VAustralia New Routes
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South Africa route
V Australia has just been grated access to the Australia–South Africa route by the government due to the lack of competition and high fares currently in operation.The Virgin Group carrier has been given immediate access and a total capacity of five weekly services between Sydney and Johannesburg using B777–300ER aircraft with a capacity of 361 seats.
“We have no plans at this stage,” said Mr Godfrey. “We have an ability to run by October 2009... [But] there are other routes.”
V Australia will see delivery of five B777-300 ERs, with three to be delivered by Christmas, one in April 2009 and one in October 2009.
The three due by Christmas have been earmarked for the already announced North American services.
April’s new craft will be to a third, as of yet unannounced destination. Currently it is highly unlikely that this will be the South African service, with Mr Godfrey saying it is “probably not a reality”.
This leaves the October B777 left on the table, and indications are good that V Australia will start South African services with the craft.
(e-travel Blackboard)
“We have no plans at this stage,” said Mr Godfrey. “We have an ability to run by October 2009... [But] there are other routes.”
V Australia will see delivery of five B777-300 ERs, with three to be delivered by Christmas, one in April 2009 and one in October 2009.
The three due by Christmas have been earmarked for the already announced North American services.
April’s new craft will be to a third, as of yet unannounced destination. Currently it is highly unlikely that this will be the South African service, with Mr Godfrey saying it is “probably not a reality”.
This leaves the October B777 left on the table, and indications are good that V Australia will start South African services with the craft.
(e-travel Blackboard)
Prof. Airport Engineer
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The very useful post by Forward CofG got me concerned, because I for one had been looking forward to the flights. Just how marginal are the operation economics?
Assuming 180 min ETOPS (or ETDO), the approximate distance is 6444 nm. Total fuel needed I calcuate as 109.6T with standard holding fuel.
I calculate that at 15 degC air temp, 318.8T takeoff weight, they can get off with 348 pax (which is no problem in a 361 seat config) and basically nil cargo. With 30 deg 302.8T T/O weight, it is down to 206 pax which is not acceptable. All at nil wind.
So it will have to be the old middle of the night departure from JNB trick. Much beloved of underpowered early model 747s. By the middle of the night, it has cooled down in JNB with the altitude helping considerably, and hopefully there is some wind, and hopefully Sydney has no bad weather requiring more holding fuel. Of course, Perth is always close by for a tech stop, and ADL and MEL for diversions. Should make it reliably, but I think it would be a much better operation coming to/from Perth than Sydney; no prizes for guessing where I live.
Assuming 180 min ETOPS (or ETDO), the approximate distance is 6444 nm. Total fuel needed I calcuate as 109.6T with standard holding fuel.
I calculate that at 15 degC air temp, 318.8T takeoff weight, they can get off with 348 pax (which is no problem in a 361 seat config) and basically nil cargo. With 30 deg 302.8T T/O weight, it is down to 206 pax which is not acceptable. All at nil wind.
So it will have to be the old middle of the night departure from JNB trick. Much beloved of underpowered early model 747s. By the middle of the night, it has cooled down in JNB with the altitude helping considerably, and hopefully there is some wind, and hopefully Sydney has no bad weather requiring more holding fuel. Of course, Perth is always close by for a tech stop, and ADL and MEL for diversions. Should make it reliably, but I think it would be a much better operation coming to/from Perth than Sydney; no prizes for guessing where I live.
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The only option for 777 ops to JNB would be from Perth, owing to ETOPS considerations. They'd need 207 min ETOPS, otherwise they'd have to fly on a Northerly arc to keep coverage.
Great circle YPPH-FIMP
Rgds
N
Great circle YPPH-FIMP
Rgds
N
Last edited by noip; 2nd Jan 2009 at 19:46.
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V Australia website!
From the VAustralia website:
1st aircraft.....Syd to LA limited services (27th of Feb)
2nd aircraft.....Syd to LA daily (21st of March)
3rd aircraft.....Bris to LA limited services (8th of April)
Good news for everybody involved!
1st aircraft.....Syd to LA limited services (27th of Feb)
2nd aircraft.....Syd to LA daily (21st of March)
3rd aircraft.....Bris to LA limited services (8th of April)
Good news for everybody involved!
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Such a shame that the VB crew wont be flying the aircraft due the ****e conditions-surprised that they found enough crew of substantial experience and qualification prepared to fly a modern heavy aircraft,living in an expensive western country for the worst conditions and remuneration in the western world.When only 2 pilots from a core group of 800 accept the conditions on offer, there is obviously a problem with the entire package-the numbers speak for themselves!
Of more concern is that this operation will no doubt be the downfall of the entire Virgin Blue group-Forward bookings are woefull!
As I said at the start-such a shame!!
Of more concern is that this operation will no doubt be the downfall of the entire Virgin Blue group-Forward bookings are woefull!
As I said at the start-such a shame!!
