Qantas and Alliance agreement increased from 18 to 30 aircraft...

https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/ap...df02a206a39ff4

"I have the Fokker (s) in my sights!". :)

That’s a lot more pilots needed. Not without its challenges in the current market.

What’s the feeling about whether Qantas will get the rest of Alliance? I think the determination is due in March. I’ve heard mixed opinions.

In the context of the above it gets even more interesting . . . . .

My money is on that they won't but Alliance will increase services instead.

Name one thing good that would come of it?

The work and promotions will go to whoever offers to do it for less between Alliance, NAA and NJS.

They just purchased another 30 jets. First delivery in September

Todays ASX release about thirty new aircraft to be sourced…

https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/ap...df02a206a39ff4

Can you train to cater for both high attrition and major expansion? Two Captains resigning on the same day an indication of crewing challenges ahead for Australian regional carriers.

Probably coming from MESA who recently announced it was ceasing contract flying for AA. They'll have got them quite cheaply particularly as some must be pretty old as Alliance plans to scrap some of them for ongoing parts.

Mesa have 170’s. Sounds like Jetblue who have early model 190’s leased from AerCap.

Agree. JetBlue is the only US operator of E190s who have 30 or more of them in their fleet. Noting that they were the launch customer for the type and all are due to be retired by 2026. Hope Alliance does a thorough refurb - mechanically and the cabin fit out - before we start paying Qantas prices to fly in them! Why do we seem to end up with other peoples' castoffs - lack of airline competition in Australia?

Simple economics - the ownership costs are low compared to new build, and that means you don't need to work them as hard as the new jets, ie A220s. Alliance perfected the model by buying Fokkers for very little money, and although they need some looking after, for most of their flying to and from minesites once, or perhaps twice, a day, it works. They also now have a stack of potential spares to harvest from and the sim, both of which support the in-service fleet and are a trading/services opportunity down the track. There is a decent market for greentime CF34 engines, so good luck to them.

The only downside I can see is that the JBLU frames come with a pretty bad reputation, but other sources tell me that the E190s aren't that well suited to intense airline operations like a 737 or A320, so maybe it will be just fine in Alliance/QLink colours?

Get set on Thursday 20th April for a MAFs style reveal of QF and QQs future.

Will it be the ACCC chaperone announcing "happily ever after" or "straight back to Tinder"?

1540 days to seal the deal (or not) is a long time to wait!!!

Media Releases
QANTAS ACQUIRES 19.9 PER CENT STAKE IN ALLIANCE AIRLINES
Sydney
Published on 1st February 2019The Qantas Group has taken a 19.9 per cent shareholding of Australian-based charter operator, Alliance Airlines.

Alliance Airlines is a significant service provider to the resources sector, which continues to stimulate travel demand in Western Australia and Queensland in particular. Alliance is a profitable, well-managed business with high levels of operational maturity. It is also a long-term provider to the Qantas Group and flies regional services on behalf of the national carrier.

The 19.9 per cent stake was acquired for an average price of $2.40 per share and for a total cost of $60 million.

Qantas expects to ultimately seek regulatory approval from the ACCC to build on its current shareholding, with a longer-term view of taking a majority position in Alliance Airlines in order to better serve the charter market by unlocking synergies.

In the meantime, Qantas is supportive of the ‘business as usual’ approach of Alliance Airlines management and is not seeking Board representation.

© The Official News Room of Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901

Does Virgin cut all ties with Alliance should the deal get approved? What is the other option for Virgin on intra Queensland, and some other routes they use Alliance on. They don’t have an aircraft suitable for the mission in the 100 seat range. That was one of the four main points the ACCC raised last year, the impact to current lease contracts with other airlines.

If only VA had a 100 seat regional jet of it's own...

Maybe they could stick some seats into the Pionair 146's or get some more E2's. Can't take more than what, 12 months to get it up to speed :ugh:

Dday
 

Tomorrow is the day...what we thinking? Yay or nay?

I also see they're advertising for drivers again. What happened to the 10s of applicants from other places whom are yet to hear outcome from interviews?

It will be a yay.

All the operators who will be in a position to pick up the extra work from Virgin Australia supported the proposal.

Negative y'all.