Originally Posted by
C441
If you are going to have a crack at the Captain, at least get your facts correct.
The flight was airborne in Sydney at 11:15pm Wellington time meaning they had 45mins to cover the 1200nm to Wellington to beat the curfew or a full hour and three-quarters after the latest time to beat curfew. The Qantas IOC in all of their wisdom, chose to let the flight depart in the hope of getting a curfew dispensation. It didn't happen and they diverted to CHC, which was the IOC's preferred option to remaining in Sydney.
So no, the Captain did not depart hoping for a quick getaway and favourable routing, so other than accepting the near certainty of a diversion and the IOC's preference for them to depart anyway, it doesn't say more about him or her than the company at all.
Apologies, I was talking about the Jetstar Aircraft that also diverted to Christchurch not the Qantas one. JQ203 on 3/7/22, departed Sydney 21:12. The Media talked about Qantas, Jetstar kept the crew and passengers on the aircraft and then flew back to AKL.