Qantas warns LAX on lack of VLA gates
[Non-Subscriber Extract]
By Norman Sklarewitz
With the launch of its A380 service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Melbourne set to begin on 20 October 2008, Qantas Airways has made it clear that it is opposed to using the remote gates at LAX for regularly scheduled aircraft that may not be able to be accommodated at the international terminal.
Speaking exclusively to Jane's, Wally Mariani, Qantas Airways senior executive vice-president for the Americas and Pacific, said: "Remote facilities would only be acceptable in the event of an unexpected operational situation, and not for our regularly scheduled flights.
With 40 frequencies a week between LAX and Australia, Qantas is the largest international carrier at the airport, but this could change. "If in the future LAX is unable to keep up with the need for additional VLA gates, we would be forced to relocate our A380 services to San Francisco, as it does not make economic sense to split up the A380 services between two west coast gateways," said Mariani. "Should that ever be required, it would be a major economic loss to Los Angeles and we would regret it. We've made a large investment in our A380s for the benefit and enjoyment of our passengers and we do not intend to lose it on the ground."
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© 2008 Jane's Information Group
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