SYD-NTL Flights?

[rickylee]

Since the demise of Aeropelican / Brindabella, REX has become the only airline flying between SYD and NTL. I appreciate, of course, that the two cities are only 3-4 hours drive apart and already well served by a cheap train connection (that takes just as long), but I wonder if anyone knows what passenger numbers are like on the REX flights between the two and whether it would be worthwhile for QantasLink to get into it, presumably in a similar model as REX, which is to use it as a stop between Sydney and another regional town centre?

 

[markis10]

Qantaslink aircraft are too big, and it's hardly been a cash cow route for the predecessors. Aeropelican did well at Belmont because that was Newcastle rather than being thirty minutes north.

 

[docjames]

I'd also suggest there's better use of available slots at SYD than using on flights to NTL.

 

[Pablo]

It's only a 2 hr drive from Newcastle city to SYD - and when it takes 30 mins to drive north to NTL, hardly worth the effort of a flight.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I flew NTL-SYD fairly regularly with onward QF int connections, more often in reverse as the drive/ train trip is pretty woeful after a long haul. Since the demise of FQ/OT I now usually get a one way hire car to SYD and fly back to NTL via MEL.
I never took the Seaplane but wish I had

 

[Mattg]

I clearly remember flying Qantaslink from NTL to SYD in 2004. It was an early morning flight on a Dash 8 (either a -200 or -300, not sure which)... The flight may have been a little superfluous but it was very enjoyable and took only ~20 minutes.

Anyway know when/why they stopped flying this route in the first place?

 

[markis10]

I clearly remember flying Qantaslink from NTL to SYD in 2004. It was an early morning flight on a Dash 8 (either a -200 or -300, not sure which)... The flight may have been a little superfluous but it was very enjoyable and took only ~20 minutes.

Anyway know when/why they stopped flying this route in the first place?

Pretty hard to make $$$ with a Dash 8 and a 35 minute flying time.

 

[rickylee]

With a Dash-8 200 or 300 it may not be so bad, especially if NTL is just a stopover to, say, Coffs Harbour or Moree.

 

[Pablo]

I'd love that, but really can't see it happening. However, I'd love it if QLink did NTL-MEL. That would save flying J*

 

[markis10]

I'd love that, but really can't see it happening. However, I'd love it if QLink did NTL-MEL. That would save flying J*

They did do it until 2008

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....e-brisbane-and-newcastle-melbourne-12158.html

 

[Princess Fiona]

They did do it until 2008

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....e-brisbane-and-newcastle-melbourne-12158.html

And it is sorely missed

 

[Pablo]

Bring it back please

 

[markis10]

Its a good time to look at it given the Q400 makes a lot of sense on that route, however there continues to be a pilot shortage with quite a few pilots going over the the red and white (dark) side known as VRA.

 

[777]

Related question: Does anyone know if it's possible to book a Rex-VA connection NTL-SYD-MEL (or anywhere else) as a single ticket online? Flying back from NTL friday night and Rex theoretically have the last flight out of NTL arriving in time to connect to VA to MEL but i can't see anywhere i can book it as a connection. I assume a TA can do it. Any other way?

 

[Princess Fiona]

Related question: Does anyone know if it's possible to book a Rex-VA connection NTL-SYD-MEL (or anywhere else) as a single ticket online? Flying back from NTL friday night and Rex theoretically have the last flight out of NTL arriving in time to connect to VA to MEL but i can't see anywhere i can book it as a connection. I assume a TA can do it. Any other way?

No I don't think so, I've tried myself. A think a TA would be the only way.

 

[777]

No I don't think so, I've tried myself. A think a TA would be the only way.

Seems like a stupid missed opportunity for both Rex and VA. JQ got my booking this time.

 

[rickylee]

Related question: Does anyone know if it's possible to book a Rex-VA connection NTL-SYD-MEL (or anywhere else) as a single ticket online? Flying back from NTL friday night and Rex theoretically have the last flight out of NTL arriving in time to connect to VA to MEL but i can't see anywhere i can book it as a connection. I assume a TA can do it. Any other way?

I do not think Rex and Virgin have an interline agreement, so I think it would be impossible to do it online as a single ticket. I haven't used a travel agent for a long time; can one do it if they are not both on Amadeus?

 

[markis10]

I do not think Rex and Virgin have an interline agreement, so I think it would be impossible to do it online as a single ticket. I haven't used a travel agent for a long time; can one do it if they are not both on Amadeus?

Interline agreements have nothing to do with connections as such these days, a TA can build a variety of flights on a single PNR in various GDSs, where the interline agreement comes into place is actually not having to recheck on all the legs.

FWIW in this case Rex does have an interline agreement with VA

http://www.rex.com.au/flightinfo/InterlineAgreements.aspx

 

[rickylee]

Interline agreements have nothing to do with connections as such these days, a TA can build a variety of flights on a single PNR in various GDSs, where the interline agreement comes into place is actually not having to recheck on all the legs.

FWIW in this case Rex does have an interline agreement with VA

Booking Info :: Interline Agreements

Thank you. I sit corrected.