After reading on the EK forum for couple of months, I've learned that EK is likely to put the newest aircraft onto its longer routes.. The SYD-CHC one seems to be BKK-SYD-CHC. Does this one going back to Dubai? If so, would DXB-BKK-SYD-CHC-SYD-BKK-DXB qualify a ultra long route and get the newest 777 with the new J seats?

The aeroplane does indeed return from Christchurch back to Dubai via Sydney and Bangkok

Yes, you're right. same flight number EK418/419 all the way. Would this be one of the longest flight that EK flies?

Not really as each flight individually is not that long. The longest flight in the world is operated by EK from Dubai to Auckland.

How abt the longest flight with stops？

Perhaps but operationally they see each flight individually. Especially as you get off and reboard at the stops. So it won't be considered ultra long haul.

Anything reaching SYD is likely to be top of the line. SYD always being a top market. I think being newer just allows them to break them in better on ULH routes. Like most electronics breaking is better done with some long periods, then on/off at short intervals.

Regardless I've never seen an old/worn looking Emirates plane. When they get the least bit old they either get rid or refurb them.

PS I find it funny the Emirates is the airline of choice for many on SYD/AKL/CHC flights. They're normally always priced less in F then what I'd pay for J on QF and you're promised to get a 777/380 instead of 737 or if you're lucky A330 on others.

EK418/9 is actually one of the oldest routes in the EK network - back before they decided to go non-stop DXB-SYD!

In reality any of the 77W in the fleet can be on the route, but you are exceptionally unlikely to get the very oldest 77Ws with the oldest ICE product (it has happened though). It's still the same hard product apart from the IFE though.

Yes, flying 777 with flat bed to CHC and coming back, just a J seat on QF. I knew my wife would be disappointed on the way back. I don't think QF is flying any A330 between australia & nz at the moment.

It's seasonal for the A330. Either way I normally fly the EK777 into CHC and fly the EKA380 out of AKL when flying to NZ. I find it hard to pass up F on EK for less then J on QF even if QF happens to fly a widebody. The timing also works well. Fly in the morning and fly out late afternoon/early evening.

SYD-CHC is more likely an preferred choice of EK due to the much less service into CHC on the Tasman. We're as SYD-AKL EK lacks the frequency that is offered by NZ/VA and QF/JQ who are both around 6-7x Daily on this route.

With EK being an early AM departure ex-SYD, it doesn't make good for the AKL market wanting an short break in SYD. On this route the key is frequency, rather than product.

PER-AKL-PER is the only Qantas Tasman route with an wide-body service by the 332. It operates twice weekly during the peak summer holiday period, if everything else is an 738. JQ fly's the 788 into AKL-MEL/SYD during the busier times of the year.

Understand AKL has more choice and flights. However I still hear EK listed frequently as airline of choice for many even out of AKL. It's a lot easier to get some work done on an A380 seat in J then on a 737/A320 in J. Plus free WiFi and just make it better if you want to be able to work during the flight. Also add in that you can use your cell in flight, and it just makes the flight a better pick for the companies I work with. I fly QF/Jet and I'm basically useless for the flight.

Yeah I always get a lot of work done on the free wifi. Open google and 3/7 e-mails downloaded and whoops... 10MB is over

1 USD for 500 MB is hardly an inconvenience :P

Which is why I skip the 10MB and go straight for the 500MB, but the previous poster referred to "free" :)

Although you can of course also use the free 10MB multiple times if you know how.