Australian Aviation Thread Part 139

qf789 · Fri Apr 01, 2016 1:52 pm

With over 200 replies in Australian Aviation Thread Part 138 (by 777ER Mar 19 2016 in Civil Aviation) Australian Aviation Thread Part 139 is now open for discussion

In Part 138 we discussed the following

- QF 717-200 VH-YQY enters service
- VN pushes back 787-9 service to December 2016
- VA aims for $500 million balance sheet fix
- VA shareholders provide VA with $425 million loan
- QF increases SYD-LAX to 9 weekly and SYD-SFO to daily from 13 Dec 16 to 24 Jan 17
- QF A380 usage
- AA's next likely route
- TT Bali flights
- NZ CHC-PER will be upgraded to 787-9 from 763 next summer
- BI operates A320 to MEL instead of 787-8 due to fleet issues
- QF SYD-HKG flights
- rumour CX will obtain more 773's for Australian routes
- BRU terrorist attack and how secure are Australian airports
- AN225 visiting PER on 15 May 2016 for 2 days
- VH-EBN now been refurbed
- 8 A333's and 11 A332's how now been refurbed
- possiblility of QF operating the MOM or A322
- QF and EY A388 diversions to PER
- TT flying empty planes back to Australia as not received regulatory permission the fly passengers back to Australia
- QF A388 goes tech in LAX
- NZ CEO resigns from VA board
- NZ to sell its shareholding in VA
- VA positions aircraft to DPS due to TT not having regulatory permission
- Comprehensive discussion on VA's many problems
- QF group reports 10.5% increase in passengers in February
- April Fool's Jokes

[Edited 2016-04-01 06:58:57]

luftaom · Fri Apr 01, 2016 4:58 pm

Nouflyer From New Caledonia, joined Aug 2014, 224 posts, RR: 2
Reply 172, posted Wed Mar 30 2016 21:56:19 your local time (1 day 3 hours 52 minutes ago) and read 2005 times:

What is the mythical feed that VA delivers to SQ? Don't SQ already serve the capital cities?

******

It's a universal truth of a.net that connections are the first and last considerations of all airlines for all business decisions (but particularly the viability of new and old routes).

Although I think some airlines believe this as well - for example when VA was operating CNS-TSV there was an EY code on the flight. I'd love to know just how many people actually booked on the EY code. I wouldn't be surprised if it were a very round number.

I know codesharing is cheap - but it's not completely without cost.

Your point is a very valid one ... SQ has pretty much has the entire continent covered with their own metal.

mariner · Fri Apr 01, 2016 7:38 pm

There's an amusing article in the Financial Review on the issues at Virgin, with a couple of items of gossip, starting with the idea that Luxon and Borghetti "don't get on" - although more strongly expressed:

http://www.afr.com/brand/rear-window...nts-on-james-hogan-20160330-gnu74g

"John Borghetti loses Christopher Luxon, counts on James Hogan

The showdown has been brewing for some time, with Luxon's criticism of Virgin Australia under John Borghetti – where increasing passenger yields have been outpaced by its increasing cost base – becoming less discreet over time. The two men are oil and water – the former a teetotalling shampoo salesman and the latter a petrolhead aesthete. The former with a 25.9 per cent stake in (and a seat on the board of) the latter's flagging and debt-laden business.

While independent chairman Elizabeth Bryan has other majors, not to mention independent shareholders, to look out for, she's clearly stared the Kiwis down, despite Luxon and his board demanding a brake on Virgin's capex-intensive strategy to stem red ink, and with it the scalp of the CEO. Thus the walkout."

There's also one pearl that is news to me:

"Borghetti must be wondering why he let Bryan convince him to stay longer – he could've walked last year (before Alan Joyce's fortunes turned so dramatically) as a visionary monopoly smasher. "

Borghetti wanted to go but Elizabeth Bryan talked him out of it? Hmmmm.

The article then moves on to Etihad and CEO Hogan, described as an a "former Ansett trolley dolly" and suggesting that Hogan's investments in other "tin-pot" airlines almost make the investment in Virgin look good.

"Perhaps at the Palladium tomorrow, Hogan will announce a full takeover bid and a corporate rebranding. We can't wait to fly with 72 Virgins…"

It's a fun read.

mariner

[Edited 2016-04-01 12:56:37]

Planesmart · Fri Apr 01, 2016 7:39 pm

It's unlikely a major airline will have any interest in VA, given it's current major shareholders (minus) NZ, unless they are seeking (or already have) a deep and meaningful strategic relationship with those same shareholders, or more than NZ exit.

Even then, as another poster said earlier, the target is QF. No sane airline is going to take a position in VA which could later impact on their ability to acquire a QF stake.

mariner · Fri Apr 01, 2016 7:46 pm

Quoting mariner (Reply 2):
"John Borghetti loses Christopher Luxon, counts on James Hogan

In contrast to which, one fairly well-respected analyst in The Australian thinks that Singapore is the go:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/busi...y/a3d2708d2f7842de2ee18d715945df3a

"But veteran aviation analyst and Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation boss Peter Harbison said it was Singapore that had more to lose by letting competing Asian airlines swoop on Air NZ’s holding and take a foothold in the Australian market.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Singapore Airlines to buy in, especially with the dual ownership structure Virgin Australia now has. And really, they should be desperate to buy it, probably up to 100 per cent for the domestic airline,” Mr Harbison told The Australian.

“It would also, with the international ownership structure, allow them to operate to the US, something they have long aspired to.

“The big thing is who wants Virgin Australia badly enough and who will pay the most.”

mariner

PoleHillSid · Fri Apr 01, 2016 10:46 pm

Quoting luftaom (Reply 1):
Although I think some airlines believe this as well - for example when VA was operating CNS-TSV there was an EY code on the flight. I'd love to know just how many people actually booked on the EY code. I wouldn't be surprised if it were a very round number.

When I lived in the UK I visited Australia booked through EY. As part of a package, I got 3 internal flights all with VA booked through the EY codeshare number. So it's not unreasonable that people could fly routes such as this as part of their travels around Aus. I did MEL-NTL, SYD-MKY and PPP-BNE, with pre-purchased food provided.

81819 · Fri Apr 01, 2016 11:26 pm

Quoting mariner (Reply 4):
In contrast to which, one fairly well-respected analyst in The Australian thinks that Singapore is the go

I think SIA is the go. With Singapore a wash with US dollars (You can borrow $US at a interest rate less than a percent) and a lot of VA's current issues associated with its $US costs SIA might have a strategic advantage over the other players.

CBRboy · Sat Apr 02, 2016 7:41 am

Pax on QF1 departing SYD this evening have deplaned approx 1hr 30m after scheduled departure after sitting in the aircraft in sweltering heat. Captain apparently announced that something required to start engines wasn't working. Possibly the APU, given poor air con? Sorry unable to establish which frame.

Update: Deplaned spouse confirms QF said the APU was 'broken' - could be her words rather than the captains

[Edited 2016-04-02 00:52:49]

[Edited 2016-04-02 00:53:58]

777ER · Sat Apr 02, 2016 10:12 am

Quoting mariner (Reply 4):

VA would be an excellent asset for SQ and could finally give QF/JQ a good run. SQ has always wanted Australia - LAX/SFO services and this would give SQ an easy entry onto the route.

"Welcome onboard this Singapore Airlines service to LAX, proudly operated by Virgin Australia". Be just like Eastern Australian Airlines are doing with the Q300s on NZL domestic

777ER · Sat Apr 02, 2016 10:21 am

While looking at VA flights, I've noticed this:

BNE07:00 PM WLG12:25 AM
VA 108 73H
VIRGIN AUST INTL FOR VA SE ASIA

jetfuel · Sat Apr 02, 2016 10:48 am

Quoting 777ER (Reply 9):

BNE07:00 PM WLG12:25 AM
VA 108 73H
VIRGIN AUST INTL FOR VA SE ASIA

International short haul: All Virgin Australia flights, departing to/arriving from countries within South East Asia and the Pacific; or crossing the Tasman.

Our international short haul network services destinations such as Christmas and Cocos Islands, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and Denpasar.

*International short haul flights are ordinarily operated or marketed by Virgin Australia International or Virgin Australia (SE Asia).

sq256 · Sun Apr 03, 2016 12:54 am

Quoting 777ER (Reply 8):
VA would be an excellent asset for SQ and could finally give QF/JQ a good run. SQ has always wanted Australia - LAX/SFO services and this would give SQ an easy entry onto the route.

"Welcome onboard this Singapore Airlines service to LAX, proudly operated by Virgin Australia". Be just like Eastern Australian Airlines are doing with the Q300s on NZL domestic

Not with the current amount of competitors on the SYD-LAX route atm, esp with the QF/AA and DL/VA (and UA/NZ?) antitrust immunity partnerships on the Australia-USA sector in general.

Should SQ buy out NZ's stake, I'm still tipping that they may instruct VA to pull out of BNE-LAX (and have either their partner DL take over that sector, or potentially even have SQ do that sector themselves with A350s with 5th freedom rights) and use the remaining 3 aircraft to take over some of SQ's own East Coast-SIN services, which allows them to move the displaced SQ aircraft to other medium or long haul sectors in their network.

Out of VA's fleet of 5 77Ws if they do the above under a majority SQ ownership, this would allocate 2 77Ws aircraft for SYD-LAX and the remaining 3 77Ws for East Coast-SIN.

ben175 · Sun Apr 03, 2016 1:39 am

Quoting sq256 (Reply 11):
Should SQ buy out NZ's stake, I'm still tipping that they may instruct VA to pull out of BNE-LAX (and have either their partner DL take over that sector, or potentially even have SQ do that sector themselves with A350s with 5th freedom rights) and use the remaining 3 aircraft to take over some of SQ's own East Coast-SIN services, which allows them to move the displaced SQ aircraft to other medium or long haul sectors in their network.

I don't think SQ would be willing to reduce services on its own metal and hand over flights to VA. SQ has a very good reptuation throughout Australia and I doubt they want to hand over their market share, even if it's to a subsidiary. The only routes I could see SQ handing over would be any A330/772 flights where the regional product is offered.

I think if VA International wants to survive, they need to expand with the help of SQ and with the right sized aircraft. Move the 77W's over to SQ. Replace them with something like 12 x 789 aircraft. Try and open up some PTP routes without alot of competition. Throw the 789's on SYD/BNE-LAX and open up new markets like PER-PVG, MEL-HND and BNE-SFO.

Otherwise, a couple more A330's wouldn't hurt and follow the QF model of operating them on both domestic and international services.

Thai77w · Sun Apr 03, 2016 5:23 am

Should be a new cargo operator in oz skies starting Tuesday. PVG-HBA-BNE-PVG 3 times a week.

AirNiugini · Sun Apr 03, 2016 5:44 am

Is there any data on the share of VA passengers that connect to either VX or DL at LAX?

Quoting sq256 (Reply 11):
Should SQ buy out NZ's stake, I'm still tipping that they may instruct VA to pull out of BNE-LAX (and have either their partner DL take over that sector, or potentially even have SQ do that sector themselves with A350s with 5th freedom rights) and use the remaining 3 aircraft to take over some of SQ's own East Coast-SIN services, which allows them to move the displaced SQ aircraft to other medium or long haul sectors in their network.

Why would they instruct VA to pull out of the BNE to LAX market? What proof do you have that this route is so dire that a VA pull out is the answer?

If SQ do end up a majority shareholder of VA, I wonder if that will lead to VA eventually entering Star Alliance.

IndianicWorld · Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:00 am

Quoting AirNiugini (Reply 14):
Why would they instruct VA to pull out of the BNE to LAX market? What proof do you have that this route is so dire that a VA pull out is the answer?

I agree that pulling out is a step that seems excessive, but at the same time I also think a daily 77W on the route was a big step up for them to fill on that route.

Unfortunately, VA has very limited options available to it to use the 77W and it is likely the best possible outcome at this point in time.

QFA380 · Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:04 am

Quoting mariner (Reply 2):
There's an amusing article in the Financial Review on the issues at Virgin

The AFR seems to have it in for Virgin, who knows why. Perhaps the audacity of a LCC to try and become full service.

Quoting 777ER (Reply 8):
SQ has always wanted Australia - LAX/SFO services and this would give SQ an easy entry onto the route.

Has the general consensus not shifted dramatically since the 2006 debacle? Why would they be interested considering in 2006 we had QF and UA, now we have QF, UA, DL, AA, VA along with healthy one-stop competition from HA, NZ and FJ.

This seems like another a.net truth that refuses to go away.

IndianicWorld · Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:11 am

Quoting QFA380 (Reply 16):
The AFR seems to have it in for Virgin, who knows why. Perhaps the audacity of a LCC to try and become full service.

The AFR seems to have a slant on a few topics that make me cringe at times.

Va is one of them and another being anything to do with anything not-Sydney for whatever reason. The tone of reporting seems different than when it reports on similar stories in the same ball park.

Maybe it just focuses more on its comfort zone. No idea.

Quoting QFA380 (Reply 16):
This seems like another a.net truth that refuses to go away.

Yep, SQ wanted the route when it was a "prize", but things have dramatically changed. With so much competition, the SYD-LAX sector is far from the same proposition it was when SQ chased access.

qf002 · Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:27 am

Correct me if I'm wrong but SQ hasn't publicly stated any discontent with VA or their direction, have they? So why would there be any major structural changes if SQ were to take NZ's stake?

The whole point of SQ or EY taking NZ's stake would be to provide ongoing stability and avoid a new partner coming in and trying to demand changes. Clearly both SQ and EY are happy to be passive partners and I don't see why would this change, especially now that the airline is at least slightly profitable.

Eventually there will be changes to VA's long haul network but I think that will be a case of just letting that part of the network die once the 77Ws come off their leases (which must be from around 2020?). Asia is going to be an even tougher market for them to crack unless they can sort out their financing issues and market positioning.

777ER · Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:28 am

Quoting QFA380 (Reply 16):
Quoting 777ER (Reply 8): SQ has always wanted Australia - LAX/SFO services and this would give SQ an easy entry onto the route.
Has the general consensus not shifted dramatically since the 2006 debacle? Why would they be interested considering in 2006 we had QF and UA, now we have QF, UA, DL, AA, VA along with healthy one-stop competition from HA, NZ and FJ.

Sure SYD has all those competitiors but does BNE or MEL?

The AKL Tasman market some say is over crowded yet airlines are still launching services. Just because SYD for example has 5x direct LAX routes with several more offering connections via AKL/Pacific to LAX doesn't mean it will stop an airline launching a service if it sees it can work for them. If you can prove other wise then please do!

747m8te · Sun Apr 03, 2016 9:26 am

Quoting 777ER (Reply 19):
The AKL Tasman market some say is over crowded yet airlines are still launching services. Just because SYD for example has 5x direct LAX routes with several more offering connections via AKL/Pacific to LAX doesn't mean it will stop an airline launching a service if it sees it can work for them. If you can prove other wise then please do!

Yes but how WOULD it work or be beneficial to SQ? As others had stated, they wanted in on the route when it was a gold mine...that is not the case these days, the Pacific route is far from the high profit route it used to be competition or not. It would be a very costly exercise to route aircraft and crew through SYD for little or no gain whatsoever. It doesn't add anything to their route network either...and since SQ are not as highly profitable as other airlines in the region I think they would be far more cautious.

TruemanQLD · Sun Apr 03, 2016 9:38 am

Quoting Thai77w (Reply 13):

Should be a new cargo operator in oz skies starting Tuesday. PVG-HBA-BNE-PVG 3 times a week.

Do we know who is operating it? Presumably CK if its from PVG? Is meant to be a 77F.

Anyone know the reason this is starting?

QFA380 · Sun Apr 03, 2016 11:46 am

Quoting IndianicWorld (Reply 17):
The AFR seems to have a slant on a few topics that make me cringe at times.

It seems to have gotten much worse over the last year. I dropped my subscription 2 months ago and was pleased to see Fairfax axe plenty of journos, nice to feel like your consumer preferences make a small difference. Happy to pay for quality but not for biased trash, I do that against my will already with the ABC!

Quoting 777ER (Reply 19):
Sure SYD has all those competitiors but does BNE or MEL?

Both now have two competing non-stop. In 2006 it was only QF in BNE and non-stop MEL
The fact VA left MEL as soon as US started non-stop is telling. AC is also starting BNE shortly further eroding any connection benefits to Canada.

Sure its possible they may want it, but extremely unlikely. Also remembering in 2006 SQ was the world leader now they live in EK's shadow and are on less stable financial grounds to be flitting off the US from Australia.

Obviously I can't prove anything and asking me to is a bit much, this is airliners after all...

IndianicWorld · Sun Apr 03, 2016 12:04 pm

^^ I agree that I don't see much room for any further players on MEL/BNE-LAX, but given QF is looking at MEL-DFW and UA is still apparently actively investigating commencing MEL-SFO, other options are on the table.

Added to that, SYD-North America will likely take some time to bed down its latest chess moves as it is. We have to remember that the airlines are still relying on transfer pax to fill their SYD capacity, with AKL also heavily reliant on that demand.

That is why MEL in particular tends to be overshadowed on North America routes at this time, but over time with more capable aircraft in the right capacity bracket on the market, this is starting to change the thinking.

Flyingsottsman · Sun Apr 03, 2016 12:33 pm

Quoting Thai77w (Reply 13):
Should be a new cargo operator in oz skies starting Tuesday. PVG-HBA-BNE-PVG 3 times a week.

What airline and what type of aircraft, and PVG-HBA ???

SInGAPORE_AIR · Sun Apr 03, 2016 2:59 pm

Quoting IndianicWorld (Reply 17):

The AFR seems to have a slant on a few topics that make me cringe at times.

Agreed. Their blatant sycophancy to particular airlines elicits that expression from many (although from less on this forum for obvious reasons).

qf2220 · Sun Apr 03, 2016 7:32 pm

Quoting QFA380 (Reply 22):

Quoting SInGAPORE_AIR (Reply 25):

Perhaps the AFR has issue with running an airline less as a business and more as a thing to attack a competitor and in the process leave the shareholder return proposition unclear? The AFR is after all a business newspaper.

mariner · Sun Apr 03, 2016 7:38 pm

Quoting QF2220 (Reply 26):
Perhaps the AFR has issue with running an airline less as a business and more as a thing to attack a competitor and in the process leave the shareholder return proposition unclear? The AFR is after all a business newspaper.

I don't think the AFR cares as long as they make money.

mariner

RyanairGuru · Sun Apr 03, 2016 8:38 pm

Quoting QF2220 (Reply 26):

You think? Nooooooo.

The allegations of bias are hysterical. Just because they're calling out VAH for the financial cesspit that it is doesn't mean that they've been bought off by Qantas.

Although if you do apply the suggested logic that that they hate everything not from Sydney it's clear why: Qantas is a good solid Sydney company, part of the establishment, but Virgin is from Brisbane. You can't trust those Queenslanders, crazy as cut snakes.

Thai77w · Sun Apr 03, 2016 10:57 pm

Quoting Flyingsottsman (Reply 24):
What airline and what type of aircraft, and PVG-HBA ???

China Cargo Airlines ( China Eastern) and 777F. The BNE stop is to pick up fuel as HBA isn't long enough fully loaded.

TruemanQLD · Mon Apr 04, 2016 12:11 am

Quoting Thai77w (Reply 29):
China Cargo Airlines ( China Eastern) and 777F. The BNE stop is to pick up fuel as HBA isn't long enough fully loaded.

I'm assuming the demand here will be PVG-HBA, and less so HBA-PVG?

Will this be a regular service, or just for a few weeks?

ben175 · Mon Apr 04, 2016 1:04 am

Malindo Air is hiring for admin staff at Sydney Airport on Seek.

I think we can expect an announcement in the next few months!

allrite · Mon Apr 04, 2016 1:29 am

Quoting TruemanQLD (Reply 30):
I'm assuming the demand here will be PVG-HBA, and less so HBA-PVG?

Will this be a regular service, or just for a few weeks?

Potentially seafood and other fresh produce? A Chinese company just bought a large holding in Tasmanian dairy farms.

Meanwhile they can ship back flavoured ice blocks (he says after checking the origin of the Calippos in the freezer and banging his head against a brick wall like the Australian macadamia nuts shipped to China to be cracked open before they send them back...).

Quoting ben175 (Reply 31):
I think we can expect an announcement in the next few months!

A Bali service, or via another Australian city, I wonder?

IndianicWorld · Mon Apr 04, 2016 3:18 am

Strange that Malindo would be hiring for Sydney when their comments have been about Melbourne and Brisbane.

In reviewing the ad it looks like it is an admin role through their GSA. Might be based out of Sydney but initially have ops elsewhere. We will see.

The plans are for the Flights to fly via DPS.

[Edited 2016-04-03 20:23:42]

Sydscott · Mon Apr 04, 2016 3:51 am

Quoting allrite (Reply 32):
Potentially seafood and other fresh produce? A Chinese company just bought a large holding in Tasmanian dairy farms.

There is a whole lot of milk and diary produced into Tasmania which goes into the infant formula currently being exported, both legally and not so legally, to China. So seems sensible to take into straight into the market.

ben175 · Mon Apr 04, 2016 3:52 am

Quoting allrite (Reply 32):
A Bali service, or via another Australian city, I wonder?

Quoting IndianicWorld (Reply 33):
The plans are for the Flights to fly via DPS.

Looks like Lion is finding a way into Australia after all!

Thai77w · Mon Apr 04, 2016 4:22 am

Further to my recent posts it will be (777F) picking up in BNE too.

Schedule is 3x week all April, not sure on further schedules.

qf2220 · Mon Apr 04, 2016 6:17 am

Quoting RyanairGuru (Reply 28):

I'm not sure where you read I to what I wrote that QF have bought them off. I don't suggest that at all.

Sydscott · Mon Apr 04, 2016 6:34 am

Quoting RyanairGuru (Reply 28):
ou can't trust those Queenslanders, crazy as cut snakes.

That's simply a factual statement.................

Quoting IndianicWorld (Reply 23):
That is why MEL in particular tends to be overshadowed on North America routes at this time, but over time with more capable aircraft in the right capacity bracket on the market, this is starting to change the thinking.

MEL-DFW on a QF 789 is only a matter of time. Then it's only BNE-DFW that needs to happen for my prediction of QF's trans-pac network to be complete.

UA on MEL-SFO is an interesting one though. With LAX being downguaged to 787 there is probably capacity for a UA 787 service however I doubt they will start it until they have a joint FA contract because I doubt they'll want to start such a route using the pre merger UA fight crew. (Since all Australia flying is now done by Continental)

smi0006 · Mon Apr 04, 2016 7:26 am

Quoting Sydscott (Reply 38):
e. Then it's only BNE-DFW that needs to happen for my prediction of QF's trans-pac network to be complete.

What about AA DFW-MEL or LAX-MEL? QF and AA have announced they are looking at more routes, make sense to replace the twice weekly 744 with an AA788 daily.

TN486 · Mon Apr 04, 2016 7:41 am

http://australianaviation.com.au/201...7-800-takes-on-tesla-electric-car/

you gotta see this!! (bit of an anti climax).

Sydscott · Mon Apr 04, 2016 9:23 am

Quoting smi0006 (Reply 39):
What about AA DFW-MEL or LAX-MEL? QF and AA have announced they are looking at more routes, make sense to replace the twice weekly 744 with an AA788 daily.

QF on MEL-DFW removes the need for the twice weekly 744 to LAX anyway because you'll be taking connecting traffic away from LAX. That plus a UA SFO-LAX would effectively serve MEL. As for AA, with SYD and AKL i can't see AA expanding further down here. They have bigger fish to fry in Asia with their 787's.

VapourTrails · Mon Apr 04, 2016 10:51 am

Quoting TN486 (Reply 40):

you gotta see this!! (bit of an anti climax).

Yes, love this! Quite predictable though! I can see myself watching this a few more times!

http://australianaviation.com.au/201...7-800-takes-on-tesla-electric-car/

Qantas Boeing 737-800 takes on Tesla electric car | Australian Aviation, April 4, 2016.

aryonoco · Mon Apr 04, 2016 1:16 pm

Quoting TN486 (Reply 40):
you gotta see this!! (bit of an anti climax).

Good video, thanks for posting.

qf789 · Tue Apr 05, 2016 12:16 am

Another QF A388 diversion

QF9 MEL-DXB diverted to SYD due to an engine vibration, initially operated by VH-OQJ. QF9 is now back in the air operated by VH-OQL, albeit running 10 hours behind

http://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/qf9/#94f982d

http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel...y/185c1ebd4ad94659633a549d176831bf

[Edited 2016-04-04 17:16:54]

qf2220 · Tue Apr 05, 2016 1:36 am

Quoting qf789 (Reply 44):

Where is the slack in the system to let them catch up the A380 schedules?

qfvhoqa · Tue Apr 05, 2016 5:50 am

Quoting QF2220 (Reply 45):
Where is the slack in the system to let them catch up the A380 schedules?

At both LHR & LAX, though LAX has far more. At LAX the plane will wait ~14 hours between QF11&12, and between QF93&94.

qf2220 · Tue Apr 05, 2016 6:30 am

Quoting qfvhoqa (Reply 46):

Does that take into account the planned maintenance that is done at LAX?

qf002 · Tue Apr 05, 2016 6:53 am

Quoting QF2220 (Reply 47):
Does that take into account the planned maintenance that is done at LAX?

The sort of work they do at LAX can easily be deferred for a few days/weeks if necessary.

They also have a frame that sits at SYD for ~48 hours from Tuesday morning until Thursday because SYD-LAX is only 6wk with the A380.

luftaom · Tue Apr 05, 2016 9:04 am

Quoting qf789 (Reply 44):

Another QF A388 diversion

QF9 MEL-DXB diverted to SYD due to an engine vibration, initially operated by VH-OQJ. QF9 is now back in the air operated by VH-OQL, albeit running 10 hours behind

My mother was/is on the flight. She said that they couldn't hear/feel the vibration until they were told about it.

Cabs at LHR will be in hot demand tonight - flight doesn't get in until after the last tube/Heathrow Express departs.

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