Air China to start B777-300ER's to Sydney

[Stefan Perkas]

Morning all,

As per 05NOV12 GDS timetable and inventory display, Air China starting 11DEC12 will launch Boeing 777-300ER service on Beijing – Sydney nonstop service, replacing existing A330-200 operation.

With the introduction of Boeing 777-300ER operation, the airline will offer First Class service on this route.

Schedule:

CA173 PEK1700 – 0740+1SYD 77W D
CA174 SYD2100 – 0550+1PEK 77W D

CA174 operated by 777-300ER from 12/12/12


http://airlineroute.net/2012/11/05/ca-syd-dec12/

[Mark Grima]

Interesting.

According to Air China's website, this is an increase of of 77 seats per flight.

Cheers

M

[Brian Wilkes]

Good news, as they have a special livery version as well!

[Jaryd stock]

Good news, as they have a special livery version as well!
I can't wait for that one it looks good, from the pics I've seen. Wished Cathay would send there's.

[Carl H.]

Good news, as they have a special livery version as well!
Make that 2! Star Alliance and 'Smiling China'

[David W]

Hi all,

I am flying on CA174 in a few weeks time and was expecting that the aircraft would be Air China's new 777-300ER. Though it seems like Air China have rolled back to the A330-200. I have checked Acar logs for this flight over the past month and the A330-200 is the only aircraft that seems to be flying this route at the moment. Does anyone know why they have dropped the 777-300ER?

Thanks,

[Stefan Perkas]

David,

I believe the B777-300ER were to cater for the increased demand over the XMAS/ New Year/ Chinese New Year Period. For the oresent time it will be all A330-200's. Hopefully the B777's will return this XMAS.

[David W]

Thanks Stefan,

That's disappointing.

In all the media articles i read they made it out to be a permanent change i couldnt see anything relating to it only being for a certain period.

[Raymond Z]

Stefan is correct: Air China's 77W was to be used to SYD only for the peak period of Christmas and New Year, which was the news I received from friends who work for CA last year when they first started using 77Ws on CA173/174. The passenger numbers on the flights from PEK these days during the non-peak season is even low for an A332 so it's logical for them to utilise their 77W elsewhere. It wasn't made explicitly here in the media articles unfortunately.

I don't think you have any reason to be disappointed though. Their A332 product is just as good as their 77W product, having flown in both aircraft, and also both in their business and economy sections. The only disappointment would be the lack of First class on the A332 if anyone was wishing to take that~

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

The Air China B777-300ER's will be back again for a 3 month period like it was in 2012/2013 Summer...

Beijing – Sydney 10DEC13 – 20FEB14 Boeing 777-300ER once again replaces A330-200. First Class service will be offered during this period

CA173 PEK1700 – 0740+1SYD 77W D
CA174 SYD2100 – 0550+1PEK 77W D

http://airlineroute.net/2013/08/15/ca-w13update2/

They have gained 3 new aircraft (B-2037,2038 & 2039) since they stopped in February 2013. They still have the Star Alliance (b-2032) and Smiling China liveries (B-2035) painted up. So for those who missed them in 2012/2013 you have another chance. They also have 2 on order as well which may be delivered before or during these service. in the 2012/2013 period the aircraft that would operate the Sydney flights would be the aircraft that operated CA933/934 from Paris. Let see if the pattern is the same this year (or use a different destination as a rotation)

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

The B777-300ER's are back again this summer operating CA173/174....

Air China in Northern Winter 2014/15 season once again introduces Boeing 777-300ER operations on Beijing – Sydney route, replacing A330-200 aircraft. Winter 2014/15′s Boeing 777-300ER operation is scheduled from 10DEC14 to 04MAR15, Beijing departure.

CA173 PEK1700 – 0740+1SYD 77W D
CA174 SYD2100 – 0550+1PEK 77W D

The Star Alliance member has been offering 777-300ER service on this route, during Northern Winter season, in the last 2 years.

Info from: http://airlineroute.net/2014/08/29/ca-peksyd-w14/

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

No B77W's this summer, a bit of change...

Air China has released preliminary info on operational aircraft changes for Beijing – Sydney route, in Northern winter 2015/16 season. From 25OCT15 to 26MAR16, the Star Alliance member will operate Airbus A330-300 aircraft, instead of -200. Further changes to planned operation remains possible, as the airline is not displaying Boeing 777-300ER operation for peak travel season at present time.

CA173 PEK1700 – 0740+1SYD 333 D
CA174 SYD2040 – 0530+1PEK 333 D


Info from: http://airlineroute.net/2015/06/03/ca-syd-nw15update1/

[Emil C]

Air China in Northern Winter 2015/16 season is expanding operational frequency on Beijing – Sydney route, with the addition of 4 weekly CA193/194 operation, starting 15NOV15. Overall service will increase from 7 to 11 weekly as a result. Reservation for the new flight is now open.

CA173 PEK1700 – 0740+1SYD 333 D
CA193 PEK2230 – 1310+1SYD 333 x246

CA194 SYD1500 – 2350PEK 333 x357
CA174 SYD2040 – 0530+1PEK 333 D

CA193/194 to be operated by A330-200 from 15NOV15 to 10DEC15.

http://airlineroute.net/2015/06/26/ca-syd-w15/