The only explanation for the whole project is long term.So if the B747F ops is to survive it will have to be at least 3 aircraft.The problem in using underutilised QF crews for the current 1 off is precedent. When/if the business becomes sustainable industrially, the work will be seen by Fairwork as QF mainline. Something that is possibly not in the QF overall plan.
As I said earlier, the whole project hinges on how the US wet lease outfits and the US Govt react when Afghanistan is finished.For those who doubt this google the names of some of the well known secondary carriers who worked into and out of Australia up to recently.Some have very interesting histories.
There is no doubt in my mind that the presence of these outfits prevented QF from operating its own freighters since the 80s and they may do so again and negate any advantage that QF may get by operating their own aircraft.
If any of you are AIPA members, ask to look at the airfreight files from the mid 90s.If they still exist they should be very educational.
Wunwing
Last edited by Wunwing; 18th May 2013 at 08:27.