Australian Aviation Thread Part 128

allrite · Thu Aug 27, 2015 12:30 pm

Australian Aviation Thread 127 is now over 200 posts long so lets continue the discussion here.

Some of the topics discussed were:

* Qantas website changes
* Jetstar NZ Q300 update
* Qantas profit and 789 order announcement
* QF sells SYD T3 lease to Sydney Airport
* QF VH registered 737s getting refresh and 6 extra seats
* VA A330 new business class
* NH 789 in R2-D2 livery likely to come to SYD
* QF-MU deal approved by the ACCC
* NZ profit announcement, disses QF - discussion of connections in the Americas.

And more, but it's almost curfew in SYD for the airport and I, so sit back and enjoy your overnight flight.

[Edited 2015-08-27 05:32:54]

qf789 · Thu Aug 27, 2015 12:40 pm

QF opened their new business lounge in PER today

http://www.ausbt.com.au/first-look-qantas-business-lounge-perth

qf002 · Thu Aug 27, 2015 1:04 pm

SYD really is on a roll with the new Chinese services this year -- HU appears to be planning to add SYD-XIY and SYD-CXS in November, each twice a week using A332s.

Those plus MF's approaching additions will take SYD up to nine links with mainland China -- PVG, PEK, NKG, CAN, CKG, FOC, XMN, XIY and CXS. I do wonder whether they will all last the distance, but hopefully the good news continues into 2016-17 with a few more additions (CTU, TSN, WUH and returns to SZX and HGH spring to mind).

IndianicWorld · Thu Aug 27, 2015 11:24 pm

Given that HU has come and gone before, it will be interesting to see how they go this time into SYD.

They are different destinations but secondary chinese destinations generally take time to build.

That has provided a reminder to me that HU had signed a MoU with AVV to explore flight oportunities but nothing has yet to come of that. Was meant to be fright focused at first but I guess if they do start it may be a new passenger destination option.

qfvhoqa · Thu Aug 27, 2015 11:47 pm

Quoting allrite (Thread starter):
QF VH registered 737s getting refresh and 6 extra seats

QF have published a seat map for the new 738 config. Rear galley and toilets have shrunk as expected. However it looks like no changes forward of the exit rows as they remain rows 13 and 14. So Platinums are safe with their extra legroom seats in row 4. Seat Maps for the Boeing 737-800

Quoting qf002 (Reply 2):
HU appears to be planning to add SYD-XIY and SYD-CXS in November, each twice a week using A332s.

Where did you hear this? I would find it interesting considering HU got burned on SYD-SZX a couple of years ago. HU not having any provincial government ownership likely hinders their chances of getting subsidies from Chinese airports.

[Edited 2015-08-27 16:49:13]

DeltaB717 · Thu Aug 27, 2015 11:50 pm

Quoting qfvhoqa (Reply 4):
Where did you hear this?

https://twitter.com/airlineroute/status/636757323214553089

Didn't HU use the A346 last time? A332 seems a lot more sensible...

Sydscott · Fri Aug 28, 2015 12:28 am

As an aside, since our QF A330 upgrade thread has disappeared I wonder if it's easier to keep track of them through here.

I'm happy to start us off by listing:

A330-300

VH-QPA - in new config
VH-QPB - in new config
VH-QPC - in new config
VH-QPD - in new config
VH-QPE - in Brisbane maintenance being upgraded
VH-QPF
VH-QPG
VH-QPH
VH-QPI - in new config
VH-QPJ

A330-200

VH-EBA - in new config
VH-EBB - in new config
VH-EBC
VH-EBD
VH-EBE - still operating with JQ.
VH-EBF
VH-EBG
VH-EBI
VH-EBK - in new config
VH-EBL
VH-EBM
VH-EBN
VH-EBO
VH-EBP
VH-EBQ
VH-EBR
VH-EBS - in new config
VH-EBV - in new config

Someone else can do the Virgin A332's.

qf002 · Fri Aug 28, 2015 1:49 am

Quoting qfvhoqa (Reply 4):
So Platinums are safe with their extra legroom seats in row 4. Seat Maps for the Boeing 737-800

Assuming that there is a cut out in that new solid divider between J and Y (which I'm sure there will be).

Quoting DeltaB717 (Reply 5):
Didn't HU use the A346 last time? A332 seems a lot more sensible...

I'm pretty sure it was A330s last time as well, or at least the couple of photos I took at the time are of A330s.

Quoting Sydscott (Reply 6):

A couple of corrections:

A330-300

VH-QPA - in new config
VH-QPB - in new config
VH-QPC - in new config
VH-QPD - in new config
VH-QPE
VH-QPF - at BNE being reconfigured
VH-QPG
VH-QPH
VH-QPI - in new config
VH-QPJ

A330-200

VH-EBA - in new config
VH-EBB - in new config
VH-EBC
VH-EBD
VH-EBE - still operating with JQ.
VH-EBF
VH-EBG
VH-EBI - leaving the fleet soon
VH-EBJ - in new config
VH-EBK - in new config
VH-EBL
VH-EBM
VH-EBN
VH-EBO
VH-EBP
VH-EBQ
VH-EBR
VH-EBS - in new config
VH-EBV - in new config

DeltaB717 · Fri Aug 28, 2015 2:35 am

Quoting qf002 (Reply 7):
Quoting DeltaB717 (Reply 5):Didn't HU use the A346 last time? A332 seems a lot more sensible...
I'm pretty sure it was A330s last time as well, or at least the couple of photos I took at the time are of A330s.

Yes, you're right... the A346s I'm remembering where, now I think about it, the trade delegation charters prior to the scheduled service.

qf789 · Fri Aug 28, 2015 3:25 am

Quoting Sydscott (Reply 6):

Quoting qf002 (Reply 7):

VH-EBF arrived in BNE 2 days ago after being repainted in SIN, currently under maintenance in BNE

http://www.theqantassource.com/qanta...turns-from-paya-lebar-maintenance/

VH-EBK currently in SIN being repainted into QF livery

http://www.theqantassource.com/forme...ositions-to-singapore-maintenance/

VA A330-200 fleet

VH-XFC
VH-XFD
VH-XFE
VH-XFG
VH-XFH new config
VH-XFJ

none of the other 5 are in maintenance at the moment to be reconfigured, all 6 A332 are flying today

QF175 · Fri Aug 28, 2015 8:22 am

Quoting qf789 (Reply 9):

VA A330-200 fleet

VH-XFC
VH-XFD
VH-XFE
VH-XFG
VH-XFH new config
VH-XFJ

none of the other 5 are in maintenance at the moment to be reconfigured, all 6 A332 are flying today

VH-XFG has the new Business Class and the upgrade of VH-XFJ commences tomorrow from what I've heard:

VH-XFC
VH-XFD
VH-XFE
VH-XFG - New Business Class
VH-XFH - New Business Class
VH-XFJ

ItsMike · Fri Aug 28, 2015 9:57 am

Hi all, this is my first post after 7 years as a reader, sorry it isn't more deep and meaningful.

Does anyone know what the plans are for taking the Wallabies to Chicago tomorrow? Will the special livery A380 be taking them all the way or will they be transferring to AA.

I know that QF have previously flown a B744 on to Rio from SCL for the Socceroos. I was wondering if they are doing the same for the Wallabies.

BNEFlyer · Fri Aug 28, 2015 11:06 am

Quoting ItsMike (Reply 11):
Does anyone know what the plans are for taking the Wallabies to Chicago tomorrow? Will the special livery A380 be taking them all the way or will they be transferring to AA.

I'm curious to know too... The Wallabies FB page states: "A great morning at the Qantas hangar for the unveiling of the ‪#‎A380‬ livery taking us over to Chicago!"

Guess we'll find out tomorrow!

QF175 · Fri Aug 28, 2015 11:38 am

Welcome to the forum ItsMike.

Regional Express (Rex) today announced its full year results. The airline made a profit of $6.7m after tax ($9.3m before tax) based on revenue of $256.2m. The airline saw a reduction in PBT and PAT when compared to FY14.

Interestingly Rex also signaled that it is considering responding to the WA Government tender for licenced (read subsidised) routes out of Perth:

Source - ASX.

b747400erf · Fri Aug 28, 2015 11:57 am

Hi everyone, can anyone tell me the callsigns used by the RAAF BBJ's?

TruemanQLD · Fri Aug 28, 2015 12:44 pm

Quoting B747400ERF (Reply 14):
Hi everyone, can anyone tell me the callsigns used by the RAAF BBJ's?

"Envoy" rings a bell...

CXfirst · Fri Aug 28, 2015 2:58 pm

Quoting Sydscott (Reply 6):
Someone else can do the Virgin A332's.

Posted in the part 126 thread the expected entry into service dates. Still seems to be on track for these dates (not 100% sure).

XFH - 17/08
XFG - 25/08
XFE - 01/09
XFD - 19/10
XFC - 26/10
XFJ - 02/11

So XFE should come soon, and then a small gap, before the remaining 3 are done in quick order.

Edit: Without knowing for sure, I'm thinking XFE must be delayed. Can't imagine they can reconfigure in 3 days. The other 2 were gone about 2 weeks, but perhaps they were doing more maintenance.

-CXfirst

[Edited 2015-08-28 08:01:50]

QF762 · Sat Aug 29, 2015 2:57 am

Quoting qfvhoqa (Reply 4):
Seat Maps for the Boeing 737-800

Interesting.

Only 5 cabin crew jump seats in total. I guess they never need anymore than that. What about training (mentor/first) flights for cabin crew etc...?

zkncj · Sat Aug 29, 2015 2:59 am

Quoting QF762 (Reply 17):
Only 5 cabin crew jump seats in total. I guess they never need anymore than that. What about training (mentor/first) flights for cabin crew etc...?

You just block out an passenger seat for the extra crew, well thats what NZ does.

Thai77w · Sat Aug 29, 2015 3:07 am

Quoting TruemanQLD (Reply 15):
Hi everyone, can anyone tell me the callsigns used by the RAAF BBJ's?
"Envoy" rings a bell...

There is a few others they use depending on whose on board...

Recently one operated using the callsign WISDOM 33 into BNE, and I've head of them using Regent too.

RyanairGuru · Sat Aug 29, 2015 3:11 am

Quoting QF762 (Reply 17):

Given that QF only have 4 FAs on non-dinner flights now it shouldn't be an issue.

Jetstar315 · Sat Aug 29, 2015 3:17 am

I thought the CASA regulation was one flight attendant for each 36 seats. Four flight attendants would equal 144 seats but the B738s of QF have more seats than that! Interesting!

qf002 · Sat Aug 29, 2015 10:37 am

Quoting Jetstar315 (Reply 21):
I thought the CASA regulation was one flight attendant for each 36 seats. Four flight attendants would equal 144 seats but the B738s of QF have more seats than that! Interesting!

Everything you'll ever want to know about cabin crew ratios can be found here.

I'm not exactly sure where the Orders stand at this stage but would suspect that QF had other labour-related issues to overcome before they could drop to four crew.

Ditzyboy · Sat Aug 29, 2015 11:43 am

Quoting RyanairGuru (Reply 20):
Given that QF only have 4 FAs on non-dinner flights now it shouldn't be an issue.

All short flights have 5 FAs. Most medium and all long flights have 4 FAs. SYD/BNE/MEL/CBR/DRW/ADL - PER has 5 FAs on all flights.

[Edited 2015-08-29 04:45:30]

[Edited 2015-08-29 04:46:05]

[Edited 2015-08-29 04:46:33]

RyanairGuru · Sat Aug 29, 2015 11:52 am

Quoting Ditzyboy (Reply 23):

Out of interest what is the definition of short vs medium?

Quoting Jetstar315 (Reply 21):

It's as simple as filling out some paper work and you are magically granted a waiver. Virgin only have 4 FAs on a 73H and have done ever since I first flew them a decade ago. Tiger only have four jump seats on their A320s.

XAM2175 · Sat Aug 29, 2015 3:03 pm

As an aside and purely out of curiosity, would anybody know of any split-flap display boards ("Solari" type, the noisy ones) still in use in Australia?

Recent trips I've taken through the international terminals at BNE and MEL have seen said boards in both places gone.

Only one I know of now that's still working is in the QF First lounge in SYD.

Cheers.

qf002 · Sat Aug 29, 2015 3:46 pm

Quoting XAM2175 (Reply 25):
Only one I know of now that's still working is in the QF First lounge in SYD.

There are three in the SYD lounge and IIRC two in the MEL lounge.

I'm not aware of any others, though CBR does use very cool flipper-style graphics on their big digital displays (minus the noise, sadly).

CXfirst · Sat Aug 29, 2015 4:38 pm

Quoting Jetstar315 (Reply 21):
I thought the CASA regulation was one flight attendant for each 36 seats.

There is a CAAP detailing what airlines have to do to be exempt (or rather use the 1:50 ratio). It involves an application and being able to show proof of sufficient training, manning of emergency exits, etc.

-CXfirst

Ditzyboy · Sat Aug 29, 2015 11:44 pm

Quoting RyanairGuru (Reply 24):
Out of interest what is the definition of short vs medium?

The cut off is around 90 minutes flight time. SYD-ADL-SYD is a medium with four cabin crew on all services, despite ADL-SYD sometimes being less than 90 minutes flight time.

I wasn't entirely correct regarding short flights. To further complicate the issue BNE-TSV-BNE and BNE-CBR-BNE are long 'short' services that have four cabin crew, with five for dinner. (I thought they were short 'medium' LOL.)

XAM2175 · Sun Aug 30, 2015 12:27 am

Quoting qf002 (Reply 26):
There are three in the SYD lounge and IIRC two in the MEL lounge.

Oh really, three! And MEL too... Thanks for that.

I did actually see the set-up in CBR when I passed through recently after many years away and thought it was pretty cute - though the digital simulation can't quite pull off the same legibility.

eta unknown · Sun Aug 30, 2015 5:55 am

A bunch of TK jobs (including cargo and airport staff) have been posted on linkedin for Sidney (sic)... hmmm...

Thai77w · Sun Aug 30, 2015 8:49 am

A couple of interesting movements thru BNE today.

Coulson C130 Fire Fighting aircraft arrived on its way to NSW to assist the NSWRFS.

Also a Navy (Surveillance Australia) Dash 8-200 VH-LCL operated CNS-BNE-BNE today. Believe it was originally going to NLK but came back.

QF744ER · Mon Aug 31, 2015 11:50 am

Today's QF1 delayed till 0700 tomorrow no doubt due to -OQD being stranded in Perth with supposed fuel pump issues.

-OQD was at the time operating an already delayed QF2D at the time of its diversion in the early hours of this morning.

qf789 · Tue Sep 01, 2015 4:13 am

VHOQD has just left PER, operating QF6002 back to SYD

OQD hasn't had a good few days. It was reported yesterday that prior to leaving DXB passengers reported a 3 hr delay on the tarmac. When passengers checked in at PER yesterday around 1pm there was a technical issue with check-in so it ended up being done manually, then there was a separate technical issue causing the aircraft to delay to today as it missed the SYD curfew.

[Edited 2015-08-31 21:44:19]

coolian2 · Tue Sep 01, 2015 4:25 am

Quoting QF744ER (Reply 32):

Fuel pump issues were resolved and she went tech a second time prior to the planned PER-SYD that would have beaten the curfew.

Sydscott · Tue Sep 01, 2015 7:11 am

For those interested there is a piece on CAPA contrasting the market position of EK, EY and QR in Australia. Interesting read.

http://centreforaviation.com/analysi...sing-link-for-qatar-airways-241784

Quoting QF744ER (Reply 32):
Today's QF1 delayed till 0700 tomorrow no doubt due to -OQD being stranded in Perth with supposed fuel pump issues.

-OQD was at the time operating an already delayed QF2D at the time of its diversion in the early hours of this morning.

Quoting qf789 (Reply 33):
VHOQD has just left PER, operating QF6002 back to SYD

Hopefully QF has a spare 744 laying around so that they could get back on schedule!

EK413 · Tue Sep 01, 2015 8:14 am

I'm back...

Fantastic news to be welcomed back to with QF shy from reporting $1billion profit & a firm order for 8 x B789's with more to come

EK413

PoleHillSid · Tue Sep 01, 2015 8:19 am

QF operating a return flight to LNR from Sydney on 31 Oct on the Retro Roo for 95th anniversary special. Flights were $369 each way when I checked at lunch, including champagne reception etc. They posted it on Facebook earlier if you want to check it out.

QF175 · Fri Sep 04, 2015 9:16 am

Per JetGo's Facebook page the airline will announce a new destination this coming Tuesday 8 September. Speculation suggests that the new route could be Sydney and Brisbane to Narrabri.

EK413 · Mon Sep 07, 2015 1:18 am

BNE received several diversions today due to SYD fog QF8, QF12, QF18.

EK413

ben175 · Mon Sep 07, 2015 7:13 am

I flew MEL-PER-MEL on the weekend and got to try the new QF economy product on both sectors (EBB and EBJ were my aircraft)

All I can say is - wow. The new catering service is fantastic. My pasta meal was literally twice the size of a standard pasta dish you would receive on a tray. Plus the little touches - like a quick run down the aisle with Lindt chocolates before arrival were really nice. The new seats are very comfortable and stylish too.

One thing I found pretty annoying about the iPads is that they're not muted without headphones, so there were a few technologically-challenged passengers who didn't realise they were watching their movies through the actual speaker... until somebody nearby kindly showed them how to plug in the headphone jack. Also, a couple of the flight attendants didn't really have a clue how to work them, but I guess that will come with experience.

I honestly found the Business Suite quite underwhelming. The seats appeared to be very narrow, but that was based on four quick walks past the J cabin on boarding and disembarkation.

[Edited 2015-09-07 00:15:28]

Sydscott · Mon Sep 07, 2015 7:21 am

Quoting ben175 (Reply 40):
I honestly found the Business Suite quite underwhelming. The seats appeared to be very narrow, but that was based on four quick walks past the J cabin on boarding and disembarkation.

Trust me, they're much better when you're sitting in them. I'm 6'2 and the amount of legroom you get is great and they're soft and comfy. A huge improvement over the Skybed Mark 2.

QF175 · Mon Sep 07, 2015 4:04 pm

Quoting QF175 (Reply 38):
Per JetGo's Facebook page the airline will announce a new destination this coming Tuesday 8 September. Speculation suggests that the new route could be Sydney and Brisbane to Narrabri.

JetGo has announced via its Facebook page that it will significantly expand its Dubbo flying by:

- Increasing Brisbane services to 6x weekly from end October (up from 4x weekly, M-F and Su)
- Introducing new Melbourne services from end October (Tu, Th and Su)

JetGo has also applied to fly to Narrabri via the local shire's EOI process. The local shire is currently assessing the application along with that of NorthWest Aviation's.

[Edited 2015-09-07 09:07:44]

VA82 · Mon Sep 07, 2015 7:57 pm

Jetstar have announced their new New Zealand routes.

Auckland to Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Naiper and Wellington to Nelson. With 5 Q300's joining the fleet it will be interesting to see what else they end up doing!

Sydscott · Mon Sep 07, 2015 10:12 pm

[quote=VA82,reply=43]Auckland to Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Naiper and Wellington to Nelson. With 5 Q300's joining the fleet it will be interesting to see what else they end up doing! [/quote

According to Airline Route:

eff 01DEC15 Auckland – Napier 3 daily (2 daily on Saturdays)
eff 01DEC15 Auckland – Nelson 3 daily (2 daily on Saturdays; from 01FEB16, service operates 4 daily, 3 daily on Saturdays)
eff 01FEB16 Auckland – New Plymouth 3 daily (2 daily on Sundays)
eff 01FEB16 Auckland – Palmerston North 3 daily (2 daily on Saturdays)
eff 01FEB16 Wellington – Nelson 3 daily

http://airlineroute.net/2015/09/03/jq-nz-dec15/

TruemanQLD · Tue Sep 08, 2015 12:38 am

Quoting QF175 (Reply 42):
JetGo has announced via its Facebook page that it will significantly expand its Dubbo flying by:

- Increasing Brisbane services to 6x weekly from end October (up from 4x weekly, M-F and Su)
- Introducing new Melbourne services from end October (Tu, Th and Su)

JetGo has also applied to fly to Narrabri via the local shire's EOI process. The local shire is currently assessing the application along with that of NorthWest Aviation's.

I must say I was very skeptical of JetGo's success with RPT and my initial suspicion was well founded (SYD-GLT, SYD-RMA). However, it seems they have been a little more successful since then and wish them all the best in the future!

Quoting VA82 (Reply 43):
Jetstar have announced their new New Zealand routes.

Auckland to Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Naiper and Wellington to Nelson. With 5 Q300's joining the fleet it will be interesting to see what else they end up doing!

Great to see this going ahead, hopefully will see future expansion to come!

RyanairGuru · Tue Sep 08, 2015 12:53 am

I wish JetGo all the best, I really do, as it is great to see someone stepping up to replace FQ in the "random flights to nowhere" category, and potentially down the line compete with ZL for state government route awards in QLD and NSW, but I still have doubts about the viability in the scheduled market, especially using the high cost EM4. Sure they're cheap to acquire as there are about a trillion currently been retired in the USA, but the type's operating costs are totally out of whack compared to the SF3/DH8/AT4. If they were operating props I'd feel much more confident about their future success. As I said, though, good luck to them.

TruemanQLD · Tue Sep 08, 2015 1:13 am

Might have missed it but JQ have started TSV-DPS 3x weekly this week.

What I didn't realise is that the route is really BNE-TSV-DPS, in the same way that BNE-DRW-DPS used to operate before direct services, however with (slightly) different flight numbers.

JQ 100 BNE 1955 - TSV 2155 M,W,Sa
JQ 102 TSV 2255 - DPS 0130+1 M,W,Sa
JQ 101 DPS 0230 - TSV 0915 Su,Tu,Th
JQ 103 TSV 1045 - BNE 1235 Su, Tu, Th

These flights often appear to come up as one of the cheaper options as well. Is this additional 3x weekly flight BNE-TSV new or has it just been retimed to work with the new DPS flight? Seems a smart way of capturing TSV traffic, which may not be enough to warrant the flight and then adding BNE traffic to DPS and still getting the local funding for operating the route!

RyanairGuru · Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:09 am

Quoting TruemanQLD (Reply 47):

With flight numbers in the JQ1xx range I presume that BNE-TSV-BNE operates from the international terminal at BNE?

If so I doubt it would be too attractive to the local market?

TruemanQLD · Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:25 am

Quoting RyanairGuru (Reply 48):
With flight numbers in the JQ1xx range I presume that BNE-TSV-BNE operates from the international terminal at BNE?

If so I doubt it would be too attractive to the local market

Negative, operates from Domestic but BNE Airport website/app always have it in the International section, which is how I became aware of it (Gates No's etc are domestic though)

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