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[Yada Yada]

Please don't remind me that the next round of enhancements is about due :evil: .

True! I'm guessing that they may hide the next round of "enhancements" under the cover of an announcement about a shiny new Jetstar FF scheme.

 

[NM]

True! I'm guessing that they may hide the next round of "enhancements" under the cover of an announcement about a shiny new Jetstar FF scheme.

Hmm, better burn those remaining 300K points before they are enhanced.

 

[simongr]

I wonder if there is any correlation between QF announcing their new hard product the day or so before DJ announce their new airline...

 

[Shano]

I wonder if there is any correlation between QF announcing their new hard product the day or so before DJ announce their new airline...

Nah, I'm sure it was purely coincidental ....

 

[NM]

and of course they are making sure they get in before SQ take delivery of their first A380.

 

[simongr]

Also interesting that QF are seeming to spread out the announcements so that focus remains on them..

 

[d15.in.oz]

Also interesting that QF are seeming to spread out the announcements so that focus remains on them..

To be blunt, you are observing Qantas isn't dumb... and perhaps Virgin Blue is coming over a bit yokel?

 

[Yada Yada]

True! I'm guessing that they may hide the next round of "enhancements" under the cover of an announcement about a shiny new Jetstar FF scheme.

Hmm, better burn those remaining 300K points before they are enhanced.

You might not have to! I think they may be hiding those "enhancements" under cover of the announcement about the new business class lounges. I've just posted about that here.

 

[simongr]

To be blunt, you are observing Qantas isn't dumb... and perhaps Virgin Blue is coming over a bit yokel?

I have a horrible feeling that DJ are going to be left in the dust a little in the wake of a lot of changes at QF. It almost seems like QF blooming - the impending delivery of the A380 (QF must be more confident about deliveries now), the opening of the new F lounge - QF has taken a battering but given it's massive size and cash it is almost like it is waking up from some great slumber and startign to flex.

 

[stuartfaz]

I have a horrible feeling that DJ are going to be left in the dust a little in the wake of a lot of changes at QF.

All depends on what's happening with DJ International and Velocity to be announced this week.

If it's good they need not worry. If not then they'll have some problems, for sure.

 

[NM]

I have a horrible feeling that DJ are going to be left in the dust a little in the wake of a lot of changes at QF. It almost seems like QF blooming - the impending delivery of the A380 (QF must be more confident about deliveries now), the opening of the new F lounge - QF has taken a battering but given it's massive size and cash it is almost like it is waking up from some great slumber and startign to flex.

QF has been somewhat constrained in its expansion desires due to their wait for new aircraft. They wanted to wait for the next generation of aircraft, being A380 and 787, rather than take on older technology in the 777/A340 category. Just look at their 787 plans, with 65 confirmed orders to replace their existing 767 fleet, effectively doubling their fleet in that category.

So yes there are some exciting times ahead for QF, and the timing is right for them to move ahead quickly now.

However, I think there is still plenty of room for DJ's expansion plans, especially their trans-Pacific operations. I expect them to be innovative in the way they deliver their product and to find an initial niche to fill and then to move more into a full QF competition in time, similar to what we have seen in the domestic environment.

I think DJ would have preferred to have access to the new efficient technology of the 787/A350XWB, but they needed to get moving into the trans-Pacific foray sooner than those planes would be available, so the 777 was their correct choice. But I do expect them to do something neat with their onboard product, and I am assuming they will have something similar to the VS/NZ style business class suites and a premium economy offering.

 

[Yada Yada]

However, I think there is still plenty of room for DJ's expansion plans, especially their trans-Pacific operations. I expect them to be innovative in the way they deliver their product and to find an initial niche to fill and then to move more into a full QF competition in time, similar to what we have seen in the domestic environment.

Yes, I agree. Virgin Blue have actually been more innovative over the past 5-6 years while Qantas/Jetstar have been in catch-up mode. I don't doubt that VB will continue to innovate, introducing new features to their products and services that will keep them in the limelight.

QF do appear to be moving into a growth phase and while the announcements are exciting, we have to remember that their new aircraft are still quite some time away. JQ gets the first of the 787's while the A380's only start to arrive a year from now. Meanwhile, pax doing the local shuttles will continue to ride around in some of the shabbiest 767's we've ever seen, and will be for some years to come.

 

[jakeseven7]

I'm sure it will be.

There haven't been any backward steps with Velocity before now, as opposed to the "enhancements" rolled out every few years by Qantas, so I'm expecting it to be good.

I would say that Velocity hasn't exactly been moving forward either, so hoping for a big overhaul.

If QF enhance QFF in the same theme as all the huge new announcements today I'll be happy

 

[pauly7]

Yes, I agree. Virgin Blue have actually been more innovative over the past 5-6 years while Qantas/Jetstar have been in catch-up mode. I don't doubt that VB will continue to innovate, introducing new features to their products and services that will keep them in the limelight.

QF do appear to be moving into a growth phase and while the announcements are exciting, we have to remember that their new aircraft are still quite some time away. JQ gets the first of the 787's while the A380's only start to arrive a year from now. Meanwhile, pax doing the local shuttles will continue to ride around in some of the shabbiest 767's we've ever seen, and will be for some years to come.

YY you know I fly DJ/QF equally but I think you are painting a bit of a broadstroke here lol
- alot of people prefer the 767's to the 737's (both QF and DJ's) and QF are in the process of refurbishing the entire 767 fleet - interiors - so they will look great. I was in a refurbished 737 and it looks and feels brand new!

 

[Yada Yada]

YY you know I fly DJ/QF equally but I think you are painting a bit of a broadstroke here lol
- alot of people prefer the 767's to the 737's (both QF and DJ's) and QF are in the process of refurbishing the entire 767 fleet - interiors - so they will look great. I was in a refurbished 737 and it looks and feels brand new!

Yes, I realise that there will be refurbs on the 763's and this will help, especially the ex-BA planes that are frankly a joke. I flew on a JAL 767 last year that had been refurbed and it was very nice. What I am trying to say is that all of the new fleet announcements seem exciting but really, they actual planes won't be appearing too soon so there is fair bit of hype.

 

[NM]

What I am trying to say is that all of the new fleet announcements seem exciting but really, they actual planes won't be appearing too soon so there is fair bit of hype.

Yes, this is QF back to the usual habit of announcing new things waaaaay before they are able to deliver. And they have never been quick at rolling upgraded products across the existing fleet. Of course this is due to the smallish fleet size and high utilisations which is made worse by the A380 delays. But that does not alter the fact that once again we are sent the teaser loooong before we will see the new product. At least this time there is some hope, in that we will see some refurbishments in service before the new aircraft are on the ground. Compare that to the timing SQ's new F/J announcement and its installation into the fleet starting with the new deliveries of 77W aircraft, or the new CX F/J/Y product and its roll-out into their existing 744 fleet. Both were a matter of months and not over a year.

I believe the timing of the announcement is driven by a number of factors, including (but not limited to):

• SQ about to take delivery of their first A380s and operating them to/from Australia
• DJ about to launch their Trans-Pacific airline and associate services
• The need to refurbish the existing fleet cannot wait until the new aircraft are delivered as originally planned
• The need to compete with NZ, VS, UA, BA etc with their Y+ products
• Softening us up for a FF program enhancement

 

[Shano]

• Softening us up for a FF program enhancement

I also get the impression that this is impending. Too much giving from QF (new lounges / fleet / fleet refurbishment) - now time for them to take something away.

I suspect the Velocity announcement will also have some bearing on what enhancements QF introduces.

 

[pauly7]

Yes, this is QF back to the usual habit of announcing new things waaaaay before they are able to deliver. And they have never been quick at rolling upgraded products across the existing fleet. Of course this is due to the smallish fleet size and high utilisations which is made worse by the A380 delays.

I take heart because I've already seen the rollout start of the re-furb of existing fleet I think everyone here will really like it, the planes feel brand new.

And will be funny because when it is completed next year, DJ will have the oldest cabins in the sky - which is a testament to them providing compeition to QF to force them into providing a superior product and service! So in a roundabout way thanks DJ for helping us get better QF!

Now crazydave, please no leather on V Australia!!

 

[Yada Yada]

So in a roundabout way thanks DJ for helping us get better QF!

Exactly. And you can thank Virgin Blue for your free wireless internet in the QP too. Although I note that the QP bar still opens later.

Now crazydave, please no leather on V Australia!!

What's wrong with leather? I've just ordered a new car and went for leather seats. It's an upgrade over cloth seats.

 

[pauly7]

What's wrong with leather? I've just ordered a new car and went for leather seats. It's an upgrade over cloth seats.

Do you sleep in your car?!

On long haul leather is horrible, you sweat and its difficult to get comfortable and you slide around unless you are completely flat (i.e. business or first).

Short haul its ok, I know Virgin & Jetstar use it to cut costs (cheaper to maintain) but hopefully they change tact for their 777s.