ETOPs cert clears way for QF to replace 747s on JNB and SCL routes

[markis10]

Of course there are two issues, 1 is local approval and 2 is getting the aircraft:

The 787’s new 330 minute ETOPS clearance opens up economical operations by the twinjet between Sydney and Santiago and Sydney and Johannesburg, Boeing has confirmed.

On May 28 Boeing announced the 787 had received FAA approval for 330 minute extended operations (ETOPS), meaning the twinjet can be certified to fly 5.5 hours on a single engine in the event of an engine failure. Previously, the 787 was limited to 180 minute ETOPS, meaning the aircraft had to be routed to ensure it was no further than 180 minutes – three hours – flying time on a single engine from an alternate airport in the event of an engine failure.
The new clearance, then, would allow Qantas to potentially replace the four-engined 747-400s it currently uses on its Sydney-Santiago and Sydney-Johannesburg services with the 787.

787

 

[Isochronous]

If it leads to QF exercising the 35 789 options maybe its not a bad idea. But I would like to see the 744 still in use on those sectors!

 

[TomVexille]

Is local approval likely? Or are CASA going to stay reluctant?

 

[Himeno]

Is local approval likely? Or are CASA going to stay reluctant?

Has CASA approved anything for more then ETOPS180?

 

[TomVexille]

Has CASA approved anything for more then ETOPS180?

I don't think so, hence my question.

 

[here2go]

Can 777s do the routes as well? Would Borghetti possibly lease one for SCL, with SA if course now flying to JNB in partnership with VA.

 

[markis10]

Can 777s do the routes as well? Would Borghetti possibly lease one for SCL, with SA if course now flying to JNB in partnership with VA.

VA have access to EYs aircraft pool, including Dreamliners and A380s as required, I suspect JB is more focused on getting those A330s to Asia sooner rather than later.

 

[Himeno]

Can 777s do the routes as well? Would Borghetti possibly lease one for SCL, with SA if course now flying to JNB in partnership with VA.

Yes they can. VA used to run 777's MEL-JNB but due to CASA's reluctance to allow anything more then ETOPS180 for Australian registered aircraft, they had to fly a longer and inefficient northern route and ended up dropping the route (sending the aircraft to AUH instead).

 

[here2go]

Yes they can. VA used to run 777's MEL-JNB but due to CASA's reluctance to allow anything more then ETOPS180 for Australian registered aircraft, they had to fly a longer and inefficient northern route and ended up dropping the route (sending the aircraft to AUH instead).

Thereby killing the JNB route. My take on the new rules is that twin engines can now fly more direct. Am I wrong?

 

[Himeno]

Thereby killing the JNB route. My take on the new rules is that twin engines can now fly more direct. Am I wrong?

No. The FAA has approved ETOPS330. That only has an effect on US registered aircraft.
For Australian aircraft to use anything over ETOPS180, CASA has to approve it, even if the aircraft design is able to, and does elsewhere.

 

[straitman]

No. The FAA has approved ETOPS330. That only has an effect on US registered aircraft.
For Australian aircraft to use anything over ETOPS180, CASA has to approve it, even if the aircraft design is able to, and does elsewhere.

Remember it is always more than the design.
It is an individual approval, for an individual type by an individual airline. Just because ABC airlines has approval does not mean than DEF airlines can also do the same with the same type.

 

[Shan Man]

Given these two routes are rumoured as quite profitable for QF. I hope they keep the 744's on there and get there own 787's soon.

Otherwise it could be the orange cancer on these routes if CASA approve? *shudders*

 

[maninblack]

I doubt that VA will dabble with routes like JNB again.