Originally Posted by QF NB
Apparently, also 07 haven't been quick to pay their maintenance bills and do not have the ETOPs ratings required for these flights. Interesting how they'll pull these new flights off....
Code:
Flight:QF331
...
Flight time: 2:05 hours
Aircraft type: Boeing 737-200
With a shceduled flight time of 2:05, the route must be very marginal for requiring ETOPS certification. ETOPS is only required for operations where a suitable alternate airport cannot reached within 60 minutes operating on a single engine. Obviously when operating on one engine the aircraft is going to be altitude constrained and hence will fly with a slower ground speed. So if ETOPS is required, I expect it must be only just outside the 60 min window for a 732 on one engine.
I guess being a route with little competition, QF can charge a higher fare to cover the higher operating costs of the 732 aircraft.