What are Strategic up to?

[oz_mark]

Applying for unlimited capacity Aust-US....


http://www.iasc.gov.au/applications/files/4623.pdf

 

[crazydave98]

The unlimited capacity bit means nothing as there are no capacity limits on the USA routes (unlike say Fiji or Indonesia) - only that they want to fly to the USA. They will announce BNE-HNL to start operating 3rd quarter this year. It's an obvious choice given their aircraft and other routes (i.e. BNE-HKT & MEL-HKT vacated by VA) and desire to avoid head-to-head competition with other airlines.

 

[oz_mark]

The unlimited capacity bit means nothing as there are no capacity limits on the USA routes (unlike say Fiji or Indonesia) - only that they want to fly to the USA. They will announce BNE-HNL to start operating 3rd quarter this year. It's an obvious choice given their aircraft and other routes (i.e. BNE-HKT & MEL-HKT vacated by VA) and desire to avoid head-to-head competition with other airlines.

Thanks crazydave98. I thought they'd be going some to fully utilise unlimited capacity

 

[docjames]

Awaits *class sale for later in year....

Q3 would be a fairly rapid turnaround between application and inauguration? What was the gap between VA application and inaugural Aus-Lax?

 

[StevePER]

... desire to avoid head-to-head competition with other airlines.

I'm surprised they're still going on PER-DPS given all the competition on that route. This week they were advertising $199 each way, sounds like a good deal.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

They were flying BNE-GLT this morning which has become a regular thing I believe flight VC???

 

[Meggsy]

Yep, Monday through Friday, 1 morning and 1 afternoon return flight Brisbane to Gladstone has commenced.

 

[LiamR]

I don't even see them as a real airline.... Most of their pax are people going overseas for parties to Bali or coughet and don't care about SCs, miles, status tiers, lounges or priority ques. Things that matter to myself and most on these forum, therefore, I am avoiding them like the plaigue...

 

[elbarto]

I don't even see them as a real airline.... Most of their pax are people going overseas for parties to Bali or coughet and don't care about SCs, miles, status tiers, lounges or priority ques. Things that matter to myself and most on these forum, therefore, I am avoiding them like the plaigue...

If they're going to be majorly cheaper then whoever I'm usually earning points with then I'd certainly give them a look. I've made price sensitive decisions in the past and will probably have to do it again. Whilst points and SCs are nice, are they really worth it when the savings could be better used elsewhere?

 

[markis10]

I dont see them as a real airline simply because they dont have a real fleet, 1 x A330 and 3 A320 does not give you much flexibility should something go wrong, especially in HNL.

 

[Taezar]

I guess they have to start somewhere.
On the flip side, when I was with an airline we hired quite a few Strategic Air staff. Unless things have changed, at least the customer service will be strong.

 

[LiamR]

I dont see them as a real airline simply because they dont have a real fleet, 1 x A330 and 3 A320 does not give you much flexibility should something go wrong, especially in HNL.

+1 All it takes is to back that A330 into a fence, and you have a major problem...

With no alliance or other airline partners, it's not going to be as easy to find seats for 200 odd pax.

 

[anat0l]

I'm sure whatever they are up to they must have a Strategy or a Strategic Plan....

(sorry, couldn't help myself, albeit late to the party...)

 

[oz_mark]

I'm sure whatever they are up to they must have a Strategy or a Strategic Plan....

Even if that strategy at the moment includes changing their name (Air Australia is rumoured)

 

[MissBurrill]

I guess they have to start somewhere.
On the flip side, when I was with an airline we hired quite a few Strategic Air staff. Unless things have changed, at least the customer service will be strong.

One of my friends was recently employed by Strategic to be a flight attendant. She's ex-Qantas (quit to go to uni then wished she hadn't) and said her whole group are former flight attendants so they're doing a shortened course.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

+1 All it takes is to back that A330 into a fence, and you have a major problem...

With no alliance or other airline partners, it's not going to be as easy to find seats for 200 odd pax.

I guess it would depend on what Strategic's delayed handling procedures are. If their flight does go u/s will they pay another carrier to uplift you or are you stranded where you are until the plane is fixed & the crew have had their mandatory rest period eg min 12 hour delay?

In Australia we've seen all the dramas with Tiger & how people are stranded until the next flight even if that may be 2 days away or until the plane is fixed which IMHO is commercial suicide.

I think pax are far more forgiving if you do have a delay/flight cancellation and you manage it well so as to minimise any inconvenience to pax.

 

[markis10]

Nice summary of this thread is available from the SMH, although the news re a second A300 is new!

Strategic Airlines applies to fly Australia - USA route

 

[Awesom Andy]

I guess it would depend on what Strategic's delayed handling procedures are. If their flight does go u/s will they pay another carrier to uplift you or are you stranded where you are until the plane is fixed & the crew have had their mandatory rest period eg min 12 hour delay?

And if that sole A330 is out for 2 weeks? I can't see it being a viable business at this stage.

 

[markis10]

And if that sole A330 is out for 2 weeks? I can't see it being a viable business at this stage.

Its not according to the article, at least not for the last financial year:

Strategic, which recorded a $9.3 million loss last financial year, could struggle to make a profit on the increasingly competitive route.

Read more: Strategic Airlines applies to fly Australia - USA route ​

Gutsy move to try and grow an airline in the current environment in terms of competition.

​

 

[LiamR]

I guess it would depend on what Strategic's delayed handling procedures are. If their flight does go u/s will they pay another carrier to uplift you or are you stranded where you are until the plane is fixed & the crew have had their mandatory rest period eg min 12 hour delay?

True. But I can't imagine it being as smooth as somoe of the other large airlines. When QF lost their A380's, the first day was interupted, but after that they could just absorb the extra load into their existing network. Can't imagine that being as easy on VC.

Saying that, when you look at their demographics, most of their pax would be happy with an extra week in HKT because an aircraft goes U/S.

Its not according to the article, at least not for the last financial year:

Well, I can only think of one airline that turned a profit this year, everybody is doing it tough at the moment...