Virgin Blue chief stays the course in dogfight

[Justin L]

Also, wouldn't the props allow for a greater number of airports/destinations than jets due to runway lengths?

[Brock Little]

Definitely.

I also hope they start some routes from OOL...I miss the airline turboprops...

Major QantasLink routes and some current E170 routes will probably see the new TPs deployed on though. SYD-CBR - most likely.

[Jarden S]

That will save the TSV-CNS route from getting the chop....

[Ryan K]

Originally Posted by Brock Little

Definitely.

I also hope they start some routes from OOL...I miss the airline turboprops...

Major QantasLink routes and some current E170 routes will probably see the new TPs deployed on though. SYD-CBR - most likely.

It will be interesting to see what happens in ports like LST that are currently serviced by DJ 737's, however are going head to head with QF Q400's and JQ 320's. If DJ goes more upmarket will it try and compete with QF, or still try and give JQ a run for its money...?

[Jayden Laing]

If DJ goes more upmarket will it try and compete with QF, or still try and give JQ a run for its money...?

Ryan,
Virgin Blue will always remain in the leisure market with JQ but Borghetti also wants to lure in some business travellers by atleast offering some sort of a business class type seating in the A332's. Therefore this is hoping to allow him to try & run with both QF & JQ.

[Arthur T]

If Virgin Blue is to remove its E170s on SYD-CBR route and replace with TP Aircrafts, I will be the first passenger to walk out Virgin Blue and to take Qantas instead.

I took DJ on a return SYD/CBR in early December last year and the loading was 100%, I wonder whether that would be reduced once it has been replaced by TP aircrafts. I choose DJ is because they are using Jet Aircrafts to operate on this route, which means more reliable and Jet Aircrafts are often regarded from a normal passenger (not plane athenuists) point of view. Jet Aircrafts belongs to the 21st century whilst TPs are just an old concept and often passengers feels reluctant to travel planes which are not of the modern era.

Hence, as being a commuter on the route, think I will opt to catch a Boeing 737-400 over a TP, even if it is brand new.

[Grant Smith]

Originally Posted by Arthur T

Hence, as being a commuter on the route, think I will opt to catch a Boeing 737-400 over a TP, even if it is brand new.

Ironic considering your usual rants about the safety of SQ 744's...

[Chris W]

plane atheists?

[Maikha Ly]

Originally Posted by Arthur T

I choose DJ is because they are using Jet Aircrafts to operate on this route, which means more reliable and Jet Aircrafts are often regarded from a normal passenger (not plane athenuists) point of view. Jet Aircrafts belongs to the 21st century whilst TPs are just an old concept and often passengers feels reluctant to travel planes which are not of the modern era.

I guess you and these passengers won't ever fly on Rex then

[Matt_L]

haha yea Maikha and maybe he can exclude over 1000 planes in the USA (dozens of airlines or about 30%+ there) of the aviation industry/rpt flights made up by turboprops