Lufthansa to use first A380 between Frankfurt & NY

German based airline Lufthansa who will be the fifth carrier to fly the A380 have today announced their inaugural route will be between Frankfurt and New York (JFK). The airline expects delivery of their first superjumbo early next year and although no official date for commercial services has been released, services should commence by mid 2010. This will be the first A380 route to service Frankfurt and the third destination to service New York with Air France soon to begin services from Paris (CDG) and Emirate to restore the A380 Dubai service early next year after pulling them due to poor passenger number earlier this year.

It is anticipated the Lufthansa will use the A380 on one of their three daily return Frankfurt to New York which are currently all operated by Boeing 747's. The remaining two services are expected to be maintained and will continue to use the 747's.

Exactly which service will be replaced is currently unknown and as such no schedule has been posted yet, however stay tuned for any developments. To view details of all current carrier A380 routes and flight schedules (plus Lufthansa's when announced) see the following post:

Which Routes the Airbus A380 flies:

Air France to use A380 on Dubai & Johannesburg routes

Following their inaugural A380 flights Air France have announced plans to use their next two A380's on their Paris (CDG) to Dubai (DXB) route and Paris (CDG) to Johannesburg (JNB) route. The services to Dubai are expected to commence from 18 January 2010 and will see the current twice daily 777 services condensed to a daily return A380 service maintaining current capacity on the route. These plans would see Air France competing directly with Emirates A380 service on this route after Emirates first service commences from the 1 February 2010.

On the Paris to Johannesburg route Air France intends to commence services from early March 2010 which will again see the twice daily 777 services replaced by a daily A380 service. This makes Air France the first carrier to deploy the A380 into the African continent which marking a significant milestone in the steps to providing a global A380 network. Now South America and Antarctica are the only continents not to see regular A380 services.

While Air France have not yet confirmed the timetable for the above routes, partly due to not knowing the exact delivery dates of their next A380's, the following link provides details of all current A380 timetables for all carriers:

Which Routes the Airbus A380 flies:

...also to view a map of all A380 routes see the following link:

Airbus A380 Route Map:

South Korea to become Emirates next Asian A380 Hub

After announcing earlier this year plans to expand services into the growing Northern Asia market Emirates will start A380 flights to the South Korean capital of Seoul from the 1 December 2009. The aircraft will replace the daily 777 services between Dubai (DXB) and Seoul (ICN) boosting capacity on the route.

This increased capacity will coincide with the Korean Government and Private Enterprise campaign to promote South Korea as a destination for International Tourism. The campaign titled "Visit Korea Years 2010-2012" will see a number of special events held focusing on the countries national culture as well as ecology and the ocean. For information about the campaign, sights, events, accommodation plus much more visit the Official Korean Tourism site.

To view details of the new A380 flight schedule for South Korea plus other A380 routes see the following updated post:

Which Routes the Airbus A380 flies:

See the South Pole in Style from a Qantas A380

This New Years Eve try for an experience like no other. Be the first of a privileged few to see Antarctica from a Qantas A380. Sightseeing Tours based out of Melbourne have chartered Qantas' big bird for the New Years Eve flight which will depart Sydney on New Years Eve, stop briefly in Melbourne to pick up more passengers before heading way down South where passengers will see Antarctica and be the first to usher in the New Year.

Passengers will spend almost 12 hours onboard but the experience will be unlike any other flight... they will see the South Pole (of course) and fly over a French scientific base, numerous glaciers, and stunning Antarctic mountain ranges... plus be the first to see the first sunrise of 2010.

Over the course of the trip there will be live in-flight music from a jazz band, with passenger rotating seats over the flight to ensure everyone gets a chance to share in the views... plus of course a distinct party atmosphere on board - it is of course New Years Eve!!!

Tickets are available through Arctic Sightseeing Flights (NOT Qantas) and start at A$999 all the way through to A$6299 for a First Class ticket. While this isn't cheap what price can you place on such a fantastic and unique experience??? So with tickets going fast anyone interested should move quickly!!!

Note: Sightseeing Tours will also be organising two similar flights (but without the same festive atmosphere) for the 24 January 2010 also in a Qantas A380 and the 14 February 2010 in a Qantas 747. I know which of the three would be my choice!!!

Emirates to commence daily A380 flights to Paris

Emirates have announced plans to add A380 services to their Dubai (DXB) and Paris (CDG) route. The aircraft will replace one of the daily 777 flights between the two destinations with the remaining services continuing to be operated by Emirates 777 aircraft. Flights are commence from the 1 February 2010.

This addition will boost Emirates capacity on the route and is expected to put pressure on Air France who also fly the route. Emirates already have more than 65% of the traffic on the route and with the lure on A380, which has proved a craft of choice for travelers, this dominance may become even stronger.

To view details of the new flight schedule see the following updated post:

Which Routes the Airbus A380 flies:

Airbus A380 Route Map:

The following is a graphical route map for all A380 Routes and their respective carriers:

Click the map to enlarge...

Last Updated: 09/11/2009

For details of the exact timetables for each route see the following article:

Which Routes the Airbus A380 flies:

Note: The map shows destinations (not actual flight path).

Some flights i.e. SYD-LAX go over the Pacific rather that Transatlantic.

A380 to return to New York JFK

Since Emirates pulled the A380 off services between Dubai and New York's JFK Airport in early 2009 due to poor passenger numbers the big apple has not had the benefit of any A380 services from any carrier. That is set to change from November 23 when Air France receives their first super-jumbo which they have announced will operate daily on the Paris (CDG) to New York (JFK) route.

In addition Emirates have announced that due to recovering passenger numbers they expect to see their A380 return to the Dubai (DXB) New York (JFK) route within the first half of 2010. At present the company hasn't revealed exactly how many services will return but for detail of routes as soon as they're announced stay tuned...

It will be great to services returning to New York as this will now make it possible to fly almost entirely around the world on the A380 (currently the only gap is across the continental US - between New York JFK and Los Angeles LAX).

Also for detail of the Air France A380 timetable and all other carriers A380 services see the following up to date post:

Which Routes the Airbus A380 flies:

V Australia take off to Thailand & South Africa

V Australia, the international offshoot of Australian Airline Virgin Blue has announced the expansion of its network adding two new destinations. The airline will add services to Phuket (Thailand) from Brisbane and Melbourne, plus flights between Melbourne and Johannesburg (South Africa). In addition there with also be increased services to Los Angeles with twice weekly flights between Melbourne and LA. The airline has also applied to fly between Australia and Fiji and says it's keen to keep expanding its network for its customers.

The implementation schedule for the above services is outlined below:

• Brisbane to Phuket - twice weekly from 22 Nov 2009.
• Melbourne to Phuket - once per week from 3 Dec 2009.
• Melbourne to Los Angeles - twice weekly from 1 Dec 2009.Melbourne to Johannesburg - one per week from 13 Mar 2010. (In time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in S.Africa)

It is great to see that even in these turbulent times for the aviation industry where many airlines are cutting services at least some Airlines are still expanding their network and providing customers with greater flying options and prices to match. See the V Australia website for introductory sale prices in economy and business classes.

Virgin Galactic - Flying... but not as you know it!!!

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group is renowned for taking wild ideas and making them into an everyday reality. His latest venture to make space travel affordable for the "average" person took a step closer with Virgin Galactic officially unveiling its Mothership for public viewing. The aircraft named WhiteKnightTwo was on show at Mojave Air & Space Port in Los Angeles for the annual gathering of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Air Venture before a host of engineers, space enthusiasts and dignitaries.

While the craft has at least 12 months of rigorous testing still ahead before any commercial flights are even considered, the latest news move the dream of many one step closer to reality. Virgin Galactic already has more than 300 reservation from people keen to experience weightlessness and a journey to the outer atmosphere. At US$200,000 per person it doesn't come cheap, but then again what price can you put on a once in a life-time experience...

So if you're one of the lucky ones with a spare 200k lying around and keen to share the experience with the other 300 your chance could be closer than you think. Meanwhile for the rest of us, we are left to watch in awe and keep saving!!!

Visit the following link to learn more about Virgin Galactic and keep up to date with the latest news:

http://www.virgingalactic.com/

Boeing 787 Dreamliner remains a dream... for now!!!

Yet another set of delays have meant that Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner remains a dream for a while longer. Boeing last month failed to meet an earlier announcement that the 787 would fly by the end of June due to design problems during ground testing.

The delays are the fifth in a series of problems including parts shortages, defects and subsequent redesigns which customers awaiting the aircraft getting inpatient with Boeing failure to meet its promises. Already Boeing has lost 73 orders for the plane this year which brings its order book down to 850.

With the latest delays likely to postpone its inaugural flight by at least six months Boeing could well find more airlines using their escape clauses in their contracts to defer or cancel more orders in the present economic environment. While Boeing has not announced a revised flight date, Boeing said it intended to provide an update to the market in the next two months.

While the delays are frustrating for carriers and passengers alike, safety should and does remain of primary concern. For the moments everyone will just have to sit tight and wait for Boeing to sort out its latest problems. But rest assured, this plane will fly when the time is right... Boeing has to much riding on it for it not to.

British Airways to let passengers go hungry on short flights

British Airways have announced plans to no longer provide meals onboard short-haul flights in an attempt to cut cost and stop the airline bleeding cash. The changes will take place from Monday 3rd August 2009 on all flights less than two and a half hours in duration.

This move is a likely to put many passengers who have already purchased tickets off-side as they will have paid for a full-service airline experience yet will be left with a budget experience. Worse still British Airways will not be offering passenger the ability to purchase food onboard, leaving it up to passengers to bring their own food and drink. This move is interesting for a traditionally full-service carriers like British Airways as it signals a move into the budget domain.

It will be interesting to see whether prices on these short-haul flights are lowered to reflect the fewer included benefits because if they remain unchanged it is likely the numerous budget carriers (who at least offer the choice to buy food onboard) will see a pick up in demand as passengers defect away from BA.

The big risk for British Airways is that if they cut services without reducing the price they will lose passenger volume, meanwhile if they reduce the price they also face the risk of lower revenue which may offset and intended savings.

It will be interesting to observe the public response to this move over coming months...

One off chance to fly on the A380 between Birmingham and Dubai

Emirates have announced that to celebrate Birmingham airports 70th Anniversary they will use the A380 on one return service between Dubai and Birmingham.

The plane will operate on one of Emirates twice daily services between the two ports on the 9th September .

For those hoping to snare one of the limited seats the flight numbers to look for are either:

EK039 Dubai to Birmingham - Departing 08:05am; Arriving 12:35pm

or

EK040 Birmingham to Dubai - Departing 03:05pm; Arriving 01:05pm(+1 day)

Tickets are sure to sell out fast so many people many be reduced to simply watching the super-jumbo land and take-off from the airport.

... however don't get too used to the sight. At present there are no plans to make Birmingham a regular A380 port, that privilege is presently reserved for London Heathrow. It may take a centenary celebration before the airport see another A380 commercial flight (although hopefully not)!!!

Singapore Airlines add daily A380 flights to Melbourne

Singapore Airlines have announced plans to fly their latest A380 between Melbourne and Singapore. The aircraft will replace the daily 747 flights between the two destinations with the remaining two daily services continuing to be operated by Singapore's 777-300 craft. Flights are expected to commence from the 29 September 2009.

This addition is expected to put pressure on Qantas' lucrative sector with passengers showing a preference for flying to A380 over other aircraft. Qantas currently operate just two services each week out of Melbourne to Los Angeles and a Qantas spokesperson said the carrier remained focused on increasing the frequency of these services when their next craft arrives, rather than to compete with Singapore Airlines on the Melbourne to Singapore route.

To view details of the new flight schedule see the following updated post:

Which Routes the Airbus A380 flies:

Air France to use A380 between Paris & NY

Air France have announced plans to launch flights between Paris and New York JFK when their first A380 commences commercial service. Flights will begin from November 2009 and will make Air France the first carrier to operate the super-jumbo on a transatlantic route.

Detail of flight schedule for the air France flight can be on the following updated post:

Which Routes the Airbus A380 flies:

Which Routes the Airbus A380 flies:

UPDATE: 17/09/09 - Table updated to include Emirates Seoul, South Korea route which commences 1 December 2009 with daily flights between Dubai (DXB) and Seoul (ICN). See route summary (below) for details.

UPDATE: 11/09/09 - Emirates announce plans to commence daily A380 flights between Dubai & Paris. See route summary which has been updated to reflect the new route which will be operational from 1 February 2010.

UPDATE: 31/08/09 - Emirates have announced plans to return the A380 to their Dubai to New York route in the first half of 2010 due to improving passenger numbers. The carrier originally pulled the airline in March 2009 due to the downturn in the aviation industry. As yet the number of returning service is unknown... stay tuned for more as it is announced

UPDATE: 16/07/09 - Air France have announced they will be commencing A380 service between Paris and New York (JFK). [Update: 04/08/09 - See route summary which has been updated to reflect new route which will be operational from 23 November 2009]

UPDATE: 17/07/09 - Singapore Airlines announce plans to commence daily A380 flights between Melbourne & Singapore. See route summary which has been updated to reflect new route which will be operational from 29 September 2009.

Since taking to the sky for its first commercial flight on 25th October 2007 the flagship Airbus A380 has continued to draw passenger wanting to experience the jet for themselves. At present 17 A380 are in service operated by Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qantas. As the number of planes in service has increased, so too has the number of destinations they now service.

Currently 18 destinations exist across the three companies networks, however some flights on these route are still operated by older aircraft including 747's and 777's. As such for passengers wanting to plan their trip to travel on the super-jumbo picking the rights flight remains important.

Below is a summary of each route flown by the A380 plus the relevant carrier, flight number, departure and arrival time, weekly schedule and the classes offered by each carrier. I hope this proves useful for those trying to plan their trip to experience this spectacular aircraft:

Click on the following table to view all current A380 routes and schedules...

Note: Routes correct as at 17/09/2009 (Updated)

Or to see all the routes on a map visit the following page...

Airbus A380 Route Map:

Which Frequent Flyer Program is more Rewarding???

Qantas Frequent Flyer vs. Virgin Blue Velocity Rewards

A common question I am asked is which airline loyalty program is more rewarding. Qantas for many year have had their Frequent Flyer (QFF) Program which has rewarded people for flying with them. Despite its long history the program underwent a major revamping last year primarily in response to Virgin Blue who have established their own rewards program Velocity Rewards. While Qantas has historically had many partners who members can earn points through Virgin's Velocity Rewards has had fewer. Despite this over the last year Velocity has increased the range of partners members can earn points from bringing it more closely aligned. For the purposes of this review, I have ignored points earned from partners and credit card as these are affected by individuals spending habits and less so the airlines. Consequently the following review is of which airline rewards members for flying the most often.

During this review I have for simplicities sake only made all calculations based on the entry level for each program (QFF=Bronze/Velocity=Red) as this is the level that the majority of members find themselves at. If you have a particular interest in higher levels let me know and i will post an updated article.

First lets look at the earning rate for each program:

• QFF members earn 1 point per mile flown (with a minimum points guarantee of 1000 points per flight).
• Velocity members earn 5 points per $ spent on their fare (inclusive of all booking charges).

For the sake of comparison the following table shown the points earned for a given route on each carrier, plus the number of flights needed to earn a rewards flight:

From the above tables it is possible to see that under all routes tested Virgin Blue's Velocity Rewards Programs requires both more flights and more money to be spent (in most cases almost twice as much) before members are rewarded with a free flight (including taxes). This casts considerable doubt over the value that the Velocity program is offering consumers and suggests that Qantas' Frequent Flyer program remain the industry leading rewards program in the aviation industry.

*Note: I realise Virgin Blues fares may appear to offset the reduced benefit however for an explanation of why fares are not always as they see the following post: Do low-cost airlines really cut it???

Do low-cost airlines really cut it???

With Budget airline popping up left right and centre in both domestic and international markets the question has to be asked, if they really are providing cheaper fares than full fare airlines. While it is true the increased competition has certainly forces full-service carriers like Qantas to be more cost competitive, does choosing to book with a discount carrier instead of a traditional full service one actually result is a cheaper flight overall.

It is true that budget airlines are cheaper in you are genuinely happy to forego all the extras which they charge for, however don't be fooled simply by the quoted internet fare as there are a number of add-ons, booking fees and hidden charges which quickly bring the fares of budget carriers much closer. For example observe the following tables comparing the four main carriers in the Australian aviation market (Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar & Tiger Airways).

In the following scenario, the quotes base fare as at the carriers website has been listed (from a snap-shot on 07/07/09). Then some of the common hidden charges have been added to observe the difference between using the same services whichever carrier you choose to fly. It has also been assumed that a person will still eat and drink on the flight by purchasing a sandwich and drink where they are not included.

The results of a number of several randomly chosen routes (3 Domestic, 2 International) are shown below:

Click on the following tables to enlarge...

While in most cases the budget carriers do provide cheaper fares, by the time any extras are added in the cost difference is much less. In particular on international routes often due to hidden taxes and booking charges the full service carrier may even prove cheaper as with Qantas (SYD-SIN). Other factors to consider are that budget carriers do not always fly the most direct route meaning additional baggage costs for each sector quickly offset a cheaper base fare. Also you spend more time spent sitting on a plane and in airport lounges and less at your destination.

Overall if you are happy to fly without the extra ad-ons, budget carriers may provide you with a cheaper fare, however often as soon as you begin to add one or two extras onto your base fare you may find full service carriers a much more competitive option. While I'm not advocating one particular airline over the other the moral of the story, as with many other things in life, is to "shop around". Budget Airline does not always mean cheapest and a few extra minutes just visiting the websites of the other airline may reward you with a better deal.