Tokyo Haneda slot - how will Virgin Operate it?

[eastwest101]

with NH

For Australian passengers that would be the best-case scenario for pax booked for MEL SYD to HND, for BNE originating might mean a backtrack to SYD, for people who booked flights originating in CNS I expect that might mean JQi?

For the other direction, I expect that brand awareness of VA in Japan isn't too high, but any pax booked might have their first destination booked as CNS but might also have other internal flights in Australia to OOL AYQ or SYD, so VA failing to operate this service is going to stuff up their plans royally.

 

[Saab34]

I really hope not, I really wish Virgin Australia would communicate with customers who have booked to fly in late June/early July. They are set to start flying in less than 8 weeks. If it’s not going to happen, how are we getting there? As other have said they will likely accommodate guests, but we need to know sooner rather than later.

I would imagine they are trying to work out how to accommodate many thousands of passengers as we speak. I’d would expect some more details later this week hopefully.

Would be better to just put everyone up with ANA rather than pissing around with -700/800s on the route.

 

[lovestotravel]

Virgin won't get the max until August at this stage

Expect tickets to be refunded

 

[henrus]

How certain are we that VA won't have the max?

I'm almost tempted to book a seat on the first week or two of operation on the basis that it's likely to be cancelled.

If this is the case then it's highly likely they'll put out a commercial policy, for Japan I'd suspect the commercial policy to match the recent one to Vanuatu allowing for a rebook +60 days with no fare difference, credit or refund but then also add some rebooking options on NH or QF.

 

[Saab34]

How certain are we that VA won't have the max?

Seems almost 100%. The earliest it will be in the factory is June 2. Then 15 days for the fix. Then 4 more weeks final assembly, testing and delivery, plus crew famil when it arrives.

August seems about right. If it doesn’t go into the workshop next month then it might slip to September.

 

[HS-TQE]

VBY is currently in AUH for maintenance, whether if that comes out in time for VA to load their 'contingency' plan for the legacy 2 class 700s as the 'substitute' for the MAX8s remain to be seen.

Either way, refunds are inevitable. Whether if it's canned or the -700s are used (People still get bumped if the legacy 700s is used).

Edit: On a related note, alternatively how about the (VAi) -800s with the Split-Scimitar winglets? What would be the 'payload hit' on those units.

 

[Quickstatus]

Joe average would have no idea re: aircraft and would just assume Virgin had sometthing capable.

It may be the TA who will possibly put their customers on other flights.

 

[Quickstatus]

JQi

Book VAi or book JQi. That is the question
Which one has the higher cancellation risk?

 

[clifford]

Book VAi or book JQi. That is the question
Which one has the higher cancellation risk?

Given both are likely to cancel, you've probably got a better chance of getting to TYO sooner if you book VA.

But still very frustrating.

 

[Quickstatus]

sooner if you book VA NH

Corrected the typo, you're welcome

But yes a choice between VA and JQ is not much of a choice.

 

[lovestotravel]

Seems almost 100%. The earliest it will be in the factory is June 2. Then 15 days for the fix. Then 4 more weeks final assembly, testing and delivery, plus crew famil when it arrives.

August seems about right. If it doesn’t go into the workshop next month then it might slip to September.

Correct even August is not guaranteed at this stage, will find out soon, and given VA only has a small order they are not high priority for Boeing

 

[Saab34]

Edit: On a related note, alternatively how about the (VAi) -800s with the Split-Scimitar winglets? What would be the 'payload hit' on those units.

That is an interesting point. Seems to be a 4% fuel saving, same with the A320Ceo with Sharklets vs Wingtip fence. It does mean that the A320/Sharklets can do Melbourne to Bali, unable to be done with A320/wingtip fence, 737 can go a little further so perhaps the pilots could answer?

737 Split Scimitar with a payload restriction?

 

[Harrison_133]

The first MAX has now been painted into the standard VA livery.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1655602569593634816

 

[Zanzaid]

Can the 737-8 reach Tokyo? Thought the plan was for the 737-10 to be used. Maybe I'm just confused!

Friend is meant to be flying in July, so he's anxiously waiting for any news!

 

[Bagpuss]

Can the 737-8 reach Tokyo? Thought the plan was for the 737-10 to be used. Maybe I'm just confused!

Friend is meant to be flying in July, so he's anxiously waiting for any news!

The plan was was for 737-8 which can reach Tokyo.

Though if it can't we'll find out on the news I guess .. and where they divert to

 

[twinaisle]

Cough700withJclassuntilthemaxarrivescough

 

[dajop]

The plan was was for 737-8 which can reach Tokyo.

Aaah, was a bit confused by this, but then I remembered the aircraft we are talking about is really the "Prince" of the skies. i.e. The aircraft formerly known as the 737-MAX8 ...

 

[Bagpuss]

737-700 is the short term solution to the MAX issue.

Virgin begins upgrade of 737 business, economy class

There’s something for everyone in Virgin Australia’s second-gen business and economy class.

www.executivetraveller.com

 

[HS-TQE]

737-700 is the short term solution to the MAX issue.

Virgin begins upgrade of 737 business, economy class

There’s something for everyone in Virgin Australia’s second-gen business and economy class.

www.executivetraveller.com

So VBY and VBZ it is then. VBY should be back from AUH in 'time' then.

 

[Bagpuss]

So VBY and VBZ it is then. VBY should be back from AUH in 'time' then.

Which really leaves then a -700 short. I wonder if any KLM's are due shortly or if they try and use Alliance.

EDIT : Looks like VH-NQY entered service today and doing a traditional VBY / VBZ QLD flights so probably the backfill Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24

They now have 6 of the KLM's in the fleet now. Is that all of them ?

VH-NBP
VH-NBV
VH-NJV
VH-NHW
VH-NQI
VH-NQY