It would be fascinating to see load patterns on the QF LHR flights. Airlines never share that information of course as it would allow competitors to apply market pressure, ramp up fares etc.
I would hope the Dubai-London leg justifies two A380s a day. If they are running emptyish, then I'd expect Qantas to manage that in the same manner they have with other commercially unviable routes. Options? Leave it to EK. Cut back to a single feeder service, as they do with the NYC service out of LAX. Or maybe a change of aircraft in Dubai - hello, 787-9.
London is such an iconic destination for Qantas, but history shouldn't cloud good commercial judgements.
I think the DXB to SYD/MEL and DXB to LHR are always full.
QF1 / EK5001 is the first A380 arrival into Heathrow from Dubai each morning, then next EK A380 (EK7 / QF 5007) arrives half hour later. QF2 / EK 5001 is also the first arrival into SYD each morning from Dubai, so these flights are going to always be full. When QF2 leaves LHR, there is an EK flight an hour before and half hour after, so the EK passenger feed is low.
So, whilst part of the leg might not turn a profit, the other leg always does, so its in QF / EK interest if they continue to cycle the planes through the sectors.
Fonga
Fonga
Member since 12 Feb 2014
Total posts 61
It would be fascinating to see load patterns on the QF LHR flights. Airlines never share that information of course as it would allow competitors to apply market pressure, ramp up fares etc.
I would hope the Dubai-London leg justifies two A380s a day. If they are running emptyish, then I'd expect Qantas to manage that in the same manner they have with other commercially unviable routes. Options? Leave it to EK. Cut back to a single feeder service, as they do with the NYC service out of LAX. Or maybe a change of aircraft in Dubai - hello, 787-9.
London is such an iconic destination for Qantas, but history shouldn't cloud good commercial judgements.
LondonAussie
LondonAussie
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 12 Jul 2014
Total posts 79
I think the DXB to SYD/MEL and DXB to LHR are always full.
QF1 / EK5001 is the first A380 arrival into Heathrow from Dubai each morning, then next EK A380 (EK7 / QF 5007) arrives half hour later. QF2 / EK 5001 is also the first arrival into SYD each morning from Dubai, so these flights are going to always be full. When QF2 leaves LHR, there is an EK flight an hour before and half hour after, so the EK passenger feed is low.
So, whilst part of the leg might not turn a profit, the other leg always does, so its in QF / EK interest if they continue to cycle the planes through the sectors.