QF Sydney-Port Moresby From Mar 2026

[AIRwin]

QF resuming flights between SYD and POM:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-reconnects-sydney-and-port-moresby-ahead-of-pngs-historic-rugby-league-debut

Almost 10 years after flights between BNE and POM:
Thread 'QF Daily Brisbane-Port Moresby From Oct 2016' QF Daily Brisbane-Port Moresby From Oct 2016

 

[henrus]

QF resuming flights between SYD and POM:

So many things to unpack from this press release but just a couple:

1. The first paragraph makes mention of the NRL launch, such thing isn't expected until 2028 so launching a route in 2026 is "ambitious" to say the least, will it run for 2 years in preparation of the NRL?

2. Announced at a time when the press was reporting QF cuts, the next day quotes from Cam (who I respect from his Air NZ days and very open tweeting) were released as he reportedly takes over "in-flight and on-ground products and services" according to news dot com and the AFR. Was this intentional or just a coincidence?

 

[markis10]

QF used to run a POM-BNE-SYD service back at the turn of the century, offered some very cheap D sticker flights for those wanting to weekend in Syd

 

[AIRwin]

1. The first paragraph makes mention of the NRL launch, such thing isn't expected until 2028 so launching a route in 2026 is "ambitious" to say the least, will it run for 2 years in preparation of the NRL?

Blocking new entrants?

 

[docjames]

Press release doesn’t mention day of week or departure/arrival timing. Perhaps a little rushed?

Trying to prevent VA entering that market?


Is loaded to Qantas site

Mon and Fri (makes sense with FIFO for the week and not spend the weekend in POM….).

SYD 1025 - POM 1345
POM 1325 - SYD 1725

So on those timings are going to rotate aircraft with the BNE flight - but it likely will need tweak of timing on return leg as QF58 timetabled to depart 1315 ex-POM in April, so not lining up and cant imagine QF will park a 738 in POM for 23.5hrs……

 

[henrus]

Perhaps a little rushed?

Or released around same time as negative press layoffss before Christmas to try to counter?

Trying to prevent VA entering that market

Very unlikely, pre Covid VA had a lot of cash stuck in the country. They had to sell tickets in local currency but couldn’t pull that cash back to Australia.