Tokyo Haneda slot - how will Virgin Operate it?

[HS-TQE]

The main carrier who seems to have done OK with adding 787 is WestJet. But even then it has been problematic dealing with competition. Their latest strategy would be akin to VA using widebodies exclusively out of Perth (or at a pinch ADL).

Apart from WestJet facing recent problems with their WBs, the other example would be Norwegian Air Shuttle expanding into 789s. Overexpansion as a LCC WB didn't end too well.

Continuing on the LCC and Widebody theme, Air Asia X and Scoot had problems integrating widebodies into their LCC networks (The later via the merger with TR). The former ended up filing the Malaysian equivalent of voluntary administration/bankruptcy and having to scale back their wide body fleet.

Of course the later is part of the SQ group, thus the parent are able to cover any expenses (not taking into consideration the COVID shutdowns of the past few years).

 

[jakeseven7]

Well this armchair CEO has a habit of being wrong

Don’t be too hard on yourself! Speculation is still fun.

 

[ANstar]

They're using a B737 MAX which was ordered years ago. The investment is near minimal.

With freight and the ANA partnership, I'd be amazed if it didn't work.

They have a much better chance with the B737 MAX then the A330 HND <> BNE.

I doubt the 737 Max would be able to carry much freight if any given the distance. Does this flight connect well to ANAs EU and US flights? If so it could be a way for CNS-USA and CNS - EU transfer traffic.

 

[HS-TQE]

I doubt the 737 Max would be able to carry much freight if any given the distance. Does this flight connect well to ANAs EU and US flights? If so it could be a way for CNS-USA and CNS - EU transfer traffic.

I don't think CNS-HND-beyond traffic is VA's aim here. It's more likely to be Japan-North Queensland traffic (and by extension Tourism into North Queensland) as their 'main' focus due to the Queensland Government (and Cairns Airport) investment/subsidies via the AAIF fund.

 

[jase05]

Interestingly I’ve been playing around with some fares to Japan mid year and found that NH has started putting codeshares on VA flights. Is this recent or have I missed something?

 

[Saab34]

Was a article about that seems to have started popping up today, looks like some more ANA announcements on all fronts due this month which is good!

 

[jase05]

Was an article about that seems to have started popping up today, looks like some more ANA announcements on all fronts due this month which is good!

Ah thanks. My brother is looking to fly with them mid year and has asked me to check out some fares for him. Hopefully it means the partnership is gathering some momentum

 

[Quickstatus]

Is this recent

Does it come with an ✱ "subject to regulatory approvals"?

 

[SCM]

Again, are we saying the fuel burn in a A330-200 is worse than a 787

It's not that different:

Without config, passengers, cargo, distance, this table is very meaningless (no offense intended).

With 787s, they can directly compete with Jetstar on service and comfort, and with Qantas on pricing - exactly what they want. With 330s, I'm not sure where the competitive edge will come from.

Maybe 330neo? Not quite on par with 787, but the order time won't be anywhere near as long, and I think they may even be available to lease.

 

[MooTime]

Some ppl on this forum are so predictable with their posts. Oh sign.

 

[Digicola]

I believe the fuel burn delta between 787 and A330neo was rather marginal on TATL like stage lengths so East Coast to Asia would be pretty even. But the big one is LAX, 787 would give flexibility, so would the A350 for that matter.

On the narrowbody side of things, are there any more 737/A320 coming in or is it going to be all 737max from now on? I believe its eight 737-8 and 25 737-10?

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Ah thanks. My brother is looking to fly with them mid year and has asked me to check out some fares for him. Hopefully it means the partnership is gathering some momentum

If you take a look at the partner list on the VFF website, ANA's logo has appeared quite recent, and "coming soon" was with it.

 

[HS-TQE]

Slight OT: NH's loaded the PER-NRT into the schedules but not bookable yet. Redeye from PER to NRT and day flight from NRT to PER.
It is also daily (was 4 weekly preCovid from memory).

Has the WA Government and Perth Airport (PAPL) thrown in subsidy money (Reconnecting WA fund) to make it daily?

 

[BNEFlyer]

Several airlines
Example : WestJet - bought QF767-300 then sold it to Amazon
Delta airline just bought/leased a fleet of used 737-900
Allegiant always uses 2nd hand aircraft
Don't forget Rex - it's fleet of used Saab340 and used VA1.0 737.

Against that, United for many years relied on sweating their fleet for as long as possible until they realised that people do prefer newer aircraft.

Delta bought ex-Lion Air 737-900’s.

 

[Paul720]

In your dreams Virgin will I sit in a death trap legacy, tiny, noisy 737MAx for 9 hrs. Pass.

 

[jase05]

In your dreams Virgin will I sit in a death trap legacy, tiny, noisy 737MAx for 9 hrs. Pass.

Many of us won’t but I will bet their flights are full

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

Many of us won’t but I will bet their flights are full

Spot on. Most wouldn't notice the difference between the 737-800 NG and Max unless it was pointed out to them, and the consideration most people outside of CNS will be making is whether they want to go via CNS to get to Japan rather than direct from their own capital city.

 

[jase05]

Spot on. Most wouldn't notice the difference between the 737-800 NG and Max unless it was pointed out to them, and the consideration most people outside of CNS will be making is whether they want to go via CNS to get to Japan rather than direct from their own capital city.

And likewise those flying in Y from Japan who want to fly direct to CNS and avoid the major cities.
I think loads will be excellent both ways

 

[Quickstatus]

death trap legacy

Most people don't buy fares based on airline safety or type of aircraft. They don't even know what aircraft they are in most times.

 

[Saab34]

Exactly, the likes of Batik Air are full every day. Air Asia also. Questionable standards from both training departments over the years which means I wont fly them. Most Passengers are not thinking like a Pilot though when's selecting who to fly with. The expectation is the safety bodies keep tabs on any unsafe operations (which they don't) so you don't need to worry about that.