Qantas evacuation charter to Egypt

[Jack B]

Just heard on Channel 10 the Government is chartering a Qantas aircraft to evacuate Australians from Egypt.

Any word on the type? I assume a 2 class 744

[Jason H]

Most likely the a/c operating QF5, as they said it will return to Frankfurt with the people from Egypt.

[Jack B]

If that's the case, how would it work

I assume if it is QF5 it will be SYD-SIN-CAI-FRA

How would they ensure there's enough room for the Egyptian evacuees if it's an already scheduled flight with an added stop?

[Sarah C]

Having those stored 747's at VCV would have been handy if they didn't destroy the interior. There would have to be a stop but VCV/CAI has a shorter distance than SYD/CAI. Lucky the A380's are back in the area and the 747 capacity is available.

[Steve Jones]

I would guess it's simply a matter of using the aircraft that sits all day on the ground at FRA or LHR. I think the flight they're offering is to LHR/FRA only, after that, it's up to the individual punter where to go from there.

[Paul f.]

Originally Posted by Sarah C

Having those stored 747's at VCV would have been handy if they didn't destroy the interior. There would have to be a stop but VCV/CAI has a shorter distance than SYD/CAI. Lucky the A380's are back in the area and the 747 capacity is available.

Do you know how long it takes to return a aircraft to service after being stored,cant be done overnight also why would you do it for one flight,it would cost big $$$$$$.

[Andrew P]

agree with Steve, just a shuttle up to LHR and/or FRA, you are on your own thereafter

[Anthony T]

The media in Australia will have a field day if the 747 goes tech in CAI.

[Brock Little]

I hope that doesn't happen...

[Mick B]

The aircraft is operating LHR-CAI-LHR on Wed 2nd Feb. No idea of rego I'm afraid.

And Anthony, if only Virgin could step up and come to the party...awfully long way in a 737 though.