Australia - USA open skies

[OzBushWhacker]

http://news.smh.com.au/australia-us-sign-aviation-agreement/20080401-22tx.html

Looks like open skies. Who do you think (if anyone) will launch service??

 

[luckytohaveajob]

Expressjet who is planning an Austrialian operation with surplus aircraft.

I heard they were planning on running an Australian domestic operation.

 

[IronCityBlue]

I think the big loser with the Aussie open skies is Qantas. United should be able to easilly hold on to what they already do, and at least one or two other US airlines will add service there, as well as V Austrailia/V Blue.

 

[aussieflyboy]

I have heard from several very senior CAL pilots that CAL is planning to do IAH-SYD direct in the 787 within a couple of years.

Also, it's true that there were murmurings at XJT about doing some domestic flying in Australia but we've heard nothing about it since the middle of last year so I'm not quite sure just how serious a proposition it is...

 

[Kenny]

I think the big loser with the Aussie open skies is Qantas. United should be able to easilly hold on to what they already do, and at least one or two other US airlines will add service there, as well as V Austrailia/V Blue.

If the Big White Rat use those A380's for all 50 flights a week they currently do, then they'll be moving a hell of a lot more people than anyone else.

Currently UAL & QF with the 400's have the only aircraft that can do the leg without being weight restricted. UAL have had the 777's doing it on occasion and they've been extremely restricted.

I'd be interested to see if DAL's new LR's could do it with the max ETOPS and not have problems. I'm sure GL'll chime in on that one.

Either way, the winners will be the one's that can provide a high level of service. 14 hours, LAX-SYD in Y is de-humanizing at best.

 

[Heavy Set]

Delta recently asked Boeing if they could extend the range on the 777-200LR to fly nonstop from JFK to SYD I believe. Not sure if that is possible. I would expect Delta would eventually serve Australia from LAX as they get more 777s.