DJ looking at putting 777 on DOM to increase cap.

[Noob]

Disturbing familiarity about this. multiple aircraft type fleet, only a few of each. I hope they have read about how the mixed fleet of Ansett affected their bank balance, and it's contribution to their demise. Virgin really are entering into a totally different world than the all 737 world they previously operated in


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Good point, but their fleet is pretty simple compared to Ansett's.

Ansett at time of collapse:

• Airbus A320
• BAe 146
• Boeing 727-200F
• Boeing 737-300
• Boeing 747-400
• Boeing 767-200
• Boeing 767-300
• Bombardier CRJ-200
• DeHavilland Twin Otter
• Fokker 50
• Fokker F27
• Fokker F28
• Saab 340
• Fairchild Metro 23

Virgin Australia:

• Embraer E190
• Boeing 737NG
• Airbus A330-200
• Boeing 777-300ER
• ATR 72-500

 

[markis10]

Noob, interested to see what numbers do you have saying they are doing 'very' well? I read this that there has actually been a decrease in international which is larger than the 2.7% as there was .5% increase domestically. Virgin Australia figures point to stalled growth in aviation market | The Australian

Did you miss this part of the article :

Virgin's international figures remained skewed by network changes and its decision to withdraw from domestic New Zealand operations last October. Passengers numbers were down 19.7 per cent and the load factor fell 3.6 points to 75.8 per cent.

The latest update from the company indicates International RPKs increased by 4.2% and ASKs increased by 8.9% over the same period last year.

 

[dk4]

Good point, but their fleet is pretty simple compared to Ansett's.

Virgin Australia:

• Embraer E190
• Boeing 737NG
• Airbus A330-200
• Boeing 777-300ER
• ATR 72-500

Agreed. Seems like a lean-mean-fightin'-machine to me....

• 2 types to cover off regional flying (one for short hops and the other for long and thin, with the added advantage that the small jet can help to launch/test/grow new mainline routes)
• 2 types to cover off mainline domestic (one workhorse and one twin-aisle for extra oomph where it's needed, but with the added advantage that it can go the distance to launch/test/grow new long range international routes)
• 1 type to cover long range international (And now, thanks to some close regional partnerships, the opportunity to deploy these domestically as their competitor falters.)

IMO there's very little comparison between Virgin's slick effort and Ansett/Qantas’ broad coughbersome fleets.

 

[777]

Actually Virgin don't operate ATR 72-500. Skywest do it on their behalf.

 

[serfty]

Good point, but their fleet is pretty simple compared to Ansett's.

Virgin Australia:

• Embraer E190
• Boeing 737NG
• Airbus A330-200
• Boeing 777-300ER
• ATR 72-500

You forgot Embraer E170 ... (although they are departing the fleet)

 

[MarkD]

I realise the business has grown, and needs differenct capacity / types, however, the observation was that with different types it gets away from their cost base. HOWEVER, seeing that fleet list of the AN fleet, I see the difference. Obviously the statement re fleet ages comes into play also.

Re the fleet list, where did they operate metro's and twin otters? Shouldnt the 767's be grouped together, as the 737NGs in DJ have been. Wasn't the 727 freighter Ansett Airfreight, which was a separate entity?

 

[Boeta]

No issue with the gates given the A330 is already using them.

It would require a bit of reconfiguration actually. Its not so much the width, but rather the length of the 777 that would prevent it from using the current T3 gates. To put the 777 where the A330 currently docks would require the airport to close 3 bays and the entire taxiway behind it, something that they'll be very unwilling to do on a regular occasion. I can't see them being used on PER route whilst they still operate out of T3.

 

[oz_mark]

It would require a bit of reconfiguration actually. Its not so much the width, but rather the length of the 777 that would prevent it from using the current T3 gates. To put the 777 where the A330 currently docks would require the airport to close 3 bays and the entire taxiway behind it, something that they'll be very unwilling to do on a regular occasion. I can't see them being used on PER route whilst they still operate out of T3.

Maybe they can borrow a gate from QF :shock:

 

[dk4]

Maybe they can borrow a gate from QF :shock:

Or even gerrymander them as an International Tag services through International Terminals. I’m sure one of their international joint venture partners would be able to proffer lounge access at PER T1 to assist.

And a relieved government wouldn’t have to worry about capacity issues over Xmas, or take sides in the never-ending Qantas saga.

 

[markis10]

It would require a bit of reconfiguration actually. Its not so much the width, but rather the length of the 777 that would prevent it from using the current T3 gates. To put the 777 where the A330 currently docks would require the airport to close 3 bays and the entire taxiway behind it, something that they'll be very unwilling to do on a regular occasion. I can't see them being used on PER route whilst they still operate out of T3.

747 ops dont close H so I cannot see an issue with a 777 on Gate 19. I am sure they are looking at it, worst case bay 601 is also an option.

 

[ftm]

I don't see how. The article is talking about Nov 2011, DJ don't have any 777 deliveries scheduled. Their only option is to use the aircraft they have.

They can lease rather than buy.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

how will it effect current A330 (re)deployment? (Will this improve freebie op-up chances on certain sectors?)IMO it would certainly behoove VA to get these specifics out ASAP, as this knowledge will immediately affect ticket purchasing behaviour.

JB knows the excitement that QF creates by deploying International configured aircraft onto domestic routes, so looking forward to Virgin using the same tactic to put pressure on Qantas.

Funny how things come full circle. It wasn't that long ago that JB whilst at QF enjoyed using certain tactics against DJ. :shock:

Re the op-ups - I don't know whether DJ's Navitaire System has the capability yet of being able to easily target their high status pax for op-ups. I'd say it will be pretty much left up to the staff to decide who they want to put there which may mean from time to time that status pax could get overlooked. :evil:

 

[Mrmaxwell]

Special 777 Melbourne Cup flight tomorrow - DJ9502 departing at 10.30 will fly SYD-MEL as a one-off to assist with PAX wanting to get to the great race.

Seats currently selling at $135...