Qantas to operate evacuation flights from Lebanon via Cyprus to Sydney

[p--and--t]

They can come close - in fact one could say 100% altruistic. QF's conduct in the 2002 Bali Bombing was exemplary by any measure. I will put out a link on the anniversary.

There are many many examples of QF (both company and staff) fantastic responses during an emergency. There was one outstanding exception (that may in the circumstances be excusable.withiut the unlimited resources of an oil rich stare) that people seem to want to punish them for eternity.

 

[justinbrett]

They can come close - in fact one could say 100% altruistic. QF's conduct in the 2002 Bali Bombing was exemplary by any measure. I will put out a link on the anniversary.

And simple reason is there’s a bunch of good Aussies working at QF at all levels, and I’d like to think most of us think enough about our country to help our fellow citizens out when we have the means to do so. Not everything has an ulterior motive.

I think if you keep reminding people you did a good thing when trying to get something in return, at some point it becomes less of a good thing. Help and expect nothing in return.

 

[Quickstatus]

I think if you keep reminding people you did a good thing when trying to get something in return, at some point it becomes less of a good thing. Help and expect nothing in return.

And IMO these 2x787 is about Govt trying to remind the electorate that they did a good thing so please vote for us. A token gesture linked to an ulterior notive - one of those things Govt is very good at. I think QF is just simply responding to an official Govt request.

Acknowledgement needs to be given though because the Govt is doing some real work behind the scenes trying to secure seats on what remains of flights out of BEY. All that is generally behind the scenes and invisible - some of Govt best work is done this way.

What is the risk assessment regarding sending the 2x C130 into BEY? Currently they are also sitting in LCA

 

[justinbrett]

And IMO these 2x787 is about Govt trying to remind the electorate that they did a good thing so please vote for us. A token gesture linked to an ulterior notive - one of those things Govt is very good at. I think QF is just simply responding to an official Govt request.

Acknowledgement needs to be given though because the Govt is doing some real work behind the scenes trying to secure seats on what remains of flights out of BEY. All that is generally behind the scenes and invisible - some of Govt best work is done this way.

What is the risk assessment regarding sending the 2x C130 into BEY? Currently they are also sitting in LCA

No, I think the government has to offer evacuation flights. You could say anything the government does is for re-election but there is an expectation this assistance will be offered and we have a long history from both sides doing so.

It was a different foreign airline I was referring to, who is still reminding us of flights it did 4 years ago (charging $10K per seat mind you)

 

[Quickstatus]

I think the government has to offer evacuation flights.

Not saying the Govt should not but a token 2 in the setting of a 2xdaily commercial flights out of LCA. Maybe those flights are also full of people getting out and the QF flights are supplementary but 500 seats only?

 

[justinbrett]

Not saying the Govt should not but a token 2 in the setting of a 2xdaily commercial flights out of LCA. Maybe those flights are also full of people getting out and the QF flights are supplementary but 500 seats only?

It’s 4 - 2x QF and 2xQR.

There’s been sloppy reporting on this, likely due to the fact the government is “operating” the QF flights whereas the QR flights are chartered. I think the QR flights were added after the QF flights were announced, as that release said DFAT was working with other airlines to get more flights.

Of course there’s plenty of other nationalities trying to get out, not just Aussies, so I expect those RPT flights will sell out quick.

 

[Mr Bill]

Including HIFLY, A340, # 3L876 which landed in BNE at 0323 this morning from LCA via CMB ?

 

[drron]

No, I think the government has to offer evacuation flights. You could say anything the government does is for re-election but there is an expectation this assistance will be offered and we have a long history from both sides doing so.

It was a different foreign airline I was referring to, who is still reminding us of flights it did 4 years ago (charging $10K per seat mind you)

And the charge was that high due to the Australian States putting such ridiculously low caps on international arrivals.

 

[justinbrett]

And the charge was that high due to the Australian States putting such ridiculously low caps on international arrivals.

Yep

 

[Tiki]

Why are the flights going all the way to SYD? Why not just drop everyone off in PER to make domestic connections safely to their home airports and save 4.5 hours flying time each way, crew hours, turn around, etc for the 2nd flight?

 

[justinbrett]

Including HIFLY, A340, # 3L876 which landed in BNE at 0323 this morning from LCA via CMB ?

I hadn’t seen that. HiFly has been doing the BEY-LCA flights.

HiFly has been flying for the ADF for over a decade, doing weekly runs from Australia to Al Minhad Air Base near Dubai.

 

[Mr Bill]

Why are the flights going all the way to SYD? Why not just drop everyone off in PER to make domestic connections safely to their home airports and save 4.5 hours flying time each way, crew hours, turn around, etc for the 2nd flight?

I see where you are going, good if you are PER bound...but......don't forget transit time in PER waiting for DOM connections. Plus see my previous re 1 repat flt landing in BNE this am.

 

[Quickstatus]

Why are the flights going all the way to SYD?

I think most Lebanese/australian diasporacis Sydney/Melbourne

Edit: and distance similar LHr-PER

 

[Lynda2475]

Why are the flights going all the way to SYD?

Because 73% of Australian Citizens/Residents of Lebanese descent live in NSW. Next largest cohort is in Victoria with 21% . Only NT, Tas and ACT have fewer people with Lebanese heritage than WA.

So simple maths, most reside or have family residing in the East Coast.

 

[justinbrett]

It’s also only an extra 3 hours to fly to SYD instead of PER, because obviously the aircraft doesn’t overfly PER, it crosses the northern WA coast.

 

[jase05]

It’s also only an extra 3 hours to fly to SYD instead of PER, because obviously the aircraft doesn’t overfly PER, it crosses the northern WA coast.

SYD makes perfect sense as most are probably going there anywhere and for those elsewhere it’s the most central port.
I don’t know what the VA assistance from there looks like though. I guess they are offering free flights to anyone coming off those flights who needs to get home

 

[p--and--t]

I thought I'd add a fact to some of the passing comments up thread. Not that it will understandedly stop people with pressing family matters or jobs to fulfil in the country (so I'm not blanket criticising anyone)

From smart traveller accurate as at Oct 9, 2024

"Since 19 October 2023, our advice has been Do Not Travel to Lebanon."


Also

"The Australian Government's assisted departure flights continue to operate from Beirut. For those registered on DFAT's crisis portal, do not wait; these flights are subject to demand and security conditions on the ground. They will not continue indefinitely.

If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Lebanon, make sure you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's crisis registration portal. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you with important updates. See the 'Safety' section for details on how to register."

 

[Sprucegoose]

I’ve just done a big clean up of political comments. Please stick to the topic!

You wouldn't get a job at the ABC!

 

[justinbrett]

Confirmed that QR is not operating these services for free. The government is paying for them.

Qantas isn't charging the government for the contract - but as I posted upthread the government would be covering direct costs like fuel and airport fees as is the norm for ADF contracts.

Qantas flights from Lebanon for free, while government pays Qatar

The Gulf carrier will get paid by the government for its eight flights, while the national carrier runs three for free.

www.afr.com

 

[Melburnian1]

I read somewhere that one evacuation flight (QF?) had many spare seats.

Media is also reporting that some Australians continue travelling to Lebanon despite 'Smarttraveller' stating 'DO NOT TRAVEL'.