Originally Posted by
Traffic_Is_Er_Was
Is this not just exploiting the same back door into extra SYD seats that QATAR used? Obviously not enough demand SIN-CBR or CBR-WLG.
Actually, the word is the numbers are quite good on the CBR-SIN sectors, although the new service will be timed for better connections to Asia. Could be QR's daily service is taking some of those heading to Europe (this was originally announced not long after Qatar announced their schedule through CBR). They are actually upgrading the business class product on the route to compete, but their current fleet means this requires a change to 777-300, probably a bit too large for the current demand. The triangular routing via Sydney makes sense, as they are adding a lot of capacity to an immature market - SQ aren't bound by the same bilateral restrictions as QR, so they don't need the flight to terminate in CBR. It's quite likely that once additional A350s become available, the route will operate direct in both directions again.
CBR-WLG is a different story - it may be viable with an E190 sized aircraft a few times a week point to point. Good on SQ for giving it a go, but the business case relied on subsidies and passengers travelling through to Singapore for onward connections. Those connections are much better timed through Melbourne.