Qantas evacuation charter to Egypt

[Jason H]

The first aircraft has just left FRA, VH-OJC.

[D Chan]

Originally Posted by Anthony T

Yeah right, QANTAS or any airline doesn't do anything for nothing, the positive publicity gained from the media stunt will more than pay for the fares.

Sure I agree with you this will generate positive publicity but I wouldn't call this a media stunt, it's a genuine offer where the Australian government failed (by dumping Aussies in Europe during winter - people who go to Egypt and the mideast for holidays most certainly won't pack winter clothing). Throughout the years Qantas have been in the forefront of getting Australians out of trouble e.g. Cyclone Tracey 1974, Bali Bombings 2002, Bangkok political unrest 2008, and possibly Cyclone Yasi to come. With such a proven record this should not be considered a stunt.

My opinion of those people who had been airlifted (after paying a fee on Air Canda flights) is that they have no right to complain about cost at all - especially when they decided to take a seat on the flight when others around them miss out.
No one forced them to fly on those flights. If they are so concerned about their out of pocket expense maybe they shouldve stayed behind. You have to ask whether some of these individuals were really *that* desparate to fly out of Egypt

[Grahame Hutchison]

2244L VH-OJC QF6020 is tracking over the Mediteranean at FL350 towards Egypt and Cairo. Looks like they have a great tail wind with an air speed of 607kts. An aircraft heading in the opposite direction is only managing 354kts.



This is the cockpit view as VH-OJC descends through FL240 with Cairo in the distance. The PlanePlotter coverage terminated just after this point.



Cairo International Airport

[Gareth Forwood]

According to BBC News (taken from the iPhone app so no link, sorry):

Both the USA and Canada said evacuated citizens would be asked to reimburse them for the cost of the flights and would have to make their own arrangements to return home from airports in Cyprus, Germany, Greece, London and Paris

So it sounds like Australians are somewhat better off than others...

Prior to Qantas offering free passage home to Australians, I have to agree with Phil and others that the Australian Government's responsibility would be to evacuate (and nothing more) citizens to a safe location. Anyone travelling should have travel insurance organised - that should cover the costs of returning to Australia, or travel to your next destination in the holiday. I understand, though, that some policies may not cover civil unrest.

As a bit of a side note, I had a look at the MBF Travel Insurance Ts & Cs, and found that the policy will cover costs of "additional transport and accomodation expenses necessarily incurred after the disruption of the journey" in the event that the journey cannot be completed. Such cover is provided (among other circumstances) in the event of unforseen riot, civil commotion and government action. Cover is also provided to people who are yet to begin their journey.

[Ash W]

I think that the expectation of what the government can do are a tad too high. People traveling must at some point take some kind of responsibility for their own actions and not always rely on governments warning them about places or doing anything above what could be considered reasonable if problems arise.

[Sarah C]

The first flight left half empty according to the SMH:

"A government-chartered evacuation flight carrying Australians who have fled strife-torn Egypt has arrived in Germany half-empty.

The Qantas 747 jumbo, with a capacity to carry 412 passengers, left Cairo at 5.40pm (local time) and has touched down at Frankfurt about 8.40pm (local time - 0640 AEDT), carrying 191 people, "mostly Australian but also three New Zealanders," a consular statement issued at the airport said."

[Ryan Hothersall]

Reminds me of the lifeboats on the Titanic, many were only half full.

[Montague S]

Originally Posted by Ryan Hothersall

Reminds me of the lifeboats on the Titanic, many were only half full.

didn't know you were there personally...

[Jamie D]

a friend of mine is in Cairo waiting for the second flight to come and they have just been told that the aircraft has gone tech in Frankfurt and has been cancelled???????

[Anthony T]

Re above

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/nat...-1225999883751

It was always going to happen.