Originally Posted by
Boraxo
A good historical perspective. But keep in mind that to a large extent the 757 service to Hawaii originated or terminated on the West Coast, leaving a rather large margin for headwinds etc. as the flight duration is 5 hours. By contrast many of the TATL flights require 7+ hours of flight time, which simply does not leave sufficient margin for error.
It seems pretty clear from the track record that distance is the key factor contributing to diversion. Boston to Europe, no problemo. EWR is more of a stretch, but still doable for UK. IAD is simply too far for 757 to go the distance when there are headwinds or other issues.
If I lived at one of these east coast hubs I suppose I would have to look at the time saved with the nonstop v. the potential cost of diversion and general distaste for 757 (particularly on such a long trip where I like to walk the aisles). From the West Coast (and indeed the midwest), it has zero appeal - I'll most likely catch a 747 nonstop to Europe or connect elsewhere. It is already a very long trip, makes no sense to risk diversion simply because the airline made a bad decision on equipment. Penny wise, pound foolish.
I agree. That extra 2+ hours of flight time on certain TATL routes flown by the 757 is the culprit when headwinds are a concern.
BTW, here is an excerpt from the follow up article concerning CO's 752 TATL diversions for fuel which appeared in the Wall Street Journal on Jan. 12:
"Gordon Bethune, a former Boeing executive who went on to become Continental's chief executive and retired in 2004, said Wednesday (
1/11/12) that the airline talked to Boeing about installing extra fuel tanks in the bellies of the aircraft. "But you give up a lot of luggage space and it's not economical," he said, "And it's fairly complicated." According to some pilots and industry safety officials, the airline took a fresh look at the idea after Mr. Bethune left Continental. According to some of these people, United Continental management is now revisiting that option. The United spokeswoman declined to comment on the auxiliary fuel tanks."