Qantas evacuation charter to Egypt

[Jack B]

Just heard on Channel 10 the Government is chartering a Qantas aircraft to evacuate Australians from Egypt.

Any word on the type? I assume a 2 class 744

[Jason H]

Most likely the a/c operating QF5, as they said it will return to Frankfurt with the people from Egypt.

[Jack B]

If that's the case, how would it work

I assume if it is QF5 it will be SYD-SIN-CAI-FRA

How would they ensure there's enough room for the Egyptian evacuees if it's an already scheduled flight with an added stop?

[Sarah C]

Having those stored 747's at VCV would have been handy if they didn't destroy the interior. There would have to be a stop but VCV/CAI has a shorter distance than SYD/CAI. Lucky the A380's are back in the area and the 747 capacity is available.

[Steve Jones]

I would guess it's simply a matter of using the aircraft that sits all day on the ground at FRA or LHR. I think the flight they're offering is to LHR/FRA only, after that, it's up to the individual punter where to go from there.

[Paul f.]

Originally Posted by Sarah C

Having those stored 747's at VCV would have been handy if they didn't destroy the interior. There would have to be a stop but VCV/CAI has a shorter distance than SYD/CAI. Lucky the A380's are back in the area and the 747 capacity is available.

Do you know how long it takes to return a aircraft to service after being stored,cant be done overnight also why would you do it for one flight,it would cost big $$$$$$.

[Andrew P]

agree with Steve, just a shuttle up to LHR and/or FRA, you are on your own thereafter

[Martin Buzzell]

Originally Posted by Sarah C

Having those stored 747's at VCV would have been handy if they didn't destroy the interior. There would have to be a stop but VCV/CAI has a shorter distance than SYD/CAI. Lucky the A380's are back in the area and the 747 capacity is available.

There needs to be a "like" button for this. I suppose I'm just a 744 die hard.

[Peter Agatsiotis]

There is talk of more charters if required (I think they will be!!).

Watching the late news last night i saw a few interviews with stranded pax who are obviously traumatised by all the events. One chap from Alexandria was really giving out about the Australian Governments approach to evacuation. He had somehow confirmed a seat on the first charter but his problem is getting to Cairo, no buses, no flights, no trains and a taxi is frought with possible danger from vigilante checkpoints along the way.

His main complaints were:

most other countries had arranged flights from Cairo and other ports to take them home.

Australia was going to just 'dump' people at Frankfurt or London and then it's up to them to get home.

Fair comment but it seems our capacity is somewhat limited for this type of emergency.

[Arthur T]

A CHARTERED Qantas 747 will be sent to Egypt to rescue Australians trapped by street protests in Cairo.

Top dissident Mohamed ElBaradei has forecast a new era for Egypt as protests continue in Cairo.

Announcing the special flight this evening, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said there was disruption of commercial flights preventing some Australians from getting out of the country, which is heading into a possibly violent revolution.

It follows reports earlier today from terrified Australian travellers stuck at the airport, who reported difficulty getting through to Australian authorities.


"They realise we are in a bad situation here but they say it's not serious enough to do anything yet," Melbourne tourist, Cassandra, 22, told The Australian.

"We keep ringing them and getting put on hold. They say they'll call back and they don't.

"We can hear gunfire ... There is 5000 prisoners from three different prisons who are loose on the streets with guns."

Six days of nationwide protest against Mubarak's three-decade rule have shaken Egypt and left at least 125 people dead as the veteran leader clings to power.

Ms Gillard said the charter of a Europe-based jet by the Government would begin on Wednesday and would be free for those evacuated. It will take them to Frankfurt and London.

There are 1100 Australians who have registered as being in Egypt but diplomats believe many more are there, with some estimates up to 2000 and 3000.

"It is very easy to imagine people could be caught up in violence," Ms Gillard said.

She said Cairo airport was still operating but that there was "pressure on commercial flights" causing disruption to services and delays.

Ms Gillard said Australians with commercial bookings would not be denied a seat on the charter. Demand will be monitored and a further flight ordered if necessary.

"We are very concerned and we would not be taking these steps if we weren't concerned," she said.

"The highest travel advice we can give Australians is the plain and simple words: Do not travel."

Australians in Egypt can telephone the Australian embassy on 202 2575 0444. Or they could call the consular emergency number in Australia, 61 2 6261 3305. In Australia calls can be made to that same emergency service on 02 6261 3305.

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new...-1225997627558

Hope all Australians in Egypt are now safe.
Just wondering where will the Qantas flight goes to and the number/aircraft of the service? Any chance for B747ER deployed concerning the range?
However concerning 1100+ Australians are currently stranded, think an Airbus A380 or multiple charters will be required?
Hopefully they'll be home soon and safe.