mcdonnellluke
14th Apr 2003, 02:19
Hello
How come that Japanese use wide-bodied airlines on most domestic routes including those into relativly small airports? This is typical in many countries of the world, including many US domestic flights. I know that Haneda airport is the second buisest airport outside the United States after LHR and it handles alsmost all domestic nowdays, the international traffic goes to Narita-is this because Haneda is mostly widebody traffic?
Luke
akerosid
15th Apr 2003, 03:02
There are some particularly busy routes in Japan, including the world's busiest, Tokyo - Sapporo. ANA now operates specially configured 744Ds on this route, with 594 pax!
Part of the reason for the high average size of aircraft may be, in addition to the above, (2) the fact that slots are at a premium at HND, so it makes sense to use larger aircraft and - associated with that (3), that slots are horrendously expensive, so it makes sense for airlines to use the largest types. HND is said to be a target for a third (parallel) runway. Personally, I think a half decent hotel would be a good idea.
All international flights, including those of CAL (which operated to HND for years after NRT opened) now operate from NRT. With the opening of a new runway, there is likely to be pressure to open this airport, very much closer to central Tokyo and obviously much better for domestic connections, to international flights again. Here's hoping.
Few Cloudy
15th Apr 2003, 22:57
It also knocks hell out of the airframe life - so many pressurisation cycles in a short time, which was not unconnected with the JAL 747 fin burst and crash quite a few years back. (pressure dome had been repaired after a tail strike but later failed - allowing cabin pressure into the fin).
As for economy, the Jap operation has no economy in it - descents are made very early - with drag in approaches - even on 777s and the like. High flap settings are routinely used. Many dispatchers swarm around the crew room (actually the dispatch room) giving advice for a twenty minute flight and lots of mechanics and ramp personnel surround the ship. Got an idea about fuel or other economy? Better keep it to yourself!