More WA capacity - on the Fokkers

[oz_mark]

Perth, 16 January 2008 QantasLink announced today that it would increase capacity on key routes within Western Australia from 18 February.

Qantas Group General Manager Regional Airlines, Mr Narendra Kumar, said the airline had entered into an agreement with Alliance Airlines to operate a 100-seat Fokker 100 aircraft, initially between Perth and Port Hedland and Karratha.


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[nlagalle]

I want to know when QF are going to start KGI - MEL direct flights rather than flying via Perth. Skywest started this a few months back.

 

[Reggie]

I want to know when QF are going to start KGI - MEL direct flights rather than flying via Perth. Skywest started this a few months back.

It would be a long flight to Mel in a fokker.

 

[littl_flier]

I wonder how different the on-board services will be with the flight operated by Alliance staff members. Will the crew wear QF uniform (like National Jet Systems) and presumably the food will be from the QF kitchens?

An interesting move from QF considering they're removing 717's from the fleet at the moment.

 

[oz_mark]

It would be a long flight to Mel in a fokker.

I believe that Skywest operate KGI-MEL in a Fokker 100, and its about 3.5 hour flight.

 

[oz_mark]

I wonder how different the on-board services will be with the flight operated by Alliance staff members. Will the crew wear QF uniform (like National Jet Systems) and presumably the food will be from the QF kitchens?

An interesting move from QF considering they're removing 717's from the fleet at the moment.

I guess that they would be kitted out in QF gear, as I understand the plane will be sporting a QantasLink livery. I think the issue with NJS was that QF wanted the extra capacity faster than NJS could provide it, they are negotiating on adding an extra 717 but I am not sure how long this is going to take.

 

[Evan]

Who's 717's are NJS using ? are they the old Compass ones ? i was under the impression there would still be some 717's floating around on leases that are not attractive. Some sent to armidale and other places for storage until the lease was up. They have to be close to being able to be re-leased at a more attractive price.

E

 

[JohnK]

....said the airline had entered into an agreement with Alliance Airlines to operate a 100-seat Fokker 100 aircraft, initially between Perth and Port Hedland and Karratha.

Well there is the next challenge. I have never been to PHE or KTA and never travelled in a Fokker although I have heard so many stories from people that have travelled in them.

I did a few trips on Qantaslink 717s last year and they were OK. I guess they are getting past their use by date.

 

[Evan]

I have done plently of flights on the Ansett Fokker F50's (Lismore/Casino/Ballina to Sydney) over the years. At the time they seemed good, but the early jets form Casino/Ballina were much better.

Wonder what the F100's are like, i think they are like a F70 which i beleive i have also flown on before.

JohnK, it seems the 717's are being cycled, as in old ones out of the fleet, fresher ones in. Since i think a lot were stored until end of lease.

E

 

[Paul_PER]

Who's 717's are NJS using ? are they the old Compass ones ? i was under the impression there would still be some 717's floating around on leases that are not attractive. Some sent to armidale and other places for storage until the lease was up. They have to be close to being able to be re-leased at a more attractive price.

E

The Impulse / Qantaslink / Jetstar / Qantaslink (NJS) 717 fleet topped out at 14 planes. Currently down to 11. All are leased. I'm surprised that the paint ever dry on these planes.

I've never flown Alliance Fokker 100's. The Skywest Fokker 100's are pretty good though - they claim the roomiest economy seats in Australia - 34 inch pitch. No AV. Cabins are slightly dated. Crews are friendly with an "in the family" type atmosphere - this isn't a surprise - Skywest isn't that big - I'm sure they all know each other pretty well!

 

[jpk]

Agree with Paul_PER comments - I've only flown the XR F100's and although old they are pretty comfy. 34" pitch (amazing what a difference that makes), 2-3 seating, no IFE but flights not usually that long anyway. XR is a great airline to fly with - good food and excellent Dome coffee, friendly young hosties etc.

XR recently announced a codeshare arrangement with DJ, think there is a thread on this in the open discussion forum.

Don't know anyone that has flown Alliance yet.

 

[bambbbam2]

I took XR from PER-GET recently, not a long flight (but did stop in Kalbarri)

Very enjoyable, though I prefer the XR to Broome flight.

 

[serfty]

... I did a few trips on Qantaslink 717s last year and they were OK. I guess they are getting past their use by date.

Considering that none of the 717 are more than 10 years old with an average age of only 7 years, the operators of these aircraft must be letting them get run down.

 

[Evan]

Looking tatty could also have to do with the routes they fly, eg Silk air planes that are not very old flying the holiday flights to Thailand etc look trashed. Maybe the 717's are getting a similar hard life on holidays routes or mining towns.

I dount there is any incentive to look after them too much i would guess they would head back to the leasor when they are not that old, i think the leases were rather expensive and may see them replaced with something else in a few years.

E

 

[JohnK]

Considering that none of the 717 are more than 10 years old with an average age of only 7 years, the operators of these aircraft must be letting them get run down.

The cabin interiors looked OK to me.

I am unaware of maintenance schedules but wouldn't this be the responsibility of Qantas/Qantaslink?

 

[serfty]

Considering that none of the 717 are more than 10 years old with an average age of only 7 years, the operators of these aircraft must be letting them get run down.

The cabin interiors looked OK to me. ...

That was in response to this post

... I guess they are getting past their use by date.

I assumed you meant they were looking run-down.

 

[JohnK]

I assumed you meant they were looking run-down.

No. Sorry Ross, I made the statement, "I guess they are getting past their use by date", because of other information posted on this thread.

I stick by me original claim that the 717s look OK to me inside and out and I would gladly fly them again on one of the Qantaslink routes.