CX879 Redirected...
 

As shown on flight status, presumably due to bad weather. Looks to be the headwinds issue with the B744 again.

Will make its stop at TPE.

Anyone know if there is a Web Site that forecasts the headwinds across the Pacific? I'm on CX 879 on Tuesday and wonder on the likelihood of a Tapei tech stop.

Don't know...but I've only had it happen when the plane was completely full. Also stopped in TPE. I suspect the cargo load also plays a big factor. If facing unusually strong winds, plus a full flight and a heavy cargo load, I think that = tech stop.

Actually the flight would have carried no cargo at all. 744 during winter time is payload restricted from North america. They got full pax and not enough people is willing to give up so a tech stop is required.

but if they had known its a full flight and is payload restricted to HKG, couldnt they get in some cargo and techstop at ICN instead?

I doubt they have many cargo out of USA nowadays .... I think I read somewhere those Freighter actually fly back to HK 2/3 empty

Any airlines will try to avoid techstop at all cost. It is way too costly than denied boarding. By the time the check in counter closes (40mins before ETD), it will be too late for any cargo to be loaded to the plane.

Winter is the slowest time of the year for the US. But they do get quite some cargo not originate from the US but South America.

deal: i was just thinking if they had to stop anyway, they might as well take the cargo. but yea. USA-asia has limited cargo and they still have their freighters.

That's impressive then, I didn't realize how close to the edge of their range the 747s were flying on the SFO-HKG leg. If there isn't a full belly of cargo, then it means just the full compliment of pax/baggage alone + strong winds are enough to force a fuel stop. LAX must've been even worse. No wonder they want to switch those to 777s.

Looks like 873 on 1/16 did the same. TPE.

So far looks like 1/17's 873 isn't showing a divert.

With strong headwind, the max 744 range with full pax from SFO will be around TPE. When LAX used to fly 744, their techstop usually at ICN because they could not even make it to TPE. Now LAX uses 773ER and this solves a lot of problem plus there is still some payload left for cargo even with the worst headwind.