Aircraft flight patterns
Aug 1, 2025 | 3:49 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NZ
Programs: NZ*E, QF-G, EK-P
Posts: 796
Aircraft flight patterns
I just interested if anyone understands why certain air frames fly certain routes much more often.
Auckland to Dubai as an example, this is a 4 class A380 route of which there are a few, yet 4-5 airframes account for 90% of the flights.
Any idea why or is it just random and Im am seeing a pattern where there isnt one?
thanks
Auckland to Dubai as an example, this is a 4 class A380 route of which there are a few, yet 4-5 airframes account for 90% of the flights.
Any idea why or is it just random and Im am seeing a pattern where there isnt one?
thanks
Aug 1, 2025 | 1:01 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2024
Programs: MB AMB, Accor PLAT, LH SEN
Posts: 426
On that particular route, the aircraft leaves DXB at 10:05am and is scheduled to arrive back from AKL at 5:35am two days later. That looks like perfect timing for using it for the next DXB-AKL departure at 10:05am so that youd basically just need two aircraft going back and forth until IRROPS or maintenance get in the way.
I would assume that there are many pre-defined route patterns for an aircraft which repeat over a certain period; it may just be more noticeable on a route such as DXB-AKL where the timing looks perfect for just going back and forth instead of something more convoluted with shorter flights.
I would assume that there are many pre-defined route patterns for an aircraft which repeat over a certain period; it may just be more noticeable on a route such as DXB-AKL where the timing looks perfect for just going back and forth instead of something more convoluted with shorter flights.
Aug 1, 2025 | 3:47 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NZ
Programs: NZ*E, QF-G, EK-P
Posts: 796
Ok.i will reword.. a much smaller proportion of airframes seem to do a greater proportion.of flights.
i get it is complicated but certain 4 class tags turn up often and others never. Just trying to understand if there is a pattern. You are one of the gurus on fleet utilisation here I am just interested.
i get it is complicated but certain 4 class tags turn up often and others never. Just trying to understand if there is a pattern. You are one of the gurus on fleet utilisation here I am just interested.
Last edited by bce1; Aug 1, 2025 at 5:12 pm
Aug 2, 2025 | 12:45 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 752
Just search on FR24 for EK448 in the last few months and you will see that all 4-Classes A380 ULR are used on this route.....forget about the 4 classes LR.
The only small detail, is that EK448 being the longest fly on EK net, according to load, weather and route they try to use the frames with RR engines.
So, this why we see the A6-EV....,EUR to EUW being used more in this route than EUE, EUH to EUL and the four retrofitted A6-EO. .....
But again, there is not a fix pattern for the fleet....it dependes on schedule, maintenance, loads, catching up delays or cancelled flights.....is a very interesting job......everyday is a new challenge 😊👍
The only small detail, is that EK448 being the longest fly on EK net, according to load, weather and route they try to use the frames with RR engines.
So, this why we see the A6-EV....,EUR to EUW being used more in this route than EUE, EUH to EUL and the four retrofitted A6-EO. .....
But again, there is not a fix pattern for the fleet....it dependes on schedule, maintenance, loads, catching up delays or cancelled flights.....is a very interesting job......everyday is a new challenge 😊👍
Last edited by ZRHMD11; Aug 2, 2025 at 3:53 am
Aug 3, 2025 | 1:51 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,060
Aug 3, 2025 | 3:58 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 752
Both are very good engines.....it depends on the operator to make a choice based on many factors.
What is "better" for an operator may not mean the same for another operator......
Accordind to my source, an A380 captain, the RR engines have a slight better fuel burn efficiency and durability.
What is "better" for an operator may not mean the same for another operator......
Accordind to my source, an A380 captain, the RR engines have a slight better fuel burn efficiency and durability.
Aug 3, 2025 | 6:37 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,060
Sep 7, 2025 | 7:52 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NZ
Programs: NZ*E, QF-G, EK-P
Posts: 796
Staying on the statistical likelihood of a plane, given the above info. I fly from AKL or Sydney to DXB and onto London 3-4x per year. I have had EVS 3 of the last 5 times, and I am about to get her again!!! I know it is just statistical quirk, but feels like a pattern!! (I know its not!)