F100's to Emerald for Qantas
Are they going to get an Air Traffic Control service in any time soon? And where will they fit the F100s once theyve landed?
Its a crowded apron as it is, and the congestion in the air and on the ground makes flying there interesting at times. As it stands aircraft are having to hold on the runway while other aircraft board passengers and taxi clear of the terminal building simply because there isnt room to taxi off while the earlier aircraft are on the apron. When youve got Virgin, Rex and QLink all inbound or outbound at similar times, plus Toll Express and one or two smaller mail runs or private flights, it gets hectic. Throw in someone else who cant get a word in edgewise on the radio between all the taxiing, departing and inbound calls, or is a bit nervous as a new student, and the traffic mix gets very very busy, very quickly.
Its a crowded apron as it is, and the congestion in the air and on the ground makes flying there interesting at times. As it stands aircraft are having to hold on the runway while other aircraft board passengers and taxi clear of the terminal building simply because there isnt room to taxi off while the earlier aircraft are on the apron. When youve got Virgin, Rex and QLink all inbound or outbound at similar times, plus Toll Express and one or two smaller mail runs or private flights, it gets hectic. Throw in someone else who cant get a word in edgewise on the radio between all the taxiing, departing and inbound calls, or is a bit nervous as a new student, and the traffic mix gets very very busy, very quickly.
Competition is a wonderful thing for passengers in country towns. 12 months ago Qlink was price gouging this route massively and now all of a sudden they see fit to put jets on! I dare say the Virgin ATR's will have this effect elsewhere as the Q400 struggles to compete. 
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Stuggle may be too strong a word but there is a definate difference in fuel per pax seat km between the ATR and Q400 which gives Virgin some room to move on price. It depends on whether pax notice or care that the flight takes a bit longer. In the case of Emerald/Brisbane I believe it is about 20 min difference. Not to be sneezed at but it depends how much you are prepared to wait to save some money.
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I dare say the Virgin ATR's will have this effect elsewhere as the Q400 struggles to compete
And define the term 'struggle' when we're (and even the classics!) are constantly overtaking them...oh...and how are those RNAV's going boys?
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Twas all tongue-in-cheek chadzat. I could retort, but lets not hijack this thread into another competition on conditions.
Scuttlebutt on the Dash flight decks is that competition is welcomed! Keeps the incumbent honest, especially when it comes to in-flight services - new 'improved' grub for the punters etc. Word from the Sales manager is that they are genuinely concerned with Virgin entering the regional foray - Velocity comes to mind.
It's the all the same blue sky we fly in
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I could retort, but lets not hijack this thread into another competition on conditions. Scuttlebutt on the Dash flight decks is that competition is welcomed! Keeps the incumbent honest, especially when it comes to in-flight services - new 'improved' grub for the punters etc. Word from the Sales manager is that they are genuinely concerned with Virgin entering the regional foray - Velocity comes to mind.
It's the all the same blue sky we fly in
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I don't know the true operating costs of the Dash but if you look across the ditch that should give you a very good answer to which one is 'better'.
ANZ operates both types and has done for a very long time.
One of the largest oerators of the Q300 and undoubtedly largest operator of ATR72's in the southern hemisphere.
Which aircraft did they purchase in their latests aircraft purchase?
Speed for passengers isn't everything!
Price, comfort and service mean alot more.
Have people that bag the ATR actually flown in an ATR?
Quiet and comfortable, even more quiet than a B737 and A320 in my books.
The last time I flew on Q300 was not impressed at al,l I hope Q400 has improved.
Also which company has sold more aircraft recently?
ANZ operates both types and has done for a very long time.
One of the largest oerators of the Q300 and undoubtedly largest operator of ATR72's in the southern hemisphere.
Which aircraft did they purchase in their latests aircraft purchase?
Speed for passengers isn't everything!
Price, comfort and service mean alot more.
Have people that bag the ATR actually flown in an ATR?
Quiet and comfortable, even more quiet than a B737 and A320 in my books.
The last time I flew on Q300 was not impressed at al,l I hope Q400 has improved.
Also which company has sold more aircraft recently?
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I've flown in the AT72 many times on the 1h40 leg between HN and CH and it is a truly miserable experience.
In saying that, I love the ATR as an aircraft, just not as a pax.
In saying that, I love the ATR as an aircraft, just not as a pax.
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The war between dj and qf for the qld regional market is hotting up in bne. Both are using alliance whilst ordering more aircraft. It will be interesting to see who prevails but I guarantee prices have will and continue to drop. Unless the mining boom dies.
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Recently had the chance to experience the Q400 from CBR to SYD and a ATR on the return leg later that day.
Wanted to love the ATR but found the seats too narrow and unsupportive, the windows seemed to be designed for those about 4 FOOT tall to look out of.
So I guess in essence I'd like love the ATR 72-500 but as a 6'4 male I did not could not 'sit back, relax and enjoy etc'.
As a paying passenger the Dash provides the answer, as to the ATR72- 600 cabin experience ,well that's to be seen.
Wanted to love the ATR but found the seats too narrow and unsupportive, the windows seemed to be designed for those about 4 FOOT tall to look out of.
So I guess in essence I'd like love the ATR 72-500 but as a 6'4 male I did not could not 'sit back, relax and enjoy etc'.
As a paying passenger the Dash provides the answer, as to the ATR72- 600 cabin experience ,well that's to be seen.
Last edited by Flyingblind; 4th May 2012 at 10:00.
"My guess is the Ejet will be doing more flights to regional QLD and Emerald would be a good start"
OR.. Virgin counter QF's Alliance F100s with DJ Alliance F100s.
It's a mad world!
OR.. Virgin counter QF's Alliance F100s with DJ Alliance F100s.
It's a mad world!
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ATR about 8 million less to procure. Far lower fuel burn. Slower, yet over a short leg, it's not an issue.
Operators word wide now prefer ATR.
And to the 6'4 silly billy who just can't get comfy in the ATR, but is really comfy in a dash, shags, at 6'3 I find it hard to get comfy in an emirates 380 business seat.
I think VB are here to stay in the QLD regional market, the qf gouge is over I hope.
I forgive u all
Operators word wide now prefer ATR.
And to the 6'4 silly billy who just can't get comfy in the ATR, but is really comfy in a dash, shags, at 6'3 I find it hard to get comfy in an emirates 380 business seat.
I think VB are here to stay in the QLD regional market, the qf gouge is over I hope.
I forgive u all