CX storing at ASP?

[MarkR]

B-HNE is currently heading for ASP as CX3491. 12 in total will be stored there with the first arriving a couple of days ago, A333 B-HLV https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/cx3491

[matthew dobson]

If true, I was wondering why this wasn't an option for some/more Qantas planes

[Kent Broadhead]

Originally Posted by matthew dobson

If true, I was wondering why this wasn't an option for some/more Qantas planes

I'd expect due to QF having access to many other ports around Australia, whereas CX has limited other options, and the local ones are in a humid environment.

QF had alreayd planned 744 retirement, so accelarating it solved that problem. Not really clear on why the US for the A380 fleet - maybe they booked spots early, or had easier access to ongoing support?

[MarkR]

I believe QF prefer the US as it’s slightly better climate wise and they have a nearby tech crew that can do storage rather than outsource it. I also suspect it’s better for aircraft that are not expected to resume with the fleet as it’s closer to the buyer market. NZ hasn’t yet sent their 777s to ASP, and today’s movement was a CX 777 so space is filling up.

[Dave Dale]

It'd be interesting to know how many will never leave Alice Springs. Some of those 777's of Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are getting on in their years.

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by Dave Dale

It'd be interesting to know how many will never leave Alice Springs. Some of those 777's of Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are getting on in their years.

Your not wrong, B-HNE was the first prototype of the 777-300!

[Michael Mak]

I've read that the climate condition at VCV is better for long term storage (multiple years) and ASP is better for short/medium term storage (months rather than years). QF also has access to LAX-based engineers which is about 90 minutes drive away.

[Brenden S]

ASP have recently opened up more parking to deal with the rush. They are expecting to have over 100 aircraft by years end.

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by Brenden S

ASP have recently opened up more parking to deal with the rush. They are expecting to have over 100 aircraft by years end.

By October according to the latest update, with a little help from the NT govt!

There are 44 aircraft currently in storage at the Alice Springs airport facility, with another 30 expected to land by the end of August.

Before the pandemic, APAS stored up to 18 aircraft at a time.

Yesterday, the NT Government announced it would invest a further $3.5 million in the storage facility, which Mr Vincent said would allow the company to store 100 aircraft by October.

This money is on top of a $1 million infrastructure grant the Territory Government provided to APAS earlier this year to help it expand.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-...demic/12510356

[Aaron M]

Originally Posted by Michael Mak

I've read that the climate condition at VCV is better for long term storage (multiple years) and ASP is better for short/medium term storage (months rather than years). QF also has access to LAX-based engineers which is about 90 minutes drive away.

Does anyone know, are these Qantas engineers?
If yes why couldn't they have been relocated to ASP, seems silly to have them in LAX still?