More 777s heading down under?

[markis10]

767 production is still going strong, and was thought to be a strong contender for DJs fleet given the experience in the region based on that type.

 

[777]

Again your not making sense, why use an aircraft that's not suited to a route if you have the luxury of being able to put people on the right type at home base for onward flights, SQ and JAL are two who do operate 77W back to home base, it's a phallacy to suggest the 777s don't suit Asian operations because it's a sweeping generalization not based on facts or recognizing that you can have some pretty long flights ex Asia to Oz. You could also say that if airlines do want to utilize the 77Ws back to home then fly onward that suits DJ anyway, a quick dash up to PEK and back then onward to the US rather than having it sit on the ground during an off day makes sense as well, just like AUH to KUL rather than sitting on the ground at AUH!

There is a difference between using a 777 because you've got them or because of fleet commonality issues and buying *new* 777s to operate a route that doesn't use their capabilities. If you are opening new asian routes wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to by the most efficient planes for the route - particularly when you've already got them in your fleet?

You said above that the A330s aren't configed for international ops but that's a relatively minor costs compared to buying new 777s. Particularly given that the new a330s are getting RED and an as yet unspecified new J class layout.

 

[markis10]

There is a difference between using a 777 because you've got them or because of fleet commonality issues and buying *new* 777s to operate a route that doesn't use their capabilities. If you are opening new asian routes wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to by the most efficient planes for the route - particularly when you've already got them in your fleet?

You said above that the A330s aren't configed for international ops but that's a relatively minor costs compared to buying new 777s. Particularly given that the new a330s are getting RED and an as yet unspecified new J class layout.

True, however I suspect the sub optimal routes would be not the primary reason for 777 purchases, its clear they also want to expand the LOTFAP frequency, and personally I see India as a potential target as well, for many of the same reasons as China.

 

[lovestotravel]

IF and it's a big IF VA want to commit to more 77Ws they would only be used on Asian routes if they continue on elsewhere, or the Asian routes are not the major reason for their purchase.

To claim that EK, SQ and NZ send lots of 77W's here means nothing, as the primary reason for these aircraft are other routes

The Chinese airlines all use A330's to Australia for a reason

 

[markis10]

The Chinese airlines all use A330's to Australia for a reason

I think you will find China Southern using 77Ws to Australia from late next year , same with CA once both get more!

 

[mardy]

Is there still any truth to the rumour of dropping the MEL-LAX route in favour of daily BNE-LAX flights?
If not, perhaps a couple of extra 777 could fill up both routes?

It's doubtful they would purchase any as spare though (as much as that would be great for peace of mind).
They tend to keep them in the air as constantly as possible as it costs too much to have any on the ground. (As can be seen by the deal with EY)

 

[markis10]

Is there still any truth to the rumour of dropping the MEL-LAX route in favour of daily BNE-LAX flights?
If not, perhaps a couple of extra 777 could fill up both routes?

It's doubtful they would purchase any as spare though (as much as that would be great for peace of mind).
They tend to keep them in the air as constantly as possible as it costs too much to have any on the ground. (As can be seen by the deal with EY)

Airlines dont purchase an aircraft as a spare as such, they purchase aircraft to meet the needs of an operational cycle which includes coverage for maintenance, as the fleet gets bigger this becomes more of an issue and any additional aircraft purchased would need to take into account the reality that one aircraft will be out of action at any one time and you wont be able to rely on a partner to fly for you during this time, as has been the case for the last couple of months in the case of the VA 777s.

 

[mardy]

Certainly, the LAX-SYD incident last year certainly shows the need for additional aircraft to cover the unexpected but i'm guessing the fleet size is too small to justify it at this point?
They had to scramble a 747 from ANZ from memory, but perhaps they have agreements in place with their current alliances.

 

[The Rok]

As DJ have stated that Perth is a major target for expansion for them could they be looking at PER-AUH to connect onto EY European services. That would probably bring the most benefit for the 777's.

 

[777]

As DJ have stated that Perth is a major target for expansion for them could they be looking at PER-AUH to connect onto EY European services. That would probably bring the most benefit for the 777's.

Although PER-AUH is in A330 range based on my rough calculations.

 

[markis10]

Although PER-AUH is in A330 range based on my rough calculations.

Under full load

 

[lovestotravel]

I am more interested in what the refit of the current VA 777's entails.....

 

[Bofter]

Hopefully not 3-4-3 seating in economy

 

[DJSYD81]

Hopefully they change some of the cheap looking and horrible coloured interior fixtures and walls for a start.

I hope they keep the J and PE bars as the J bar especially is a nice place to go for a chat or somewhere different to be than your seat.

I'd am not expecting anything major with new carpets throught with new seat covers in Y and maybe a few other tweaks. They could do with some better seat padding in Y and especially PE though as the seat bases made my behind numb on a recent trip to LA.

 

[pauly7]

Certainly, the LAX-SYD incident last year certainly shows the need for additional aircraft to cover the unexpected.

Incidents. Plural

 

[mardy]

What else was there besides the engine stall on take off in April 2011?

 

[mannej]

What else was there besides the engine stall on take off in April 2011?

Tug drivers backing the 777's into stationary objects (walls) I believe.

 

[Globetrotter]

I am more interested in what the refit of the current VA 777's entails.....

On a recent VA flight in J from BNE to LAX to senior flight attended confirmed the J cabin upgrade commencing this month isn't anything major. The same seats are staying but will receive new coverings and extra cushioning to make them more comfortable. That's it. The airline (VA) isn't ready to invent heavily in new seats given the product is still relatively young.

 

[lovestotravel]

On a recent VA flight in J from BNE to LAX to senior flight attended confirmed the J cabin upgrade commencing this month isn't anything major. The same seats are staying but will receive new coverings and extra cushioning to make them more comfortable. That's it. The airline (VA) isn't ready to invent heavily in new seats given the product is still relatively young.

Makes sense and to me it didn't' even need doing, but I am impressed that VA is going to keep the cabin fresh and updated

10/10 for that

 

[Globetrotter]

10/10 for that

No probs and I agree with you, VA long haul J is a great product. I've enjoyed 6 sectors and all have been exceptional. I look forward to my next one later this year!