Qantas Project Sunrise goes ahead, 12 new A350-1000s ordered

[HS-TQE]

Would've been back when VS had the A380s on order if they did consider it. VS previously flew LHR-HKG-SYD with the gas-guzzling A340s prior to the (now-cancelled) A380 order.

 

[SYD]

Would've been back when VS had the A380s on order if they did consider it. VS previously flew LHR-HKG-SYD with the gas-guzzling A340s prior to the (now-cancelled) A380 order.

Coal fired A340-600s. They’re big planes. Well long. Longer than an B744 and an A380!

 

[moa999]

AKL-LHR is even further than SYD-LHR which is already marginal.

My understanding is SYD-LHR is far more marginal than LHR-SYD, but if you are flying East that possibly disappears.

And Yes. NZ sold its LHR slots, So maybe LGW instead.

 

[Mattg]

My understanding is LHR-SYD is far more marginal than SYD-LHR, but if you are flying West that possibly disappears.

And Yes. NZ sold its LHR slots, So maybe LGW instead.

Air NZ just received new slots at LGW (after being unsuccessful applying for new ones at LHR). They've been a bit cagey on what, if anything, they plan to do with those slots. But my guess would be a AKL-SIN-LGW service.

 

[AIRwin]

But my guess would be a AKL-SIN-LGW service.

But that would be competing against SQ

 

[Mattg]

But that would be competing against SQ

Unless they codeshare on each other's flights?

But I take your point. Not sure there's a more logical stopover point, unless they return to going via the USA (which some people don't like due to the lack of international transits there).

 

[Saab34]

QF came out with a high margin/profit forecast on these flights, I recall it was a few hundred million. No doubt some ears popped up from other players.

Perhaps they shouldn’t have said anything. Some financial analysts had concerns if these routes ended up suffering margin depletion due to competition, significant financial expenditure required in the back half of this decade, many had been nervous even if these flights had been successful. I think that’s why they might keep the CFO on as the leader for a while to navigate these financial rapids ahead.

 

[Cheatah]

AirNZ could go AKL-PER-LGW? They have full traffic rights, PER-UK direct is high margin and could help justify their return to the London market from NZ?

 

[justinbrett]

Who is running this airline? They can’t even service the routes they already have due to lack of aircraft.

 

[docjames]

Unless they codeshare on each other's flights?

But I take your point. Not sure there's a more logical stopover point, unless they return to going via the USA (which some people don't like due to the lack of international transits there).

Used to be via LAX and via HKG.

 

[lovestotravel]

Was just listening to on air with Dan and Alex. Alex has just let known that because of the success of PER-LHR and that Qantas and Airbus is solving the technical aspect of project sunrise, that 2 other airlines are looking at similar routes. One being BA and the other he can't say yet.

Yes it seems the A350's may actually do what they were ordered to do (not as heavy as they were going to be....)

 

[Bundy Bear]

I read somewhere that Vancouver was considered by AirNZ, Singapore could work if SQ codeshare on the route, Perth is a bit of a wild card but if Qantas are making good money on it then AirNZ could have a go PER-LGW, get on the Australia to London route before BA or VS have a crack.

 

[HS-TQE]

Could see BA at least having a look if not reach planning stage. VS is less likely with DL at the controls of that carrier, going East for new Long Haul routes for them would be lower in priority for VS/DL.

 

[Mattg]

NZ AKL-LGW via YVR or PER could actually make sense. YVR probably a bit more so.

 

[Zero]

VS is a failed airline that is being propped up by DL, they are in no position to even think about this (although that won't stop Shai).

BA maybe but they seem to be giving up on Asia and letting QR (an IAG shareholder) take over..

 

[elanshin]

Could see BA at least having a look if not reach planning stage. VS is less likely with DL at the controls of that carrier, going East for new Long Haul routes for them would be lower in priority for VS/DL.

Alex more or less confirmed BA was already in the scoping / planning phase of a direct LHR - Australia route and eyeing the sunrise situation.

 

[Saab34]

VS is a failed airline that is being propped up by DL, they are in no position to even think about this (although that won't stop Shai).

BA maybe but they seem to be giving up on Asia and letting QR (an IAG shareholder) take over..

I agree. VS even post a restructure still has a questionable earnings outlook. Virgin in Oz has proven in the early days to be somewhat successful, sadly lost its way in the middle era, and has now gone back to a now sustainable model. VS has never had solid results.

 

[jpp42]

Yes it seems the A350's may actually do what they were ordered to do (not as heavy as they were going to be....)

I heard the increase in weight was due to increased fireproofing to make the belly tanks safe (since they're right under the cabin). Do you know any more about how that was resolved?

 

[Cognac]

Would love more options PER-LHR (or LGW, or AMS, or FRA, or CDG) direct. Bring it!

 

[mviy]

If Sunrise flights for BA led them to starting direct or indirect flights to MEL I’d be very happy.