I think the term is "TECHNICAL" alternate, not DEFACTO.
With regards WX requests, well isn't that what professional crew do, so points on the board for that one.
d3gr33ns, whilst I would be the first to admit that the most practical minimum size aircraft for the BNE - HIR - BNE route would be a 733, (Good on Our Airline) the fact remains that most commercial jets (using ETP. divert points etc) could be planned.
The fact that the E170 could shoot the HIR approach , and still divert to SON is pretty impressive,
BUT I guess that one needs to look at the payoad being diverted. Flt crew may look at KG per mile, but the BCounters look at things differently..
Must say, I have always wondered why SAW has such a hard-on for the BNE - HIR - BNE route.
Low yield and now this!