A380 Revealed to Qantas and the World Latest News
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A380 Revealed to Qantas and the World Latest News
http://www.qantas.com.au/
A380 Revealed to Qantas and the World Latest News
TOULOUSE, 18 January 2005
Qantas Airways said today it would make aviation history with its first A380 aircraft by operating the longest 500-passenger service in the world, flying between Melbourne and Los Angeles.
The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Mr Geoff Dixon, said Qantas would deploy its first four Airbus A380 aircraft, seating 501 passengers, on services between Australia and the United States of America, including both Melbourne-Los Angeles (12,749 km) and Sydney-Los Angeles (12,052).
"No aircraft in the history of commercial aviation has been able to carry as many passengers over such a distance on regular scheduled services.
"To put it simply, the A380 will enable Qantas to carry more people, further, than ever before.
"The A380 with its size and technical capabilities will change the way predominantly long haul airlines such as Qantas conduct their business," Mr Dixon said.
Qantas has ordered 12 A380 aircraft with options for 10 more, with the first aircraft being delivered in October 2006.
"The purchase of the A380 continues Qantas' multi-billion dollar program to provide the most up-to-date and efficient fleet," Mr Dixon said.
Speaking at the first public viewing of the A380 in Toulouse, France, today, Mr Dixon said Qantas' first 12 A380s would enable the airline to fly at least 17 weekly services between Australia and Los Angeles and 14 weekly services between Australia and London via Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore.
He said Qantas' capacity on both routes would continue to be bolstered by the use of long-range Boeing 747-400 aircraft.
Mr Dixon said Qantas and Airbus had been in constant discussions with authorities in Los Angeles and at Los Angeles International Airport, and were confident that the airport would be ready to receive the A380.
"Despite its size, the A380 will be one of the quietest aircraft flying, as well as offering other obvious benefits such as capacity and operating savings."
Mr Dixon said the Qantas interior design for its A380 aircraft would provide new levels of comfort for its passengers and would feature, among other things:
* special lounge areas in the First, Business and Economy sections;
* facilities for business meetings and business presentations; and
* video on demand, internet capability and larger entertainment screens in all seats.
He said the A380 interior cabin design was being coordinated by Paris-based Australian designer Marc Newson, who had designed the airline's multi-award winning Business Class sleeper seat, Skybed.
The design for the Qantas A380 First Class cabin had been completed, with Business and Economy Class cabin designs nearing completion.
Mr Dixon said the A380 First Class provided passengers with greater space, comfort and privacy.
He said Business Class would feature an enhanced version of Skybed, and the design work was being carried out with the aim of installing it progressively on Qantas' other international aircraft.
Economy Class would also be substantially improved in terms of space for passengers, entertainment and seating.
Mr Dixon said Qantas was working with a variety of international suppliers on its interiors, including Panasonic for the new entertainment system and B&B Italia on furniture detailing.
First Class seating is being manufactured by BE Aerospace in the United States, as is Skybed, and the new Economy Class seats are being produced by German company, Recaro.
Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (3202)
Email: [email protected]
============================================
A380 Revealed to Qantas and the World Latest News
TOULOUSE, 18 January 2005
Qantas Airways said today it would make aviation history with its first A380 aircraft by operating the longest 500-passenger service in the world, flying between Melbourne and Los Angeles.
The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Mr Geoff Dixon, said Qantas would deploy its first four Airbus A380 aircraft, seating 501 passengers, on services between Australia and the United States of America, including both Melbourne-Los Angeles (12,749 km) and Sydney-Los Angeles (12,052).
"No aircraft in the history of commercial aviation has been able to carry as many passengers over such a distance on regular scheduled services.
"To put it simply, the A380 will enable Qantas to carry more people, further, than ever before.
"The A380 with its size and technical capabilities will change the way predominantly long haul airlines such as Qantas conduct their business," Mr Dixon said.
Qantas has ordered 12 A380 aircraft with options for 10 more, with the first aircraft being delivered in October 2006.
"The purchase of the A380 continues Qantas' multi-billion dollar program to provide the most up-to-date and efficient fleet," Mr Dixon said.
Speaking at the first public viewing of the A380 in Toulouse, France, today, Mr Dixon said Qantas' first 12 A380s would enable the airline to fly at least 17 weekly services between Australia and Los Angeles and 14 weekly services between Australia and London via Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore.
He said Qantas' capacity on both routes would continue to be bolstered by the use of long-range Boeing 747-400 aircraft.
Mr Dixon said Qantas and Airbus had been in constant discussions with authorities in Los Angeles and at Los Angeles International Airport, and were confident that the airport would be ready to receive the A380.
"Despite its size, the A380 will be one of the quietest aircraft flying, as well as offering other obvious benefits such as capacity and operating savings."
Mr Dixon said the Qantas interior design for its A380 aircraft would provide new levels of comfort for its passengers and would feature, among other things:
* special lounge areas in the First, Business and Economy sections;
* facilities for business meetings and business presentations; and
* video on demand, internet capability and larger entertainment screens in all seats.
He said the A380 interior cabin design was being coordinated by Paris-based Australian designer Marc Newson, who had designed the airline's multi-award winning Business Class sleeper seat, Skybed.
The design for the Qantas A380 First Class cabin had been completed, with Business and Economy Class cabin designs nearing completion.
Mr Dixon said the A380 First Class provided passengers with greater space, comfort and privacy.
He said Business Class would feature an enhanced version of Skybed, and the design work was being carried out with the aim of installing it progressively on Qantas' other international aircraft.
Economy Class would also be substantially improved in terms of space for passengers, entertainment and seating.
Mr Dixon said Qantas was working with a variety of international suppliers on its interiors, including Panasonic for the new entertainment system and B&B Italia on furniture detailing.
First Class seating is being manufactured by BE Aerospace in the United States, as is Skybed, and the new Economy Class seats are being produced by German company, Recaro.
Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (3202)
Email: [email protected]
============================================
Last edited by Wirraway; 18th Jan 2005 at 12:25.
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Wed "The Australian"
Giant arrives to alter course of air wars
Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
January 19, 2005
THE London-Sydney route will be the first to see the giant Airbus A380 aircraft when it is introduced next year, making the plane a weapon in the battle between Singapore Airlines and Qantas for Pacific routes.
The double-decker Airbus aircraft was officially unveiled last night at a ceremony in Toulouse in southern France attended by 5000 people, including more than 800 journalists and the heads of state from four countries.
It is seen as the most significant commercial aircraft unveiling since the rollout of the Boeing 747 in the 1960s.
The aircraft will shortly begin up to 1000 hours of flight tests leading to final certification and entry into service in the first half of next year.
Singapore Airlines chief executive Chew Choong Seng said last night the giant plane would first be deployed on Sydney-Singapore and Singapore-London routes when it is introduced in the first half of 2006.
Singapore Airlines is expected to fly the first A380 to Australia in the first half of next year, with the London-Sydney route the first in the world to use the plane. Emirates is next in line to take delivery with Qantas third in the last quarter.
But Mr Chew, sitting next to Qantas boss Geoff Dixon at a press conference for the launch last night, also identified Sydney-Los Angeles as a route for SIA's A380s.
Singapore is pushing for rights to pick up passengers in Australia and fly them to the US, a move strongly opposed by Qantas.
But Mr Dixon, who has been under pressure from tourism bodies to increase capacity on Pacific routes, said he planned to dedicate the first A380s to flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Los Angeles.
Referring to long-haul travel as "the DNA of the Qantas brand", Mr Dixon said the carrier's first four A380s would be deployed on US routes.
The giant aircraft's ability to reduce "seat-mile" costs by 15-20 per cent would also be vital to Qantas as it introduced its 12 aircraft on routes where capacity was constrained, Mr Dixon told The Australian.
He said the airline's 12 A380s, with 501 seats, would enable the carrier to fly at least 17 weekly services between Australia and Los Angeles and 14 weekly services between Australia and London via Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore.
He said he was confident Los Angeles airport would be ready to receive the A380.
The aircraft is certified to carry more than 800 passengers in an all-economy configuration but Airbus emphasises that it is a three-class plane designed to carry 555 passengers with more comfort.
Airlines such as Singapore and Qantas are opting for even fewer passenger – about 500.
Qantas has commissioned industrial designer Marc Newson, who designed its award-winning sleeper seat, to help design its new cabins.
Mr Dixon said the interior design of the A380 would provide new levels of comfort and would feature special lounge areas in first, business and economy sections and facilities for business meetings and presentations.
It would also feature video-on-demand, internet capability, larger screens in all cabins, an enhanced version of the Skybed and a "substantially improved economy class".
But it was left to Virgin Atlantic chairman Richard Branson to reveal some of the more innovative features likely to emerge.
Virgin Atlantic would fly about 500 passengers and had also targeted Sydney as a potential destination.
"Among the range of fun features, we plan to have a gym area for our passengers so we can stretch and work out during the flight," he said.
"We plan to introduce larger bars so passengers are not stuck in their seat, they can get out and meet each other around the bar.
"We're going to introduce a beauty parlour, we plan to have a casino. We'll also have lots more double beds so, alongside our casino, you'll have at least two ways of getting lucky on a Virgin flight."
===========================================
Giant arrives to alter course of air wars
Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
January 19, 2005
THE London-Sydney route will be the first to see the giant Airbus A380 aircraft when it is introduced next year, making the plane a weapon in the battle between Singapore Airlines and Qantas for Pacific routes.
The double-decker Airbus aircraft was officially unveiled last night at a ceremony in Toulouse in southern France attended by 5000 people, including more than 800 journalists and the heads of state from four countries.
It is seen as the most significant commercial aircraft unveiling since the rollout of the Boeing 747 in the 1960s.
The aircraft will shortly begin up to 1000 hours of flight tests leading to final certification and entry into service in the first half of next year.
Singapore Airlines chief executive Chew Choong Seng said last night the giant plane would first be deployed on Sydney-Singapore and Singapore-London routes when it is introduced in the first half of 2006.
Singapore Airlines is expected to fly the first A380 to Australia in the first half of next year, with the London-Sydney route the first in the world to use the plane. Emirates is next in line to take delivery with Qantas third in the last quarter.
But Mr Chew, sitting next to Qantas boss Geoff Dixon at a press conference for the launch last night, also identified Sydney-Los Angeles as a route for SIA's A380s.
Singapore is pushing for rights to pick up passengers in Australia and fly them to the US, a move strongly opposed by Qantas.
But Mr Dixon, who has been under pressure from tourism bodies to increase capacity on Pacific routes, said he planned to dedicate the first A380s to flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Los Angeles.
Referring to long-haul travel as "the DNA of the Qantas brand", Mr Dixon said the carrier's first four A380s would be deployed on US routes.
The giant aircraft's ability to reduce "seat-mile" costs by 15-20 per cent would also be vital to Qantas as it introduced its 12 aircraft on routes where capacity was constrained, Mr Dixon told The Australian.
He said the airline's 12 A380s, with 501 seats, would enable the carrier to fly at least 17 weekly services between Australia and Los Angeles and 14 weekly services between Australia and London via Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore.
He said he was confident Los Angeles airport would be ready to receive the A380.
The aircraft is certified to carry more than 800 passengers in an all-economy configuration but Airbus emphasises that it is a three-class plane designed to carry 555 passengers with more comfort.
Airlines such as Singapore and Qantas are opting for even fewer passenger – about 500.
Qantas has commissioned industrial designer Marc Newson, who designed its award-winning sleeper seat, to help design its new cabins.
Mr Dixon said the interior design of the A380 would provide new levels of comfort and would feature special lounge areas in first, business and economy sections and facilities for business meetings and presentations.
It would also feature video-on-demand, internet capability, larger screens in all cabins, an enhanced version of the Skybed and a "substantially improved economy class".
But it was left to Virgin Atlantic chairman Richard Branson to reveal some of the more innovative features likely to emerge.
Virgin Atlantic would fly about 500 passengers and had also targeted Sydney as a potential destination.
"Among the range of fun features, we plan to have a gym area for our passengers so we can stretch and work out during the flight," he said.
"We plan to introduce larger bars so passengers are not stuck in their seat, they can get out and meet each other around the bar.
"We're going to introduce a beauty parlour, we plan to have a casino. We'll also have lots more double beds so, alongside our casino, you'll have at least two ways of getting lucky on a Virgin flight."
===========================================
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You need three hours to transfer from Domestic to International and vice versa in LAX now with the security checks. I can only imagine how this will blow out with a few 380s waiting to depart.
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Maybe the Mexicans should put a 380 capable airport on the coast next to the US border to snap up the traffic as YVR seems to be doing on the other end of the Pacific coast 
Evertonian
I guess there'll need to be more room for the queue at Customs then.
By Dan Silkstone
Transport Reporter
January 19, 2005
Melbourne hastens to be the first Australian airport ready for the new monster Airbus, the A380.
Melbourne is likely to be the first Australian city ready for the new Airbus A380 "super jumbo".
Melbourne Airport management said yesterday runway widening would begin in April for the jets that can carry up to 840 passengers.
Construction firm John Holland has won the tender to widen and partially refurbish the north-south runway.
The work is part of the $220 million, three-year redevelopment of the airport.
Begun last year, it was made necessary by a combination of the A380 and booming passenger numbers.
The renovations will include:
· A third storey to be added to the international terminal later this year to house several "penthouse lounges".
· An additional entrance from the Tullamarine Freeway, which will give faster, easier access to car parks and the taxi area.
In work to begin later this year, the short-term car park will be enlarged by 2500 spaces at a cost of $40 million.
The size of the runway contract is confidential, but the total cost of work needed for the A380 is estimated at around $50 million.
The 3.7-kilometre runway will be widened by 15 metres. John Holland will also install new lighting and resurface parts of the runway. Enlargement of aircraft parking space has been under way since last September.
The A380 was launched on Monday at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. The huge plane can carry 840 passengers on its two decks, but most airlines are likely to fit it out for 550 passengers - 35 per cent more than the load carried by its chief competitor, Boeing\'s 747 jumbo.
The A380 is expected in Australia next year. Airports around the world have been widening and extending runways. Twenty-three international airlines now use Melbourne Airport.
Five of them, including Qantas, have already placed orders for the A380.
The boom in passenger numbers, combined with the larger loads of the super jumbo, have also necessitated expansion of the terminal.
Two gates will be added, each with a new dual aero bridge capable of loading both decks of the A380 simultaneously.
Extra waiting room space will be provided, and there will be a fifth baggage conveyor.
State and Regional Development Minister John Brumby said the works would enhance Melbourne\'s position as Australia\'s best passenger gateway.
"With works due to commence on April 5, Melbourne Airport will be ready to accommodate the new aircraft well ahead of other states," he said.
The airport will remain open during runway work, which is scheduled to take four to six weeks.
Melbourne Airport\'s chief executive, Chris Barlow, said he was thrilled with the construction timetable.
"Around the world, airports are planning for several months of construction to complete runway widening works," he said.
"The completion of this project in such a short time frame will minimise inconvenience for the 30 airlines that operate at Melbourne Airport."
Late yesterday, Sydney Airport announced it too had selected a tenderer, ABI Group, for the $46 million contract to widen its runway and make other changes necessary to take the A380.
But Melbourne Airport staff are confident they will be the first ready for the A380.
"I am not aware of any other Australian airport that will have runway widening completed by May this year," spokeswoman Brooke Lord said.
AIRPORT REVAMP
- Five of Melbourne Airport\'s 23 carriers have ordered the A380: Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates Airline, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways.
- The north/south runway will be widened by 15 metres, with work beginning in early April. Other work, already under way, to be finished in March, will create aircraft parking space big enough for the A380.
- The terminal will be expanded to create more waiting space for the larger passenger groups carried by the new craft. The contract is not yet awarded, but work is due to begin later this year.
- Two new gates will be added, complete with dual aero bridges, capable of loading passengers onto both decks simultaneously. Another gate will be refurbished.
- Additional entrance to the airport will be built from the Tullamarine Freeway, allowing easier access to the car park and taxi holding area. Construction will begin this year and be completed in time for the Commonwealth Games.
- Third level added to international terminal, housing a "penthouse lounge" leased to airlines to be run as luxury spaces with excellent views.
- A fifth baggage conveyor will be added, increasing baggage handling capacity by 30 per cent.
- Short-term car park extension costing $40 million to be finished mid-2005, giving an extra 2500 spaces.
After posting, I just noticed there's no room for baggage on this picture!
By Dan Silkstone
Transport Reporter
January 19, 2005
Melbourne hastens to be the first Australian airport ready for the new monster Airbus, the A380.
Melbourne is likely to be the first Australian city ready for the new Airbus A380 "super jumbo".
Melbourne Airport management said yesterday runway widening would begin in April for the jets that can carry up to 840 passengers.
Construction firm John Holland has won the tender to widen and partially refurbish the north-south runway.
The work is part of the $220 million, three-year redevelopment of the airport.
Begun last year, it was made necessary by a combination of the A380 and booming passenger numbers.
The renovations will include:
· A third storey to be added to the international terminal later this year to house several "penthouse lounges".
· An additional entrance from the Tullamarine Freeway, which will give faster, easier access to car parks and the taxi area.
In work to begin later this year, the short-term car park will be enlarged by 2500 spaces at a cost of $40 million.
The size of the runway contract is confidential, but the total cost of work needed for the A380 is estimated at around $50 million.
The 3.7-kilometre runway will be widened by 15 metres. John Holland will also install new lighting and resurface parts of the runway. Enlargement of aircraft parking space has been under way since last September.
The A380 was launched on Monday at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. The huge plane can carry 840 passengers on its two decks, but most airlines are likely to fit it out for 550 passengers - 35 per cent more than the load carried by its chief competitor, Boeing\'s 747 jumbo.
The A380 is expected in Australia next year. Airports around the world have been widening and extending runways. Twenty-three international airlines now use Melbourne Airport.
Five of them, including Qantas, have already placed orders for the A380.
The boom in passenger numbers, combined with the larger loads of the super jumbo, have also necessitated expansion of the terminal.
Two gates will be added, each with a new dual aero bridge capable of loading both decks of the A380 simultaneously.
Extra waiting room space will be provided, and there will be a fifth baggage conveyor.
State and Regional Development Minister John Brumby said the works would enhance Melbourne\'s position as Australia\'s best passenger gateway.
"With works due to commence on April 5, Melbourne Airport will be ready to accommodate the new aircraft well ahead of other states," he said.
The airport will remain open during runway work, which is scheduled to take four to six weeks.
Melbourne Airport\'s chief executive, Chris Barlow, said he was thrilled with the construction timetable.
"Around the world, airports are planning for several months of construction to complete runway widening works," he said.
"The completion of this project in such a short time frame will minimise inconvenience for the 30 airlines that operate at Melbourne Airport."
Late yesterday, Sydney Airport announced it too had selected a tenderer, ABI Group, for the $46 million contract to widen its runway and make other changes necessary to take the A380.
But Melbourne Airport staff are confident they will be the first ready for the A380.
"I am not aware of any other Australian airport that will have runway widening completed by May this year," spokeswoman Brooke Lord said.
AIRPORT REVAMP
- Five of Melbourne Airport\'s 23 carriers have ordered the A380: Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates Airline, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways.
- The north/south runway will be widened by 15 metres, with work beginning in early April. Other work, already under way, to be finished in March, will create aircraft parking space big enough for the A380.
- The terminal will be expanded to create more waiting space for the larger passenger groups carried by the new craft. The contract is not yet awarded, but work is due to begin later this year.
- Two new gates will be added, complete with dual aero bridges, capable of loading passengers onto both decks simultaneously. Another gate will be refurbished.
- Additional entrance to the airport will be built from the Tullamarine Freeway, allowing easier access to the car park and taxi holding area. Construction will begin this year and be completed in time for the Commonwealth Games.
- Third level added to international terminal, housing a "penthouse lounge" leased to airlines to be run as luxury spaces with excellent views.
- A fifth baggage conveyor will be added, increasing baggage handling capacity by 30 per cent.
- Short-term car park extension costing $40 million to be finished mid-2005, giving an extra 2500 spaces.
After posting, I just noticed there's no room for baggage on this picture!
Last edited by Buster Hyman; 18th Jan 2005 at 21:28.
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ANDU
I agree. The French have been trying to build a big ugly one for years. Check the following site:
http://www.aviafrance.com/aviafrance1.php?ID=9659&ID_CONSTRUCTEUR=249&ANNEE=&ID_MISSIO N=&MOTCLEF=
I agree. The French have been trying to build a big ugly one for years. Check the following site:
http://www.aviafrance.com/aviafrance1.php?ID=9659&ID_CONSTRUCTEUR=249&ANNEE=&ID_MISSIO N=&MOTCLEF=
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The bar looks lovely and Im sure the gym will work out just fine. The double beds will certainly make a difference but as an economy class passenger ( one who pays for their own ticket with their own money), I doubt Ill ever see one except on the brochure.
What I will see are long queues, crowded baggage carousels, short tempers and high density seating arrangements designed to puff up managements stock options. For all the creature comforts depicted on the brochures, at the end of the day the only difference between a sardine and an economy class passenger is the sardine doesnt have any useless frequent flier points. Ill take the oppositions 7E7 thanks.
What I will see are long queues, crowded baggage carousels, short tempers and high density seating arrangements designed to puff up managements stock options. For all the creature comforts depicted on the brochures, at the end of the day the only difference between a sardine and an economy class passenger is the sardine doesnt have any useless frequent flier points. Ill take the oppositions 7E7 thanks.
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crikey.com.au
Qantas's gamble on the Airbus
By Pemberton Strong
19 January 2005
Will the new Airbus really be as good as it claims to be? Or will Qantas and Singapore Airlines be left with a fleet of blue elephants?
Tansy Harcourt from The Australian Financial Review, Steve Creedy from The Australian are there, along with their counterparts around the world so see the world's biggest and most expensive, and as it turns out, the most overweight, airliner produced.
The Airbus 380 behemoth, as this story from Reuters, via the ABC News website explains.
Despite the sanguine approach of Airbus officials, five tonnes is five tonnes and if hangs around, will use up more fuel. Airbus will have to get that out of the new plane before it comes into service next year if it is to meet all those claims for being able to fly further than the Boeing 747 while carrying more people.
In fact it is also more expensive than previously thought, although there are claims the huge budget will take account of the higher costs. The cost is put around $US260 million each for what resembles an up market live sheep carrier!
Qantas has taken options, as has its latest rival, Singapore Airlines.
According to Tansy's story in the AFR, the head of Singapore Airlines, Chew Choong Seng said at the launch one of the reasons Singapore wanted the plane because it could it would suitable (on paper anyway) for flights between Australia and the US, Singapore London and San Francisco and Hong Kong in one leg.
That's a bit like a red flag to Qantas, who’s CEO, Geoff Dixon was also in Toulouse for the launch. Geoff, according to Tansy, said Qantas's version would seat 500 passengers and be used on the US routes.
With Geoff and Singapore jousting in the wilds of Toulouse, Qantas and Singapore are continuing their letter writing battles through the Letters Page of The Australian Financial Review.
That letter from the Singapore Airlines executive responsible for Australia, Paul Tan, was published in Monday's AFR and has produced a predictable response from Qantas.
No, not it wasn’t from the designated letter writers, Geoff Dixon or from his deputy, John Borghetti, the executive general manager in charge of difficult tasks.
This time the letter is from a lesser executive, David Hawes, Head of Government and international relations for Qantas.
In fact Dave is the company's head corridor walker in Canberra where he's been known to keep the entire Transport Department and Deputy Prime Minister's office enthralled with his legendary lobbying kills.
So far he, with chairman, "Dame" Margaret Jackson, have done well keeping Singapore out of the country and off the Pacific Routes.
Dave, the "Dame" and Geoffie managed to convince the government to exclude air services from the Free Trade Agreement between Australian and Singapore, a rort if ever there was one.
Now Dave replies to Singapore's Paul Tan by accusing the latter of "doing little to promote understanding of a critical factor bearing on opportunities for airlines to compete on an equal footing". (Tan's letter attacked Qantas for its anti-competitive stance in keeping Singapore off the Pacific route when Qantas can fly easily to more places from Singapore than Singapore can).
Dave says Paul's letter ignores "the reality that opportunities for airlines to compete in global markets are governed not only by air service arrangements between bilateral partners, as in the case of those between Singapore and Australia, but also by their respective agreements with third countries."
This Dave said allowed Singapore, a hub type of airline, to fly to more third countries than an 'end of service' airline like Qantas.
That's all well and good but obviously clouds the issue. Dave doesn't mention the ease with which Qantas set up and was allowed to fly from Singapore to a number of third countries from Singapore with Jetstar Asia.
Having the Singapore Government as a major shareholder no doubt helped, a point conveniently missed or ignored by Dave in his typically lobbyist letter.
What's to stop Qantas and the Federal Government negotiating to try and get more access for the airline with third countries, such as France (used as an example by Dave)?
Could it be that Qantas's obduracy on competition issues and Geoff Dixon's noise on these issues in public have titled the playing field away from Qantas?
To be in favour of competition you have to practice what you believe, not merely say one thing and use people like Dave to say something else to Canberra and letters to the media.
============================================
Qantas's gamble on the Airbus
By Pemberton Strong
19 January 2005
Will the new Airbus really be as good as it claims to be? Or will Qantas and Singapore Airlines be left with a fleet of blue elephants?
Tansy Harcourt from The Australian Financial Review, Steve Creedy from The Australian are there, along with their counterparts around the world so see the world's biggest and most expensive, and as it turns out, the most overweight, airliner produced.
The Airbus 380 behemoth, as this story from Reuters, via the ABC News website explains.
Despite the sanguine approach of Airbus officials, five tonnes is five tonnes and if hangs around, will use up more fuel. Airbus will have to get that out of the new plane before it comes into service next year if it is to meet all those claims for being able to fly further than the Boeing 747 while carrying more people.
In fact it is also more expensive than previously thought, although there are claims the huge budget will take account of the higher costs. The cost is put around $US260 million each for what resembles an up market live sheep carrier!
Qantas has taken options, as has its latest rival, Singapore Airlines.
According to Tansy's story in the AFR, the head of Singapore Airlines, Chew Choong Seng said at the launch one of the reasons Singapore wanted the plane because it could it would suitable (on paper anyway) for flights between Australia and the US, Singapore London and San Francisco and Hong Kong in one leg.
That's a bit like a red flag to Qantas, who’s CEO, Geoff Dixon was also in Toulouse for the launch. Geoff, according to Tansy, said Qantas's version would seat 500 passengers and be used on the US routes.
With Geoff and Singapore jousting in the wilds of Toulouse, Qantas and Singapore are continuing their letter writing battles through the Letters Page of The Australian Financial Review.
That letter from the Singapore Airlines executive responsible for Australia, Paul Tan, was published in Monday's AFR and has produced a predictable response from Qantas.
No, not it wasn’t from the designated letter writers, Geoff Dixon or from his deputy, John Borghetti, the executive general manager in charge of difficult tasks.
This time the letter is from a lesser executive, David Hawes, Head of Government and international relations for Qantas.
In fact Dave is the company's head corridor walker in Canberra where he's been known to keep the entire Transport Department and Deputy Prime Minister's office enthralled with his legendary lobbying kills.
So far he, with chairman, "Dame" Margaret Jackson, have done well keeping Singapore out of the country and off the Pacific Routes.
Dave, the "Dame" and Geoffie managed to convince the government to exclude air services from the Free Trade Agreement between Australian and Singapore, a rort if ever there was one.
Now Dave replies to Singapore's Paul Tan by accusing the latter of "doing little to promote understanding of a critical factor bearing on opportunities for airlines to compete on an equal footing". (Tan's letter attacked Qantas for its anti-competitive stance in keeping Singapore off the Pacific route when Qantas can fly easily to more places from Singapore than Singapore can).
Dave says Paul's letter ignores "the reality that opportunities for airlines to compete in global markets are governed not only by air service arrangements between bilateral partners, as in the case of those between Singapore and Australia, but also by their respective agreements with third countries."
This Dave said allowed Singapore, a hub type of airline, to fly to more third countries than an 'end of service' airline like Qantas.
That's all well and good but obviously clouds the issue. Dave doesn't mention the ease with which Qantas set up and was allowed to fly from Singapore to a number of third countries from Singapore with Jetstar Asia.
Having the Singapore Government as a major shareholder no doubt helped, a point conveniently missed or ignored by Dave in his typically lobbyist letter.
What's to stop Qantas and the Federal Government negotiating to try and get more access for the airline with third countries, such as France (used as an example by Dave)?
Could it be that Qantas's obduracy on competition issues and Geoff Dixon's noise on these issues in public have titled the playing field away from Qantas?
To be in favour of competition you have to practice what you believe, not merely say one thing and use people like Dave to say something else to Canberra and letters to the media.
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SQ ditched the MD11 and A340 for failing to attain their advertised performance and they will do the same to the A380 if it can't perform economically where required, I would guess.
They will have some small print in their contract somewhere, you can bet on it!
They will have some small print in their contract somewhere, you can bet on it!
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I don't know just what it is that makes me think this way, but I have a mental image of two little boys running up the road, the one in front is looking back blowing raspberries and going 'ha ha' to the one behind, who is wearing a 't' shirt with the name 'Bill'.
The little European boy in front, however, isn't looking where he's going.
K
The little European boy in front, however, isn't looking where he's going.
K
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>>comfortable superslimline seating for only 795 passengers
>>a complete range of watercrackers for purchase (on sectors over 12 hours)
>>four flight attendants to provide our famous 'cheap and cheerless' service
>>checked baggage allowance of 4kg
>>every 1000 miles earns one QANTAS frequent flyer point
>>range of onlboard merchandise including Geoff Dixons latest offering, "How to retire on 15 Million a year", follow up to his best seller "Losing my Morality".
*Please note: All passengers must be checked in 5 hours before departure time or forfeit their fare. (Full watercracker range also for sale in the check in tents)
4tw
Last edited by Uncommon Sense; 19th Jan 2005 at 11:00.
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i just had an argument with somone over the advertised "showers, bars, restaurants" tc on the airbus, he wouldnt belive me when i told him it will never happen!
he didnt belive me when i said all it was is the Airbus sales brochure. even the B747 promoted bars etc etc. never seen it yet, (the skybed is the closest its ever come)
not to mention the space required but supporting structure and systems all = wasted weight! and space.
Could you imagine the chaos! 20 Pax at the bar, 30 in the restaurant, 5 having showers, then 5 mins of CAT at FL350!!
sadly, No.
he didnt belive me when i said all it was is the Airbus sales brochure. even the B747 promoted bars etc etc. never seen it yet, (the skybed is the closest its ever come)
not to mention the space required but supporting structure and systems all = wasted weight! and space.
Could you imagine the chaos! 20 Pax at the bar, 30 in the restaurant, 5 having showers, then 5 mins of CAT at FL350!!
You think I am joking?
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Was victim to some savage wake turbulence following 7 miles behind a 747 (in a 737) into Sydney some years ago. Any thoughts re wake turbulence / seperation requirements etc for this Goliath.
Thread Starter
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Thurs "The Australian"
Airline luxury filters back to economy with the superjumbo high life
Steve Creedy
January 20, 2005
CATTLE-CLASS passengers on the huge new A380 superjumbos due to fly to Australia next year may miss out on the gym, the beauty parlour, double beds and in-flight casinos.
But their economy fare to London will still buy internet access, movies on demand, room to mingle with other passengers and more comfortable reclining seats.
Airlines that have ordered the double-decker Airbus, launched at a lavish ceremony in France on Tuesday night, have promised that the comforts provided to first-class passengers will trickle down to the back of the plane, with "substantial improvements" for economy-class travellers.
Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Emirates will all be flying the A380 to Australia from the middle of next year, with passenger numbers well below the 555 seats recommended by Airbus for a three-class configuration. Qantas will fly the A380 with 501 passengers, Emirates with 489, and Singapore Airlines with fewer than 480. That means more legroom, more space for moving around and many extras.
While none of the airlines is yet prepared to go into detail about its new cabins – Qantas says an announcement will be made soon – each is promising a significantly better experience for passengers.
Qantas passengers in all classes will get special lounge areas as well as more leg-room, video-on-demand, internet access and bigger screens.
The airline, which takes delivery of the first of its 12 A380s in October next year, is promising economy passengers substantial improvements in space for moving around, entertainment and seating.
The flying kangaroo has completed its first-class cabin design, promising "greater space, comfort and privacy".
Singapore Airlines will be the first carrier to fly the aircraft to Australia and is confident it will be flying here by the end of June.
Emirates plans to introduce the A380 on the Sydney and Melbourne routes. Airline chief Tim Clark said: "It will introduce the pleasure back into flying, even for the economy punters."
Virgin Atlantic expects to fly the A380 to Australia in 2 1/2 years, saying its planes will house a gym, beauty parlour, stand-up bars, a casino and more double beds.
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Airline luxury filters back to economy with the superjumbo high life
Steve Creedy
January 20, 2005
CATTLE-CLASS passengers on the huge new A380 superjumbos due to fly to Australia next year may miss out on the gym, the beauty parlour, double beds and in-flight casinos.
But their economy fare to London will still buy internet access, movies on demand, room to mingle with other passengers and more comfortable reclining seats.
Airlines that have ordered the double-decker Airbus, launched at a lavish ceremony in France on Tuesday night, have promised that the comforts provided to first-class passengers will trickle down to the back of the plane, with "substantial improvements" for economy-class travellers.
Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Emirates will all be flying the A380 to Australia from the middle of next year, with passenger numbers well below the 555 seats recommended by Airbus for a three-class configuration. Qantas will fly the A380 with 501 passengers, Emirates with 489, and Singapore Airlines with fewer than 480. That means more legroom, more space for moving around and many extras.
While none of the airlines is yet prepared to go into detail about its new cabins – Qantas says an announcement will be made soon – each is promising a significantly better experience for passengers.
Qantas passengers in all classes will get special lounge areas as well as more leg-room, video-on-demand, internet access and bigger screens.
The airline, which takes delivery of the first of its 12 A380s in October next year, is promising economy passengers substantial improvements in space for moving around, entertainment and seating.
The flying kangaroo has completed its first-class cabin design, promising "greater space, comfort and privacy".
Singapore Airlines will be the first carrier to fly the aircraft to Australia and is confident it will be flying here by the end of June.
Emirates plans to introduce the A380 on the Sydney and Melbourne routes. Airline chief Tim Clark said: "It will introduce the pleasure back into flying, even for the economy punters."
Virgin Atlantic expects to fly the A380 to Australia in 2 1/2 years, saying its planes will house a gym, beauty parlour, stand-up bars, a casino and more double beds.
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