American Airlines to Australia & B777-300ER Sydney Flyover

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

Big news from American Airlines, Announcement at 3pm (PDT). Judging by their clues on their twitter page, Australia (not sure which city) is the next destination...

https://twitter.com/AmericanAir/status/608250045289238530

Maybe take over QF on the JFK-LAX-SYD run???

[Rowan McKeever]

DFW-BNE, or maybe MEL...???

[Justin L]

I would suggest it would be LAX-SYD. For market entry, it's a flagship, high profile route and AA gets a comprehensive QF domestic and NZ feed from SYD. May also allow QF to reallocate capacity to other routes also.

[Rowan McKeever]

Then I'd suggest if it were LAX it'll be either LAX-SYD (enough frequency to allow QF to move MEL-LAX to double daily, or LAX-MEL on the days QF95/96 don't operate.

I'm still thinking DFW-BNE but we'll see in an hour and a half :)

[Rowan McKeever]

Confirmed... AA to fly LAX-SYD daily with B777-300ER from 17 December 2015.

It gets bigger & better though, as QF to operate SYD-SFO from 20 December 2015 with B747-400 (A380 style cabins). SFO service to operate "on peak days" but moving up to 6x weekly from January 2016.

http://hub.aa.com/en/nr/pressrelease/american-airlines-and-qantas-airways-to-add-new-flights-between-the-united-states-and-australia-6-9-2015

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-airlines-and-qantas-airways-to-add-new-flights-between-the-united-states-and-australia-300096385.html

[Justin L]

The closer and more integrated relationship also provides opportunities for future growth into trans-Pacific markets not currently served by either airline, such as New Zealand.

Could this quote from the AA press release potentially mean that AA may enter (or QF re-enter) the LAX-AKL market in the future, re-establishing a OneWorld connection on that market and connecting with QF/JQ for services to Australia and within NZ? I see the QF/AA JV will change to a revenue share model, so this may make such a routing more viable now?

[Alex T]

Sorry this may be a little off topic,

AA use 10 abreast seating (17" width) in Y on the their new 77W's, for a 12-14hr flight that would be torture IMHO... I'd prefer to stick with VA, UA & DL who use the more humane 9 abreast seating (18/18.5" width) in Y. It does seem that 10 abreast seating in Y is becoming more prevalent in many 777 operators globally. Having said that I have to admit AA's new J product on the 77W's is miles ahead of the MKII Skybeds used on the A380's & refurbished 744's.

It's still great to see AA back in YSSY with their new livery too!

[Terence W]

It's still great to see AA back in YSSY with their new livery too!

Absolutely! I saw one of their 777s at Heathrow earlier this year. Nice looking livery.

[Adam W]

The trade off according to The Qantas Source is that QF will reduce SYD-LAX from 14x weekly to 10x weekly to free up an aircraft to operate SYD-SFO.

[Rowan McKeever]

QF's own press release says that, as well as MEL-LAX reducing to 9x weekly from 10x.

[D Chan]

I think this is a good announcement for a few reasons and is a win-win for both airlines:
- AA wants to fly to Australia - tick
- The AA product (apart from economy) on the 77W is fairly decent - tick
- QF wants to re-enter the SFO market (now that the DFW route is established) which is good for corporate accounts (and ensures UA doesn't have the route all by itself) - tick
- Adds more competition / pressure to UA and DL - tick

Personally I think re-entering SFO is a good sign - it might even end up as the first 787 route for QF (maybe I'm reading a bit too much into it)

I think LAX-AKL for AA will happen in probably for late 2015 / early 2016.. maybe with the 787.. that should provide some much needed competition to NZ

[Jarden S]

American Airlines plans Auckland-Los Angeles flights

http://www.ausbt.com.au/american-airlines-plans-auckland-los-angeles-flights

They are getting 789's soon so could deploy them to NZ

[James Smith]

Oh how QANTAS could use the 787-9 on the pacific. With a range of 8,300 nm it could fly Sydney - Chicago, another major American Airlines hub with upper east coast connections. QANTAS announced some years ago that they were going to commence services from Melbourne to Chicago via LA but didn't proceed, possibly due to a global financial downturn at the time. So, Chicago has been on their radar.

The 787-9 couldn't reach New York from Sydney but it could from Auckland. Sydney to New York via Auckland with connections from other cities in Auckland would throw the cat amongst the pigeons. In fact it looks as though the 787-9 can reach any mainland US city from Auckland. There are so many possibilities, if they only had the aircraft.

Hopefully, QANTAS will place their 787-9 order this year.

[Arthur T]

If there's such a range and market, I think NZ will be the first to launch AKL-EWR already with their B789s.

NZ just need to adjust its departing time to minimise connection at Auckland, plus make sure it has a VA number to it then it will make an even bigger catchment than Qantas in Australia.

[Justin L]

Does NZ's codeshare agreement with VA extend beyond trans-Tasman thought? Wouldn't trans-Pacific codeshares conflict with VA's arrangement with DL?

[James Smith]

Does anyone know the proposed arrival and departure times for the American Airlines flights into Sydney? Hopefully, they won't depart at 09:50 as QF, UA & VA all do now to LAX. Too much later in the day limits onwards flights within the US, particularly to the east coast but departure from 12:00 to 13:00 would still give those connections arriving around 09:00 into LAX, a 3 hour minimum connection and around 21:00 arriving in the east coast.

Arrival in SYD will probably be soon after the curfew is lifted to obtain a slot. We shall see.

[Tom Lohdan]

It's the same as QF times I believe, as QF is dropping some LAX flights to free up aircraft for the relaunch of SYD-SFO.

Schedules should be loaded this weekend (Sunday/Monday) if we are lucky.

UA retimed their SYD flights to give people more time to connect when they went 777 and dropped the MEL tag.

I would rather a late afternoon/night SYD departure so you don't miss a day of work and avoid the morning rush at customs/immigration at LAX.

Last UA flight LAX-JFK is around 8:30pm arriving at 2:30am. Which I've taken many times after booking a day room at the LAX Hilton and visiting the South Bay area.

[Alex Lui]

From Australian Business Traveller:

SYD-LAX schedule, on sale from 27 July 2015

AA73 LAX-SYD 2150 - 0755+2
AA72 SYD-LAX 1200 - 0650

Alex.

[Kurt A]

B777-300ER Sydney Flyover

Hi all, an American Airlines B777-300ER will do a Sydney flyover on Friday 13th November.

The current flight path takes the aircraft on a route from east to west flying over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Traffic permitting, the aircraft will then make a 180 degree left turn around and come back west to east before heading to Sydney Airport.

Flying at 1800 feet. Slated for 8.15am.

Of course, (as Luke Chittock would say), usual disclaimers in place.... it may change or not take place at all :).

[Rowan McKeever]

If my powers of deduction are playing, AA's 77W visit on Friday morning should be N734AR.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N734AR
http://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/aa137/

[Nigel C]

If you're right, it's nice to see they're sending some new metal our way.

[MarkR]

If my powers of deduction are playing, AA's 77W visit on Friday morning should be N734AR.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N734AR
http://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/aa137/

From Hkg?

[Rowan McKeever]

Correct, Mark. Dropping in for a media visit / show-off during its downtime at HKG. Confirmed this morning N734AR is definitely enroute to HKG.

[MarkR]

Correct, Mark. Dropping in for a media visit / show-off during its downtime at HKG. Confirmed this morning N734AR is definitely enroute to HKG.

Makes sense re minimising costs.

[Rowan McKeever]

Agreed! They get some pretty pics & video out there without affecting their normal operations. Supposed to be going to do a Harbour flyover on the way in. Times have been posted on some forum or other but I can't find them again.

[Nigel C]

Times have been posted on some forum or other but I can't find them again.

You mean the post above yours on the previous page?

http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=97125&postcount=19

;)

[Rowan McKeever]

Umm yeah, that's the one (what an idiot, huh!?)! Thanks, Nigel :P

SACL website shows arrival as AA9653 at 0825 (which fits with Kurt's info about the flypast at 0815), and departure as AA9652 at 2220.

[Kurt A]

Here's a few images of N734AR's 1800' fly over 34L then over to the Sydney flyover.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0101s_zpsxojwkict.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0126s_zpskyug05nu.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0163s_zpsxbnpyspw.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0183s_zpsngdyqvjw.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0200s_zpsypvqzlw2.jpg~original

[Robert.M]

Great photos! Good to see the weather was clear. :)

[Nigel C]

Yes, quite different from yesterday's forecast!

[Chris Q]

Great pics!
I saw it from my office in North Syd and my iPhone zoom was just terrible.
thanks for posting.
CQ

[Grahame Hutchison]

American Airlines returns to Australia - today was a promotional event, with Boeing B777-300ER N734AR flying in from Hong Kong just for the day. American
Airlines passenger services begin on the LAX-SYD route on 19th December.

N734AR overflying the field
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-018.jpg

N734AR overflying the field
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-022.jpg

N734AR vacating Runway 34L
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-043.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-046.jpg

N734AR taxiing on Alpha to Qantas Hanger 96 - the American and Qantas tails will now work even closer together
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-060.jpg

American Airlines N734AR crew
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-115.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-116.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-117.jpg

Definitely a great livery
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-123.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-125.jpg

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker addresses the Media
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-132.jpg

Alan Joyce and Doug Park field Media questions
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-144.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-154.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-183.jpg

Right Jump Seat screen and panel
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-186.jpg

[Grahame Hutchison]

First Class seat and meal service
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-189.jpg

First Class lay flat bed
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-190.jpg

Business Class suite
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-191.jpg

Mid Galley refreshments for all
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-192.jpg

Main Business Class cabin
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-193.jpg

Economy Cabin
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-194.jpg

Economy Cabin
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-195.jpg

Aft mid Galley and the friendly AA Crew are excited about coming to Sydney
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-197.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-204.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=N734AR D300-20151113-210.jpg

[Rowan McKeever]

Grahame, you lucky devil! Thanks for sharing those pics for our drooling (oops, sorry, viewing!) pleasure :)

[Grahame Hutchison]

Always happy to share Rowan

[Kurt A]

Great collection Grahame, and was lovely to see you again today. Here's a few more of the grand tour of N734AR inside Hangar 96 at QF.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0218s_zpslhliluyf.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0228s_zps4ygugjek.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0235s_zpskbcrppqq.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0310s_zpsebaouppl.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0324s_zps6gb3udfm.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0359s_zpswccgwgp4.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0389s_zpstjql7nao.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0415s_zpsgnhkv711.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0475s_zps82ktzgqk.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0484s_zps4xb4omly.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0485s_zpsdfbzj8x9.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0489s_zpsszhzfxfi.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0497s_zpsojk3t7uj.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0500s_zps1h1y3tey.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0509s_zpsiuwkmpds.jpg~original

[Kurt A]

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0520s_zpshlhycgiv.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0536s_zpssza8r8fl.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0550s_zpswqjuv9cz.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0553s_zpsei9z8odu.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0557s_zpskiesjr32.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0560s_zps46w1fjl5.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0568s_zpssq0fl1eq.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0570s_zpsceomydd9.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0576s_zpsio3679el.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0579s_zpsvle2tekw.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0588s_zpsuy8m2o1t.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0608s_zpsxdpjnvtg.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0615s_zpsanrkkqwy.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/_MG_0624s_zpsvukxmpxp.jpg~original

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/GOPR1522s_zpsnugstjou.jpg~original

[Cliff Cook]

To Grahame and Kurt,

I enjoyed seeing your photos of the American Airlines B777-300 aircraft in the Qantas Hanger, these photos are awesome and very interesting. Thank you both greatly for sharing. It is so much appreciated.

Regards,

Cliff Cook.

[Cliff Cook]

I forgot to add one more thing; is that the first B777-300 entered and stabled in Qantas Hanger?

From Cliff Cook.

[Grahame Hutchison]

I just uploaded a 3min Video (https://youtu.be/W5NoH59sCsw) on todays American Airlines welcome in Hanger 96.

[MarkR]

I forgot to add one more thing; is that the first B777-300 entered and stabled in Qantas Hanger?

From Cliff Cook.

9V-SYB spend some time in the Tulla QF hanger getting a new engine in 2004

[Cliff Cook]

Mark,

Thank you for your reply and I mean that I wondering that any B777-300ER enter and stable in Qantas Hanger in YSSY?

From Cliff Cook.

[Chris Q]

I'm surprised no water cannon salute.

[Dom Fortey]

Maybe saving the water cannon salute for the first pax flight?

[Kent Broadhead]

Thanks guys for the coverage!

[Adam.S]

Hi,
Regarding booking through AA.com I've done some research but can't find a clear answer:

I am looking at booking an upcoming return trip to the US through AA.com.au as their price is approx $170 cheaper then the same flights on the Qantas website.

The long haul international flights would be on Qantas, with two domestic US flights on American Airlines.

*Are there hidden prices if booking through AA's website?
*Is checked luggage included in the listed price?
*Is seat selection on the Qantas flights available at the time of booking on the AA website - or would the booking reference be able to be used on Qantas' website for seat selection (If signed into my QF frequent flyer account)?


Conversely, if booking through Qantas' website; is the final price inclusive of checked baggage fees for the US domestic flights?


Cheers

[James Smith]

American Airlines are to replace their 777-300ER with 787-9 from 6/11/17 ex LAX which will be 8/11/17 in SYD - flights AA73/72.

Source: Routes Online