Originally Posted by
winnipegrev
I don't agree that is the bottom line. From the horses mouth, Virgin doesn't seat block. I provided a quote stating such and so far all I see against it is speculation. I haven't heard of confirmed AA seat blocking either.
http://crankyflier.com/2015/04/09/ho...as-even-tried/
In summary, new engine package, sharklets (most prominent reason), low density seating and using the shortest route to HNL (SFO-HNL). They can't fly the LAX route with the A320. YVR is even longer.
AA has the new packages and the sharklets too.
When trade winds pop up, they will need to restrict loads. They often have to do it BOS-LAX and that has diversion options.
Originally Posted by
winnipegrev
It sure would, but at only 310nm longer than YYT-LHR, which is also over water for a huge portion, I doubt it makes much difference between the two routes. AC never struggles to LHR using circa-1998 A319s, I don't see a 319 breaking a sweat to Hawaii. Especially newer build ones. Rouge only has 16 more seats, no big deal, and no heavy AVOD system.
YYT-LHR has several airports within the ETOPS diversion scenario. Including SNN & KEF (Possibly Narsarsuaq and Nuuk). The YYT-LHR route requires 138 minute ETOP ratings. SFO, LAX, YVR require 180 minute ETOPS. The two routes, in ETOPS terms are no where near similar.
Originally Posted by
winnipegrev
Yeah it could be a stretch. But Thomas Cook runs 221 seat A321s on 7h05m flights Tromsų to Gran Canaria, 2773nm. YVR-OGG is only 2322nm. Sure no ETOPS fuel there, but 21 extra passengers and 450nm tells me YVR-OGG could be possible.
ETOPS is not just a question of fuel available. Both the metal needs to be certified as does the operator. There are a myriad of additional things to the MEL and both crews and maintenance need special training. Even diversion airports need to be certified for ETOPS operations.
Also. Copa operates PTY-EZE (3,313 mi). Sometimes it needs a technical stop, and there are several along the way. Bottom line, regardless of marketed manufacturer specs, in real world operations, the 737 has considerably more range than the A320 family.