Singapore-Cairns flights to resume

[Limewood]

I wonder if any J CNS/SIN (its not really) on JQ?.

 

[Fruitcake]

I wonder if any J CNS/SIN (its not really) on JQ?.

They could if they manage to find (and want to deploy) and A330. Personally I wouldn't be lining up to sit in a JQ or 3K single aisle aircraft for six hours but if I could do it in JQ A330 business class I'd consider it.

 

[markis10]

History has shown anything over 200 seats wont work CNS-SIN - I doubt that has changed.

 

[smit0847]

MU also getting in on the act as reported by The Australian yesterday.

The Australian - China airline eyes Cairns flights

It's a nasty, nasty airline.

 

[Fruitcake]

History has shown anything over 200 seats wont work CNS-SIN - I doubt that has changed.

I agree with this. Out of curiousity, do you know the history of types on the route? I'm aware of A310s (SQ) and 767s (QF/AO) plus some rare seasonal flights by QF in 737-800s. I'm guessing QF would have used classic 747s occasionally (there didn't seem to be anywhere Qantas wouldn't fly classic 747s - they were pretty common on the SYD-CNS runs domestic runs for a while).

 

[docjames]

History has shown anything over 200 seats wont work CNS-SIN - I doubt that has changed.

Sounds a good size for a 767, oh, wait, they're red not orange.

 

[Albert Hoffman]

hopefully there will be connecting flights from tsv in 1 ticket.

History has shown anything over 200 seats wont work CNS-SIN - I doubt that has changed.

A lot has changed, including the profileration of lcc's at changi. I would not be suprised if they upgrade to a 330 within a year or so.

 

[markis10]

Sounds a good size for a 767, oh, wait, they're red not orange.

And they have 250 seats, which is why they did not work before.

 

[docjames]

And they have 250 seats, which is why they did not work before.

I don't think seat count is the only reason..... ;-)

 

[ksthommo]

China Eastern announcement today, link to Cairns Post article;

China Eastern Airlines to start direct flights to Cairns- Local Cairns News | cairns.com.au

 

[Simo]

Good for the FNQ tourist trade.

Even if it has a DRW stop or not.

Just someone doing some clever marketing.

 

[anat0l]

China Eastern announcement today, link to Cairns Post article;

China Eastern Airlines to start direct flights to Cairns- Local Cairns News | cairns.com.au

"It will help strengthen Cairns’ position as the Asian gateway to Australia."

Geez everyone wants to claim they're the <insert region here> gateway to Australia. And an upstart like Cairns to claim that they are the Asian gateway to Australia? You've got to be kidding me......

 

[eastwest101]

Geez everyone wants to claim they're the <insert region here> gateway to Australia. And an upstart like Cairns to claim that they are the Asian gateway to Australia? You've got to be kidding me......

Yep - very much depends on your definition of gateway. Within A320/B737 range from some of Asia - yes for DRW and CNS, but they don't have the population of SYD/MEL/BNE etc.

Anyway - its good news for CNS locals because if they choose to fly MU to Shanghai then they can (in-theory) one stop flights from CNS to NYC, LAX, HNL etc as well as 6 different destinations in Europe for instance - connection times permitting. I am no expert on transiting Shanghai, but if it becomes fairly painless its a viable way to anywhere in the world for CNS locals. Something which QF and JQ cannot do for them but CX and SG can....

Also good for tourism operators in CNS for diversity as they will not be so exposed to the downturns in the Japanese tourism market.

 

[turtlemichael]

Geez everyone wants to claim they're the <insert region here> gateway to Australia. And an upstart like Cairns to claim that they are the Asian gateway to Australia? You've got to be kidding me......

Maybe they meant geographically. Then the competition would only be DRW or perhaps HID? anat0l, I'm sure there was no intention to offend you people down in Brisbane. The writer clearly didn't realise that you need something to boast about if that is where you live :mrgreen:

I too think the flights are good news for Cairns. The Chinese presence in the city is really noticeable now and a good thing too.

 

[Foreigner]

So what's the latest on flights between Cairns and Singapore?

 

[Limewood]

Friend of mine works at Cairns airport catering said they are getting geared up for JQ flights CNS/SIN, recons its a direct flight to commence in Sept. only time will tell.

 

[markis10]

JQ says no:

JETSTAR has backed away from a bid for direct Singapore-Cairns flights but tourism leaders remain confident of securing an airline for the service soon.
Airport and tourism officials are in talks with carriers to launch flights between the Asian city and Cairns.
Jetstar was tipped as the most likely airline to provide the link but withdrew from talks mid-year.

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2012/08/29/232891_local-news.html

 

[JohnK]

I had an award flight booked on Australia Airlines CNS-SIN just before they stopped flying. I wanted to do it for the novelty of another carrier but it never eventuated.

Cairns needs something nice to happen it and this may well be the kick start. As for me I will give Australia's "new" gateway into Asia and continue to fly from Australia's "old" gateways into Asia. More so if the flights are operated by the orange star....

 

[Platinum A332]

Perhaps we can see EK launch DXB-SIN-CNS?

 

[Limewood]

We just need the business, many would like to fly to or from USA from CNS instead of having to go to capital city 6am start or stay overnight to connect, also it would be nice exit gateway for international visitors too, direct to SIN good too.

With China Eastern now confirmed for 3 flights a week from China, one or two more airlines would be icing on the cake as Cairns has been through very tough times past couple years with highest unemployment in Qld.