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

[flydoc2]

The shortest route if Politics allows is the great circle which not far off flying over Hong Kong, China, Russia and Baltic.

Post #1563 & subsequent

 

[aikman]

I've never done a number two on a plane but it might be unavoidable on this flight. For that reason I will never get on this flight.

 

[mjt57]

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.

When we flew MEL-SIN-LHR last year, we booked time in one of the lounges in SIN. Was able to have a shower, something decent to eat and to stretch out for a nap. The SIN-LHR leg (QF1 I think, A380) was more tolerable. And the same for MEL-DXB-FCO when we flew to Europe.

For MEL-JFK trips we now stop off in LA for a day or so, do the touristy bit, then grab an afternoon flight to JFK where the daughter picks us up. Much more civilised.

I cannot, for the life of me, see the attraction of being stuck in economy for so long, especially when pax have to pay more for the "customer experience".

 

[Daver6]

I cannot, for the life of me, see the attraction of being stuck in economy for so long, especially when pax have to pay more for the "customer experience".

Not about the attraction, but if you're travelling for work your employer is unlikely to pay for you to stop over in LA or wherever for a day or two. Also, at the end of the trip, you just want to get back home ASAP.

 

[Quickstatus]

So the back rows of economy on the A350 ULR are going to have *reduced* seat pitch (32)

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

Yes
140 Y
- 42Y+ economy plus) 34 in (30%)
- 58Y 33 in (41%)
- 40Y- 32 in (29%)

 

[dajop]

The shortest route if Politics allows is the great circle which not far off flying over Hong Kong, China, Russia and Baltic.

Even then, the shortest route does not always mean the quickest, and the polar route could still be in play even if the shortest route was politically available. All depends on the conditions and how much extra fuel flying into a "headwind" takes vs being assisted by a "tailwind".

 

[elanshin]

140 Y
- 42Y+ economy plus) 34 in (30%)
- 58 Y 33 in (41%)
- 40 Y- 32 in (29%)

This honestly seems so random and a missed opportunity. Configure them all with the original 33 - call it economy plus (but no upcharge except location preferences) and you'd get nice marketing PR that PS only has economy plus seats.

 

[Quickstatus]

All depends on the conditions and how much extra fuel flying into a "headwind" takes vs being assisted by a "tailwind".

I remember Jb747 mentioning the Airbus cost index which is CI = cost of time / cost of fuel.
edit that was in the context that trying to make up time might not be most cost effective as saving time by flying faster eats up more fuel. Saving both time and fuel is obviously better.

 

[Quickstatus]

you'd get nice marketing PR that PS only has economy plus seats.

Ah no, the airline will be spruiking 32 as an "enhanced experience". But if people want a more luxurious step up for a "small fee" they can choose the Plus. Limit its supply which increases its price too!

 

[TeaKozy]

Not about the attraction, but if you're travelling for work your employer is unlikely to pay for you to stop over in LA or wherever for a day or two. Also, at the end of the trip, you just want to get back home ASAP.

I'd hate to be seated in one of those 32" rows and trying to actually work, especially given the duration. The extra pitch makes all the difference when the person in front reclines.

 

[mjt57]

but if you're travelling for work your employer is unlikely to pay for you to stop over in LA

That's true. But would the business travellers be stuck in economy or further forward where they can at least lie down?

Anyway, I'm refering to those of us who have to pay their own way and, again, for most of us, economy is what we can afford.