Aerolineas Argentinas planning direct flights

[Justin L]

Will this spell the end of EZE-AKL flights, or will they keep some stand alone EZE-AKL sectors or continue some EZE-AKL-SYD, or even EZE-AKL-MEL etc. in addition to non-stops?

[Mike W]

Originally Posted by matthew mcdonald

WOW. Cant wait for this to happen. However, does anybody know where AR will get these A346'S from as Airbus have stopped making A340's altogether. My guess is maybe Iberia?

Any help would be appreciated.

Maybe Qatar. Didn't Al Baker say he wished he could through his 340-600s away?

[Richard H.]

Interesting.
However, if they intend to operate direct with A346 equipment I wonder why they haven't trialled it with their A342s?
Best GC distance is 11,789km (6366nm) passing somewhat South of NZ and skirting Antarctica. Even an early A340-211 should be able to make at least 13,800km (7450nm) with the 32J/217Y seat setup the AR birds have.
What am I missing?

On a related note, I do hope they pick up their service a bit. They are a national carrier after all.
My partner and I flew on AR1183 (A342 SYD-AKL) in April and were unfortunate enough to experience AR's variable punctuality, the flight leaving SYD some 150 minutes late. The small refreshment that was supplied was also something of a surprise as I assumed the sector would have a proper lunch service even though it was only a 3 hour hop.
It definitely didn't compare well to the return leg flown on an EK A380. The EK flight was also actually cheaper by about 10% and my partner made her feelings about flying EK over AR next time quite clear to me, but I digress...
The things we do to get on unusual metal...

[John C]

I have been on AR between Australia and Sao Paulo (brazil) via Buenos Aires, and I can say with a very high level of confidence that Aerolineas is just rubbish.

The aeroplanes are very basic in terms of ife, the machines are old, the service is rubbish Though some crew do deliver a terrific service, and it is just a terrible experience.

I have gone with Lan via Santiago and that is terrific. The contrast is like chalk and cheese.

[Stefan Perkas]

Afternoon all,

Sorry to drag this topic back up, but there was an interesting article about this subject in todays edition of Travel Today.

Plans to operate non-stop services from Sydney to Buenos Aires have put on hold by Aerolineas Argentinas, with no launch date in sight.

While the carrier last year announced intentions to begin direct service by early 2011, (Travel Today, September 1) regional manager Oscar Cilli told Travel Today the plan has beendelayed.

With Aerolineas’ current fleet of 15-year old A340-200s required to operate via Auckland, Cilli said plans for the non-stop service hinges on decisions from head office.

“We need to rebuild our international fleet to make this happen,” he said. “But until head office decide which fleet we use for the long range network, we can't enable this plan.” Still certain the plan will go ahead, Cilli was unable to reveal further details, saying he had “no idea” when the non-stop service will kick off.

He added that non-stop flights were the “only option” for Aerolineas to gain a more
competitive edge in the market. “We are still working on theidea, but it is not easy for us to say when,” he said. “That is up to head office, and until they make a decision, it is hard for us to give any more information.”

Following a dismal financial performance and poor on time figures in previous years, Cilli
stressed the delay did not suggest that the company was doing it tough. “The performance in our companies is getting better,” he said, revealing that revenue from its Australian operation in January and February was 27% ahead of last year. “We have just updated all of our short-haul aircraft and are now more confident that we are doing well in the market,” he said.

The article doesn't state what aircraft they would use for this service, so it is going to be interesting what they would use, if the direct flights do start.

[Bernie P]

Sorry again to drag this topic back up, but...

Last week when we were in Hong Kong, we saw the new scheme on the ex Cathay A343 (B-HXN). I have done some digging around on Facbook, and I am told that this bird is waiting for a new interior to be fitted as well, thus the delay in delivery to Aerolineas. I also asked the question as to the non-stop flights, and was told that it is still scheduled for this summer, pending approval... We may see this come to Sydney replacing the A342's though!

Personally, I like the new scheme, but one aspect I dislike is at door 2 where around the door (seal) is a wide silver part which takes away from it...

now, apologies for the pic, its shot through windows within the terminal, and the haze was terrible, but I thought I would share it all the same...

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Great pic (considering conditions) Bernie and a nice scheme.

[Sarah C]

Agree with Bernie about door 2 - that does ruin the name and stands out on an otherwise good looking livery.

[Mike W]

A million times better than the current (really boring) livery IMO.

Nice work AR

[Nigel C]

New aircraft and new livery probably won't help their seemingly woeful on-time performance.