Air Austral to start SYD flights

[lloyd fox]

Next year from 14april twice weekly with 773 equipment SYD-Reunion.

Source Travelweekly today

Cheers Lloyd

[Adrian B]

Whats the range of a 773 these days? Seems to be about 4900 Nautical Miles.. anyone for a refuel??

[Jim Liu]

http://airlineroute.blogspot.com/2008/09/air-austral-launch-77w-paris-sydney.html

Air Austral will launch Paris - St Denis de la Reunion - Sydney - Noumea Boeing 777-300ER same plane service starting 12APR09

UU771 CDG2250 - 1145+1RUN1345+1 - 0605+2SYD0750 - 1135+2NOU 77W 36
UU772 NOU0820 - 1020SYD1210 - 1825RUN2015 - 0530+1CDG 77W 26

The Indian Ocean-based carrier announced earlier this year it intends to provide service between France and Australia when the new Boeing 777-300ER arrives

[Jon Harris]

no traffic rights on the SYD-NOU-SYD sector - this may change in the future hopefully...nice way to get to NOU on a 77W!

[Shameel Kumar]

Another 77W in SYD.... BIG grin from me!! :D

This would be a nice way to get to Europe instead of the usual stop in Asia or Middle East. But that's a damn early arrival into Sydney from Reunion (ie: that's a bummer for us spotters!)



Whats the range of a 773 these days? Seems to be about 4900 Nautical Miles.. anyone for a refuel??

RUN-SYD is 4,989nm
SYD-LAX is 6,507nm
77W range at Max Payload is ~4,900nm Link (http://www.aircraft-commerce.com/sample_articles/sample_articles/flight_operations_sample.pdf)

So if VA can fly their 77Ws to LAX, then UU shouldn't have any problem getting to SYD. You would have to assume that their flights wouldn't be fully booked, so that'd mean a saving in Passenger Payload, therefore allowing even more for cargo.

[Steve Jones]

I imagine cargo would be a big earner on these flights - to the extent they might even choose to restrict pax loads to ensure maximum cargo uplift. Pretty much everything you can buy in NOU is straight from the 'motherland'!!

[James Smith]

What a bolt out of the blue. Air Austral 773 in Sydney 4 days a week. Interesting flight numbers for a 777 service.

I wonder how the new service will impact on Qantas' Paris aspirations when additional European rights are finalised.

Just checked the map and Reunion looks to be just Sydney to Canberra distance from Mauritius. It is a lot further south in the Indian Ocean than I thought which explains the long flight with a 12:10 pm departure from Sydney and only a 05:30 arrival into Paris, with less than a 2 hour stopover in Reunion. Qantas 17:00 departures get to London at approximately 06:00, so this flight is at least 5 hours longer via Reunion to the SE Asian or Middle East stopovers.

[D Chan]

so this flight is at least 5 hours longer via Reunion to the SE Asian or Middle East stopovers.


maybe they could attract people to do a one-stop at Reunion Island holiday and then go to Paris etc. would be quite good for a honeymoon?

Not sure why QF's Paris aspiration is mentioned - currently codeshared with AF and a solid arrangement. Plus they can draw pax from other Australian cities on QF to say.. Singapore, then hop on an AF flight.

[D Chan]

no traffic rights on the SYD-NOU-SYD sector - this may change in the future hopefully...nice way to get to NOU on a 77W!

which freedom of the air would the SYD-NOU sector be? 3rd/4th / 6th / 7th?
if NOU is a French territory, could it be considered that UU is operating from another French territory to Australia? If that's the case they should be able to pick up pax between SYD-NOU

[Tony G]

Good to see the Europeans coming back out. If KLM made a come back, it would add some colour to ours shores as well.What ever happened to UTA? Did AIr France swallow them up as well?

[James Smith]

Not sure why QF's Paris aspiration is mentioned.

I've previously read reports that Qantas would return to Paris if they can get rights to operate a daily service.

What ever happened to UTA?

Not only UTA, but AOM and Air France operated services to Paris from Sydney.

[Jim Liu]

Good to see the Europeans coming back out. If KLM made a come back, it would add some colour to ours shores as well.What ever happened to UTA? Did AIr France swallow them up as well?

Air France absorbed UTA and Air Inter during the early 90s restructure, I think

[Scott Lindsell]

Volcano erupts on Reunion. Hopefully doesn't change any start up plans. Shouldn't if start up is April next year though.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080921/sc_afp/francereunionvolcano

Scott.

[Justin L]

Air Austral's Sydney flights have been retimed and has an aircraft change according to Airline Route Updates (http://airlineroute.blogspot.com/)

Air Austral retimes Sydney/Noumea schedule
Air Austral on Amadeus timetable update on 13NOV08 is display new schedule of the new Paris CDG - St Denis de la Reunion - Sydney - Noumea route, which is set to launch on 15APR09

Also, service is operated by 777-200ER instead of -300ER. The 777-300ER is to enter service from 01JUL09

UU771 CDG0850 - 2145RUN2335 - 1555+1SYD1740+1 - 2125+1NOU 772 7
UU771 CDG2250 - 1145+1RUN1345+1 - 0605+2SYD0755+2 - 1140+2NOU 772 3

UU772 NOU0800 - 1020SYD1210 - 1825RUN2015 - 0530+1CDG 772 6
UU772 NOU0915 - 1135SYD1325 - 1940RUN2130 - 0645+1CDG 772 2


Original planned schedule
UU771 CDG2250 - 1145+1RUN1345+1 - 0605+2SYD0750 - 1135+2NOU 77W 36
UU772 NOU0820 - 1020SYD1210 - 1825RUN2015 - 0530+1CDG 77W 26

[Jim Liu]

AirCalin is codesharing with Air Austral on NOU-SYD. Local traffic right can only be booked by using "SB" code not "UU"

[James Smith]

I wonder how the Air Calin codeshare with Austral will affect the QANTAS codeshare with Air Calin which clashes with QANTAS' Saturday inbound service to Sydney.

Also, will Air Calin continue to operate their own services to Sydney on Tuesday and Friday?

[Jim Liu]

I wonder how the Air Calin codeshare with Austral will affect the QANTAS codeshare with Air Calin which clashes with QANTAS' Saturday inbound service to Sydney.

Also, will Air Calin continue to operate their own services to Sydney on Tuesday and Friday?

So far it doesn't affect its codeshare agreement with QANTAS

AirCalin is basically offering "extra" flights by codesharing with UU

[Robert M]

Air Austral has now set up an Australian web site to help launch the new service.

http://www.airaustral.com.au/

Interestingly, the 777-300 will feature flat bed seats in Business and AVOD in all classes when delivered mid year (they've been delayed by the Boeing strike).

R

[Steve Crook]

I too will be very happy to see a new entrant on the international sector, especially one that introduces a whole new route with a new destination. The one slight downside for me is that Air Austral have gone down the same track as Emirates and given their 777s a 10 abreast configuration in economy. I found that to have a very cramped feeling. But nonetheless given half a chance I'd jump at trying them out.

[Andrew P]

per Airline Route Update

As per 14JAN09 Amadeus timetable display, Air Austral has shelved the plan to utilize Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the new St Denis de la Reunion - Sydney - Noumea route.

Initially service to be operated by 777-300ER from April 2009, coinciding with the launch of this route. However, it was then postponed till July 2009.

The route will remain 2 weekly 777-200ER.

All 777-300ER aircraft is now being designated to operate service on St Denis de la Reunion - Paris CDG only, 6 times a week

[Scott Lindsell]

Air Austral's first 777-300ER is now sitting on the PAE ramp minus paint.
Scott.

[NickN]

It is direct, direct via Reunion :eek:

Your right it's a blatant lie but the public will end up booking anyway if the prices are cheap enough.

[Chris W]

It is direct, just not non-stop.

[Scott Lindsell]

Things are getting closer. Not only do they have have a revised smart livery (cross of EVA and Air Tahiti Nui) but the reg. is dedicated to the new Sydney service also.

Here is F-OSYD at PAE thanks to Matt's scoop shot.

http://paineairport.com/kpae1865.htm


Scott.

[Sarah C]

Thanks for the link Scott - not a bad looking livery, reminds me of ANA to be honest.

[Jack B]

Is it likely QF will ever get daily rights to Paris?

Also-when QF did the Paris services, did they operate from Perth? I seem to recall they did....

[Justin L]

Also-when QF did the Paris services, did they operate from Perth? I seem to recall they did....

Yes, I believe the Paris flights did originate from Perth. I seem to recall the interactive route map on the Qantas website showing this when the flights were still operating.

[Greg Wood]

Justin,

Qantas did operated Perth to Paris via Singapore.
Equipment used were B747-400 & operated as QF18/17.
Frequency I think was only 1 flight per week but could be wrong.

Cheers Greg

[NickN]

Thats a fantstic paint job! Very excited to have that coming our way.

[Steve Jones]

Virgin Blue have just signed an interline deal with them as well.

[Brandon Giacomin]

http://www.virginblue.com.au/AboutUs/Media/NewsandPressReleases/P_008352.htm

[Mike W]

Get ready to spot this beauty coming to an Airport near us...

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Air-Austral/Boeing-777-3Q8/ER/1509516/M/

[Sam Chui]

Looking at SYD airport website on departures

UU999 St Denis 8/04/2009
5:00pm 8/04/2009
5:00pm

Did this flight happen ?

[Benny Zheng]

First flight commence on 12th April 2009. Arrive into Sydney on 13th April.

Sorry for the confusion. It's a twice a week service but we get to see it 4 times a week due to the fact it stays over night at Noumea.

Info from Amadeus

UU771 CDG (2250) Wednesday RUN (1145) Thursday B772
UU771 RUN (1345) Thursday SYD (0605) Friday B772
UU771 SYD (0725) Friday NOU (1110) Friday B772

UU772 NOU (0810) Saturday SYD (1020) Saturday B772
UU772 SYD (1210) Saturday RUN (1825) Saturday B772
UU772 RUN (2015) Saturday CDG (0530) Sunday B772


UU771 CDG (0850) Sunday RUN (2145) Sunday B772
UU771 RUN (2335) SYD (1555) Sunday B772
UU771 SYD (1740) NOU (2125) Monday B772

UU772 NOU (0925) Tuesday SYD (1135) Tuesday B772
UU772 SYD (1325) Tuesday RUN (1940) Tuesday B772
UU772 RUN (2130) Tuesday CDG (0645) Wednesday B772

[Andrew Ewen]

I suppose that since Réunion is a French Department ( ie CDG-RUN is a true domestic flight , the currency in Réunion is the € , the cars all have standard French number plates etc unlike places such as New Caledonia or French Polynesia which are merely French Overseas Territories ) and therefore French soil that these flights are technically the first regularly scheduled Australia-Europe non-stops ! given the tendency of airline marketing departments for hyperbole I am surprised that UU has not trumpeted this loudly ;)

since RUN is only approx 30 min from MRU and MK have already cut back their Australian flights it will be interesting to see what effect these flights have on MK ( although I believe the Mauritian community in Australia is more MEL based than SYD based ) . Certainly another alternative for me to look at for next years trip back to AKL .

[NickN]

From reading that schedule am I right in seeing that the arrival from RUN is at 3.55pm on Sunday afternoon with a 5.40pm departure to NOU? Or is it actually Monday? It has Sunday written next to the 3.55pm arrival but Monday next to the 5.40pm departure and I doubt it overnights.

[Kieran Wells]

From reading that schedule am I right in seeing that the arrival from RUN is at 3.55pm on Sunday afternoon with a 5.40pm departure to NOU? Or is it actually Monday? It has Sunday written next to the 3.55pm arrival but Monday next to the 5.40pm departure and I doubt it overnights.

Nick,
no the flight doesn't overnight. It leaves Paris early sunday morning, gets to reunion late sunday night, arrives sydney monday afternoon. Then does the hop to noumea.

Arrival
UU771 Paris
St Denis 13/04/2009
3:55pm 13/04/2009
3:55pm -na-

Departure
UU771 Noumea 13/04/2009
5:40pm 13/04/2009
5:40pm -na-

Kieran

[Benny Zheng]

I think i will add the day change to prevent more confusion.


UU771 CDG (2250) Wednesday RUN (1145+1) Thursday B772
UU771 RUN (1345+1) Thursday SYD (0605+2) Friday B772
UU771 SYD (0725+2) Friday NOU (1110+2) Friday B772

UU772 NOU (0810) Saturday SYD (1020) Saturday B772
UU772 SYD (1210) Saturday RUN (1825) Saturday B772
UU772 RUN (2015) Saturday CDG (0530+1) Sunday B772


UU771 CDG (0850) Sunday RUN (2145) Sunday B772
UU771 RUN (2335) Sunday SYD (1555+1) Monday B772
UU771 SYD (1740+1) Monday NOU (2125+1) Monday B772

UU772 NOU (0925) Tuesday SYD (1135) Tuesday B772
UU772 SYD (1325) Tuesday RUN (1940) Tuesday B772
UU772 RUN (2130) Tuesday CDG (0645+1) Wednesday B772

-----------

In summary:

Monday:
UU771 RUN -> SYD arrival 1555
UU771 SYD -> NOU departure 1740

Tuesday:
UU772 NOU -> SYD arrival 1135
UU772 SYD - RUN departure 1325

Friday:
UU771 RUN -> SYD arrival 0605
UU771 SYD -> NOU departure 0725

Saturday:
UU772 NOU -> SYD arrival 1020
UU772 SYD -> RUN departure 1210

[Stu M]

UU-771 has left Paris ! ! !

[phil.l]

Todays B777 is meant to be F-OPAR.

[Stefan Perkas]

Morning all,

at this stage UU771 is due at 1617.

[Greg Wood]

REU771 / UU771 heard on HF 8879 'Indian Ocean 1' today am (WST) heading South Eastly direction for Sydney. Arrivals board shows a 15.55hrs (AEST) arrival. GW

[Anthony T]

Do you clear EU Customs & Immigration in RUN?

Anthony T

[Stu M]

Just landed 16R, could hardly see it through the low cloud level over Petersham.

[Tim Bowrey]

Worst possible weather ever. Photos were useless. Callsign was "Reunion 771" and vacated at A3.

[Gareth Forwood]

Weather was ****house, but I was able to get this

http://www.jetphotos.net/img/2/9/5/8/69990_1239607859.jpg

Thank goodness I brought a plastic bag for the camera...

[Lee G]

A lot better than I got .......

The mound was horrific!

[phil.l]

Nice shot Gareth.

[Gerard M]

I like that photo Chris.
Nice work considering the conditions!!!

Gerard

[Lee G]

Chris,

Really nice photo given the conditions :rolleyes: I wish I could have got the same result.

Oh well- it means another trip out again tommorrow.

Re the United flight - here was the view from the mound - around V1 speed

[Tim Bowrey]

I noticed some other brave people standing out in the rain taking photos. :eek:

That was me and Blake Riley with the assist from Mr Riley holding the Umbrella and lazy G Forewood couldent get out of his car. Michael Atkin was over at the fence on the ladder:D
Such dirty weather it almost wasnt worth it but then again, it still was.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i191/Marlb0ro/Tims%20Stuff/fopar.jpg

[Michael Atkin]

Yeahh the laddar was sketchy as mate i had to hold the camera and the umbrella and try not to slip off at the same time:eek:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff117/michael_atkin/f-opar_austral_772.jpg

[Dan Hammond]

And they say Michael that men can't do more then one thing at a time lol.

thanks for sharing the pics guys :)

[Michael Atkin]

Yeahh....i keep getting told that men cant multi task....but i think i just proved that theory wrong haha.:D

[Gareth Forwood]

Or you just proved that you're a woman... sorry... it had to be said...:D

And Tim, I got out of the car, albeit briefly while I ran under the massive umbrella, took two pics and ran back to the shelter of the car.

[Tim Bowrey]

And Tim, I got out of the car, albeit briefly while I ran under the massive umbrella, took two pics and ran back to the shelter of the car.

Some of us braved it. *cough* Not 4wood.

[Michael Atkin]

HA HA HA!!!! jeez someones a funny guy......(Forwood)

Yeah some of us....or actually only one of us braved it on top of a slippery laddar haha.

[Nick W.]

we had some hosties drop in at work to check out the sim. first time in sydney and they were loving it, very nice crew!

[Tim Bowrey]

Could that mean that their next one could be F-ONOU? OSYD For Sydney, ONOU for Noumea as they have PAR=Paris RUN-Reunion etc.

F-ONOU is here. So this means we couldnt be far from getting the 77W, i hope.
http://paineairport.com/kpae1991.htm

[Erik H. Bakke]

So, what's the next one, then?
F-OYES? :D

[Lee G]

Maybe - F-OGOD :D

[Grant Smith]

So, what's the next one, then?
F-OYES? :D

Seems everyone missed the play on words with their first rego F-OPAR..

;)

[steve k]

Perhaps F-PZOF would be fitting, or F-FKOF!