quote
"Subdued leisure market with 90% loads? Seems pretty high ?
"
high load factors don't mean profit. Many loss leader seats sold to fill aircraft.
Better loosing a few dollars on a seat, rather than a lot of $$$.
John McG-don't think u have actually flown TT. If u had u would note SFA difference between TT, JQ, VA & QF domestically, except for maybe baggage claim areas & TT's aircraft are newer, MUCH newer.
Can see abandoned routes such as DUD/SYD & DUD/MEL (although DUD/AVV might be better) + Hamilton & Palmerston North, all on a low frequency basis, such as twice a week, with maybe back of clock services, although fitting in with SYD curfew (2230 out of SYD, means early arrival in NZL, but better than no flights at all !!!!!!!)
Some mid week Australia to ZQN flights maybe be given to TT also.
Fiji is a given + maybe NOU & some pacific islands.
The losers will be Virgin New Zealand.
TT flights Australia to Fiji will create a low cost way to LAX at least in peak season.
Pax might fly TT to NAN, then FJ NAN/LAX. There are some very cheap fares NAN/LAX/NAN but hard part for budget travellers is often getting to NAN cheaply + the increased Fiji departure tax of around AU$120 each, which for a Australia/Fiji return on TT + a NAN/LAX/NAN on FJ, will mean 2 x $120 for each person + possible stay in Fiji for 1/2 day in each direction minimum.