Originally Posted by rejunivated
Indeed something is quite fishy about that. If it is TRUE, and CX is INDEED orchestrating this, then they might as well shuffle their timetables and make both flights depart within 20 min of each other if they want to time the flights for connections. They do this for the 2 night HKG-LHR flights, so I don't see why it can't be done.
Several reasons for CX to refuel 883:
1. Cargo offloaded from 881
2. Passengers on 883 can still make their connection in time if 883 needs refuel.
Why cannot 883 and 881 depart within 20 min?
It might a time-slot issue.
How does CX predict 883 needing refuel?
1. unable to get an economic cruise attitute
2. more payload
3. strong wind
4. more regional traffic into/intra Asia or west Pacific