A35K to service MEL from Nov 2019
May 10, 2019, 3:13 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: Marco Polo Club, KF
Posts: 208
AFAIK it is as "permanent" as any other recent changes in the Aus east coast network. CX had flagged this possibility a while ago. My guess is that usage of the 900 and 1000 will continue to be fluid (ie. subject to change and substitution from time to time).
May 10, 2019, 6:25 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 7,708
It seems like the larger plane variants / more dense plane types have aided CX in increasing capacity to Australia within the confines of the bilateral flight restrictions.
First big moves were some A333 switched to 35G / 77G, and now 35K / 77K.
Clever capacity upgrades. 77K carries 100+ more pax than 33K! (368 vs 261). And 35J carries 50+ more than 35G (334 vs 280).
By my math, in the last 5 years CX has increased capacity to Australia by 2-3x A333 planeloads without increasing the number of flights, simply by going to A350 and B77W, and doing the 10 abreast 77W.
First big moves were some A333 switched to 35G / 77G, and now 35K / 77K.
Clever capacity upgrades. 77K carries 100+ more pax than 33K! (368 vs 261). And 35J carries 50+ more than 35G (334 vs 280).
By my math, in the last 5 years CX has increased capacity to Australia by 2-3x A333 planeloads without increasing the number of flights, simply by going to A350 and B77W, and doing the 10 abreast 77W.
May 11, 2019, 2:04 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: BA SL, CX GR, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 580
May 11, 2019, 4:07 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: Marco Polo Club, KF
Posts: 208
May 11, 2019, 7:31 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: BA SL, CX GR, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 580
Yes, and CX has been doing so. 333 on Australian routes, 77W on long haul, no 380 and the current 359/351 etc. are all fit for their operation.
May 13, 2019, 5:05 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: UK. BAEC AAdvantage
Programs: Mucci Des Oeufs Brouilles et des Canards
Posts: 3,671
Is it ever likely Cathay will go all A350 on flights to/from Australia? And to the UK? Much prefer it than the B777. Came off flights from the UK to Australia and back earlier this year all on A350s and I hardly had any jet lag. The 6 way headrest is makes the journey so comfortable.
May 13, 2019, 5:37 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: British Airways Executive Club, Virgin Flying Club
Posts: 154
Is it ever likely Cathay will go all A350 on flights to/from Australia? And to the UK? Much prefer it than the B777. Came off flights from the UK to Australia and back earlier this year all on A350s and I hardly had any jet lag. The 6 way headrest is makes the journey so comfortable.