SYD - LAX nonstop Air Canada!!!

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flyer4703

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Perhaps Qantas will get more competition on SYD - LAX just not fro SQ
This article from USA Today

Fly from California to Australia ... on Air Canada?
Air Canada announced Wednesday that it will apply to begin daily non-stop flights between Los Angeles and Sydney. If successful in its application for the new route, Air Canada would take advantage of a November agreement between Canada and the USA that allows airlines from either nation to fly through and pick up customers in the other en route to a third nation. Air Canada’s proposal would have it fly from its Toronto hub to Los Angeles, with continuing service to Sydney. Air Canada says it would work with Star Alliance partners like United and US Airways to coordinate schedules and offer code-shared flights. United operates a hub at Los Angeles, which –- in theory –- could boost connecting options should Air Canada’s L.A.-Sydney leg receive approval.

Air Canada would begin the flights in the first half of 2007 once it takes delivery of Boeing 777 aircraft it has on order, reports HalifaxLive.com. But, before Air Canada can fly the route, it must overcome regulatory obstacles –- the biggest of which could come from the Australian government. Australia has previously prevented Singapore Airlines from flying between Los Angeles and Sydney. But The Sydney Morning Herald writes that Air Canada’s “move could take pressure off the Federal Government to allow additional competition -- namely Singapore Airlines -- on the capacity-constrained route that accounts for 20% of Qantas's profits.”
 
I think this is good news for Australia. Its only one daily 777 service and not planned to commence for another 12 months, so anything could happen between now and then. Probably will have most significant affect on other Star Alliance operators (UA and NZ) as there will not be 3 Star partners operating between USA and Aus (NZ via NZ obviously).

This will make for a good connection/service to YYZ, even though it will mean USA immigration/customs clearance in LAX even for transit to Canada.

It will be the first 777 non-stop service LAX-SYD. UA have operated 777 LAX-AKL, but up until now all non-stop LAX-SYD services have been 747-400 or 747-SP operated.
 
Yep good news for Aussies and great news for *A FFP members. It also may prompt more Aussies to join AC's FFP, given it's relatively easy to reach mid tier status. If it goes ahead, it also offers further credibility to QF's argument that already there is sufficient competition on this route. What minor hope I had of SQ getting some slots is erased with this announcement.

Nonetheless AC's new 772LRs and lie flat suites will be a welcome addition for SYD-LAX PAX. If some other Aussie operators (e.g. DJ, DeathStar) also get in on the act then perhaps we'll see some competitive pricing to L.A.
 
Having flown with them this month, it'll be a loooong time getting me back on. Apart from the lousy equipment (which the 777 may go some way to addressing), the crews, all 4 sets were mostly lazy, QF style rude with Canuck attitude, slow...not enjoyable.
 
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A pity this didn't happen during that unlimited "all you can fly on Air Canada" deal. I couldn't imagine how many trans-Pacific flights I would do then!
 
flyer4703 said:
But The Sydney Morning Herald writes that Air Canada’s “move could take pressure off the Federal Government to allow additional competition -- namely Singapore Airlines -- on the capacity-constrained route that accounts for 20% of Qantas's profits.”

Click here for a link to the SMH story.
 
AC still has to apply to Australia to fly the route. Essentially it is in the same boat as SQ in that US has granted the rights and now is applying to Australia. Arguably AC is in a stronger position by virtue of already flying between australia and US.
 
My thoughts are the same as yours dOOt. The SYD/SFO/YVR routing QF starts in March (although it's really only the SFO/YVR sector that the Canadian Government would have been concerned about). Given that it was the former Liberal government in Canada who would have signed off on it previously, it's interesting to see that the recent elections have the Conservative Party looking like they will form a new minority government. They are also close to the Liberal party here - having studied John Howard's previous electoral wins. Seems they used a similar campaigning method and it's helped them immeasurable, as they needed ~6% swing to win government.

QF realise that AC is less of a competitor than SQ in the short term. Smaller company, older fleet (apart from the new 777's with their lie flat beds) and they already have the rights and are flying to Australia. Smart move again QF and I hope the Australian Government allow them the additional flight. As much as some of us doesn't like certain QF executives (or certain politicians for that matter) for some of the decisions they make, one has to admire their moves on this one. Brilliant strategy, apparently about to be excellently put in place.
 
beardoc said:
A pity this didn't happen during that unlimited "all you can fly on Air Canada" deal. I couldn't imagine how many trans-Pacific flights I would do then!
You must either like LAX or long flights a lot. I've done that nonstop run three times and it's not my idea of hours of pleasure! There's bugger all to see out the window, too.
 
Lindsay Wilson said:
The SYD/SFO/YVR routing QF starts in March
Actually, its only SYD-SFO-SYD that starts on March 29th. The SFO-YVR-SFO potion of QF73/74 will not commence until 14th June.
 
beardoc said:
A pity this didn't happen during that unlimited "all you can fly on Air Canada" deal. I couldn't imagine how many trans-Pacific flights I would do then!

mtacchi of million mile run fame earned a lot of his miles on short hops - due to minimum mileage earning, short flight time and frequent (hourly) service this was the most efficient way to earn
 
Kiwi Flyer said:
beardoc said:
A pity this didn't happen during that unlimited "all you can fly on Air Canada" deal. I couldn't imagine how many trans-Pacific flights I would do then!

mtacchi of million mile run fame earned a lot of his miles on short hops - due to minimum mileage earning, short flight time and frequent (hourly) service this was the most efficient way to earn
And I expect he is looking forward to redeeming some of those miles for a few visits to places like Aus sitting at the right end of a 777 next year :) .
 
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