New Qantas 737s to be very squashy!
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New Qantas 737s to be as tight as Virgin's uniform!?!
I've heard that the new Qantas 737-800s will be
single class with smaller seating in order to
increase capacity. Also they will be removing a
toilet and galley to fit more people.
This is in order to compete with virgin's low
fares, whilst still keeping the 767's full fare
and split class.
Does anyone have any more info on this topic???
single class with smaller seating in order to
increase capacity. Also they will be removing a
toilet and galley to fit more people.
This is in order to compete with virgin's low
fares, whilst still keeping the 767's full fare
and split class.
Does anyone have any more info on this topic???
Last edited by Koizi; 18th Apr 2002 at 07:34.
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I doubt they will be removing a toilet to fit more seats.... that would only leave two on board - not enough for 180 odd people. I heard that perhaps removing J class completely was not a good idea and a very small J class would remain onboard narrowbodies. The current 737-3/4/800 only has 8 J class (haven't seen them use the convertible seats lately on the 300/400) so that would give rise to that theory. Also new 717 have 12J 90Y... They are not only leaving J seats on board but also putting togther J class training for FAs, I understand. There you go.....
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I had my first experience of Virgin Blue recently travelling from Mackay to Brisbane. I found the legroom fairly tight and the seat seemed a bit harder than those on QF 737s, maybe because they are newer. All in all it wasn't a comfortable trip. I sure hope QF don't try to cram more in to compete.
Other than that I found the Virgin Blue service excellent in all respects. It is refreshing to be made to feel welcome on their aircraft. Some of the cabin crew patter borders on being patronising, but I can see how they're trying to keep things lightened up. The gals look great for sure, but they also did a great job in a packed a/c, so as they say there's more than meets the eye.
As a long time QF customer I've got to say to them - forget packing in more seats and trying to compete on $$$ alone - treat me like someone you really want to keep as a customer. I'm still in your camp but it will take some work to keep me there.
Other than that I found the Virgin Blue service excellent in all respects. It is refreshing to be made to feel welcome on their aircraft. Some of the cabin crew patter borders on being patronising, but I can see how they're trying to keep things lightened up. The gals look great for sure, but they also did a great job in a packed a/c, so as they say there's more than meets the eye.
As a long time QF customer I've got to say to them - forget packing in more seats and trying to compete on $$$ alone - treat me like someone you really want to keep as a customer. I'm still in your camp but it will take some work to keep me there.
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Despite the original announcements that new 737-800's were to all be Y class ; QF appear to have had a slight change of heart following experience with 717 all Y class on OOL and other routes where there was quite a backlash from a small but vocal J class market (or were they J class frequent fryers trying to use their brownie points?). The new 737's are being delivered with 8 J and 150 Y class seats. Similar thing is happening with the six new leased 717 a/c they have J class seats in small numbers too. Seems a sensible compromise as QF don't want to throw the J class babies out with the Y class
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The new 717 config is 12J 90Y.... that is more J class than would be required for most 717 destinations I reckon. By the same token you would think that 8J 150Y is not enough J on the new 737s... They work in mysterious ways at QF.
Yes the OOL flights are mostly regrades and FF tickets in J. There were however a VERY small number of J class customers who got quite upset. There has been a lot less backlash to all Y config on MEL-HBA even though I am sure the J class market on that route would be larger than OOL.
Yes the OOL flights are mostly regrades and FF tickets in J. There were however a VERY small number of J class customers who got quite upset. There has been a lot less backlash to all Y config on MEL-HBA even though I am sure the J class market on that route would be larger than OOL.
The 737-800's being delivered now are configured as ordered for American Airlines. The original announcement indicated that they would eventually be reconfigured in all economy with new design slimline seats, starting around mid-year. Whether that plan has changed I dont know but have not heard any announcements to that effect.
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QF announced some time ago that all new a/c deliveries in the QF single aisle fleet will be configured the same as the equivalent a/c in the American Airlines fleet . This is to allow for cross hire in both directions between QF and AA on a seasonal basis to cater for seasonal travel peaks in both Aus and USA.
This would explain why the new 737-800 have 8 J seats, and why the 6 717's will have 12 J seats because that is what AA have. The QF/AA agreement also allows for more code sharing,
QF moving to the dedicated AA terminal in LAX in due course, and also for direct flights to DFW from Australia when the new 747-400ER a/c are delivered .
This would explain why the new 737-800 have 8 J seats, and why the 6 717's will have 12 J seats because that is what AA have. The QF/AA agreement also allows for more code sharing,
QF moving to the dedicated AA terminal in LAX in due course, and also for direct flights to DFW from Australia when the new 747-400ER a/c are delivered .
