ person sidetracked giving an answer very well. Maybe JQ is wanting payments in return to competition?

Heard on One News that they will launch flights to four of the seven possible destinations (Hamilton, Nelson, Invercargill, New Plymouth, Napier, Rotorua, Palmerston North). At a guess I'd say the fly to Nelson, New Plymouth, Napier and Palmerston North with all flights being to/from AKL with one aircraft overnighting at each destination. My reasoning is that flights to AKL will have the most demand as AKL is the largest population centre and will allow regional passengers to connect to more than 1-2 services to aussie as would be the case in CHC or WLG. Additionally by using only 1 trunk destination administration costs and timetabling issues can be reduced. Therefore these four regional destinations would make the most sense in that they have viable business cases to AKL attached to them as show by the high level of supply from NZ especially considering these four routes were NZ's choice for upgrade from Q300 to ATR

Quoting TruemanQLD (Reply 133): QF/JQ have a lot of experience in the NZ domestic market, I am sure they will be expecting a strong fight from NZ. It's not like QF doesn't have the funds to keep it running at a loss for a while if need be.

Particulary considering the current JQ CEO is the ex-head of Air Nelson.

Quoting 777ER (Reply 142): Excited with JQ finally launching regional routes but surprised they aren't going with the Q400 or both the Q300/Q400 option.

The flights will be operated by Eastern Australian Airlines (EAA) (part of Qantas Link) instead of JQ Mainline - just with JQ branding using their ex-aussie Q300s. EAA does not operate Q400 aircraft and all of Sunstates's (Q400 operator for QF link) Q400s are fully utilized in Aussie. Therefore it is unlikely that the current JQ crew/maintenance operation will have much impact on the decisions for the Q300 operation. I wonder whether the ex-aussie Q300s will be given NZ registration numbers?

Quoting CHCalfonzo (Reply 139): Nelson is almost a certainty, it is served frequently by NZ to all three major cities. I'm also interested to see what terminals they will operate from

I wonder which terminal JQ will operate fronm in NSN as there is the large - mostly unused ex-Origin Pacific terminal which has Offices for a helicopter company in it or the current NZ terminal which can be capacity restrained both in-terminal and on the ramp in peak times

Quoting nz2 (Reply 143): Well, that's not too bad actually....

Not really worth it for a 3 hour trans Tasman flight though.. Unless you were desperate to try the product out or something.

Quoting CHCalfonzo (Reply 139): Generally regional aircraft are based in the regional cities and operate their first flights to the major cities each morning. This is contrary to the way in which JQ currently operates it's fleet in NZ, with all aircraft based in AKL and CHC where their crew bases are

Not necessarily. A lot of the current regional flying done by NZ is done with overnight crews. NZ regionals have larger bases in the 3 main centres with most of the regional ports using crews in the hotel for the night.

Quoting 777ER (Reply 142): Excited with JQ finally launching regional routes but surprised they aren't going with the Q400 or both the Q300/Q400 option.

The Q400 is not really a fit on these routes. They are to short for the amount of gas consumed and time advantage would be minimal. The Q4 would be great on longer routes too thin for a jet but there aren't enough of them around the country to justify a fleet right now.

From a passenger's perspective, good stuff. I wonder how many of the extra 100 staff will be NZ employees though

[Edited 2015-06-18 02:05:24]

Quoting ZKSUJ (Reply 147): The Q4 would be great on longer routes too thin for a jet but there aren't enough of them around the country to justify a fleet right now.

AKL-IVC   

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 148):

Yea man, AKL-NLK would probably be a go too, or to the Chats