Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten choose Qantas flight

[anat0l]

Just wait until they are offered the Cafe Breakfast.

Possibly the first real hope that this QF service "enhancement" might be rescinded with bipartisan support.

The flight over to JNB has no breakfast service at all.

The flight back has a full breakfast scheduled (as it's an ultra longhaul).

In any case, I don't think at least Abbott would eat very much and he looks like the bowl-of-cereal-every-morning man, which means he probably couldn't tell a cafe breakfast if it hit him on the head.

 

[elbarto]

I thought the A330MRTT was supposed to take over in these kinds of roles. That all Y layout may not have been acceptable.

 

[Sprucegoose]

The fact that we have 737s is ridiculous. Our Head of State (yes, I am imagining we live the Republic we should be) should not have to stop for fuel twice when going to South Africa. Once at a stretch. Twice is a joke.

You want to pay more tax do you?

 

[markis10]

I thought the A330MRTT was supposed to take over in these kinds of roles. That all Y layout may not have been acceptable.

The MRTTs will take over the A340s role.

 

[docjames]

All Y? Just fold the armrests up and presto - lay flat bed!!

Does the 330 replace the HiFly A340 you mean?

 

[markis10]

All Y? Just fold the armrests up and presto - lay flat bed!!

Does the 330 replace the HiFly A340 you mean?

The MRTTs will replace the A340 re troop logistics, not VIP logistics, they are two class with same interior as QF domestic ie SICMA Silverwing 2 and no IFE.

 

[docjames]

Yes I realised they weren't for VIP work.

I'm surprised its more cost effective to buy/fit an A330 than to continue to lease one.

 

[markis10]

Yes I realised they weren't for VIP work.

I'm surprised its more cost effective to buy/fit an A330 than to continue to lease one.

The MRTTs main role is a tanker which is a bit problematic for the A340, the fact they have a cabin for a large number of pax is a big bonus, getting rid of the need for both the A340 and the KC10s/135s in one hit, while also giving them the capability to relieve the C17s and C130s from pax duties as required for the larger airfields.

 

[sydstar]

Considering it's usually the older 747s on this run, would it have been a deliberate move by QF to run an ER on this day, or just coincidental rotation?

A serious question; I don't know how fleet rotation works. Is it likely that a refurbished 747 will operate the 64 for their return?

 

[Danger]

As a tax payer, I'm happy they are flying QF which has a direct, non stop flight between Syd and Jnb. I'm very glad they are not using the private jet! Too bad QF does not have F service on that route

Interestingly, the prime minister's office has issued a directive that there will be no First travel at all, not for members, senators or ministers. Politicians receiving a complimentary upgrade to First have been directed to decline the offer and only accept if it is an op-up (rather than a complimentary upgrade). It may be different for the prime minister but I would suggest that even if First was offered on this particular JNB flight, Abbott and Shorten would still have flown Business.

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

No, the government 737 does not have beds.

The fact that we have 737s is ridiculous. Our Head of State (yes, I am imagining we live the Republic we should be) should not have to stop for fuel twice when going to South Africa. Once at a stretch. Twice is a joke.

Why is it a joke?

The practicalities are that a BBJ is appropriate for most operations and with towards twice the range of a 738 it would be inappropriate to operate anything bigger and more expensive. Reality is that Oz is a long way from almost anywhere else.

I understand that the VIP fleet is nearing the end of its life and Defence is giving consideration to a least one A330. However, as noted, it would seem over the top to use such an aircraft for domestic travel.

 

[markis10]

Considering it's usually the older 747s on this run, would it have been a deliberate move by QF to run an ER on this day, or just coincidental rotation?

A serious question; I don't know how fleet rotation works. Is it likely that a refurbished 747 will operate the 64 for their return?

There is no usual for this route, its a real mix of old and new, three class refurb and non refurb as well as four class.

 

[Groundfeeder]

To SYD to board QF63.

Would this be a first time for these VERY high ranked CL's to enter the SYD CL with their present jobs??

 

[markis10]

Would this be a first time for these VERY high ranked CL's to enter the SYD CL with their present jobs??

Why would they be entering the CL?

 

[Flying Fox]

Interestingly, the prime minister's office has issued a directive that there will be no First travel at all, not for members, senators or ministers. Politicians receiving a complimentary upgrade to First have been directed to decline the offer and only accept if it is an op-up (rather than a complimentary upgrade).

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

 

[MEL_Traveller]

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

I'm guessing an operational upgrade on the grounds of 'security' would qualify?

 

[hdfb]

Why would they be entering the CL?

All federal MPs and Senators have access to CL

 

[mannej]

All federal MPs and Senators have access to CL

Is there a CL at the international terminal?

 

[markis10]

All federal MPs and Senators have access to CL

Is there a CL at the international terminal?

No, hence my question, on arrival into Sydney it would have been straight to the F lounge or the SACL VIP suite.

 

[cmon0005]

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 '

 

[markis10]

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 '

Probably more like "do you know if Palmer has fitted Sidewinders to his GLEX yet?"