QF's Asia announcement

[RickyT84]

Not happy at all on terminating PER-HKG flights and leaving now only CX running the direct flight, which the economy seat is terrible!!!!

I think you wll find all PER flights are now operated by the retrofitted A333s with the new J, Y+ and Y (so no more hard shell back breaking Y seats).

 

[kamchatsky]

Second article down on Financial Review - business, finance and investment news | afr.com
But afr generally behind a paywall.

Try the following below:

BA cuts Qantas out of code share

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

While I do feel for the poor people who live in the lesser states (cough) , I see this as quite a clever move on QF's behalf to cull high cost, low yielding routes that it cannot compete on. FRA was a dead horse, ADL is a backwater as far as traffic is concerned, and PER is patchy at best.

While it would be nice to be able to fly QF everywhere, the fact is, they are competing with government subsidised overseas carriers with significantly lower cost bases.

CX, SQ and EK can afford to run on poor yields, as they can absorb it elsewhere in the network, or the government can pick up the slack. They probably have better yields anyway as they pay their staff peanuts in comparison, so it probably is quite profitable for them.

Basically it is what makes QFi unprofitable - routes that cost more to operate than they earn in revenue. This is also the reason why QFi prices are often more expensive. The cost base is way too high due to our wonderful unionised workforce, and legacy arrangements under the QF sale act. You can't just keep taking a loss on routes hoping that things will turn around themselves.

Then there's the capital costs and pathetic depreciation rules...

Here's an idea: all flights departing AU must be operated by AU based crews on AU based conditions. Now that would be a fair playing field for QF. Never going to happen.

 

[RickyT84]

My 2 cents worth on the restructuring.

Overall, disappointed with the reduction in services, especially the cancellation of QF87/88 (good flight departure times ex-SYD and HKG) and the services to ADL and PER. However, I really hope (and pray) this will allow QFi to get back on its feet.

I suppose the good (?) news is this will allow QF to increase its service to HKG from BNE to daily (but its like robbing Peter to pay Paul with the cancellation of the PER service) and services to SIN remains mostly unchanged ex East Coast.

Would really like to know how the 'expanded network within Asia through local partner'works. Codeshares (within Asia, not ex-Australia)?

 

[JohnK]

Sad to see so many services go but I like the look of the new schedules into Asia. Sure it would be nice to have a daytime flight back into Australia but that is not a deal breaker. New schedules mean I can get to most destinations same day without need for stopover.

But as always I am sceptical about things and I do not like the use of the words "new destinations', 787's and "Qantas Group". No point adding new destinations if that poor excuse for a poorly run airline that pretends to be an airline gets to service them....

 

[JohnPhelan]

Now this paves the way for VA to introduce some Asian flying out of Perth.....First route PER-HKG and maybe operate one of the 4 dailys to Singaport for SQ and a Tokyo flight would do alright too.

And which of their excess aircraft are they going to use for these extra services??

 

[Simo]

I am wondering if they are going to increase A380 flights.

I also wonderif Jetstar are going to take up some of the routes that QFi have let go of.

 

[Comoman]

While I do feel for the poor people who live in the lesser states (cough) , I see this as quite a clever move on QF's behalf to cull high cost, low yielding routes that it cannot compete on. FRA was a dead horse, ADL is a backwater as far as traffic is concerned, and PER is patchy at best.

.

Perth patchy at best! Tell that to SQ with 4 flights per day. Yes four!!! Try and get on J class most times. I'm usually wait listed initially. Not cheap either so you can't blame that.

You really sound like a Qantas apologist. I suggest you look at the Bitre load factors for the foreign airlines. EK has had to put on extra flights sometimes due to high demand over peak periods. And not they're not that cheap.

Angry.

 

[HKGNZL]

When is the PER HKG flight going to finish

 

[mannej]

And which of their excess aircraft are they going to use for these extra services??

I'm sure they have spare 737's lying around!

 

[Comoman]

Face it - this is further Jetstarisation of QFi routes. As mentioned earlier Jetstar Asia increased Sin-Per frequencies last week to almost double daily.

Funny that.

 

[JohnPhelan]

Or for SA and WA "we are the reason you will fly and fly and fly with us. We're happy to announce that instead of a six hour direct flight, you now get the benefit of visiting Melbourne or Sydney on your way to Singapore. An extra four hours for your pleasure. Aren't we good to you!"

There is an upside - lots more points and status credits!!

 

[bobe]

When is the PER HKG flight going to finish

By all acounts march 31

 

[mannej]

Perth patchy at best! Tell that to SQ with 4 flights per day. Yes four!!! Try and get on J class most times. I'm usually wait listed initially. Not cheap either so you can't blame that.

You really sound like a Qantas apologist. I suggest you look at the Bitre load factors for the foreign airlines. EK has had to put on extra flights sometimes due to high demand over peak periods. And not they're not that cheap.

Angry.

If it was patchy in the eyes of QF, they were the ones who made it patchy. The lack of respect shown with the arrival times into PER and the constant schedule changes there is no wonder why they struggled.

The lack of positive direction is astounding...

 

[JohnPhelan]

As I mentioned in a earlier post, looks like my PER- Hongkong ret in Aug now goes via Syd, I booked a direct flight 7hrs from Per as my wife getting over the big C and was going to be a nice break for the 2 of us, now this is going to be 17hrs, what can be done ?

Call and asked to be rebooked PER-SIN-HKG (the second leg on CX).

 

[HKGNZL]

By all acounts march 31

my booking April 26 still standing. Just logged on and you can still buy Direct flight PER HKG in april

 

[JohnPhelan]

The other story here is axing QF5 and 6 will mean the end of 2-3 B744's.

QF5 and 6 are still operating as SYD-SIN-SYD. It's just the sectors between SIN and FRA that are axed.

 

[yohy?!]

Why not just let them move most of QFi to SIN, take over 3Ks AOC and repaint the 3K fleet to QF colours, et voila instant Asia Connections!

Not sure what exactly the QF Sale Act is achieving anymore in a globalised world. They've already done the Kangaroo route with Brit CC.

 

[missafternoondelight]

I'm still in shock. QF 67 & 68 were my most flown QF routes. I flew on these both full and very empty. They were never really given a chance, schedule-wise, and after the 'enhancement' to the timetable some months ago, things only got worse. I remember thinking when I last did this route mid-December, that the levels of pax would be putting in danger of being culled. Far sooner than I anticipated, it seems. A complete absorption of QF into EK is inevitable.. first the routes, then the lounge, then the brand.

As a female traveller who often travels alone, I'd much rather layover in SIN, HKG or BKK than freaking DBX where it's hot, but I can't wear a tank top or shorts, because that is just cause for a good ol' fashioned gang rape. Blame the viewed for the actions of the viewers. Misogyny is even part of their legislation. No thanks. I wouldn't be leaving the airport, which takes the fun out of breaking it up.

It is insulting that 3K is sited as an alternative for QF PER pax. The food is actually inedible. I'm surprised the maggots they found in it a couple of years back were managing to ingest it. It makes Delta's food look like a Neil Perry degustation. Not to mention their on time running is unreliable at best, and the point to point LCC model means a long layover in SIN, collecting baggage etc. If we choose to go that way, and if we miss our next flight, it's buyer beware, we are on our own. I'm not surprised the 3K SIN-PER flights are not coming up in the booking engine as an option for the SIN leg to PER. QF knows better than to back that horse for connections.

I'm grieving. This is the death of QFi in Perth. One SIN is a joke - rip off the band aid already. Time to start reading up on Asia Miles.
No flights, no lounge, no options... no choice but to jump ship.

 

[cosi]

EK have a lounge in Perth already as to QF. I guess one will close.

Will not be EK who will operating 3 daily flights to compared to single QF flight