When will Cathay Pacific return to Adelaide?

[jase05]

I don't think there is any issue with Cathay, or any airline that is/was hesitant/slow in returning to ADL. The fact that Cathay has added more PER flights and announced a resumption of CNS in the past week is more of a reflection on Adelaide as a city rather than the airline, because if the pilot issues were really serious then CX wouldn't have added more PER flights and relaunched CNS.

Why did it take Emirates half a decade to resume flights to ADL?

Why was our national carrier unsuccessful in operating international flights out of ADL, and hence stopped?

Why is Batik exiting ADL?

It all boils down to Adelaide's role in the national and global economy, and arguably there have been some long-term shifts since the pandemic. What is the significance of Adelaide from a population, corporate and tourism perspective on the national stage, let alone the global stage? Sure you could argue the Wine Region, Kangaroo Island etc but they're easily dwarfed by places like FNQ on the global stage.

I'm not saying CX will never return, but there are reasons why it's a low priority city for many airlines.

Speaking of FNQ, CNS contrasts ADL as an example of a success story post-Covid in terms of international flight growth. CX return, SQ widebodies, VA to HND etc. QF were also planning CNS-TYO in a JV with JL but were stopped by the ACCC. Would be nice to see flights to GUM (UA 73M) and LAX (JQ 787) launched from CNS soon.

QLD government are also paying decent sums and appears the SA government aren’t willing to offer up any decent subsidies unfortunately.. The CNS-HND flight would be canned tomorrow by VA if they had bigger aircraft, they only want the Tokyo slot.
As it is I’m content enough to spend my money with those that do fly to ADL so will keep contributing to the QR, SQ and MH coffers and will just have to wait for CX and hopefully CZ to return soon

 

[Saab34]

Qantas A321XLR will hopefully open up some more opportunities into Asia. The downside is that it’s a narrow body, bit embarrassing when the competition is running A350s.

Surely a QF ADL-SIN A330 would be sustainable?

 

[jase05]

Qantas A321XLR will hopefully open up some more opportunities into Asia. The downside is that it’s a narrow body, bit embarrassing when the competition is running A350s.

Surely a QF ADL-SIN A330 would be sustainable?

Most ADL people I know love and appreciate SQ for what they have provided over the years and I’m not sure a QF ADL-SIN service would work.
The A321XLR will open up some new possibly like maybe BKK but it’s not for me TBH

 

[Clayton]

I don't think there is any issue with Cathay, or any airline that is/was hesitant/slow in returning to ADL. The fact that Cathay has added more PER flights and announced a resumption of CNS in the past week is more of a reflection on Adelaide as a city rather than the airline, because if the pilot issues were really serious then CX wouldn't have added more PER flights and relaunched CNS.

Why did it take Emirates half a decade to resume flights to ADL?

Why was our national carrier unsuccessful in operating international flights out of ADL, and hence stopped?

Why is Batik exiting ADL?

It all boils down to Adelaide's role in the national and global economy, and arguably there have been some long-term shifts since the pandemic. What is the significance of Adelaide from a population, corporate and tourism perspective on the national stage, let alone the global stage? Sure you could argue the Wine Region, Kangaroo Island etc but they're easily dwarfed by places like FNQ on the global stage.

I'm not saying CX will never return, but there are reasons why it's a low priority city for many airlines.

Speaking of FNQ, CNS contrasts ADL as an example of a success story post-Covid in terms of international flight growth. CX return, SQ widebodies, VA to HND etc. QF were also planning CNS-TYO in a JV with JL but were stopped by the ACCC. Would be nice to see flights to GUM (UA 73M) and LAX (JQ 787) launched from CNS soon.

Wow, quite a beating given to ADL and those of us living here. Fortunately 2 of the best airlines in the world (QR and SQ) have daily flights to this much maligned but beautiful to live in city. Just because ADL is not a world leading economic superpower like the East coast capitals, isn't a problem for those of us enjoying life there. But, I do miss the yearly trip to HKG and love the Business and 1st lounges there, and can't wait for CX to restore its Pilot headcount and resume regular direct services.

Post automatically merged: Today at 4:36 PM

Qantas A321XLR will hopefully open up some more opportunities into Asia. The downside is that it’s a narrow body, bit embarrassing when the competition is running A350s.

Surely a QF ADL-SIN A330 would be sustainable?

Much happier getting to SIN with SQ actually.

 

[RSVKanga]

can't wait for CX to restore its Pilot headcount and resume regular direct services

Like I said earlier, I don't think it's the pilot issues at CX that are prolonging CX's return to ADL, because CX announced resumption of CNS services and more flights for PER in the last couple of weeks. If pilot issues were serious then I doubt CX would have announced those CNS and extra PER flights, so I think it's more of a reflection on ADL being a low priority for CX over other major Australian destinations (and this arguably applies to other international airlines as well as QF).

 

[yachty]

Like I said earlier, I don't think it's the pilot issues at CX that are prolonging CX's return to ADL, because CX announced resumption of CNS services and more flights for PER in the last couple of weeks. If pilot issues were serious then I doubt CX would have announced those CNS and extra PER flights, so I think it's more of a reflection on ADL being a low priority for CX over other major Australian destinations (and this arguably applies to other international airlines as well as QF).

I think you're right, and that more like ADL is just a slightly more marginal destination for a lot of carriers (like with EK) so a bit lower down the resumption list. When you're constrained it's more a matter of where can you make the most money. CNS is only getting a temporary resumption thanks to QLD's cash-throwing. Staffing is just one of several issues at CX likely to impact their return to ADL but I am sure they will be back in good time, hopefully in the next schedule season.