First flight done. Had to use AB due to stupidly priced fares into Melbourne due Tay Tay…thought I’d take the plunge.
Whole experience for a low cost carrier, top notch. Leaves its Orange competitor for dead on service, product and pretty much everything else. In seat power, and the inflight ordering via phone with no carts, especially the latter, is sensational. Love the local touch with the food and bevs. Crew are really really good, perhaps it’s just the lifestyle living on the Sunny Coast. It’s refreshing having people actually happy and friendly in the job.
Rear stairs still not in place at Sunshine Coast, but in place at other non bases which is odd. Disembarking is slow. However, the ‘fattened’ flight times they seem to operate to does help pulling back some time.
Have not been into MCY since 2008. Airport is the pits. Australian infrastructure once again at its worst. Always leaving it until the last minute before starting to invest.
Crew seem to all be experienced ex other operators post the pandemic industry shake up. Was talking to the CM in the rear while waiting for bathroom, Captain was ex Virgin alongside herself, ex Cabin Supervisor from Brisbane. Cabin Manager also said the First Officer was Aussie returning from overseas, left after Ansett and returned 20 years on. She said most crew are from Virgin, Tiger, Alliance, Cathay and a mixed of expats returning. Interesting also she said two QF 737 Pilots came out of retirement and are TRI Captains.
I really hope they can start to nail the poor planning, and start making money. The delays and cancellation risk with such a small fleet, and the ability to get dumped with little recovery will sadly always keep them further down my list. Still no word on the OOL base and I am fairly certain it’s going to end in tears, once again, poor planning.
Will use again but will be only booked within the calendar month or two out, or on routes that are likely not to be chopped.
I think if they can focus a bit on stability and performance over the coming years, then launching into Western Sydney which will be a key market for its success, then they might do ok. Still not convinced at this stage after prior mis steps, might need to beef up the Management ranks a bit.