Re: Cabin crew of 5...
Problem with that logic (in my opinion...however incorrect):
A320 a/c have 4 primary door exits = 4 cabin crew under the dispensation given by CASA for the A320 specifically. Dispensation details stipulate 1:50 ratio PROVIDED 1 FA per main door exit.
A321 has 8 door exits (4 same size as A320 + 4 smaller size doors, similar - but not the same as - A330-200 doors located after overwing).
Using the logic of 5 crew for the A321, you have 2 crew for doors L1/R1, 2 crew for doors L4/R4 (rearmost doors) + 1 FA left over to man 2 pairs of door exits (?)...willing to be corrected, but I would be most interested to see if CASA let this one thru with that kind of ratio. I'm not aware of any major passenger jet aircraft in use in Australia that has any main deck door exit unmanned by FA's.
I know JQ would love nothing more, since the passenger increase over the A320 is only about 40-50 range...but...call me slow, I just don't get how they could get away with 5 crew on an A321 with 8 door exits...in Australia at least.
Then again...stranger things have happened...