TED to SYD - technically possible.
 

On some previous thread I can't find back right now someone joking spoke of UA starting TED service to SYD. I've done some research and it turns out to be technically possible.

All references are to nautical miles.

The A320, according to specs, has a maximim range of 2,900 miles with 150 pax.

The A320 is certified for ETOPS 180 minutes. (I don't know whether or not the UA A320's are certified, but let's just let that go for a moment.)

So - how to get to SYD from ORD on TED:

ORD-SFO - 1,640 miles
SFO-HNL - 2,084 miles
HNL-PPT - 2,373 miles
PPT-AKL - 2,211 miles
AKL-SYD - 1,169 miles

and I'm sure there are other more creative routes, this is the first one I tried. Sort of reminds me of the PanAm clipper, but possible. Ouch!

Or, how about Ted with one passenger - how far will that A320 go?

We could fill the cabin with pillows - they don't weigh much - and a couple bottles of milk (each half full).

F that. Virgin America will operate the SFO-SYD route with an ex-VS A343.

Nowhere. I'll guarantee you that flight is cancelled! :)

What's the range on the latest 737's? I'm thinking WN service to SYD would be awesome. Can human beings survive for two days on little bags of peanuts and 4 ounces of diet soda every 8 hours? Or would pax have to draw straws and resort to cannibalism somewhere between SFO and HNL?

and if it's marketed under one flight number, they would give us just one glass of soda for the whole journey because, after all, it's a "direct" flight. :p

NO. That is not true. Airlines do not cancel flights because of low bookings.

Opppps! I'm sorry. I meant to post this in the "biggest lies" thread!

Sometimes an airline might have a full cargo load which makes up for the lack of passengers...

Cheers

I'd volunteer. There's no way I'd want to eat any of those mangy creatures that fly on WN.

Somebody has already considered that possibility:

http://www.snakesonaplanemovie.com/

Maybe it will be a codeshare....with United. And the TED pax will have to sit in a separate area to ensure their special treatment.

Ted friendly. Ted not want to be lonely. Ted want lots of passengers. Ted afraid of water. Ted prefer existing routes. RAR!

That will be one hell of expensive flight for that passenger.

Well, with no C or F cabin, at least you won't be competing with NRSAs for seats on this service. :rolleyes:
Is there a point to this thread?