The Alice Springs “Plane Graveyard” – AIR055

Matt Graham

 

Visitors to Alice Springs, a town in Australia’s red centre, have been greeted by an unusual sight since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The town is also now the temporary home of Singapore Airlines A380s, Cathay Pacific 777s, and many other airliners grounded by the pandemic. In total, there are now around 150 planes parked beside Alice Springs Airport at the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage (APAS) facility, which takes advantage of Alice Springs’ ideal climate for long-term aircraft storage. This episode takes a deep dive into what’s been dubbed the Alice Springs “plane graveyard”.

Also in this episode, Rex begins Boeing 737 services connecting Australia’s capital cities. What’s the Rex in-flight experience like, and does the new entrant have what it takes to reshape Australia’s domestic aviation market?

And Matt explains what Australian Consumer Law says about your legal right to a refund if an airline cancels your flight in Australia.

 

Episode contents:

  • 1:05 – Fortnightly news round-up
  • 13:47 – The Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage (APAS) facility at Alice Springs
  • 24:28 – Rex begins Boeing 737 flights between Australian capital cities
  • 28:26 – Virgin Australia’s new Adelaide lounge
  • 29:57 – Are you legally entitled to a refund for cancelled flights?

 

Links:

 

Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

Matt Graham
The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
Matt Graham
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