Thai AirAsia X is considering Australian flights.

"The LCC has studied expanding to Eastern Europe and Australia, he said, adding those plans are still possible, without providing further details."

See: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transp ... eet-growth.

This will be interesting, particularly as TG is really upping its game out of Australia, moving SYD and MEL to all-A350 operations (with excellent products).

BKK - BNE or BKK - OOL might suit Thai AirAsia X - BKK - MEL already has JQ, and BKK - SYD has 3 carriers, including EK's A380 service (never full).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cambodia is seeking direct flights to Australia.

"Luu Meng, co-chair of the Government-Private Sector Tourism Working Group, said that Cambodia should aim for more flights connecting the Kingdom to Australia"

Australian tourism to Cambodia grew by 8.9% in 2016 (147,000 Australian arrivals). There were 25,000 New Zealand arrivals too (growth of 7.7%).

In terms of carriers, I see JQ as the most likely option here, with SYD - PNH or MEL - PNH. However, JQ does not really have spare capacity at the moment.

See:
- http://www.khmertimeskh.com/5091604/chi ... al-market/.
- http://www.tourismcambodia.org/images/m ... w_2016.pdf.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Samoa Airways will consider launching APW - BNE and APW - MEL, if its new APW - SYD flight goes well.

See: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... -says-govt.

APW - MEL would be a long flight - almost as long as AKL - PER. A 738 would surely be restricted for it?

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz wrote:

Samoa Airways will consider launching APW - BNE and APW - MEL, if its new APW - SYD flight goes well.

See: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... -says-govt.

APW - MEL would be a long flight - almost as long as AKL - PER. A 738 would surely be restricted for it?

APW-MEL would be very restricted on a 738 and, may be wrong, but I thought the large Samoan populations are in SYD and BNE catchment areas and very little in MEL? Lets see if the airline can last the next 12months before getting too carried away with new routes.

planemanofnz wrote:

Thai AirAsia X is considering Australian flights.

"The LCC has studied expanding to Eastern Europe and Australia, he said, adding those plans are still possible, without providing further details."

See: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transp ... eet-growth.

This will be interesting, particularly as TG is really upping its game out of Australia, moving SYD and MEL to all-A350 operations (with excellent products).

There's also been whispers/suggestions about QF replacing JQ on the MEL-BKK segment, freeing up a 788 for JQ to use elsewhere.

planemanofnz wrote:

BKK - BNE or BKK - OOL might suit Thai AirAsia X - BKK - MEL already has JQ, and BKK - SYD has 3 carriers, including EK's A380 service (never full).

Thai AirAsia X uses DMK. I would tip that DMK-OOL & v.v is more favoured than DMK-BNE, joining their Malaysian sister at OOL (and perhaps use OOL as a scissor hub for NZ operations if the AirAsia group wants to expand further in NZ e.g CHC or extra AKL flights)

planemanofnz wrote:

Thai AirAsia X is considering Australian flights.

"The LCC has studied expanding to Eastern Europe and Australia, he said, adding those plans are still possible, without providing further details."

See: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transp ... eet-growth.

This will be interesting, particularly as TG is really upping its game out of Australia, moving SYD and MEL to all-A350 operations (with excellent products).

BKK - BNE or BKK - OOL might suit Thai AirAsia X - BKK - MEL already has JQ, and BKK - SYD has 3 carriers, including EK's A380 service (never full).

C.

This was recently covered in this forum post a few months back. They apparently were in Perth looking at facilities and looking to start services.

Thanks TN486. I wasn't aware of that site but will check it out. Love a good quirky fleet story.

CI has announced plans to wind back its double-daily SYD service to an 11x weekly one, from March 2018.

"Taipei Taoyuan – Sydney eff 25MAR18 Northern summer season operates 11 weekly (CI055/056 Day x136) instead of 14 weekly. A350 operation"

See: https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/ai ... f-22nov17/.

Qantas16 wrote:

APW-MEL would be very restricted on a 738 and, may be wrong, but I thought the large Samoan populations are in SYD and BNE catchment areas and very little in MEL?

PH previously served MEL via WLG - perhaps any new MEL service will be routed via New Zealand again?

Any new MEL service would no doubt be more aimed at tourism, and not at partly-VFR traffic, as with SYD.

waoz1 wrote:

This was recently covered in this forum post a few months back. They apparently were in Perth looking at facilities and looking to start services.

I guess the point is that the airline is still considering Australia - that article was only posted earlier today.

Cheers,

C.

Despite SQ's market share in Australia dropping from 9.1% to 8.1% between 2012 and 2017 (having been overtaken by EK within that period), SQ is witnessing "strong demand" out of Australia, and in particular, it has been able to largely secure its yields.

SIA has doubled down by expanding in Australia despite the intensifying competition. The gamble seems to have paid off as SIA’s profits are again on the rise following a period of declines.

See:
- https://blueswandaily.com/strong-demand ... itability/.
- https://blueswandaily.com/bitre-release ... fy2016-17/.

In light of this, I wonder what is next for SQ in Australia - in particular:

- Will SQ's CBR service suffer from QR's upcoming CBR launch, particularly in respect of European connections?
- Will SQ explore additional secondary cities, like OOL, or even expand MI or TZ to the likes of AYQ, HBA or TSV?
- Will SQ continue to push for additional rights to / from Australia, and in particular, for rights to fly CGK - SYD - CGK?
- Will SQ expand its A380 frequencies at SYD or MEL, or expand A380 flights to BNE or PER (seasonally, like AKL)?

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz wrote:

Despite SQ's market share in Australia dropping from 9.1% to 8.1% between 2012 and 2017 (having been overtaken by EK within that period), SQ is witnessing "strong demand" out of Australia, and in particular, it has been able to largely secure its yields.

SIA has doubled down by expanding in Australia despite the intensifying competition. The gamble seems to have paid off as SIA’s profits are again on the rise following a period of declines.

See:
- https://blueswandaily.com/strong-demand ... itability/.
- https://blueswandaily.com/bitre-release ... fy2016-17/.

In light of this, I wonder what is next for SQ in Australia - in particular:

- Will SQ's CBR service suffer from QR's upcoming CBR launch, particularly in respect of European connections?
- Will SQ explore additional secondary cities, like OOL, or even expand MI or TZ to the likes of AYQ, HBA or TSV?
- Will SQ continue to push for additional rights to / from Australia, and in particular, for rights to fly CGK - SYD - CGK?
- Will SQ expand its A380 frequencies at SYD or MEL, or expand A380 flights to BNE or PER (seasonally, like AKL)?

Cheers,

C.

I think SQ will probably look at getting fifth freedom rights or consider secondary cities. If SQ was to put an A380 on PER-SIN, QF would have to do a daily upgague to an A332 as the can't compete with the 738.

waoz1 wrote:

planemanofnz wrote:

Thai AirAsia X is considering Australian flights.

"The LCC has studied expanding to Eastern Europe and Australia, he said, adding those plans are still possible, without providing further details."

See: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transp ... eet-growth.

This will be interesting, particularly as TG is really upping its game out of Australia, moving SYD and MEL to all-A350 operations (with excellent products).

BKK - BNE or BKK - OOL might suit Thai AirAsia X - BKK - MEL already has JQ, and BKK - SYD has 3 carriers, including EK's A380 service (never full).

C.

This was recently covered in this forum post a few months back. They apparently were in Perth looking at facilities and looking to start services.

The rumour going around was that Thai Lion Air was looking at serving PER

Initial APU run at Everett fuel dock for ZNB



https://twitter.com/mattcawby/status/933199794545115137

ATSB has released preliminary report today on QZ535 PER-DPS pressurisation incident back in October

http://www.atsb.com.au/publications/inv ... -2017-098/

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australi ... spartanntp

JBusworth wrote:

I think SQ will probably look at getting fifth freedom rights or consider secondary cities.

Regarding secondary cities, I see CNS as having some potential (to be upgraded from MI) - CX successfully serves CNS, so I do not see why SQ cannot too. In particular, there were rumours last month of an ME3 carrier soon launching CNS - SQ would not want to let an ME3 carrier off the hook in terms of Australian expansion. Aside from CNS, OOL could also make sense at a low-frequency, to tap into more premium in-bound tourism, as well as OOL residents traveling to Asia and Europe who do not want to use an LHLC.

Regarding fifth-freedom rights, CGK makes the most sense, given geography, as well as GA's financial issues. Last year, SQ delayed its CGK - SYD flights "due to runway maintenance works" at CGK - if this was really the reason, SQ would have announced further details about the launch by now. Aside from CGK, if SQ wanted to boost CBR to daily, it could consider CBR - AKL, which would be able to connect CBR-based passengers to North America, through NZ's hub at AKL (given that NZ does not currently serve CBR).

Cheers,

C.

Aerocare has been bought by Swissport who are in turn owned by HNA group.

https://aerocare.com.au/2017/11/22/swis ... -aerocare/

planemanofnz wrote:

In light of this, I wonder what is next for SQ in Australia - in particular:

- Will SQ's CBR service suffer from QR's upcoming CBR launch, particularly in respect of European connections?
- Will SQ explore additional secondary cities, like OOL, or even expand MI or TZ to the likes of AYQ, HBA or TSV?
- Will SQ continue to push for additional rights to / from Australia, and in particular, for rights to fly CGK - SYD - CGK?
- Will SQ expand its A380 frequencies at SYD or MEL, or expand A380 flights to BNE or PER (seasonally, like AKL)?

They may hold their own as the incumbent at CBR, in addition to having the WLG tag.

OOL is unlikely when their LCC TR already flies there. If the SQ group are going to expand there, they will increase the TZ/TR frequencies instead. TSV being a low-yielding market may possibly be a job for TR (formerly TZ), leaving MI to continue serving the more "premium regional" pax out of CNS

Wasn't the CGK-SYD Fifth Freedoms pulled by the Indonesian authorities at the last moment?

BNE is a small F market, and thus a SQ A380 is very unlikely (unless if either F is sold as J, or SQ either orders and/or re-configures existing A380s (sans F) as Business/Premium Economy/Economy

As far as SQ group expansion, there was this story from a few months ago about MI serving KTA from March

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-0 ... 18/8579520

Seems to have gone quiet though so I’ll believe it when I see it

sq256 wrote:

They may hold their own as the incumbent at CBR, in addition to having the WLG tag.

QR can be quite aggressive on pricing, and will offer a much better hard product (compared to SQ's old 777-200ERs).

sq256 wrote:

OOL is unlikely when their LCC TR already flies there. If the SQ group are going to expand there, they will increase the TZ/TR frequencies instead.

I disagree - just look at JQ and QF.

JQ carries 35% of all Japanese visitors to Australia, while QF carries 23% - together, the QF Group controls 58% of the market, compared to the 19% controlled by competitors JL and NH. The multi-brand strategy has enabled the QF Group to offer a wider range of products, to different segments of the market.

There is no reason why the SQ Group could not avail of the same strategy in respect of OOL - particularly given that SQ and TR already overlap on SIN - MEL, SIN - PER and SIN - SYD, and JQ frequently overlaps with QF too (might I add, successfully), like on routes such as SYD - HNL and SYD - DPS.

sq256 wrote:

BNE is a small F market, and thus a SQ A380 is very unlikely

BNE is a larger and wealthier city than AKL, and yet SQ sends the A380 to AKL seasonally - I would not write this off.

Cheers,

C.

Obzerva wrote:

As far as SQ group expansion, there was this story from a few months ago about MI serving KTA from March

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-0 ... 18/8579520

Seems to have gone quiet though so I’ll believe it when I see it

Add a possible Broome - Singapore flight, been rumours for a while.
Before Virgin bought Skywest they were looking at this route.

waoz1 wrote:

Add a possible Broome - Singapore flight, been rumours for a while.

Indeed, though this is what was reported back in February of this year:

SilkAir has shown interest in the North West this year. The Shire of Broome will contribute up to $96,720 towards two return legs not included in Singapore to Broome travel packages with SilkAir. The total depends on the number of tickets sold and would fall to zero if local passengers filled the flights out of Broome and Singapore. The intent is to trial three to four return flights this year to determine passenger demand and viability of regular services between the two locations into the future.

See: https://thewest.com.au/news/pilbara-new ... b88363099z.

We are now in November - AFAIK, no further details have been released.

Cheers,

C.

[quote="planemanofnz"][/quote]

Re. QR - yes, they are definitely very competitive on price and, from what I've heard, on product. On SQ's side, though, is that a lot of people will prefer the slightly more even split of flying time that SIN offers, many Australians think SIN is the bee's knees, and there's not that pesky stop in SYD. SQ has also been quite competitive on price (my wife and I are flying from CBR to LHR with SQ next July for just over $1300 p.p. return, compared to the lowest I've seen on QR which was about $60 p.p. cheaper). I honestly think it's going to be much of a muchness. I also wouldn't rule out an equipment change from SQ once their 787-10s come online - not saying CBR will get those, but having them in the fleet might free up something else.

On SQ and just picking up on the A380 PER/BNE thing, I think what makes AKL different to PER/BNE here is that (a) AKL is NZ's main hub, and SQ/NZ are in a major partnership and (b) AKL is further away and less frequency-focused in SQ's network.

Finally, whilst obviously you're right that SQ/TR and QF/JQ do overlap at SYD, MEL, BNE, OOL is much smaller and would be far less likely to work that way (or, for that matter, to command the premium traffic to justify the likes of SQ, CX, etc.).

CBR airport asks federal government to intervene in regards to the high number of cancellations from airlines to/from CBR

http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/1 ... e-capital/

DeltaB717 wrote:

planemanofnz wrote:

Re. QR - yes, they are definitely very competitive on price and, from what I've heard, on product. On SQ's side, though, is that a lot of people will prefer the slightly more even split of flying time that SIN offers, many Australians think SIN is the bee's knees, and there's not that pesky stop in SYD. SQ has also been quite competitive on price (my wife and I are flying from CBR to LHR with SQ next July for just over $1300 p.p. return, compared to the lowest I've seen on QR which was about $60 p.p. cheaper). I honestly think it's going to be much of a muchness. I also wouldn't rule out an equipment change from SQ once their 787-10s come online - not saying CBR will get those, but having them in the fleet might free up something else.

On SQ and just picking up on the A380 PER/BNE thing, I think what makes AKL different to PER/BNE here is that (a) AKL is NZ's main hub, and SQ/NZ are in a major partnership and (b) AKL is further away and less frequency-focused in SQ's network.

Finally, whilst obviously you're right that SQ/TR and QF/JQ do overlap at SYD, MEL, BNE, OOL is much smaller and would be far less likely to work that way (or, for that matter, to command the premium traffic to justify the likes of SQ, CX, etc.).

Re CBR, SQ’s schedule is terrible for Europe connections to anywhere other than LHR, and it isn’t great for LHR either with ~5 hours in each direction. Even with the SYD stop QR is a lot more competitive to just about anywhere in Europe.

planemanofnz wrote:

There is no reason why the SQ Group could not avail of the same strategy in respect of OOL - particularly given that SQ and TR already overlap on SIN - MEL, SIN - PER and SIN - SYD, and JQ frequently overlaps with QF too (might I add, successfully), like on routes such as SYD - HNL and SYD - DPS.

OOL is traditionally a tourist market with very minimal business demand. The general assumption is that business travellers living in OOL commute to work in SYD or MEL for the day (or two). Hence the QF flights to SYD and MEL are generally timed to suit the business traveller (along with providing feed for International travellers to/from QF international in SYD or MEL) with JQ operating the bulk of the OOL-SYD/MEL flights for the rest of the (tourist) market.

With BNE up the road with 4x daily A350/77Es from SQ, and TR only 3x weekly on the OOL-SIN during off-peak (which increases to 4x weekly during peak periods, IIRC). OOL wouldn't really justify the SQ/TR overlap at OOL when BNE already serves the premium market for SQ for the whole of South East Queensland (including GC, SC, Ipswich, Toowoomba etc not just BNE). Would SQ really want to fragment the South East Queensland market further?

An expansion of the SQ group at OOL will probably likely be increasing the frequency of TR's OOL-SIN from the current 3x weekly frequency.

Hi All. My sister lives in Albry and is under the approach path for western approaches. So she sees quite a few planes and has become a little bit of a spotter. (though she would never admit it publicly...)!!

Recently she has seen quite a few of the RAAF VIP jets arriving and departing over the past week. I was down there and saw one such arrival on Sunday afternoon, where after 40-50 mins on the ground it left to go to CBR. She sent me the following link to the flightaware track of one of these flights recently as she is very curious about what is going on. She has lived in ABX for about 4-5 years now and hasn't seen these many VIP flights in all that time.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EVY8 ... /YMAY/YSCB

Thanks for any insight.

qf2220 wrote:

Hi All. My sister lives in Albry and is under the approach path for western approaches. So she sees quite a few planes and has become a little bit of a spotter. (though she would never admit it publicly...)!!

Recently she has seen quite a few of the RAAF VIP jets arriving and departing over the past week. I was down there and saw one such arrival on Sunday afternoon, where after 40-50 mins on the ground it left to go to CBR. She sent me the following link to the flightaware track of one of these flights recently as she is very curious about what is going on. She has lived in ABX for about 4-5 years now and hasn't seen these many VIP flights in all that time.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EVY8 ... /YMAY/YSCB

Thanks for any insight.

Hey I live just near Albury, Wagga to be exact! I see this too sometimes. The jet will come in and do a few circles around the airport at quite a low altitude (~500ft) and then leave and fly to Canberra.

I'm gonna assume training missions? One of the 737's was doing circuits of Richmond today before heading south then headed north west before i lost track of it.

..... It was a36-001... https://flightaware.com/live/flight/A36001

decry wrote:

I'm gonna assume training missions? One of the 737's was doing circuits of Richmond today before heading south then headed north west before i lost track of it.

..... It was a36-001... https://flightaware.com/live/flight/A36001

Not uncommon at Richmond AF Base. When I do my training there once every 2 months we get to see a lot of things. Unfortunately I wasn't there to see the US C5 that visited for a few hours last month

sq256 wrote:

OOL is traditionally a tourist market with very minimal business demand.

I agree, but then so is CHC, which is half the size of OOL, but supports a daily SQ service from SIN.

sq256 wrote:

Would SQ really want to fragment the South East Queensland market further?

If it would mean giving SQ more of an edge over the ME3 (like it did in respect of SIN - CBR), then yes.

In New Zealand, SQ was happy to fragment the market too, adding WLG, and not increasing AKL or CHC.

Like WLG, OOL's runway prevents non-stop flights to the Middle East - SIN and SQ have an advantage.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz wrote:

sq256 wrote:

OOL is traditionally a tourist market with very minimal business demand.

I agree, but then so is CHC, which is half the size of OOL, but supports a daily SQ service from SIN.

sq256 wrote:

Would SQ really want to fragment the South East Queensland market further?

If it would mean giving SQ more of an edge over the ME3 (like it did in respect of SIN - CBR), then yes.

In New Zealand, SQ was happy to fragment the market too, adding WLG, and not increasing AKL or CHC.

Like WLG, OOL's runway prevents non-stop flights to the Middle East - SIN and SQ have an advantage.

Cheers,

C.

WLG has a tag with CBR, whereas WLG on it's own wouldn't be viable. Although, as mentioned WLG's runway is too short for long-haul flights at full payload.

Also, seeing that the 4th BNE-SIN frequency was gradually added (266/265) in the past 12-18 months (started at 3x seasonally a few years ago before converted to year round, then gradually increased to daily in recent years), SQ may want to ensure that the 4th frequency establishes itself first before considering any further frequency increases (or upgauges) out of BNE.

TR's OOL frequency originally started at 5x weekly year round (as TZ with second-hand SQ 772s), before TZ gradually decreased the frequency to 4x weekly (5x peak season) to currently 3x weekly (4x peak season).

TR might want to work on making OOL work with increased frequencies first (before considering SQ into OOL), as the way TR are going atm (without knowing/looking at the official loads) they'd either have to pull out of OOL and/or move to BNE and overlap with SQ to provide the 5th frequency for the ultra/low-yielding SEQ passengers.

planemanofnz wrote:

sq256 wrote:

OOL is traditionally a tourist market with very minimal business demand.

I agree, but then so is CHC, which is half the size of OOL, but supports a daily SQ service from SIN.

sq256 wrote:

Would SQ really want to fragment the South East Queensland market further?

If it would mean giving SQ more of an edge over the ME3 (like it did in respect of SIN - CBR), then yes.

In New Zealand, SQ was happy to fragment the market too, adding WLG, and not increasing AKL or CHC.

Like WLG, OOL's runway prevents non-stop flights to the Middle East - SIN and SQ have an advantage.

Cheers,

C.

SQ have been flying to CHC since 1985, it’s had its own service since 1997 was linked with AKL originally, it’s been daily for several years now and ups to 10 weekly in peak season, still with older 77E’s the only other 10+ hr flight with these is IST, more due to a lack of competition I think for CHC, will they add W and increase J? They will have to if they use the current A359. Not saying TZ won’t go to CHC but plenty of Europeans would use this flight and take SQ the whole way.

OOL is a relatively recent add by TZ who didn’t exist until a few years ago, Australia is as far as they go for now, CHC is a long haul flight which TZ don’t do atleast yet. SQ have increased BNE from 1 daily around 2000 to 4 daily now and recently started using their long haul product on 77E’s now A359’s which have W as well, leaving TZ to the lower yielding more tourist heavy OOL route.

CBR-WLG is fairly unique given its the only international flight to CBR currently, they saw an opportunity to add a tag to WLG, given the short runway at WLG they see this as a viable alternative to a non stop SIN-WLG or atleast to test the waters.

planemanofnz wrote:

Thai AirAsia X is considering Australian flights.

"The LCC has studied expanding to Eastern Europe and Australia, he said, adding those plans are still possible, without providing further details."

See: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transp ... eet-growth.

This will be interesting, particularly as TG is really upping its game out of Australia, moving SYD and MEL to all-A350 operations (with excellent products).

BKK - BNE or BKK - OOL might suit Thai AirAsia X - BKK - MEL already has JQ, and BKK - SYD has 3 carriers, including EK's A380 service (never full).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cambodia is seeking direct flights to Australia.

"Luu Meng, co-chair of the Government-Private Sector Tourism Working Group, said that Cambodia should aim for more flights connecting the Kingdom to Australia"

Australian tourism to Cambodia grew by 8.9% in 2016 (147,000 Australian arrivals). There were 25,000 New Zealand arrivals too (growth of 7.7%).

In terms of carriers, I see JQ as the most likely option here, with SYD - PNH or MEL - PNH. However, JQ does not really have spare capacity at the moment.

See:
- http://www.khmertimeskh.com/5091604/chi ... al-market/.
- http://www.tourismcambodia.org/images/m ... w_2016.pdf.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Samoa Airways will consider launching APW - BNE and APW - MEL, if its new APW - SYD flight goes well.

See: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international ... -says-govt.

APW - MEL would be a long flight - almost as long as AKL - PER. A 738 would surely be restricted for it?

Cheers,

C.

I don't know if MEL-APW would work, Pacific Islands to MEL has never seemed to work apart from MEL to NAN, we lost Air Vanuatu, Melbourne to Hawaii has always been via SYD with QF, yes JQ fly to Honolulu but its a LCC flight to there. So I don't think it would work but I would love to see it.

Flyingsottsman wrote:

Pacific Islands to MEL has never seemed to work apart from MEL to NAN

SB successfully flies MEL - NOU too.

Cheers,

C.

planemanofnz wrote:

Flyingsottsman wrote:

Pacific Islands to MEL has never seemed to work apart from MEL to NAN

SB successfully flies MEL - NOU too.

The difference between NAN/NOU and APW is that NAN/NOU attracts a lot of tourists (and for FJ a lot of transit pax). APW does not attract the same amount and relies heavily on Samoan's living in Australia returning to visit their families (or their families coming to visit). This is why VA has serviced BNE/SYD-APW because that is where the largest Samoan communities are.

MI now plans to trial SIN - BME in "mid-2018."

The carrier plans to operate four return services from mid 2018 using Boeing 737 aircraft configured with 150 economy and 12 business class seats. North West Tourism will work with SilkAir to develop packages for travellers.

See: https://blueswandaily.com/silkair-plans ... -mid-2018/.

If a regular service can be developed, this would give the SQ Group a good marketing advantage over the likes of the ME3 in Europe.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It looks like MK is doing well out of PER, increasing its revenue per passenger from 385.77 EUR in FY12/13 to 416.85 EUR in FY16/17.

See: http://www.anna.aero/2017/11/23/air-mau ... 2-q3-2017/.

With new a new KL code-share, hopefully the MRU - PER service will continue to prosper and not suffer the same fate as MRU - SYD.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TSV also looks like it is doing well, recording a record number of passengers.

The airport has seen a 7.2 per cent increase in traffic for the four months to October compared with the same period last year.

October saw a 9.6 per cent increase in passenger numbers with almost 150,000 people travelling in or out of Townsville last month.

It will be interesting to see if more international flights can be established through TSV, including some to Asia (on AK, MI or others).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VN will soon take delivery of its new A321neo fleet.

See: https://centreforaviation.com/news/viet ... urs-742684.

With a published range of ~7,000 km, and several Australian routes from SGN being less than ~5,000 km (like PER), should VN deploy this plane to Australia?

Cheers,

C.

So glad Broome is getting something, they have struggled for investment and tourism for a while
They really need a boost.

As for Air Mauritius flights out of Perth, they have put on extra flight all year round rather than an extra seasonal. So looks like they are doing well.

Does QF have plans to refit any more 738s with the BSI product? Those tattered black fabric seats in economy look absolutely dreadful... feels no different to sitting on TT or JQ.

I guess I've been spoiled... my last 7 flights have been on the XZ birds until I got newly repainted VYH last night.

ben175 wrote:

Does QF have plans to refit any more 738s with the BSI product? Those tattered black fabric seats in economy look absolutely dreadful... feels no different to sitting on TT or JQ.

I guess I've been spoiled... my last 7 flights have been on the XZ birds until I got newly repainted VYH last night.

I don't believe so though they may upgrade seat covers etc. They did try the aftermarket BSI cabin conversion and decided against it. In theory, the oldest 738s (VX series) will be around 20 years old in 2021 and at that time may start to be replaced by 737MAX or A320NEOs.

VA should have no non-BSI 738s in their fleet after 2019 except for those flying for Tiger.

ben175 wrote:

Does QF have plans to refit any more 738s with the BSI product? Those tattered black fabric seats in economy look absolutely dreadful... feels no different to sitting on TT or JQ.

I guess I've been spoiled... my last 7 flights have been on the XZ birds until I got newly repainted VYH last night.

I think black is the new seat covers? Isn’t it? I think it’s a shame they removed the curtain and proper cabin divider, on both sides of the curtain it annoys me. I like privacy when in J, and don’t want to see what I’m missing out on when I’m done the back. Lol!

I’d love to see QF go with the 320/321Neo for Domestic simply because of some on the new concept cabin design I’ve seen on them. 350 style lockers and advanced lighting (ala B6). Small thing like lighten can shift brand perceptions.

smi0006 wrote:

ben175 wrote:

Does QF have plans to refit any more 738s with the BSI product? Those tattered black fabric seats in economy look absolutely dreadful... feels no different to sitting on TT or JQ.

I guess I've been spoiled... my last 7 flights have been on the XZ birds until I got newly repainted VYH last night.

I think black is the new seat covers? Isn’t it? I think it’s a shame they removed the curtain and proper cabin divider, on both sides of the curtain it annoys me. I like privacy when in J, and don’t want to see what I’m missing out on when I’m done the back. Lol!

I’d love to see QF go with the 320/321Neo for Domestic simply because of some on the new concept cabin design I’ve seen on them. 350 style lockers and advanced lighting (ala B6). Small thing like lighten can shift brand perceptions.

Yes the black seat covers are new and already look 7-8 years old. The fabric doesn't even properly fit on the seatbacks and looks completely dishevelled. I wish they went for a similar seat design to the A330-200's - those economy seats are stylish and comfortable.

Anyone know why TT504 is returning to Hobart? It flew almost over LST and has now turned around and flying back to HBA. Its 5500ft and descending

waoz1 wrote:

So glad Broome is getting something

Me too - I really hope that this can be developed into a more regular service.

A BME service would make the route map look more geographically 'complete' - a great marketing tool against the ME3.



IMO, SQ should leverage SIN being closer to Australia than DXB and DOH, in trying HBA, TSV and other regional cities.

Obzerva wrote:

As far as SQ group expansion, there was this story from a few months ago about MI serving KTA

Separately, MI will not fly to KTA (though other carriers might).

See: https://thewest.com.au/news/pilbara-new ... b88579791z.

Cheers,

C.

smi0006 wrote:

ben175 wrote:

I’d love to see QF go with the 320/321Neo for Domestic simply because of some on the new concept cabin design I’ve seen on them.

May happen sooner than expected - but not in a way we expected after all. It appears that Network Aviation are exploring the viability of operating a couple of former JQ A320 on intra WA sectors - retaining the all economy layout. Maybe those former Skywest A320's still with VARA are onto something. I suppose the only question if this happens - will they be in the Network colours, retain the JQ colours or will we actually see a A320 in QantasLink colours with a Red Roo Tail??? I hope we see it with a roo on the tail soon.

QF768 PER-MEL diverted to ADL this evening, looks like a medical diversion

qf789 wrote:

QF768 PER-MEL diverted to ADL this evening, looks like a medical diversion

Nah I think it's more weather related as Melbourne (in general, not sure about the airport) experienced some severe thunderstorm early in the evening, diminishing at between 9-9:30pm. This may have some effect on holding time etc.

Michael

https://centreforaviation.com/insights/ ... sia-386234

AirAsia X Malaysia is slashing capacity to Gold Coast, Perth and Sydney in 2018 in attempt to improve the profitability of its Australia operation. The long haul low cost airline is cutting flights to Perth by 50%, to Gold Coast by 36% and to Sydney by 21% from the beginning of Feb-2018.

AirAsia’s total Malaysia-Australia capacity will drop by 26% year-over-year. However, AirAsia X may add flights to Melbourne later in 2018, partially offsetting the declines elsewhere in Australia.

———

Air Asia are a hard group to work out at the best of times, but it seems their longer haul X operations are a science in itself.

Recently they have been talking about adding new Australian destinations, yet now come out and are likely to slash capacity again.

Certainly some significant cuts there, with PER likely seeing the effect of a cooling economy and the added competition from Malindo.

IndianicWorld wrote:

https://centreforaviation.com/insights/analysis/airasia-x-slashes-capacity-to-sydney-perth-and-gold-coast-as-focus-shifts-from-australia-to-asia-386234

AirAsia X Malaysia is slashing capacity to Gold Coast, Perth and Sydney in 2018 in attempt to improve the profitability of its Australia operation. The long haul low cost airline is cutting flights to Perth by 50%, to Gold Coast by 36% and to Sydney by 21% from the beginning of Feb-2018.

AirAsia’s total Malaysia-Australia capacity will drop by 26% year-over-year. However, AirAsia X may add flights to Melbourne later in 2018, partially offsetting the declines elsewhere in Australia.

———

Air Asia are a hard group to work out at the best of times, but it seems their longer haul X operations are a science in itself.

Recently they have been talking about adding new Australian destinations, yet now come out and are likely to slash capacity again.

Certainly some significant cuts there, with PER likely seeing the effect of a cooling economy and the added competition from Malindo.

Something with LCCs in Australia has always puzzled me, but not sure if I'm puzzled by MEL or SYD.

MEL is a long-time JQ hub - with the only direct flight to their SIN hub AFAIK. And D7 flew to MEL first. MEL seems to have JQ services where SYD has QF services. And now D7 is *not* reducing capacity to MEL.

For quite a while SYD didn't have a LCC, until TZ went there - first of the major cities. D7 followed around the same time, and 5J - Cebu - came along more recently. Still not a large JQ presence.

Getting a low airfare is a bit of a sport with me - transited overnight at MNL to take advantage of 5J's inaugural special fares on a one-stop, flew JQ once when they first opened SYD - HKT with special fares. But LCCs are a last resort, I struggle to see where they attract a loyal following.

I know there are substantial Malaysian & Indian student / general populations in VIC that likely accounts for the differences, but still it seems out of balance. I just don't know if I'm puzzled that MEL is a relatively strong LCC market or that SYD is relatively weak. Perhaps it's more a case of more capacity into SYD generally increases availability of special fares on full service carriers. Certainly into Asia, where the LCCs operate.

QF still looking at MIA?

MooLor wrote:

IndianicWorld wrote:

https://centreforaviation.com/insights/analysis/airasia-x-slashes-capacity-to-sydney-perth-and-gold-coast-as-focus-shifts-from-australia-to-asia-386234

AirAsia X Malaysia is slashing capacity to Gold Coast, Perth and Sydney in 2018 in attempt to improve the profitability of its Australia operation. The long haul low cost airline is cutting flights to Perth by 50%, to Gold Coast by 36% and to Sydney by 21% from the beginning of Feb-2018.

AirAsia’s total Malaysia-Australia capacity will drop by 26% year-over-year. However, AirAsia X may add flights to Melbourne later in 2018, partially offsetting the declines elsewhere in Australia.

———

Air Asia are a hard group to work out at the best of times, but it seems their longer haul X operations are a science in itself.

Recently they have been talking about adding new Australian destinations, yet now come out and are likely to slash capacity again.

Certainly some significant cuts there, with PER likely seeing the effect of a cooling economy and the added competition from Malindo.

Something with LCCs in Australia has always puzzled me, but not sure if I'm puzzled by MEL or SYD.

MEL is a long-time JQ hub - with the only direct flight to their SIN hub AFAIK. And D7 flew to MEL first. MEL seems to have JQ services where SYD has QF services. And now D7 is *not* reducing capacity to MEL.

For quite a while SYD didn't have a LCC, until TZ went there - first of the major cities. D7 followed around the same time, and 5J - Cebu - came along more recently. Still not a large JQ presence.

Getting a low airfare is a bit of a sport with me - transited overnight at MNL to take advantage of 5J's inaugural special fares on a one-stop, flew JQ once when they first opened SYD - HKT with special fares. But LCCs are a last resort, I struggle to see where they attract a loyal following.

I know there are substantial Malaysian & Indian student / general populations in VIC that likely accounts for the differences, but still it seems out of balance. I just don't know if I'm puzzled that MEL is a relatively strong LCC market or that SYD is relatively weak. Perhaps it's more a case of more capacity into SYD generally increases availability of special fares on full service carriers. Certainly into Asia, where the LCCs operate.

I think this is where QF’s two brand strategy is at play. JQ will fly routes such as BKK, HNL and DPS from MEL, QF destinations but no QF service from MEL. There are instances where QF will take over routes that they think are better suited for mainline, such as MEL-NRT which initially began as a JQ service (though I think QF should have flown that route from day one!). Whilst routes with strong demand such as SIN has both carriers. SQ also employs the same strategy here too with both SQ and TR operating the route to capture a larger demographic. JQ is still quite large out of SYD operating long haul services to HNL, SGN, DPS and HKT.

Routes such as HKT and SGN are there to stimulate demand and target high leisure destinations and also serve as a competitive advantage to one stop competitors such as D7.

In regards to D7, it’s quite simple really, MEL has the largest Australia-Malaysia traffic, a lot of VFR and student traffic and increasingly a lot of business traffic.

To me JQ has a few groups when it comes to International flying.

Japan Group (CNS/OOL-NRT/KIX)
Melbourne and Sydney Hub group (Main Hubs)
Bali Group (Australia-DPS)
Pacific Group (Australia-New Zealand/Fiji)

Malindo is becoming popular out of Perth
Hence air asia x needing to cut, also doesnt help with their engine incident. Time for malaysian to lift its game

BigTexFlyer wrote:

QF still looking at MIA?

I doubt QF was ever seriously looking at MIA.

IndianicWorld wrote:

https://centreforaviation.com/insights/analysis/airasia-x-slashes-capacity-to-sydney-perth-and-gold-coast-as-focus-shifts-from-australia-to-asia-386234

AirAsia X Malaysia is slashing capacity to Gold Coast, Perth and Sydney in 2018 in attempt to improve the profitability of its Australia operation. The long haul low cost airline is cutting flights to Perth by 50%, to Gold Coast by 36% and to Sydney by 21% from the beginning of Feb-2018.

I thought Australia was their most profitable part of the network and we were soon to see massive expansion? I can't keep up...

Disappointing to see such a drastic reduction to PER, but how many frequencies will be left? The double daily flights aren't year round... surely 7 x weekly will be maintained?
Wouldn't be surprised to see them cut PER to a 320neo in the near future.

Malindo must be very happy with this news.