Stretching the B737 fleet

[Bagpuss]

Virgin haven’t really increased their B737 fleet and from my understanding reduced the fleet a few years ago as part of efficiency.

With more NZ flights planned using B737’s, a330 with international flying, B737’s going to Tiger. What’s going to give ??

They do use VARA aircraft for some Perth - Adelaide & Darwin services and Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin ... but that’s about it.

 

[docjames]

Dont they have new 738max coming in 2019?

 

[Bagpuss]

Dont they have new 738max coming in 2019?

Yes, in the final quarter of 2019. Virgin Australia looks to fleet flexibility with Boeing 737 MAX order - Australian Aviation

Doesn’t help with in additional NZ flights etc which start in the next few months time.

 

[CPMaverick]

I'm guessing that the B737s going to Tiger is what will be delayed first.

How may more aircraft are needed for NZ routes? I didn't think it would be many...

 

[Bagpuss]

I'm guessing that the B737s going to Tiger is what will be delayed first.

How may more aircraft are needed for NZ routes? I didn't think it would be many...

VH-VOR is currently (back) in the paintshop being painted (back) into Tiger colours Tigerair Australia to shortly receive fourth 737 - Australian Aviation

I doubt the NZ services are going to use a lot of airframes, but every one must be getting precious. Maybe they will use Alliance leasing or something.

I’m sure Virgin have all this in their planning ( as they added Newcastle-Auckland and Perth-Hobart) but it seems like a fair bit of squeezing around.

 

[Pleb Status]

Most likely a lot of fat in the current scheduling of the 73H fleet, which is now being trimmed....

 

[DJ737]

Maybe lease the ex SQ A380 from Hi-Fly for SYD-PER after norwegian have finished with it.

 

[Saab34]

The E190s were replaced with a dozen or so new 737s resulting in large capacity increases on some markets, so room to pull back a bit.

A330s are now used longer, pre Hong Kong were very under used.

Tiger quoted at the recent CAPA they are stretching out the Tiger conversion across the next few years, in other words when the MAX arrives.

 

[HeavyElectricity]

I noticed today that a VARA operated A320 is doing PER-MEL on Friday as VA686, presumably they're attempting to increase capacity to cash in on the footy final fares (economy currently going for the cheap cheap price of $851 one-way).

Edit: Also MEL-PER as VA685 earlier in the day, and PER-MEL as VA9021.

 

[CPMaverick]

I noticed today that a VARA operated A320 is doing PER-MEL on Friday as VA686, presumably they're attempting to increase capacity can cash in on the footy final fares (economy currently going for the cheap cheap price of $851 one-way).

My god... what a horrible downgrade that would be.

 

[Bagpuss]

I noticed today that a VARA operated A320 is doing PER-MEL on Friday as VA686....

Yes it's an additional service to cater for the increased demand.

I love the comments about cash grabs for these services. Whilst the airline I'm sure make a profit there are some significant costs:

1) Many aircraft would have been redeployed in which if a service has been cancelled or adjusted passengers on these flights might have requested refunds etc.
2) The cost to position the aircraft as appropriate. This probably involves flying the aircraft to Perth or Melbourne and then to position it back. Loads would be low.
3) The additional cost for crew and pilots and potentially paying for crew positioning (PAX'ing), overtime, accommodation and displacements etc.
4) The risk of services not being full. (Surprising the flight I would take which gets you into Melbourne from Perth on Saturday at 10:30AM is near empty).
5) Not a cost but a risk of customer backlash due to aircraft going tech, delays, crew sickness

FYI a lot of the charters flights being put on by TASA and HelloWorld etc are either F100's or A320 services.

I would have said the worst thing is having to watch Collingwood play in a GF over the given aircraft used. But hey, that's just me.

 

[HeavyElectricity]

I love the comments about cash grabs for these services.

Wasn't necessarily negative comments - it's a market driven price, and people are prepared to pay for it. An airline would be stupid not to maximise the opportunity and add capacity / reap the benefits. I do feel for those who are caught out (non footy fans) who happen to need to travel this weekend however!

 

[Bagpuss]

Wasn't necessarily negative comments - it's a market driven price, and people are prepared to pay for it. An airline would be stupid not to maximise the opportunity and add capacity / reap the benefits. I do feel for those who are caught out (non footy fans) who happen to need to travel this weekend however!

Sorry, wasn't aimed at you, but there's lots of comments about it on Social Media.
Reality is it's also supply and demand.

Yes, I think the same. Imagine if there's a family emergency etc.

It's not just Perth - Melbourne, it's Perth - Sydney and Perth - Adelaide too as some people utilize various ways to get to Melbourne etc.

 

[TomVexille]

The VARA A320 has popped up on ADL-MEL next week... and im booked on it

 

[pauly7]

The VARA A320 has popped up on ADL-MEL next week... and im booked on it

Oh dear.... good luck

 

[TomVexille]

Oh dear.... good luck

Thanks, this is what happens when QF is double the price and work insist on us booking all our travel through an admin person based in another state

 

[Pleb Status]

With a slightly better seat pitch (31in vs 30in) and a slightly wider seat (17.8in vs 17.2in), the VARA A320 would be a step up from the QF 73H if travelling in Y (and even better for VA WP with free access to the exit rows available at the time of booking)....

 

[TomVexille]

With a slightly better seat pitch (31in vs 30in) and a slightly wider seat (17.8in vs 17.2in), the VARA A320 would be a step up from the QF 73H if travelling in Y (and even better for VA WP with free access to the exit rows available at the time of booking)....

Would have preferred the 737, I'm 5 for 5 on minimum upgrade bids this year

 

[CPMaverick]

As someone who has flown both VARA A320s, I don't think they are a step up from anything. The interiors are shocking. One is much worse than the other. No entertainment, windows cracked and opaque, worn out and broken seats, etc. Virgin should be embarrassed to have their name on it. Might be the worst commercial plane in Australia.

 

[Saab34]

VARA just just picked up two Tiger A320s.

VH-VNJ already there and VNB joins next month. VNP joining in the new year.