Is this the next big VA announcement?

[winglets747]

1. QF shouldn't operate B777-300ER's to London, Singapore and LA due to slot restrictions - which is exactly why QF already have A380's - but dosen't address that there are other long range destinations that would be suitable for QF 777's. 2. If "Mainline" asian carriers don't use 777's to Australia because they don't need the huge range that the 777 has, to get here, hence the use of A330's. But if traffic grows between Asia and Australia then they will be able to upgrade to B777's wheras QF will be stuck with A330's and B787's and will be unable to grow. Ergo - a lot of Asian airlines plan for future growth and optionality - and QF does not. 3. the author of the article isn't aware of any growth opportunity outside SE Asia and Europe that would suit QF. I suspect this could be proven wrong in the future.

The author responds:2. The point about Oz-Asia and the 777 is that unless Qantas had a 777 base at SIN or elsewhere (where the range and payload of the 777 makes sense), the 777s would need to fly to Oz, where they don't make sense to do.1. & 3. There are indeed further route options. And they are perfect for Jetstar or QF using the 787, which is almost a 777 in characteristics but with a lower operating cost. If the 787s were delivered when they were originally supposed to be, I have no doubt the story at QF today would be very different. With the 787 being incrementally delayed, it didn't make sense to press ahead with a new fleet plan, although to JQ's credit they started using the A332s more.Also don't forget the cost of a 777 vs A380. Boeing doesn't need to offer great discounts. The aircraft speaks for itself (but not to QF!)

 

[eastwest101]

The author responds:2. The point about Oz-Asia and the 777 is that unless Qantas had a 777 base at SIN or elsewhere (where the range and payload of the 777 makes sense), the 777s would need to fly to Oz, where they don't make sense to do.1. & 3. There are indeed further route options. And they are perfect for Jetstar or QF using the 787, which is almost a 777 in characteristics but with a lower operating cost. If the 787s were delivered when they were originally supposed to be, I have no doubt the story at QF today would be very different. With the 787 being incrementally delayed, it didn't make sense to press ahead with a new fleet plan, although to JQ's credit they started using the A332s more.Also don't forget the cost of a 777 vs A380. Boeing doesn't need to offer great discounts. The aircraft speaks for itself (but not to QF!)

I accept some of the points, but personally I feel the B787 could have too much range and not quite enough seats - if we are going to do B777 vs B787 comparisons. I agree with your comments about the 777 vs A380 and why Boeing wouldn't have to offer discounts on the B777, it seems to have a pretty good record and acceptance in the industry.

Anyway - will be interesting to see - but Air new Zealand certainly didn't see a problem with the B777 and probably don't regret it.