Hi folks: Most of the NZ to Australia flights are simply the shorter first leg to get NZ passengers aboard, then into one of the Asian ports and from there to Europe.

 

Recently I flew Brisbane YBBN to Dubai OMDB on an Emirates 777. it had originated in Auckland (where it had completed its east-bound flight), took on its majority of passengers before the long leg - nearly 14hrs to Dubai. As to the economics of the Tasman flight (believe me there are no alternatives like rail and ship, and its a rough old piece of ocean) I suspect it is considered a loss leader, because the flight to Dubai was full, and the onward 380 to Heathrow of course collected pax from the entire eastern hemisphere.

I think the Japanese are the experts on short haul big jets. A 747-400D on domestic routes!!

I think the Japanese are the experts on short haul big jets. A 747-400D on domestic routes!!

 

Then again, the whole purpose of the B747-400D was to serve Domestic routes. But I agree and love the fact that the Japanese use large jets for such short flights. I love riding airlines such as Cathay Pacific, as you know you won't have to sit in one of those A320s or B737s!

TBPB-TGPY BAW2153 25-30 mins

Then again, the whole purpose of the B747-400D was to serve Domestic routes. But I agree and love the fact that the Japanese use large jets for such short flights. I love riding airlines such as Cathay Pacific, as you know you won't have to sit in one of those A320s or B737s!

 

The 400D's were flying sardine cans. I flew the Haneda-Osaka route on them a few times with the worst part being baggage claim!! I preferred the A300's that Japan Air System had. I rode the Aomori-Haneda and return leg more than I care to remember, but it was great as they were never more than half full. It was like being in an huge auditorium with a crappy band playing because hardly anyone showed up.

The 400D's were flying sardine cans. I flew the Haneda-Osaka route on them a few times with the worst part being baggage claim!! I preferred the A300's that Japan Air System had.

At least the B747-400D was used to its full potential! I would love experiencing the A300. From the perspective of a passenger, does it feel or sound significantly different compared to the newer Airbus aircraft?

Yeah I reckon they got their money's worth out of the 400D's. I don't fly a lot on Airbuses today, but the A300's cabin seemed like an open field. I had flown older 747's before experiencing my first A300 trip and of course the 747's have a two or three bulkheads amongst the seating which is what threw me off after stepping inside the A300. Hell, I could see all the way to the rear of the plane. I recall Japan Air System's buses having a 2-4-2 seating arrangement and they seemed roomier than the big Boeings, but I suppose that was because of the lack of bulkheads.

 

My first A300 trip was flying from JFK to Madrid with Pan Am. It was the early 90's when smoking was still allowed onboard and even though we sat in the non-smoking section, they might as well have made the entire plane smoking because you could smell it everywhere. The JAS A300's would take off like a rocket as we were always well under weight with a light pax load. They were sparkling clean and the FA's were a sight to drool over. I remember checking out the wingflex upon takeoff and listening to the big twin engines crank out the thrust.

 

FedEx still has several A300F's flying out of Indianapolis. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them are converted passenger models since I don't think anyone flies the A300's anymore in commercial service.

I recall Japan Air System's buses having a 2-4-2 seating arrangement and they seemed roomier than the big Boeings

I too prefer the 2-4-2 seating arrangement on aircraft such as the A330, but only if I have a window seat. While I have generally been able to secure one, I had to sit in the center section on a flight from Philadelphia to Rome last Thanksgiving. It was really too bad, as I was unable to film the very smooth landing.

 

They were sparkling clean and the FA's were a sight to drool over.

It's always nice to have a clean aircraft and crew.

Actually Saudi airlines use the 744 & the 772 on oejn-oerk (Jeddah-Riyadh) route, it's a 75 minutes flight. Thats the busiest route in KSA, you need to get a 2 weeks early reservation for it! So yes, in the real world it's a common thing.