Qantas Project Sunrise goes ahead, 12 new A350-1000s ordered

[Mac502]

It’s 32-34 according to what I read (only 30% will have 32).

Even still, is 21 hours in 32 any worse than 9 + 14 hours in same?

Yes, definitely.

 

[Rich]

Yes, definitely.

This is the interesting thing to me. Qantas, who I am sure have done their research, expect to charge a premium for a direct flight. But as a seasoned Y traveller, I'd want a discount.

 

[elanshin]

I

This is the interesting thing to me. Qantas, who I am sure have done their research, expect to charge a premium for a direct flight. But as a seasoned Y traveller, I'd want a discount.

Its completely possible Y isn't any more expensive. Ultimately the flight's financial success will mostly be made up at the front of the plane.

 

[AuSammy]

I

Its completely possible Y isn't any more expensive. Ultimately the flight's financial success will mostly be made up at the front of the plane.

A lot of posts on AFF talk about an additional 20% above any current fares.

My reading of the CEOs most recent statement is that PS fares will be in line with what is already charged for a non stop LHR ticket ie PER-LHR.

 

[SYD]

This is the interesting thing to me. Qantas, who I am sure have done their research, expect to charge a premium for a direct flight. But as a seasoned Y traveller, I'd want a discount.

There’ll be CRs.

Win-Win. QF reduce their points balance obligation and some members dodge toasters.

 

[transpactraveller]

This is the interesting thing to me. Qantas, who I am sure have done their research, expect to charge a premium for a direct flight. But as a seasoned Y traveller, I'd want a discount.

Absolutely, the appeal will be to those flying in the premium cabins with a lie-flat bed to sleep half the flight and not be woken in the middle of it for a stopover.

For those flying down the back, 21 hours upright in an economy seat? Not worth a 20% premium over a 23 hour trip (including an hour stopover somewhere like Singapore or Dubai). The trip's not even 10% faster.

 

[elanshin]

Absolutely, the appeal will be to those flying in the premium cabins with a lie-flat bed to sleep half the flight.

For those flying down the back, 21 hours upright in an economy seat? Not worth a 20% premium over a 23 hour trip (including an hour stopover somewhere like Singapore or Dubai). The trip's not even 10% faster.

There is argument on say JFK - SYD. If you consider when QF4 currently lands into AKL (~4am local or 2am AEST). This is exactly when you'd want to try to get some sleep to adjust your jetlag a bit.

 

[transpactraveller]

I agree on that, coming back from NY I'd always prefer to go via DFW or LAX because the timing of the QF4 AKL stopover is brutal for jetlag - waking you for landing around 2am Sydney time.

That timing is far more important to me than a slightly shorter flight time. So what if the flight saves an hour travel time (and an annoying US terminal transfer) if you'll be a zombie for an extra day after getting back.

 

[flightsonpoints]

How to think, not feel about Qantas's Project Sunrise

Project Sunrise, the much vaunted strategy by Qantas to fly non-stop from the eastern seaboard of Australian to London and New York finally looks like coming to fruition in 2027.

www.analyticflying.com

Interesting read re Project Sunrise and A350-1000

 

[SYD]

There is argument on say JFK - SYD. If you consider when QF4 currently lands into AKL (~4am local or 2am AEST). This is exactly when you'd want to try to get some sleep to adjust your jetlag a bit.

Yep. We’re looking to book SYD-JFK (return) for later next year and was kinda hoping the return was subbed for a PS flight.

I guess we’ll ponder how to get a PS flight to LHR some time later.

 

[justinbrett]

Yes, definitely.

I disagree. I’d rather one and done. 9 hours can be surprisingly long when that’s all you’ve planned for the first leg - and then you’ve got an even longer second leg awaiting.

I find you generally come to terms with the flight you are boarding, which is why a 4 hour can seem long. If you’ve settled in and accepted your fate for a 14 hour flight, adding the 7 hours, but eliminating the second flight and the transit is not such a bad thing.

 

[TeaKozy]

I reckon the Arctic route SYD-LHR could see a double sunset and a double sunrise before landing depending on the time of the year.

Given how zealous the crew are with locking the windows on the Dreamliner you’ll be lucky to see one…

 

[transpactraveller]

I understand that Qantas has 6 slots in Heathrow at the moment.

They have 4 slot pairs, although 2 are currently leased to BA

3 early morning landings (1 currently leased to BA) and 1 early afternoon landing (leased to BA).
1 midday departure and 3 late evening departures (2 leased to BA).

BA obviously have a lot of slots at LHR, so Qantas might be able to get them to swap for the times they need.

 

[moa999]

Does anyone think Sunrise flights will be available on AONE* DONE* RTW fares, or will QF keep availability as F/ J fare codes only?

 

[offshore171]

Although I've flown the polar route ex-TYO, it didn't even occur to me that they would fly the polar route out of SYD for the "uphill" leg.

After looking at the map, it does make sense, particularly when the Jetstream is strong.

It will be interesting to track a few of these on FR24 when they kick off, to see how it compares to more traditional routings.

For in flight tech/medical issues etc, there's not a lot of diversion options along the route by the looks of it. After they pass Japan, there's Anchorage, Alaska and not much after that.

 

[moa999]

not much after that

Iceland then Scottish or central UK airports.

 

[transpactraveller]

Greenland and northern Canada?