EK to increase BNE frequency from June 2023

[BNEFlyer]

Yep, just looked up Expertflyer. It looks like:

Route #	Description	Departure time	Arrival time
EK431 (new)	BNE-DXB	0250	1100
EK435	BNE-DXB	2100	0510
EK430 (new)	DXB-BNE	0230	2220
EK434	DXB-BNE	1035	0625

So they're re-numbering the current EK430/431 to EK434/435 and vice-versa and then the new EK430/431 is operating at about the same time as the former EK432/433 (which went via SIN).

 

[AIRwin]

So they're re-numbering the current EK430/431 to EK434/435

Reinstating the flight number EK434/435

 

[BNEFlyer]

Reinstating the flight number EK434/435

Yes and running it at the time 430/431 goes now.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Hurry up Qantas and put a code share on the 2nd Brisbane flight so I can give you money.

All 3 Sydney flights have codeshares but not the 2nd Brisbane flight, hurry up.

 

[AIRwin]

And hoping the EK lounge will have reopened by then...

Heard from an EK check-in agent in BNE that the lounge will probably not reopen until then...

 

[Mattg]

Heard from an EK check-in agent in BNE that the lounge will probably not reopen until then...

But it will reopen soon once the second flight starts?

What refurbishments are being done in the meantime?

 

[Bundy Bear]

EK8431 finally showed up

 

[drron]

Being put on hold and every minute being told Your call is very important to us. Please hold and an agent will talk to you soon.
After the 10th time I am shouting at the phone if my call is very important to you why haven't you answered yet.

 

[Viper6]

EK8431 finally showed up

View attachment 317119

Not seeing any availability for August/September to/from Brisbane?

 

[am0985]

Loads of availability on QFF for these BNE flights. Booked STN - DXB - BNE in F for 25/2/24. It was earlier than anyone can book them through EK apparently, so second flight was showing up as 26/2/23 for a couple of days.

Also need to do flexible date search on the multi city if you want the furthest dates in future.

Anyway good way to experience new 777 first class from STN followed by A380 (BRU also has good availability)

 

[Viper6]

Seems they got launched for 2024 but not 2023 then?

 

[HS-TQE]

I wish they’d disclose how long these deals are for. Great news though, Brisbane will only benefit from healthy competition to Singapore Air.

Typically between 18 months to 2 years. The pending end of Scoot's OOL-SIN flights in June (Which is when the taxpayer funded AAIF funds expire) lasted 18 months, which is about the typical minimum of a Queensland Government AAIF contract.

 

[Viper6]

Did anyone actually manage to snap up any business or first availability on the 777 from June-Oct? I suspect Emirates blocked these out and hoping to sell as cash fares. They might release last minute closer to the time if still unsold?

If you did manage to get any of these flights, from June-Oct please let me know?

 

[AIRwin]

Heard from an EK check-in agent in BNE that the lounge will probably not reopen until then...

An EK agent at the airport has now indicated that "lounge will open end of year" - inshallah!

 

[AIRwin]

An EK agent at the airport has now indicated that "lounge will open end of year" - inshallah!

 

[AIRwin]

The first EK430 has just landed!

 

[Bundy Bear]

I am on the 2nd flight pretty much sold out in economy, now in the plaza premium lounge with the out of order water machine and alcohol not served after 1am and hot food was removed at 1:30am. Boarding for the flight starts at 2:00am.

 

[Bundy Bear]

I am now in Dubai after a 14 hour flight in economy, even got greeted by one of the crew members noting my Qantas Gold status.

Food is served about 2 hours after take off, then a mid flight snack and then a lunch 2 hours before landing, it would have been nice to delay the breakfast to get some sleep.

 

[AIRwin]

Food is served about 2 hours after take off, then a mid flight snack and then a lunch 2 hours before landing, it would have been nice to delay the breakfast to get some sleep.

Surprised lunch is served even though EK431 arrives in DXB around 11 am?

 

[Bundy Bear]

Surprised lunch is served even though EK431 arrives in DXB around 11 am?

I think they followed the 6am service pattern from rest of flights leaving Australia at 6:00am
Breakfast then lunch.