Suspension of QFs codeshare with Brindabella Airlines (now grounded)

[RooFlyer]

In receivership: The Australian - Brindabella

Edit: sorry for repeated post.

 

[Kangol]

It's a topic I've been losing sleep over as it's a not infrequent trip for me, duct tape on the seats and all

I'm looking at moving there, dismal how QFlink only flies to BNE. The JQ flights to and from MEL are OK but like most people I would avoid JQ at all costs where possible.

 

[moa999]

In receivership, seeking buyers according to the article.

Can't see either of Qantas or Virgin looking given current issues. Would Rex?

 

[markis10]

In receivership, seeking buyers according to the article.

Can't see either of Qantas or Virgin looking given current issues. Would Rex?

Rex could pickup the routes that are protected for less than the cost of buying the incumbent, a fleet of un airworthy planes who have not had major/minors done are probably worth little above scrap value, and 170 folks face a miserable Christmas looking for jobs.

 

[Hvr]

Surely there is an opportunity for cherry picking some routes? You'd reckon the CBR-NTL route would have to be worth looking at by either QF or VA?

 

[erkpod]

Surely there is an opportunity for cherry picking some routes? You'd reckon the CBR-NTL route would have to be worth looking at by either QF or VA?

I can't talk about QF but I know that VA have serviced the route in some way. Last year, I was in NTL overnight on a Friday night & needed to be in CBR by lunchtime Saturday. The best I could do for that timeframe at the time was OT (my first & only OT flight) to SYD & then VA from there. Looking at the coming days, there's nothing direct (perfect for AFFers but that's probably it. LOL). Some flights are via MEL, some via BNE, some both! So who in their right mind would choose VA for NTL - CBR?

 

[Boris spatsky]

I can't talk about QF but I know that VA have serviced the route in some way. Last year, I was in NTL overnight on a Friday night & needed to be in CBR by lunchtime Saturday. The best I could do for that timeframe at the time was OT (my first & only OT flight) to SYD & then VA from there. Looking at the coming days, there's nothing direct (perfect for AFFers but that's probably it. LOL). Some flights are via MEL, some via BNE, some both! So who in their right mind would choose VA for NTL - CBR?

The route had high loads by Defence as it was the only dct link for CBR staff who needed to go to RAAF Williamtown. Saved a 5 hour drive, or a connection via MEL or BNE.

 

[harvyk]

Re: Brindallbella Airlines Grounded

Brindabella Airlines put into receivership - flights suspended

Things are not looking good for the airline...

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: Brindallbella Airlines Grounded

wasn't this the same pattern with Ansett? Maintenance issues followed by receivership?

 

[harvyk]

Re: Brindallbella Airlines Grounded

wasn't this the same pattern with Ansett? Maintenance issues followed by receivership?

Pretty much... That said, it's easy to understand how when times become tough, maintenance is one of the things to suffer, since it is expensive, and just stretching things out a little won't hurt, right?

 

[straitman]

Re: Brindallbella Airlines Grounded

wasn't this the same pattern with Ansett? Maintenance issues followed by receivership?

The pattern was similar but the background reasons appear to be quite different.

 

[markis10]

Re: Brindallbella Airlines Grounded

The pattern was similar but the background reasons appear to be quite different.

As in British owners versus kiwis? I think their are significant similarities, 20+ year old aircraft not serviced, tight economic conditions etc etc

 

[erkpod]

Re: Brindallbella Airlines Grounded

Interestingly, NSW TrainLink (formerly CountryLink for those not playing along at home) are running some extra coaches in some relevant areas.


[h=2]Extra coaches for communities impacted by suspended Brindabella flights[/h]Posted: Friday 13 December 2013. Updated: Monday 16 December 2013.

Brindabella Airlines has gone into receivership and flights will remain suspended indefinitely.

Transport for NSW and NSW TrainLink have put alternative transport arrangements in place for affected communities in Moree, Narrabri, Cobar and Mudgee. These services will link customers with the nearest alternative airports.

Customers wishing to book a seat on special replacement coaches should contact NSW TrainLink on 132 232.

Please call NSW TrainLink before booking an airline ticket to ensure you are aware of the coach timetable.

Customers with existing air tickets can travel for free on replacement coaches provided they call NSW TrainLink to book a seat and show their tickets or booking reference to the driver before boarding.
[h=3]Moree and Narrabri[/h]

• Weekdays - two daily return coaches will operate between Moree, Narrabri and Tamworth to connect customers with flights in and out of Tamworth.
• Daily rail services to Sydney are also available.

[h=3]Cobar[/h]

• Weekdays - two extra coaches will operate a return service between Cobar and Dubbo, complementing existing NSW TrainLink services.

[h=3]Mudgee[/h]

• Customers are encouraged to catch NSW TrainLink services from Mudgee to Lithgow and Sydney. We will monitor capacity on these services to determine if extra seats are required.

 

[erkpod]

Re: Brindallbella Airlines Grounded

Transport for NSW reports that QFlink will be providing service to Moree from Xmas Eve.



Flights resume for Moree | Transport for NSW


Transport for NSW today announced an air licence has been issued to QantasLink to restore flights for the Moree community.
“Flights are expected to resume as early as Tuesday 24 December for customers needing to get to and from Moree for the holiday season,” a spokesperson said.
“This is great news for the Moree community after what has been a difficult few weeks.
“Transport has accelerated the process to help facilitate temporary flights for affected communities as soon as possible.”
Moree Plains Shire Council has been consulted on these arrangements.
Transport for NSW yesterday revoked Brindabella’s exclusive air licences for Moree, Narrabri, Cobar, Cooma and Mudgee, opening the door for other operators to deliver services on a temporary basis.
“Interested airlines with appropriate CASA approvals were urged to step forward, and we’re pleased that within less than 24 hours we have been able to give the green light to QantasLink to operate the Moree route,” the spokesperson said.
The QantasLink schedule is now being urgently confirmed with airlines and local councils.
NSW TrainLink’s alternative coach arrangements will continue to carry customers to and from nearby airports until further notice. These coaches are free for customers who have existing air tickets. For more information call 13 22 32.
The licence will allow flights to operate until 21 March 2014. Transport for NSW will conduct an Expression of Interest process for longer term aviation services in consultation with affected communities shortly.



And more info from QFlink including info on the Moree services (I'd copy & paste the text but it looks ugly:

Qantas launches relief flights to Moree

Moree - Sydney: ad-hoc from 24/12 to 27/12. Daily 29/12 - 21/3/14. Possibly twice daily from February. Fares start from $129 for non Brindabella ticket holdrs.


Relief fares available for people with Brindabella tickets for:

Moree - Sydney

Narrabri ticket holders can get special fares from Moree, Tamworth & Armidale.

Tamworth - Brisbane via Sydney

Coffs Harbour - Brisbane via Sydney

Newcastle - Canberra via Sydney.

 

[footyguy]

Re: Brindallbella Airlines Grounded

Brindabella Airlines put into receivership - flights suspended

Things are not looking good for the airline...

Not so merry Christmas: 128 staff retrenched at Brindabella
The 140 workers at the Canberra-based airline were told on Monday that 128 of them had lost their jobs.peStaff were told the airline could no longer be sold after it lost most of its licenses and the majority of its planes were returned to their owners.
All but a dozen staff at the cash-strapped airline will be retrenched, as the receivers KordaMentha try to sell the company's remaining assets, mainly four J-41 jetliners.

Not so merry Christmas: 128 staff retrenched at Brindabella | News.com.au