Tokyo Haneda slot - how will Virgin Operate it?

[elanshin]

I wonder if there are legal reasons why they're not doing it. Like it becoming a requirement to be registered to sell in Japan for flights exJP.

 

[henrus]

I've just been in Japan (flew Jetstar) and passed through Cairns today.

I think the most noticeable thing was the VA flight from HND is scheduled to arrive at 6:25am (today it landed at 5:50am), looking at onward domestic connections (at least the ones today):

6am - to Brisbane (obviously not possible)
9:10am - to Brisbane (meaning a 2 hour 45 min transfer - which is very long in Cairns)
10:55am - to Sydney (4hrs 30 mins layover)
11:45am - to Brisbane (5hr 15 mins layover)
11:45am - to Melbourne (5hr 20 mins layover)

So unless you're going to Brisbane, you're in for a long wait at the domestic terminal. VA to their credit do have a domestic desk on the far right hand side for those arriving from HND to drop their luggage (saving time because the general queue has been big all days!)

 

[PERLHR]

I've just been in Japan (flew Jetstar) and passed through Cairns today.

I think the most noticeable thing was the VA flight from HND is scheduled to arrive at 6:25am (today it landed at 5:50am), looking at onward domestic connections (at least the ones today):

6am - to Brisbane (obviously not possible)
9:10am - to Brisbane (meaning a 2 hour 45 min transfer - which is very long in Cairns)
10:55am - to Sydney (4hrs 30 mins layover)
11:45am - to Brisbane (5hr 15 mins layover)
11:45am - to Melbourne (5hr 20 mins layover)

So unless you're going to Brisbane, you're in for a long wait at the domestic terminal. VA to their credit do have a domestic desk on the far right hand side for those arriving from HND to drop their luggage (saving time because the general queue has been big all days!)

I do find this interesting. Tempted to do the run but alas from Perth makes it really not feasible. Also I think that Cairns really does deserve a VA lounge.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

From PER, might as well wait and see, if/when the NH ANA flights from there start again,
===
Also, if you fly NH J, you would I assume get entry to the SQ KF lounge at PER T1, about 3 flights a day for SQ PER - SIN.
Or go with SQ from PER - SIN - NRT/HND with a VA code, if you can find it.

 

[AIRwin]

From PER, might as well wait and see, if/when the NH ANA flights from there start again,

It has already resumed:

ANA to fly Tokyo - Perth

I am also waiting for news as I was a regular on this flight. My Japanese contacts in Perth also don't know but we know the WA government is working on it. When I hear, I will post an update.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Cynicor]

Yeah; it’s back and bloody $ in J. Y was $ but sales push it back to a reasonable level

 

[eastwest101]

I wonder if there are legal reasons why they're not doing it. Like it becoming a requirement to be registered to sell in Japan for flights exJP.

Yeah seems peculiar that VA would want to fly to Japan but not want to do surely would be a once off fairly mundane and normal bureaucratic process to sell tickets ex-Japan. Surely it couldn't be too much of a hurdle?

The fact that they haven't done so and the lack of forethought in connection times in CNS just confirms in my mind that this route is not commercial at all, and is just an exercise in harvesting QLD taxpayer subsidies and/or slot squatting & optionality for Bain for a future sale process, preventing Qantas getting the HND slot could just be an unintended minor benefit.

 

[HS-TQE]

Yeah seems peculiar that VA would want to fly to Japan but not want to do surely would be a once off fairly mundane and normal bureaucratic process to sell tickets ex-Japan. Surely it couldn't be too much of a hurdle?

The fact that they haven't done so and the lack of forethought in connection times in CNS just confirms in my mind that this route is not commercial at all, and is just an exercise in harvesting QLD taxpayer subsidies and/or slot squatting & optionality for Bain for a future sale process, preventing Qantas getting the HND slot could just be an unintended minor benefit.

Let's not forget some of the aims of the taxpayer funded Queensland AAIF is to drive inbound tourism into certain regions of Queensland.

Considering there has been reports of group/tour bookings into Far North Queensland since VA switched over to the 737-8 Max suggests there has been Queensland Government and North Queensland tourism involved on this particular route, leaving the rest of the seats for low yield/inbound travellers to compete with their fellow LCC/Value rivals in Jetstar and other 1 stop LCC/Value Carrier rivals like Scoot and Batik Air.

As said previously, we can all agree if it wasn't for the Queensland Government splashing AAIF money to most carriers including Virgin, Bain would've let the Haneda slot lapse back in March.

 

[Zinger]

I'm currently on a train to Tokyo to board tonight's flight to CNS. I checked the app and found this.

I've received no email or sms at all.

I tried emailing the platinum desk and Facebook messenger however with no replies from either.

Any suggestions?

 

[AIRwin]

I'm currently on a train to Tokyo to board tonight's flight to CNS. I checked the app and found this.

I've received no email or sms at all.

I tried emailing the platinum desk and Facebook messenger however with no replies from either.

Any suggestions?View attachment 353000

Looks like inbound VA77 is delayed... Do you have a connecting flight upon arrival in CNS?

 

[Zinger]

Looks like inbound VA77 is delayed... Do you have a connecting flight upon arrival in CNS?

No. I live in Cairns.

 

[Happy Dude]

I do find this interesting. Tempted to do the run but alas from Perth makes it really not feasible. Also I think that Cairns really does deserve a VA lounge.

It used to have one. Closed for Covid and never re-opened. Makes this route more unappealing especially with the inevitable long layover times pointed out.

Also, I know it's purchasing one way ex-Japan cash fares being discussed by @ozstamps , but one way award flights from HND are available. Not sure how the taxes are handled as they were charged in AUD by VA in Bamaga or Gympie or somewhere, so it must be a regulatory thing @elanshin.

 

[AIRwin]

No. I live in Cairns.

Perhaps subscribe to flight status notifications to alert you on VA77 departure in case it is cancelled?

Virgin Australia Flight Status

Virgin Australia Flight Status

flightstatus.virginaustralia.com

 

[elanshin]

Yeah seems peculiar that VA would want to fly to Japan but not want to do surely would be a once off fairly mundane and normal bureaucratic process to sell tickets ex-Japan. Surely it couldn't be too much of a hurdle?

If it is a full blown government regulation thing it could be a lot of time and money for a very niche route. The domestic JP Market likely wouldn't respond well to flying VA to the East Coast (NH, JL are strong and JQ is for LCC). Similarly for Cairns JQ (GK) is a stronger brand in Japan. so they may feel its a lot of work for almost no return.

 

[HS-TQE]

If it is a full blown government regulation thing it could be a lot of time and money for a very niche route. The domestic JP Market likely wouldn't respond well to flying VA to the East Coast (NH, JL are strong and JQ is for LCC). Similarly for Cairns JQ (GK) is a stronger brand in Japan. so they may feel its a lot of work for almost no return.

NH customers would be aware of VA through codeshare connections and to a lesser extent the Queensland funded Cairns-Haneda service through tourism agencies, although overall I agree the O&D on the JP side are heavily in favour of their respective home carriers.

 

[MochaMardy]

tH E

I'm currently on a train to Tokyo to board tonight's flight to CNS. I checked the app and found this.

I've received no email or sms at all.

I tried emailing the platinum desk and Facebook messenger however with no replies from either.

Any suggestions?View attachment 353000

The incoming flight is delayed by about an hour, so i suspect they are just shufflng your departure time later

 

[PERLHR]

Yeah; it’s back and bloody $ in J. Y was $ but sales push it back to a reasonable level

Yes I saw it for over 10,000 dollars in biz return!! Seriously....is it April 01? My wee convertible cost less.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Looks like JQi might have gotten on the front foot, from later this year, or early next year, JQi is flying BNE - NRT direct.
This bypasses having to transit CNS, if people want to use lounges, and have a wider plane to stretch out a bit.
I do have a QFF account, so if I wanted to fly to Japan, this JQi via BNE, would be better than a small narrow, even if not fully filled with pax narrow plane to Japan.
Being able to carry a bit more warmer clothing, esp for the Japan winter would be a plus.
Wish that VAi had wide bodied planes still, ... but we can all/only dream.

 

[AIRwin]

Looks like JQi might have gotten on the front foot, from later this year, or early next year, JQi is flying BNE - NRT direct.

Flights commenced 2 weeks ago:

Jetstar to boost international flying with new Brisbane Airport partnership

Jetstar are expanding international operations from Brisbane following a partnership with Brisbane Airport. Summary of new services: • Brisbane - Tokyo (Narita) commences October 31st 2023 (5x weekly, increasing to 1x daily) • Brisbane - Osaka commences February 2nd 2024 (4x weekly) • Brisbane...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[HS-TQE]

JQ's BNE-NRT replaced OOL-NRT a few week ago. Consolidating the 787 base to BNE.