QF to fly BENDIGO to SYD!

[BgoFlyer]

As mentioned in the delays and cancellations thread, tonight will see the first visit of the 'baby' Dash-8-200 to Bendigo. Perhaps just a once-off?

 

[BgoFlyer]

An article in the local rag on what Qantas are saying about loading (and not saying): Bookings on Sydney-Bendigo Qantas route 'looking strong'

 

[Melburnian1]

An article in the local rag on what Qantas are saying about loading (and not saying): Bookings on Sydney-Bendigo Qantas route 'looking strong'

It confirms that the 'Bendigo Advertiser' staff don't read AFF, for if they did, they'd know that in May there's been at least one cancellation.

One suspects Qantas' refusal to answer re passenger numbers on other days means that few are using it, or at best, insufficient to turn a profit.

It's "competing" against 75 or so typical nonstops from Melbourne Tullamarine to or from Sydney each weekday.

The northbound lacks connection to many morning international flights out of Sydney, and the southbound also connects poorly with international arrivals.

Agreed that Bendigo Bank no doubt buys a few seats but I don't like QF. JQ or other airlines being subsidised (as is the case for instance with JQ by free spending Daniel Andrews at Avalon, and from memory QF now at Bendigo) as both airports are within a relatively small distance from MEL, an airport we can be critical of for many other reasons, but flights at the latter are not subsidised by government.

Local Labor MPs will be desperate for these Bendigo flights to remain, so it'll be interesting to see if QF demands an even greater subsidy.

If I lived there, nine times out of 10 I'd prefer travelling to Sydney either by air from MEL with a far greater choice of times, and at least four airlines in two groups, or by V/Line and then NSW TrainLink if I chose a surface mode.

 

[p--and--t]

By ‘stuff it up’, I assume you’re applying that to the locals too...as the flights won’t last if not patronised.



It will be well managed to ensure that the crews are fatigued. The early morning flights, even in major cities, are often crewed by people who have actually been working all night, not snoozing.



Delays will happen. I expect that the navigation aids at Bendigo are somewhat restrictive too. If they exist at all. There won’t be a base there, nor will they position crews for a long slip prior to operating.



And much of mainline....

Ouch!

I detect just a touch of negativity there

 

[BgoFlyer]

So for the naysayers, the reality is that most flights are running at approx 70-90% load factor.

 

[Melburnian1]

So for the naysayers, the reality is that most flights are running at approx 70-90% load factor.

80 per cent is about average for Australian domestic airlines as a whole. However it's the yield per seat that is more important.

These turboprop flights are presumably more expensive to operate on a per kilometre, per available seat basis than jet aircraft flights.

 

[BgoFlyer]

Good news - Qantas are adding an extra service on Saturday evening (YSSY-YBXG)/Sunday morning (YBXG-YSSY) from August 17.

Qantas to expand Bendigo-Sydney service with extra flights

The new additions will mean there is a same-day return flight every day of the week.

www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au

 

[Melburnian1]

Good news - Qantas are adding an extra service on Saturday evening (YSSY-YBXG)/Sunday morning (YBXG-YSSY) from August 17...

The claim of '53 extra jobs' once any extension to the Bendigo airport terminal was completed seems farfetched.

That would mean a new job every passenger on this sole route.

The biggest problem with these Bendigo air schedules is how they are unsuitable for many international connections in either direction.

 

[BgoFlyer]

The claim of '53 extra jobs' once any extension to the Bendigo airport terminal was completed seems farfetched.

That would mean a new job every passenger on this sole route.

The biggest problem with these Bendigo air schedules is how they are unsuitable for many international connections in either direction.

Classic hyperbole by the local council. Most of those "New jobs" are related to construction and contract work for only the short period while further upgrade work is done.

Ironically I don't think the Federal Govt will cough up the cash anyway, now that Bendigo has gone from a marginal electorate to a safe one. I think we'll just have Q300s for a long while yet.

 

[dajop]

The biggest problem with these Bendigo air schedules is how they are unsuitable for many international connections in either direction.

Probably for the novelty factor I’d like to fly BXG-SYD-SIN. I’ve worked out there are really only two international destinations that the service connects well both to and from, several days a week - that’s JNB and PEK.

 

[BgoFlyer]

The last two nights have seen the Dash 8-200 used for the Bendigo services. Obviously a quieter time of the year and week compared with weekends.

 

[Melburnian1]

The last two nights have seen the Dash 8-200 used for the Bendigo services. Obviously a quieter time of the year and week compared with weekends.

Surprising, as wouldn't there be more 'business traffic' on weekdays?

 

[Melburnian1]

...Ironically I don't think the Federal Govt will cough up the cash anyway, now that Bendigo has gone from a marginal electorate to a safe one. I think we'll just have Q300s for a long while yet.

Bendigo (by which you mean the Federal electorate) really hasn't been anything but 'safe Labor' in practice for a significant period. Liberals have not had any chance of winning it in recent years. Held by Labor since 1998.

 

[BgoFlyer]

Bendigo (by which you mean the Federal electorate) really hasn't been anything but 'safe Labor' in practice for a significant period. Liberals have not had any chance of winning it in recent years. Held by Labor since 1998.

The Libs got close in 2013. It's become an electorate happy to feed off a benevolent Govt, especially after the damage done in the 1990s by Jeff Kennett.

 

[Isochronous]

I doubt BXG route is one that is targetting international travellers. Very much focused on domestic traffic - small business, bureaucrats and professionals would be the target base.

 

[Melburnian1]

I doubt BXG route is one that is targetting international travellers. Very much focused on domestic traffic - small business, bureaucrats and professionals would be the target base.

Agree. Local government staff and Councillors (Aldermen in NSW) love any opportunity for a trip, and what a great excuse to go to Sydney now there's a 'new flight from Bendigo!' (They also love spending others' money).

 

[Melburnian1]

The Libs got close in 2013. It's become an electorate happy to feed off a benevolent Govt, especially after the damage done in the 1990s by Jeff Kennett.

Sorry, but Victoria was the laughing stock of the rest of Oz in 1998. Pyramid Blgd Society disaster and State Bank shut down under Victorian Labor. Mr Kennett rescued the state from bankruptcy and for that, and his many other initiatives, I am most grateful.

Easy to be 'benevolent' when one is spending others' money and putting Victoria into huge debt. Won't end well for Victoria or Daniel Andrews!

 

[dajop]

Can we keep politics to the playground please?

 

[BgoFlyer]

Sorry, but Victoria was the laughing stock of the rest of Oz in 1998. Pyramid Blgd Society disaster and State Bank shut down under Victorian Labor. Mr Kennett rescued the state from bankruptcy and for that, and his many other initiatives, I am most grateful.

Easy to be 'benevolent' when one is spending others' money and putting Victoria into huge debt. Won't end well for Victoria or Daniel Andrews!

Just sharing the common sentiment that I hear around here.

Anyway, I know people who have already used this BXG-SYD service a few times for business - they're happy with it. And it's getting some patronage from Echuca as well.

 

[Melburnian1]

...Anyway, I know people who have already used this BXG-SYD service a few times for business - they're happy with it. And it's getting some patronage from Echuca as well

Some, but not much if QF is already having to reduce the size of turboprop used on some days.

However, as with all new transport options, we (and operator QF) need to give it 12 months to see how it performs. There must be many who still are not aware it operates. Hard to fathom, but some people don'd view or read media of any type. Not you BgoFlyer!