Sandy2901 wrote:

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Seems to me that Jet is lining up its plans to leverage all the *A hubs in the area. It already has flight into SIN & LHR (bmi hub) and as plans go if they add BKK, MUC & ZRH. They would be in a position to use these *A hubs to provide decent connections to its passenger both into and out of India.

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If that's the case where do both 9W and AI end up?  Wouldn't it be wise if either of them keep some sort of association going with either OneWorld or SkyTeam.

rgds

VT-ASJ

vabby wrote:

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  I hope they use a widebody jet on this route atleast and not their baby planes of 737 series. what do others hav to think do they like wide body jets or single aisle family

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What you are suggesting makes absolute sense, but the point is what percentage of travellers do really care.  One does come across statements from passengers that certain airlines uses small planes, but not sure if they will be repeat passengers on that route.  And if they are, would prefer cost over aisle in their purchase decision.

rgds

VT-ASJ

9W ordered the 777-300ER and I believe they stated they are not interested in the USA-India non stop flights anytime soon..... someone please correct me if I am wrong.

I completely agree, Jet needs to stop flying 737's to these cities. I also agree that most passengers don’t care what they fly. However I do believe that with their competition all flying in 330s and 777s then 9W will find it hard to make money and compete in the long run if they stick to their 737s. The Indian metro cities need to be upgraded to larger aircraft and only then will they be able to take on MH or whoever.

eP007

I agree with you totally Vabby. In fact, all airlines should deploy widebody jets for flights lasting over two hours. In addition to the increased legroom, widebodies offer more luggage space, both underbelly and overhead bins. Two aisles mean that meals can be effectively and quickly served. Also, more room to store food and drink and most importantly - more toilets!!

I noticed this for myself as Sri Lankan deploys A320s on the BOM-CMB sector (2hrs 25min) and A332s on the CMB-BKK sector (3hr). The A-332 was a dream as I could walk around, stretch my legs and enjoy the IFE as opposed to the cramped A320.

- Vivek

Pal do u have the occupancy figures of flights jet operates to SIN from BOM. See if there is just a demand of for A320 why on earth SQ does double daily to BOM that too 777-300ER.

SQ must be mad if they are using a 777 on the SIN-KUL route which is just a 30-40min flight they should be using some ATR,s if they follow jet thinking and put all 777,s or route to LHR lol...

 Trust me i think they are underestimating the purchasing power of asia-pacific region...

vabby wrote:

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 I guess even today IC sometimes uses A300 on their MAA-SIN sector. The Last metro secotr where i guess IC flew their rickety A300 was DEL-HYD now its A320.

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It's a regular. Leaves Chennai for Singapore at 0055 hrs. Is back in Chennai at 0935 hrs. [Usually left for Colombo at 1200 hrs and back again at 1600 hrs and then did the Mumbai leg. But this has been stopped after a series of technical snags from prolonged operation] After major checking by Chennai customs for gold biscuits and drugs that could be hidden inside (we had dramatic reports of seizures in the local TV and newspapers), it is dragged across the runway for 400 metres into the hangar like an obedient cow and undergoes a major check. Is then off to Mumbai at 1725 hrs.

Back in Chennai at 2130 hrs in time for the Singapore leg again. (If it is on time, it flies quietly and slowly. Otherwise [by upto 8 hours once], there is a major racket with the pilot almost flying into the house, trying to make up for lost time. [Main technical reasons for delay usually are jammed flaps, jammed cargo door and unexplained fire warning in the cockpit. The engines are what are most reliable.] 

This flight usually connects to a series of departures to the US from Singapore. If it is late, the NRIs on board start becoming insane.) 

Other sectors are Delhi-Hyderabad, Delhi to Kolkata, Mumbai to Goa and Cochin to Sharjah (used most here).  

 

Rickety?

Jst got a certificate and medal from Airbus for the best operator of the A300 with the best despatch reliability --- 98.8 percent.

 

Try telling the IA A300 cabin crew the plane (there are 3 A300s) is rickety and you might be sent out of the emergency exit!!

Seats have got new Utkalika (Orissa Handloom Corporation -- a Government of Orissa Undertaking) green floral covers which meet FAA fire retardant standards, seatbelts that work and are new.

Everything within reach has got a thick oil paint coating. 

Also, the overhead bins don't open at will and send luggage crashing down on hapless passengers. The locks smartly click shut.

Flush the _____ and there is a thick waterfall of Harpic Blue -- Pinetree flavour.  

The outside and the windows are cleaned with chemicals and the plane looks nice for its age (26 years old)

Every single light works. PA is okay.  

 

But, OVERALL, reminds you of a large classroom with rows of wooden desks.  

 

Only scary thing is when the brakes are applied. Horrible grating sound has everything rumbling.  

 

Cabin crew actually smile (12 OF THEM) and ask how you are! Many are the new and smart lot of IA recruits.    

Yup, saw the IC A300 landing in Mumbai just after dusk last Saturday. Sadly, couldn't click pics because of very poor light.

karatecatman wrote:

>> After major checking by Chennai customs for gold biscuits and drugs that could be hidden inside (we had dramatic reports of seizures in the local TV and newspapers), it is dragged across the runway for 400 metres into the hangar like an obedient cow and undergoes a major check. Is then off to Mumbai at 1725 hrs.

Hehe....loved this remark.

BTW, Harpic Pinetree is green in colour not blue

karatecatman wrote:

Flush the _____ and there is a thick waterfall of Harpic Blue -- Pinetree flavour.

Hey that's something new for Indian!!

Great! Recruit new smart crew and send them on an old aircraft!!

On second thoughts, its a good thing as the newer ones would not get to fly in an A300 otherwise

karatecatman wrote:

Cabin crew actually smile (12 OF THEM) and ask how you are! Many are the new and smart lot of IA recruits.