B777 - Maintenance

[Bagpuss]

When these frames flew to Abu Dhabi, this is what would get the chop when heavy maintenance occurred with Etihad taking over the flight.

With all now flying to LAX, what will give ? (I'd imagine a Brisbane service??)

 

[docjames]

Interesting question, they may look at leasing an airframe from HNA or EY?

 

[Saab34]

D checks were completed within the last year so nothing significant (grounding aircraft) is required for about 2 years.

I'd love to see a SIA A380 wet leased for the pacific run though.

 

[Melburnian1]

...With all now flying to LAX, what will give ? (I'd imagine a Brisbane service??)

Bagpuss, your hunch may be correct, because SYD - LAX is daily and while BNE and MEL to LAX are both not daily if I have read the schedules correctly, the MEL route is new so VA may be keen to minimise adverse publicity.

Quite a few months ago, there was more than one occasion if I recall when I or someone else posted about cancelled BNE to LAX or v.v. flights (VA7/VA8.) So if these are now occasionally cancelled it won't be for the first time.

It's the same problem that one of the smallest airlines serving Oz, Royal Brunei (not one I recommend) faces with its MEL and LHR via DXB flights to and from BWN: all four of its twin aisle aircraft are required daily (one for MEL, three for the LHR via DXB flights) so when one fails or requires a lengthy maintenance check, it can be BWN - MEL that gets the chop.

I was on VA1 last year without a hitch (well, at least from SYD but getting there in the morning from MEL on a domestic leg was painful and chaotic) but while VA is in many respects a good airline, the lack of spare aircraft when things go wrong on non daily routes is a concern. Mind you, the numerous troubles QF has with its A388s (especially) and B744s are documented extensively in the AFF QF delays/ cancellations thread.