Virgin ATR Routes

[Oliver Gigacz]

For the third time this week, Virgin Australia have changed the introductory schedule for the SYD-CBR-SYD ATR-72 service.

All other ATR-72 services (BNE-GLT-BNE, BNE-PQQ-BNE and SYD-PQQ-SYD) currently remained unchanged.

[Arthur T]

Seems that means the end of "Capital Jet" service, at least for Sydney.
But anyone knows when will VA's ATR-72 get delivery to Australia?

[Oliver Gigacz]

Delivery of the first aircraft was on the 11th August.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2011/08/skywest-takes-delivery-of-first-virgin-australia-atr/

[Arthur T]

VA's AT7 will not only serve SYD - CBR it will also service from mid-October:

Brisbane – Gladstone eff 17OCT11
DJ1709 BNE0615 – 0735GLT AT7 x67
DJ1715 BNE1540 – 1700GLT AT7 x6

DJ1712 GLT0805 – 0925BNE AT7 x67
DJ1718 GLT1730 – 1850BNE AT7 x6

Brisbane – Port Macquarie eff 19OCT11
DJ1766 BNE1000 – 1225PQQ AT7 D
DJ1763 PQQ1010 – 1030BNE AT7 x6
DJ1765 PQQ1325 – 1345BNE AT7 6

Sydney – Port Macquarie eff 19OCT11
DJ1188 PQQ1255 – 1400SYD AT7 D

Sydney – Canberra eff 30OCT11 (Below are flights currently loaded with ATR72 in Amadeus timetable display)
DJ632 SYD0805 – 0900CBR AT7 D
DJ642 SYD1105 – 1200CBR AT7 D
DJ664 SYD1805 – 1900CBR AT7 6

DJ627 CBR0630 – 0720SYD AT7 x67
DJ639 CBR0930 – 1020SYD AT7 D
DJ647 CBR1230 – 1320SYD AT7 D
DJ655 CBR1530 – 1620SYD AT7 D
DJ673 CBR2100 – 2150SYD AT7 5

Source: http://airlineroute.net/2011/08/11/dj-at7-update1/

Sounds fun to do a Port Macquarie stopover on board a ATR-72 between Brisbane and Sydney.

And according to your previous post Oliver, the first plane should have touched down somewhere in Australia now :D

[Kain C]

SYD-PQQ is missing, but it should be obvious where it goes!

[Rob R]

That was hand over of the aircraft to Skywest. First aircraft will arrive in Australia next week.

[Oliver Gigacz]

In regards to Arthur T's post. The SYD-CBR-SYD services have now changed, if you look at the first post, you can see the updated schedules, click on the images.

[Arthur T]

Thanks.
I was copying from Airlineroute, and it said further changes could be possible too.
Anyone knows the Rego for VA's ATR-72?

[Oliver Gigacz]

I have the following...

MSN954 - Test Rego - F-WWEG - Airline Rego - VH-FVH
MSN955 - Test Rego - F-WWEH - Airline Rego - VH-FVI
MSN966 - Test Rego - F-WW?? - Airline Rego - VH-???

[Mike W]

Arthur T
Member Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 174



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Seems that means the end of "Capital Jet" service, at least for Sydney.

Now changed to Capital Connect

[Mick F]

VH-FVH was on static display at the Wide Bay Airshow today.

Looks good in the new livery however couldn't get onboard for a look.

Some shots to come when I get home.

Mick

[Jack Melon]

Video of the ATR at Bundaberg here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNKt7l9R3gM

[Jacob P]

Hey Mick, was out there today too! Was a pretty good day. I managed to get on board thanks to a few work contacts (its not what you know but who you know). Still has that new plane/car smell and plastic covers on the steps and centre aisle carpet. Managed to get some pics what's best way to upload here? Will do tomorrow when I get home.

[Mike W]

Is this a -500 or a -600? I see it's brand spanking but not sure what derivative it is. Is the -600 on line yet or are they (ATR) still producing both variants?

From Airfleets

ATR 42/72 - MSN 954
Airline SkyWest Airlines
Status : Active
Registration : VH-FVH

Airline SkyWest Airlines

Country : Australia
Date : 1963 -
Codes XR OZW
Callsign : Auswest
Web site : http://www.skywest.com.au

General information & flightlog

Serial number 954
Type 72-212A
First flight date Unknown
Test registration F-WWEG
Plane age 0

Engines 2 x PWC PW127F

[Jakef]

Looks like it has the same sort of STOL performance as the Q400's

[Brock Little]

It's a -500 Mike.

[Radi K]

-600s due next year

[Mike W]

Thanks to you both

[Brandon Giacomin]

Here are some of my photos of the ATR at the Bundaberg Airshow. Will post more photos from the airshow soon.

At the terminal in the morning
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6068848128_a7733cbc46_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/6068848128/)

Pilots getting some photos of the F/As in front of the ATR
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6068850300_c6538c1919_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/6068850300/)

Taxiing
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6068852698_cee32c9d9a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/6068852698/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6068855322_5a32ddaa01_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/6068855322/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6068310615_c695859a43_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/6068310615/)

Takeoff roll
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6068862312_9df1145e46_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandon301095/6068862312/)

[Adam P.]

Would someone please fit those engines on straight??? :cool:

[Dave Parer]

Nice pictures and certainly great to see a new aircraft in Australia.

But the ATR really is an odd looking machine. But that's just my opinion.

[Jacob P]

Here's a few closeup/interior pics of the ATR I took during the tour IMO interior looks pretty good although the seats are a bit slimmer/thinner than the Embraers but legroom seems more generous. Also loved the new car/plane smell and also of note was that they still had plastic coverings on the carpet and steps. Overall I was very impressed with Virgins new regional product and I really do think it will give the Qlink Q400's a real run for their money although the cockpit may not be as modern on the ATR

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6068667173_f4bcce9928.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068667173/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6069218438_272b92137e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6069218438/)


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6069221672_122d217f7c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6069221672/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6068677009_04914beb90.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068677009/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6069226570_fcc01b7c8f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6069226570/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6069229382_14a87b3cc1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6069229382/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6069231896_2f4c032945.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6069231896/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6069234654_1f0873a3e0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6069234654/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6068690257_c60c021462.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068690257/)

Love this angle!
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6069240136_e76c9df2b4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6069240136/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6069242778_c5ee191a9d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6069242778/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6068699177_cc0b780838.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068699177/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6068702359_d95ed20067.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068702359/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6068706429_04d786fc0c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068706429/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6068711013_2f5c39f521.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068711013/)

More to come.

[Rob R]

Jacob,

The -600 model has a more modern cockpit that looks more like an Ejet and far better than the Q400.

[Jacob P]

Here's a few more enjoy!


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6068719883_d0432ee9db.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068719883/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6068724645_c4266cb975.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068724645/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6068728929_fd501f47e5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068728929/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6068732775_72fd804e2d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068732775/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6068735595_02c1681f24.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068735595/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6068738303_e9044b778e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068738303/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6068740959_de57e34335.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068740959/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6068743861_cfea35e594.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068743861/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6068746587_c4cc2b1633.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068746587/)

And one last one hope you liked them.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6068754593_8ca465531f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66646311@N05/6068754593/)

[Jason Carruthers]

Great shots I'm loving the interior the Black/Gray conbination is very stylish. I've always regarded the ATR as a pretty ugly aircraft with the blunt nose and funny dome shaped tailcone. But the Virgin Australia livery makes it look very sexy. I can't wait to try this thing out it looks like a short trip is in order.

[Wesley D]

Looks pretty good! Would have been even better if they went for the purple/red/grey headrests like in the new 737's.

[Andrew Coggan]

The legroom looks good! A win for tall people!

[Gareth U]

The pitch is 31" for the first eight rows and 30" thereafter. Looking at the pics, the slimline seats seem to maximise the knee space. Nice looking interior, with a forward coat closet too (in a space normally used for two extra seats or extra cargo space). Virgin are obviously thinking of the customer here - well done!

[Mick F]

For a brand new aircraft, I would have expected the cockpit to be a full EFIS setup.

Thanks Jacob

Mick

[Rob R]

Whilst the ATR72-500 is new to Australia it has been in service in other countries for years, hence the older style cockpit.

The new -600 which has just been certified and will make up the bulk of the ATR fleet with Virgin Australia has a full EFIS layout very similar to the Ejet.

It's just like the Dash8, the 100,200 and 300 have the older style cockpits, while the Q400 gets all glass.

[Mick F]

Understand that Rob, but given you can get new GA aircraft with full EFIS cockpits and other turbo-props like the King Air B200 and B350 have also gone to full EFIS cockpits, I would have thought the ATR would be the same.

Cheers

Mick

[Rob R]

Give it a few years and you will not be able to buy a new -500 ATR. The -600 is all you will be able to buy brand new. Remember the -600 has just be certified hence the 4 -500 to start with.

Beechcraft have only in the 2 years offered the B200 and 350 with full glass, prior to this it was a mix of EFIS and steam driven stuff.

[Mick F]

Going slightly off topic, but I think it was around 2002-2003 that Beechcraft brought out the B200 and the B350 with full EFIS (Collins Proline 21) cockpits.

I fly 2004 model one's that have it and they definitely weren't the first.

Thanks for the info anyway Rob.

Cheers

Mick

[Rob R]

You will also find most business jets have more advanced cockpits then most jet transport aircraft.

Looks like the next ATR should be here this week.

[lloyd fox]

It did a route proving flight BNE-PQQ-BNE today.

[lloyd fox]

Now off to GLT as well.

[Paul Hunter]

First Virgin ATR to Sydney is due at this stage on Tue 13 September for ground ops trials. Should overnight and depart Wed 14 September.

Regards.

[Mitchell S]

One of the ATR is in sydney now looks like it's doing ground ops trials.

[Michael Heffernan]

Was in CBR today (may still be here) doing the same...

[Bevan Webber]

I have booked the inaugural flights to Gladstone on the ATR72 on the 17 October.

Anyone else flying the inaugural.

[Rowan McKeever]

Does anyone know what the regos for #3 and #4 will be, and when they are expected to be delivered? Also, what will happen to the current E70 flights?

Cheers
Rowan

[Brandon Giacomin]

VH-FVM is the rego of the third and was due to be delivered this month according to the October Australian Aviation magazine.

[Jarden S]

Hopefully they will announce more routes soon for when the 3rd one arrives.

[Oliver Gigacz]

The third will be used for the routes already announced.

[Grant S]

A Virgin turbo-prop just flew into Port Macquarie at 4pm today while I am up for a couple of days
Operational trials ?
Virgin tail in the new colours
Going down to the airport (only 2km away) armed with scanner (to monitor the local Virgin UHF channel) and a video camera for some happy snaps

Grant Searle

[Brock Little]

Yep just operational trials and proving flights.

[Grant S]

From what I heard via the scanner and observed from just over the fence they were just going through the motions as if it was a paid flight, even a boarding call for Brisbane
I thought they said there was 17 on board, mostly cabin staff and a few technical crew + pilots
Touched down at 1600hrs on Rwy 21 and left at 1710hrs on Rwy 03 back to Brisbane
It was VH-FVH ATR72-500 on this occasion


Grant

PS A quick chat with one of the ground staff leaving the Airport enroute to his car filled in a few details, mainly that there are only two E170's left ... and that the ATR72 is 40% more fuel efficient on the run.

[Mick F]

I dare say because the ATR 72 hasn't been operated as a passenger carrying aircraft in this country (to my knowledge anyway), the number of route proving flights it is doing is for training purposes for both aircrew, ground crew and also to satisfy CASA.

Could be wrong though.

Mick

[Mick F]

From Australian Aviation

Virgin Australia has announced it will commence twice-daily services to Emerald in the Bowen Basin region of central Queensland from January 16 next year.

The service, to be operated by new ATR72 turboprops operated by Skywest will provide competition to QantasLink in the resources-rich region. “We’re proud to add Emerald to the growing network of regional destinations that Virgin

Australia now serves,” Virgin Australia Group Executive – Alliances, Network and Yield, Merren McArthur said in a statement. “Emerald is a booming town situated in the heart of Queensland’s Bowen Basin, the largest coal reserve in Australia. Our new services will bring choice and competitive fares for travel to and from this important mining hub.”

Virgin Australia ATR services are due to commence on October 17 to Gladstone, and from October 19 to Port Macquarie and Canberra

[Gareth U]

Mick -

The ATR 42 has been operated by Australian carriers in the past in a pax configuration (Air Queensland/TAA) and currently in freighter roles. I believe they share a common type rating?

I think the proving flights are more to do with a type being new to the airline.

[James S.]

Don't forget these fellas.

http://images2.jetphotos.net/img/2/7/5/5/84308_1179913557.jpg

[Jarden S]

That fella above has just left Cairns for a new home in Denmark....

I expect Bundaberg will be a new route for the VA ATR's soon.

[Rowan McKeever]

Has anyone seen a release date for the EMD flights?

Cheers!

[Jarden S]

16th January according to wiki

[Rowan McKeever]

Is that on sale or first service Jarden? Thanks!

[Jarden S]

That's first service not sure when they go on sale still not on their destination drop down menu yet.

[Steve Jones]

VH-FVH due to operate the inaugural RPT services to/from GLT on Monday.

[Andrew Coggan]

Just about to board VH-FVH to PQQ on bay 33A here in Sydney.

[Andrew Coggan]

The ATR's were amazing to fly on, went on both VH-FVH and VH-FVI yesterday and I must say they are better than the Q400's to fly on. Big reception in Port Macquarie on arrival with a few TV cameras and some local photographers from Newspapers etc. All in all a fantastic product, a great aircraft to fly on.

[Oliver Gigacz]

Cant wait till November 16th, when I get a chance to fly on one.

[Rowan McKeever]

DJ has the 3rd weekday GLT service in the system... BNE1210-1330 GLT 1400-1520BNE.

Still nothing for EMD though...........

[damian f]

A correspondent in Gladstone sent through some info and pics of the inaugural Virgin ATR service from Gladstone last week.

I've posted this on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog - http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/ (http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/2011/10/virgin-australia-inaugural-service-to.html)

Cheers
Damian

[Rowan McKeever]

DJ now selling BNE-EMD...

DJ1255 BNE0545-0740EMD x67
DJ1256 EMD0810-0955BNE x67

DJ1261 BNE1600-1755EMD x6
DJ1262 EMD1825-2010BNE x6

[Jarden S]

Wow, thats a great start for EMD twice daily on weekdays.

[Zac M]

VH-FVL just ferried into Canberra

[Zac M]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6294898634_114a215575_b.jpg

[Jarden S]

There is another ATR a 42 model in CNS its an all white one rego VH-AVV it should be based in Avalon with a rego like that. It has been here for over a year now
http://i41.tinypic.com/2uxy815.jpg

[damian f]

Evening all

I had an exciting day being part of the launch of Virgin Australia's ATR operated Emerald services today. I flew on DJ1256 EMD-BNE in the morning on VH-FVH, and then VH-FVL as DJ1261 BNE-EMD this afternoon.

I will do up a proper trip report later, but I have posted a few photos of the day on the CQ Plane Spotting Blog... http://tinyurl.com/84swzrf

All the best to Virgin on this exciting venture!

Damian

[Steve S... 2]

Good one Qantas, the cheapest one way fare from Cairns to Hamilton Island is $307.

You would think there is opportunity for VA to jump onto the route with ATR72's... ?

QF Link uses the Dash8-300 and on one occasion I saw they operated a Q400.