Re: General Qantas Delays/Cancellations/etc. Discussion
Thie morning QF1500 from HBA is running an hour and three quarters late and is not expected in MEL until 0900. QF1501 back to HBA is expected to be delayed departing from its normal 0755 to 0950.
QF1502 from HBA, the 1100 arrival in MEL, will not arrive until 1255. That is where the delays may end as if I read the timetables correctly, this aircraft then has a significant early afternoon siesta.
Unfortunately as I have mentioned before these MEL - HBA contracted QF flights have more than their fair share of late running. While JQ is a possible alternative if there are spare seats, JQ703 this mornming (Tuesday 16 December) has been delayed departing MEL from its timetabled 0810 until a suggested 0835.
Ardentinny and mannej, I have posted some delays this morning affecting VA passengers, including one diverted flight:
http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/virgin-australia-velocity/general-virgin-australia-delays-cancellations-59773-3.html
UPDATE: Delays were worse than the QF website suggested. QF1500 did not depart HBA until 0825, arriving MEL at 0944, a minute shy of two and a half hours late.
QF1501 then departed MEL at 1025 in lieu of 0755, arriving at 1128 instead of the timetabled 0910 and ensuring that any business travellers on a day return trip had their morning appointments cancelled.
QF1502 departed HBA at 1204 in lieu of 0945 and arrived MEL a few minutes ago at 1324 instead of 1100. Unfortunately, JQ flights have also run late between MEL and HBA though not as badly as the QF stablemate's offerings.
In a timetable revision, QF may need to look at lengthening the turnaround times for these HBA 717 operated flights as there is now a documented history of unpunctuality. One difficulty during peak periods is that a longer turnaround ties up tarmac space. Like any business, QF wants to maximise profits (consistent with safety) but the question must be asked if there is frequent late running, are the timetables (particularly the turnaround time allowed for each rotation) too tight?
Many businessmen and women sensibly deliberately build some slack into their day using a Murphy's Law assumption, but for passengers who for instance at relatively short notice are attending a morning funeral and who are unable to travel the night before, such delays create difficulty.
