Xiaotung

http://www.afr.com/brand/rear-window...0160111-gm3dju

Looks like this is happening. SQ will launch SIN-CBR-WLG pending an announcement soon. This will be the first time a Star carrier flies across the Tasman since TG exited years ago. Hopefully there won't be any restriction with Airpoints earning like what they did to TG before (no accrual on discount economy). It will be interesting to see if NZ/VA will codeshare.

KiwiJC

Here's an article that isn't behind a paywall:

AusBT Article

Great to see some potential new options out of Wellington, it could make it interesting as I'm currently based in Singapore - hopping via CBR could be an option rather than Auckland.

I'll be interested to see what the cost and connection times are like.

TheBOSman

I would think SIN-CBR-WLG would be better than SIN-AKL-WLG. Good new announcement to see from SQ, and smart as EK would not be able to realistically serve WLG anytime soon.

I think I just want to be on the A330 as it rockets off the WLG runway now .

libertyuk

Positives:
- SQ A330 will be better trans-tasman than any NZ or QF aircraft in economy, and better than NZ 777 or 787 AKL-SIN.
- Good to have direct WLG-CBR service regardless.
- Good to get immigration control completed at the SIN (or beyond) and WLG ends, compared to having to go through AKL or CHC.
- CBR transit is certainly going to be shorter than at AKL or CHC.

Negatives:
- Transit/fuel stop at CBR is unlikely to be much fun. CBR unlikely to have airside post-immigration premium lounges or many facilities, so perhaps the transit will be a rather tedious hour +.
- WLG immigration will struggle to handle an inbound A330 quickly.
- SQ A330 Business Class hard product is the regional angled-lie flat seats, which are inferior to the 77E/77W/A380 products used to CHC/AKL and the NZ 777/787 product.
- AKL or CHC departures (both the international outbounds on NZ/SQ and the domestic back to WLG) offer decent lounge access. CBR doesn't and WLG international NZ lounge will struggle to cope with a decent A330 business class load and selection of NZ/SQ/VA Golds+.

Hopefully NZ might treat at least the Trans-Tasman sector with NZ codeshare as if it is a NZ flight for airpoints dollars and status credits earning purposes.

More curiously, if this works it could arguably put paid to the idea that WLG needs a runway extension for longer haul flights.

cavemanzk

Ex CBR you'll be able to use the Virgin Australia lounge (most likely) if you starting your trip in CBR e.g CBR-WLG. When going OOL-AKL you can use the VA Lounge in Domestic, then go to customs right before boarding.

dadig

I feel Ex WLG in any case is inferior compared to CHC/AKL regardless. If I have time I always transit via AKL/CHC almost to avoid being spotted in the WLG lounge.

Biz_Traveller

There is another limiting factor, as WLG airport is only 2,081m long. An A330-300 requires 1750m to land but is likely to be payload limited on departure as it usually requires between 2,200m & 2,500m for safe takeoff fully laden. All the same good news for our respective nations capitals.

TheBOSman

Shouldn't be an issue for the relatively short flight to CBR though.

dadig

All the scheming plot by government employees to abuse travel expenses

peachtea

Last I checked NZ were still very much part of Star Alliance...?

Nitpicking aside, though, I am so stoked to hear SQ are coming to CBR. I will definitely choose a direct flight to SIN and/or WLG over a connection in SYD (3-4 hours away by bus or car).

I can only hope the service is sustainable long-term - I would absolutely hate for low loads to force its cancellation.

Thai-Kiwi

See the post above by dadig...

libertyuk

Yes, this is true. Not available for SIN-WLG transit customers though.

Kamadan

Pretty much it's confirmed today (article via AUSBT):

So it's going to be on a SG regionally configured 777-200 instead of an A330. Wonder how that's going to work at Wellington...


Timing isn't too bad in/outbound from WLG, domestic connections will work OK.

So there will be a codeshare, logical given then NZ-SQ alliance agreement already in place.

Not sure if that's in AU$ or NZ$, but seemed fair, although J between CBR-WLG seems a bit steep, then again, if you want to go direct there is no competition.

cavemanzk

[QUOTE=Kamadan;26046228

So it's going to be on a SG regionally configured 777-200 instead of an A330. Wonder how that's going to work at Wellington...
[/QUOTE]

Surely its going to have an bit of an impact on the Jetstar gate allocations at WLG.

Would the 772 have to park across a couple of gates?

Wonder if NZ will peal the *G logo off the WLG lounge, no way it could handle an 772 worth of status passengers.

nzkarit

Times from https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/...press-service/

The afternoon rush at Wellington through Immigration, baggage claim and bio security is going to a real mess now that have a 772 arriving at the same time as the other flights pretty much.