Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten choose Qantas flight

[Danger]

What's the difference between a complimentary upgrade and an Op-up? How can one tell?

I view it as a complimentary upgrade is one given because of who you are whereas an op-up is one provided due to operational requirements, like an oversell, broken seat etc.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I view it as a complimentary upgrade is one given because of who you are whereas an op-up is one provided due to operational requirements, like an oversell, broken seat etc.

I think the point was that as far as a 'CIP' or 'VIP' is concerend, it might be impossible to tell. All the QF staff would need to say is 'this is an operational upgrade' and no one would be any the wiser. 'Operational requirements' could well be interpreted to mean being able to offer better security for the CIP/VIP.

 

[pauly7]

All federal MPs and Senators have access to CL

If we are getting technical, they are all invited to join the CL. Some don't. To make a point that they are just plebs like the rest of us no doubt.

 

[ermen]

Why not get a Gulfstream G650 for VIP travel? Probably more economical than a 737?

 

[markis10]

Why not get a Gulfstream G650 for VIP travel? Probably more economical than a 737?

Wont cater for the cling ons.

 

[ReLoad]

Wont cater for the cling ons.

Yes they do seem rather voluminous

 

[Boris spatsky]

Why not get a Gulfstream G650 for VIP travel? Probably more economical than a 737?

As markis said, they need to cater for the media who travel with them overseas. Even the BBJ is not really big enough.

In the past, they have hired an A319 purely for the media contingent to shadow the BBJ to London! What a waste of money.

 

[Rebekkap]

Re: Abbott goes to South Africa

I saw Abbott and Shorten get on the 737 that 34 squadron manage out of CBR to head off to JNB for Mandela's funeral

what route would they take?

I would have have thought via SIN?

i know Howard refused to have lie flat beds installed. Has that changed?

someone out there will know all this

Still no lie flat beds on the BBJ.

 

[Flying Fox]

As markis said, they need to cater for the media who travel with them overseas. Even the BBJ is not really big enough.

In the past, they have hired an A319 purely for the media contingent to shadow the BBJ to London! What a waste of money.

I have always wondered why the govt bought a B737 vs B767/A330 for our PM. Not that I like wasting money but given AUS remoteness to our allies such as the US & UK, I would have though the B737 was always going to be too small with limited range for the job that is required.

 

[markis10]

I have always wondered why the govt bought a B737 vs B767/A330 for our PM. Not that I like wasting money but given AUS remoteness to our allies such as the US & UK, I would have though the B737 was always going to be too small with limited range for the job that is required.

The BBJ has pretty much the same range as the alternatives you have given, which is why sales of bizjets versions have yet to exceed double digits for all bar the 737 and 787 variants, and at the end of the day we don't have the need for anything bigger on a regular basis.

 

[Boris spatsky]

The BBJ has pretty much the same range as the alternatives you have given, which is why sales of bizjets versions have yet to exceed double digits for all bar the 737 and 787 variants, and at the end of the day we don't have the need for anything bigger on a regular basis.

And up until the recent runway extension at Canberra, the larger aircraft (777 or A330) could not depart with full fuel and a decent payload anyway. Having to refuel every time in Sydney negated the range benefit anyway.

 

[Happy Trails]

I have always wondered why the govt bought a B737 vs B767/A330 for our PM.....

I heard that John Howard was sold on the cool-looking winglets.
And, apparently, he had to be talked out of installing fake chrome exhausts.

 

[Simo]

I heard that John Howard was sold on the cool-looking winglets.
And, apparently, he had to be talked out of installing fake chrome exhausts.

Didn't he want a some chrome on the wheels as well.

And a fox tail for the top of the tail...

 

[Simo]

Correct me if I am wrong but a 737 could pretty well service any where in Australia with out a stop and our close neighbour in NZ and Fiji and some of Asia as well.

From what I can see on the net at maximum payload and you will get about 5700kms.

I would be guessing that the Govt jet would never travel and full payload.

 

[Simo]

I wonder if they were seated next to each other..?

Could just imagine the conversation, ' so bill, is this real champagne?? '
' tone, you didn't flush the toilet again, you have to press it yourself on a commercial flight '

We should have went with Palmer...

 

[markis10]

Correct me if I am wrong but a 737 could pretty well service any where in Australia with out a stop and our close neighbour in NZ and Fiji and some of Asia as well.

From what I can see on the net at maximum payload and you will get about 5700kms.

I would be guessing that the Govt jet would never travel and full payload.

A BBJ with 25 pax has 11000km range.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Some people seem to forget this is not a standard airline 737 but a long range BBJ.