Qantas' New A321XLR

[elanshin]

Seems excessive.

Some US Carriers had new types up within a month and nothing like those numbers.

Probably some CASA component they have to sort out as well. The 220 did a lot more.

 

[moa999]

had new types up within a month

Not the case with AAs 321XLR..
They haven't even flown it to the US - American Airlines Has Taken Delivery Of Its 1st Airbus A321XLR & It's Already Grounded

 

[Saab34]

Comments from the CAPA conference from the Domestic CEO
-No firmed up plans yet as to where it will even fly
-2nd due this month, next October.
-Focus is on the fleet conversion noting many other carriers have stuffed it up. Slow and steady.
-wishes the certification process would be faster but it is what it is.
-International isn’t on the horizon initially.
-DPS and PER-BNE are two routes being pushed by his team.

Sounded like DPS will be trialled before any other international attempt.

Sounded like will be like the Virgin A330s first up, first few years just plodded around domestic.

 

[oz_mark]

I've heard some mention it will enter revenue service around the time the second one arrives. Maybe the idea is to have a backup plan!

 

[AIRwin]

-DPS and PER-BNE are two routes being pushed by his team.

QF taking over from JQ?

 

[Saab34]

QF taking over from JQ?

No just switched out its own equipment

He mentioned the issues the -800s have on BNE-PER taking a payload hit, and Melbourne/Sydney to Bali would be good for testing the economics of the thing for an international run, again, taking over from -800s.

 

[moa999]

Sounded like will be like the Virgin A330s first up, first few years just plodded around domestic.

Not unexpected. Interesting that QF still see recliners as appropriate for Bali.

My expectation is the initial aircraft will fly golden triangle, where the J demand is. I don't think you can fit in a PER return between the morning and evening peaks.

Maybe switched onto DPS legs during school holidays when the J demand drops.

Second flight test of OGB must be any day of its to be delivered this month.
On a YT post someone had thrown out Sep 10 as a possible date for first commercial services.

 

[Chrizztofa]

Looks like OGA flew a SYD-PER test flight this morning. Not sure if it's the aircraft's first visit to PER?

I suppose you might be able to schedule a SYD/MEL-PER redeye in between golden triangle flights but I can't imagine it would be popular with only two Y lavatories (or perhaps QF don't expect people to be using the lavatories much since people will be sleeping). Perhaps that'll be saved for when the later deliveries with three lavatories (and ideally, flat beds in J) are delivered.. But with QF short on aircraft and VA no longer competing with their own widebodies, that might free up a couple of A330s for international services?