QF set to launch DFW flights from 16MAY11

[Sarah C]

Originally Posted by Justin L

Could QF maybe have the flight route as SYD-DFW-NAN-SYD, offering seats on the DFW-NAN leg and also timing the connections in NAN with QF and FJ flights to SYD, BNE, MEL and NZ destinations?

The number of people who wanted to travel DFW/NAN would be minimal. Because of the stop, getting people on/off, refuelling etc, it would probably require a newset of crew. It would also probably hurt the NAN/LAX leg that FJ operate. It would be an expensive thing to commit to. If the flight was never going to make the distance with the fuel, they would have created the stop from the start - it just wouldn't be viable and wouldn't make money.

[Matt_L]

Sarah , I fully agree with what you have to say above - the flight wouldn't be as popular, direct etc if it was via AKL NAN or NOU... But, most Pax on these services are I'm sure totally unaware ( maybe some not now after news coverage) but still most that it is a fairly decent chance they will be diverted. I think it becomes a fine line between operating a revolutionary new service and one which can reach it's intended destination say only 90% of the time. Time will tell however I think there is brand reputation to be lost if this continually happens as itd be far easier for pax to be assured of (and with their bags) of making dfw-lax-Syd/bne/mel direct

Ps anyone know what the loads are like?

[Jon Harris]

I think the 777-200LR would be perfect for the SYD-DFW...maybe also the 777-300ER? Maybe someone with more knowledge on range can confirm...

The 744ER is the closest thing QF has to an ultra long range but I think it's still not the right equipment for DFW...

[Jack B]

Reminds me of the early 707 days across the Atlantic when stops in Gander etc were common but never scheduled

[Montague S]

Originally Posted by Matt_L

Ps anyone know what the loads are like?

operating with 50 seats blocked for sale due to obvious reasons.

[Montague S]

Originally Posted by Sarah C

If the flight was never going to make the distance with the fuel, they would have created the stop from the start - it just wouldn't be viable and wouldn't make money.

they did create the stop, just at the very edge of the a/c envelope. if this keeps up it will become less viable and make even less money.

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi All,

Is there any reason why QF didn't ops this service via Auckland in the first place?
I assume it is within range in both directions from DFW?

By ops via Auckland, it would bring in extra Passengers / Freight to NZ, + allow passengers to connect to flights to Brisbane & Melbourne in Auckland before continue onto SYD.

Stuart

[Jon Harris]

That was the original routing when they announced DFW as a destination for the 744ERs - SYD-AKL-DFW...they even did a press release...it was back in 2001??

AKL would be a good solution.

[Justin L]

Considering UA/CO announced an IAH/AKL routing on the 787s, a DFW/AKL routing on QF would be great competition one would feel for the NZ and non-SYD Australian markets through AKL connections.

[A McLaughlin]

So, you guys know better than all the route planning and yield management experts QF employs, do you?