VA Flight Frequency

[mrmerc500]

Recently reviewed flights operated on the last 3 weekends and have noticed a major discrepancy in flights operated by VA compared to QF on the Syd - Per segment. Eg, 12 flights by Virgin, compared to over 3.5 times more at 44 operated flights by Qantas. VA schedule lists 7 flights on the weekends so it seems 3 flights are being cancelled each weekend.

What would the reason be for this ?
Are there any other routes where VA & QF have such a flight frequency discrepancy?

 

[williamsf1]

Are you talking about direct services or Via flights ?

For example Saturday this PER SYD VA have 5 direct flights were QF have 6. QF seem to publish alot more flights with a via point. 5-7 flights each day on a weekend seems to be the normal

 

[mrmerc500]

Yes have only reviewed direct flights. Obviously what can be booked & indicated on the timetables is pending changes and have gained the info by anayalysing the QF & VA source tracker. Reviewed the first 3 weeks of August, VA had 14 flights verse the same 44 operated QF weekends 06/07, 13/14, 20/21st August. If you were travelling for business or required a flexible schedule, QF on the weekends certainly seem a clear winner, this case being again triple frequency.

 

[Mattg]

Qantas tends to maintain frequency on the SYD-PER route on weekends, but use more 737s. During the week they mostly use larger A330s.

 

[NZflygirl]

Don't QF have a larger fleet? So more planes more flights?

 

[mrmerc500]

On the wide body fleet yes, 18 A330-200 for domestic vs 6 planes for VA. Comparing the main aircraft that operate in the fleet, QF have 89 planes (737 & A330) vs 82 for Virgin so only 7 short. Think that VA need to consider the option of purchasing more wide bodies especially with this announcement of Abu Dhabi, they also serve Fiji on the weekend so QF are going to be winning come business.