Crossunder
13th May 2001, 16:44
Any truth to the rumours about SC putting the Q-tip on routes from Southern Norway to Northern Norway? (ENGM - ENDU)
Nick Figaretto
16th May 2001, 01:42
Well, SC is re-starting their Oslo-base from April 2002. 3 Q-tips will at first primarily fly routes to Alesund and Kristiansand, and at least one round-trip to Copenhagen and Stockholm daily. The latter to make it easier to exchange aircraft for maintenance and crew between the bases.
The number of Q400s are planned to increase to 6 after a while. Since the Q-400 flies practically as fast as a jet (ex. OSL-TRD will take only 3-4 minutes more than with a 737 or an MD80), it is natural that the Q400 eventually will be more integrated into the "normal" SAS production.
This opens for the Q400 to fly on all the SAS routes in South-Norway outside peak hours. (Fewer seats = full airplanes!)
I think south to north - routes (Oslo-Bardufoss, -Tromso, -Alta, etc.), lies a little bit further down the line and will be depending on the Q400s performance in South-Norway to begin with.
But I would guess routes like Oslo-Bardufoss and Oslo-Evenes (and direct Alta and Kirkenes?), would be typical routes where the Q400 will bee a good option in the future. These routes will give about 8-10 minutes longer flying time than a jet - but with a lot lower cost per PAX. (Ticket fares will probably be the same :) :) :))
Nick.
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"Pitching down the nose to take maximum advantage of the shape of this highly sophisticated airfoil..."