Qantas plans “game-changing” Perth-London 787-9 services in March 2018

Ronsie says:

I’m surprised no one has brought up the A350ULR option for QF. Airbus quotes 19 hours endurance for this aircraft and, assuming that’s with a full load, or close to it, the game changer is really Sydney-New York.

Many other city pairs come into play also. Airbus’s 18in seats overcome many of the objections to the 787 3-3-3 seating in cattle class.

Does QF still hold orders/options on the A380? Maybe switch these to the A350ULR? This would be a pain from a fleet perspective though (or transfer the 787s to Jetstar).

Regardless, these new long range twins give QF and all other airlines some great options…

Colin says:

Every time Qantas introduces a new flight, a new aircraft or a new route etc and an article appears on AA, the only comments appearing by readers seem to critical. Almost 100% of the time. Crikey! Give them a break! I am sure that Qantas are aware the 777s could and should have been bought earlier. Pretty certain that everyone in aviation has told them that 100 times over. Readers should remember that Qantas has only in recent times freed up capital to allow fleet expansion and a sustained period of profitability. It was not that long ago that analysts were stating that the value of Qantas share was essentially “junk”.

This service direct from PER to LHR is a landmark and a significant risk for Qantas. We should be congratulating them for be willing to pioneer this route on what is an amazing aircraft. 236 seats configuration with a greater pitch in economy? They may need to go to twice daily before too long.

Government releases final Badgerys Creek Airport Plan

Marc says:

Like watching paint dry.

Holden says:

If Wagners got to job it would be interesting to see if they could build it slowly enough to meet the underwhelming timeframes being touted. Any faster and they might be given the “go slow” for being too efficient. Harder to slowly leak money to consultants and unions and other snouts in the trough if you build it quickly.

Chris says:

If their “planning” is anything like their “planning” for the NBN, we will end up with shorter runways to save money, nissen huts for the terminals because they were good enough in WW2, and only avgas refuelling facilities. Anyone who complains will be branded an Elite for good measure.

Firefighting Black Hawk arrives for fire Season

Robert says:

Hell yeah, get some sort of Reserve Unit up and running in the West with these babies and I’ll sign up, I miss playing with these.

With 816 Squadron’s S-70Bs coming up to the end of their service life, and the Army Black Hawks not far behind, this would make a ton of sense.