Visual Flight Rules

I have Moved!!!

2010-07-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hello there, I have relocated my blog to be more in line with my website.

So head on over here to carry on through to the new blog.

Also, don't forget about my website HUSSTECH, give it a go!

747-8 First Flight

2010-02-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Almost exactly 41 years after the first flight of a 747, Boeing flies a brand new aeroplane moulded around the original jumbo jet body: the 747-8.

The takeoff took place at around 11am PDT after being delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The flight lasted approximately 3h30. The aeroplane reached an altitude of 10000ft and a speed of 220kt.

This is a really great performance from Boeing, delivering this almost new airplane on time.

Air New Zealand unveils new cabin layout

2010-01-26T17:44:00.000-08:00

Air New Zealand only yesterday unveiled their new cabin configurations on their new 777-300ER's. From my point of view this looks like the best cabin I have ever seen (especially economy), and it will certainly differentiate the airline in terms of service provided. This means that the airline can attract customers with this better service; but I ask, are there any customers to attract?

It's interesting to look at the current route map for ANZ, obviously their hub is Auckland and most of their long-haul routes (i.e. the routes that will have these new cabins) are mainly to Far East Asia and West Coast North America. Arguably the most profitable routes are Europe/UK - USA and USA- East Asia. There are no direct routes from USA- East Asia and there is only ONE direct route from UK- USA. The Auckland hub is not in the most convenient location, and they can't rely on increased tourist travel alone, so how can ANZ make the best use of its new aircraft, and make it a commercial success.

I think ANZ are planning an expansion, they are about to introduce quite a few new aircraft (5 777's EIS 2010, and 8 787's EIS 2013), but with their current routes they may have surplus capacity. In particular I think they will introduce more UK-USA routes to tap into that massive market. However UK-USA routes are served extensively by the "Big daddy" in the STAR alliance partnership United Airlines, would ANZ now compete with them?

With such little difference between airlines in almost every aspect, in flight experience is the most differentiating factor and ANZ will have the upper hand in attracting passengers. It will be interesting to watch ANZ over the next year as the flights with the upgraded cabins are due to begin Dec 2010. So between now and then: will they unveil any new routes, how will they manage the STAR alliance relationships and how long before other airlines also introduce new cabins?

Either way I think ANZ's new cabin is good because it will raise the cabin standards collectively across the airline industry, at least in long haul, which is good for travellers (like me!).

My first post

2010-01-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hello!

So this is my first ever blog and as a result I expect my first few entries to be rather bad. Hopefully I'll get better as I post more.

This blog is about my views on the aviation industry, I'll be commenting on some of major news stories in the industry or I may just share my views about a certain aspect that has taken my interest.

Please leave comments and I hope you enjoy it.

If you would like to you can follow me around the web....
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