Does any anyone think that QF75/76 SYD-YVR will continue after the canadian ski season or there will be an increase on frequency.

Does any anyone think that QF75/76 SYD-YVR will continue after the canadian ski season or there will be an increase on frequency.

No I don't think so. Air Canada has an excellent product and it would be a waste of resources for QF to compete on that route when it has established an excellent code share arrangement with AA from LAX and DFW to primary Canadian cities.

I thought that Air Canada was rather below average back in 2012 when I last had the misfortune of winding up on an AC flight with rude staff and I eatable meals in J. Maybe they have improved, but I still do prefer the red too and can't stand LAX and DFW is just too long. 

Auto correct - ineatable and red roo

I agree with TRB - AC has an excellent product.  Many may deride AC up there much similar to people being harsh on QF down here, but the AC33/34, like QF's 108/107, one of only two carriers to offer a direct flight from an east coast hub (YYZ for AC) through YVR to Sydney.  They, as others remarked, do have a monopoly on the market for people wishing to have a direct flight from the west coast to Sydney, which is favoured by those wishing to avoid us customs & simplify their travel plan.

They may not have the most glamorous YC, but their herringbone JC is a joy to travel on.  This, however, is set to change.  Although AC has recently 'upgraded' their 777-300ERs to a 3-class configuration, mercifully, the 777-200LRs which are primarily used (save for this holiday season) to fly YYZ-YVR-SYD operated with the older, but less cramped 2-class configuration.

http://aircanada.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=824

They have it on the cards now to align the 777-200LRs with the rest of the longhaul fleet, meaning, I would assume, they would loose the 3-3-3 layout down back, being "upgraded" to a high-density 3-4-3 layout (that has, as far as I'm aware, received very poor reviews due to lack of elbow room, as well as foot cramping due to IFE boxes under most seats.

Shame, to see another carrier opt for a product which although financially more profitable, could make the (at times) 16h trip from YVR-SYD far less enjoyable.

All that being said, if AC does "upgrade" the 777-200LR fleet to sardine class, QF may have a leg-up if they were to operate the route with a more passenger-friendly 787 variant (that would hopefully have 3-3-3 across seating). 

A final note & sidebar: I do recall seeing at some point AC was considering YVR-MEL with the dreamliner... that could be good, and would be the only flight from Canada direct to Melbourne.

It works for Air NZ and there are so many Australians in west Canada.

If they had the right aircraft....we're looking at you 787-9. Do it Allan, go early on the order. We know you read this site!

I agree. Don't underestimate the value of the tourist dollar, and I don't mean the people flying from Geelong to Proserpine, I mean the people spending tens of thousands on a train trip through the rockies. There is pleanty of opportunity here.

plenty*

If these services go well then I suspect we may see extended seasonal services next year. Would love to see 3-5 x weekly services year round, but agree that a better aircraft would help make the route more sustainable.  I think it also depends on how successful the Westjet partnership is.

Not sure I agree that the AC product is that great... based on my experience on their 777 this year. Also if I was going to Canada I would personally avoid going through the US if the option was there.

The AC product is bland on the B777. It would be nice to see if AC upgrades it to one of thier B787-9 dreamlinners 

Qantas have applied for more regular traffic rights into Canada.. see AUSBT article about the announcement of the SYD-YVR flights written by Chris on September 18th. 

http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-mulls-ongoing-vancouver-flights

I think it will stay seasonal for the time being and as already mentioned above, if QF eventually get the 787 then perhaps it will be worth increasing frequency throughout the year. I doubt there would be sufficient demand to fill a 747 all year round. 

Agreed. I don't believe the demand is that strong, even if AC is perceived to offer a sub-standard product. 

Of course there will be SOME demand from expat Aussies in Canada but will that route generate the right yield is another matter. Unless Qantas plans to grow its presence in Canada and take a loss position in the interim. But to what end? At some point the Canadian economy will tank, when their resources boom ends (as is in Australia). The US economy is far more resilient and any investment in it now will bear fruit in the future.

I think it will return for the 2015/2016 holidays but not regular (until the 787 arrives to save us) but I'm travelling on it  in the holidays, and I found it extremely convenient and has saved me going via Dallas to get to Calgary! With the westjet codeshare in place I think Qantas wants and does need to have a place in the Canadian market (especially since they dosent exactly love AC & NZ) 

I believe Qantas will continue the route throughout the year & not just over the seasonal period. Not having to connect via LAX/HNL/SFO or AKL just to get to YVR will be a major factor for selecting QF over AC or Air NZ & minimising stopovers. With only a possible 3 return flights per week (allocation is 1,092 seats) you might find customers will arrange their departure dates around the days QF will fly direct. The 3 flights should also ensure QF load numbers are at a level for the route to be somewhat profitable throughout the year until they get their hands on a more fuel efficient aircraft (787-9)

In the end of the day, if Air Canada can do it... why can't Qantas!!