BA’s plans in Australia
#1
Original Poster
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BA’s plans in Australia
So with the 777-300 being refurbished soon and becoming high-J, will we see a new aircraft operating the flights to Sydney?
Also, Qantas seem very invested in connecting Europe and Australia with direct flights. Now that they have shown LHR-PER to be a success, would BA consider trying out some more routes to Oz?
I know they have tried it before and scaled back to just SYD, but has the market demand changed...
Also, Qantas seem very invested in connecting Europe and Australia with direct flights. Now that they have shown LHR-PER to be a success, would BA consider trying out some more routes to Oz?
I know they have tried it before and scaled back to just SYD, but has the market demand changed...
#4
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If BA had the aircraft, then one of the current terminators in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore could be used, just like in the old days. Hard to think BA not too long ago served Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland and Christchurch along with Sydney.
And then came Emirates, with SQ and CX ramping up their Aussie operations. The early day LHR flight from HKG has plenty of Aussie and Kiwi accents.
And then came Emirates, with SQ and CX ramping up their Aussie operations. The early day LHR flight from HKG has plenty of Aussie and Kiwi accents.
#5
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If BA had the aircraft, then one of the current terminators in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore could be used, just like in the old days. Hard to think BA not too long ago served Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland and Christchurch along with Sydney.
And then came Emirates, with SQ and CX ramping up their Aussie operations. The early day LHR flight from HKG has plenty of Aussie and Kiwi accents.
And then came Emirates, with SQ and CX ramping up their Aussie operations. The early day LHR flight from HKG has plenty of Aussie and Kiwi accents.
#6
Join Date: Apr 2008
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How are demands changing?
The direct flights are all set up assuming people always prefer direct, at any length, to a stopover. IMHO that needs verification.
QF7879 took no cargo and limited baggage to fly JFK to SYD direct. Crew and passenger fatigue levels are monitored and I am curious to see the results.
Personally I find a HKG/SIN/DXB stopover refreshing. My brain needs the oxygen level.
BA is getting closer to China Southern which puts a lot of focus in Oz and NZ. I don’t see them entering oneworld anytime soon because of the obvious CX objection because of this competition. But if a CAN transfer can be arranged better, it’ll work. A lot of work on the facilities needed to reach CX’s level though.
I think Southeast Asia is still competitive to Middle East as a kangaroo hub today. You can still run multiple 330/350/788s into more aussie cities more frequently. Starting from ME you need to fill up a 77W or 789, which uses more fuel, requires higher load and is more risky to run into smaller cities. This is probably why CX keeps a good Aussie market share.
The direct flights are all set up assuming people always prefer direct, at any length, to a stopover. IMHO that needs verification.
QF7879 took no cargo and limited baggage to fly JFK to SYD direct. Crew and passenger fatigue levels are monitored and I am curious to see the results.
Personally I find a HKG/SIN/DXB stopover refreshing. My brain needs the oxygen level.
BA is getting closer to China Southern which puts a lot of focus in Oz and NZ. I don’t see them entering oneworld anytime soon because of the obvious CX objection because of this competition. But if a CAN transfer can be arranged better, it’ll work. A lot of work on the facilities needed to reach CX’s level though.
I think Southeast Asia is still competitive to Middle East as a kangaroo hub today. You can still run multiple 330/350/788s into more aussie cities more frequently. Starting from ME you need to fill up a 77W or 789, which uses more fuel, requires higher load and is more risky to run into smaller cities. This is probably why CX keeps a good Aussie market share.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2006
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It seems to be a common refrain that for BA, the switch from a 744 to 77W saved SIN-SYD run, compared to 5X daily on SQ, 2X daily QF and almost daily Scoot.
SQ and CX are in complete contrast to MH and TH which have also been badly impacted by the ME3, though given the way those airlines have been (mis)managed, perhaps that was inevitable.
#9
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In terms of the demand, I’m sure there are now more people who will consider Australia, given it is easier to get to. But also, previously you had no option but to stopover enroute, hence making the ME3 and CX equally attractive to UK passengers. However, if BA and Qantas can serve the market direct then they will claw back some of the connecting passengers and will have an advantage over the ME3.
But yes the 777-300 with 72J would seem a bit too much for the SYD route, but I don’t know maybe they want that.
And do note I didn’t say BA should expand in Australia, I asked would they.
But yes the 777-300 with 72J would seem a bit too much for the SYD route, but I don’t know maybe they want that.
And do note I didn’t say BA should expand in Australia, I asked would they.
#11
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#12
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I think there's definitely a case for it switching to another type, purely due to the fact these 77W craft are heading towards Hi-J. I wouldn't have thought BA would just keep the 77W on SYD with all that extra J capacity unless they thought there was a business case for the increased capacity. If that's true and they decide to switch the type, then it would be a question of which other type would suit, and how important is it that SYD gets the Club Suite any time soon? My first thought was maybe the 787-10, but I heard somewhere that these are supposed to be used for the slightly shorter higher capacity routes.
What do others think, based on where the fleet is supposed to be in 1 to 2 years from now?
What do others think, based on where the fleet is supposed to be in 1 to 2 years from now?
#14
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#15
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Also (*needs clarifying) I'd read that they use brand new flight planning software which has allowed them to minimise flight length (i'd love to know more if anyone can clarify).
You'd probably get more oxygen on it vs a 777/380 via Singapore as well - you've got the improved air circulation, fresher air not fed through the engines, etc
But, the question remains that we see the incredible amount of preparation that Qantas do on the route to ensure it's humane. Would we anticipate BA doing the same? Would we see them redesigning the entire travel experience as Qantas has done? Using the most appropriate planes, amending seating plans, food, leg room. Or would they simply 'do a BKK' and plonk whatever plane they have capable on the route? That, i'm dubious about.