Virgin Blue - Uluru from AUG10

[Anthony T]

You're right Daniel, I can't add up like I used to

Although what threw me initially is that the Virgin Blue website gives flight times of 4h40 going to AYQ and 2h00 coming back when you click on the flight numbers.

Anthony T

[Ash W]

Originally Posted by Andrew

I'll think you'll find the decision to commence AYQ services by DJ would have been made well before Borghetti arrived. These decisions are made well in advance.[/FONT]

He hasn't actually taken over yet, so clearly has been done in advance! Just some silly comments from Harry on both the points he raised. Ie that Virgin Blue has somehow beaten Jetstar to town (clearly Qantas is doing ok in their own colour rather than handing over to JQ) and that it was some how a Borghetti initiative to force Qantas prices down.

[Gareth U]

Ie that Virgin Blue has somehow beaten Jetstar to town

I thought there was a problem operating 320s out of AYQ? I once overheard a conversation to that effect. The basis of that conversation was the runway not being wide enough. Though I note it is as wide as MCY and BNK, which see regular 320 ops.

Anyone clued up? Qantas surely are not in the AYQ market for the J class traffic!

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi All,

YAYE runway is 2599 x 30m according to Airservices Australia Website.
Some further notes from the website:

• Twy A not Available to aircraft below 5700kg MTOW HJ

• Twy B, C & D Avail Only to ACFT below 5700kg MTOW

Given the above, can anyone confirm if a A320 or even a B737 can use this airport or only a B717 and E Jets and Dash 8's

Stuart

[Ash W]

Qantas still run 737's there. If I recall Ansett used to run A320's there on a regular basis all those years ago.

[Gareth U]

AN ran the 320s via ASP though. Could that make a difference? Weight issues?

[Robert Zweck]

The Ayers Rock strip ( Connellan ) can easily accomodate a B737, Qantas operate one there each day ex-SYD. QF 728/729.

An A320 would be no problem, either. Not sure if temps of 43 degs or greater start to take an effect

Ansett flew their A320 VH-HYN into the strip during the 2000 Olympic Torch relay, ( ex Auckland ) but would have been lightly loaded. The skipper was Ansett's Chief Pilot ( Mark R. ) The event was a direct telecast on the Channel 9 " Today " breakfast show hosted by Steve Liebmannn.

This is the only A320 op which I am aware of.

QantasLink once operated the Dash-8 between ASP and AYQ, can't remember when QF started jet ops out of AYQ

The DC-9 out of ASP was a type significantly affected by high temps.......it was normal during summer to have to leave all freight and some baggage behind. Don't know of temp issues with other types.

[Ryan Hothersall]

Robert, I seem to remember hearing something on the radio about passengers on the 717 having to leave their checked in luggage behind as the 717s were too heavy for the hot conditions. That was in ASP and DRW I think.

I could be wrong, so feel free to put me straight on the issue

[Brad Myer]

Yea they did. Apparently all the B717s have had some sort of engine/software upgrade so it isnt a real issue anymore.

[Craig Sandford]

Originally Posted by Gareth U

AN ran the 320s via ASP though.

I have logged A320 flights to/from AYQ on AN on VH-HYX and VH-HYQ direct from/to SYD in July 2001. Obviously a little cooler at that time of year, but still in the mid 30's from memory in the middle of the day.