Originally Posted by
patrickw
The range advertised by Airbus is neither taking the wind into account nor using numbers with a full load. The range there is a still air distance with full load of fuel but a minimum load of pax and cargo.
Originally Posted by
patrickw
While flying the route could be done, it will require a large restriction in the load which means it can only be done when the plane is almost empty, especially when flying back from SEA.
It is ridiculous. Taken what you have said as truth, no plane can really fly that far. While I have to agree the range does not take account of the
actual wind situation, IIRC all ranges advertised is based on MTOW.
The range between A332 and A333 is 1700 km/1056 miles in difference. A332 is proved by DL to operate HKG-SEA (given the only DL flight ex-HKG, that A332 should be FULLY loaded). Based on this, at the minimum, for the similar load, A333 should make, at the minimum, HKG-ANC. So even a weight restriction is imposed, as you suggested, the restriction is relatively small and does not require the flight to be almost empty.
Originally Posted by
patrickw
In reality airlines usually fly their A333 on routes at around 9500km max.
The maximum I could find is 9613 km/5973 miles by TK 31 (IST-ATL) using an A333.
Being a live data, it is possible that some other airlines may push even further.
Also - FWIW, airlines are free to decide how they operate the aircrafts.
I merely point out that A333 is possible for SEA-HKG.