SQ may fly to WLG

[9V-JKL]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3897721a13,00.html

Wellington's bid for direct long-haul flights to Asia has received tentative support from Singapore Airlines.

Wellington International Airport is counting on the Boeing 787 to open a direct link to Asia, and one stop to Europe, from the capital when the jet goes into service in 2008. The 266-seat 787 will be the first large aircraft to be able to fly beyond Australia with a profitable load from Wellington's short runway.

Singapore Airlines chief executive Chew Choon Seng said that Wellington airport had approached the airline to provide the service, which would be considered in due course.

"It is not something to be ruled out, but at this point in time the demands on our resources are such that we are not ready to make a decision yet ... or able to consider any new (destinations)."

Air New Zealand has ruled out a Wellington service when it takes delivery of its four 787s from 2011.

Wellington airport claims the first airline to take up the route could make up to $13 million a year in profits.

A direct Asian link is a key plank of the Wellington transportation strategy.

Positively Wellington Tourism says a direct service would bring tens of millions of dollars in additional tourism and other economic benefit to the region.

Singapore Airlines had no plans to fly the new Airbus A380 to Auckland, Mr Chew said. Production problems have delayed the superjumbo.

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I would rather they fly to ZQN than WLG....but hey that's me

[9V-JKL]

Singapore Airlines had no plans to fly the new Airbus A380 to Auckland, Mr Chew said.

Guess that says it all.........

[globetrekker84]

Maybe the 777 is too big for the route, but it can't fly out of WLG because the runway's too short to make it all the way to SIN?

As for the A380, guess we can cross that one off the "Will they fly the A380 here?" list.

[MAN Flyer]

Maybe the 777 is too big for the route, but it can't fly out of WLG because the runway's too short to make it all the way to SIN?

It can make it, but not with a profitable load, as stated in the third line of the quoted article.

I read the same article in WLG a couple of days ago. The one I read stated that NZ had ruled out any Asian flights to WLG so they were putting their hopes in SQ and the 787.

Widebodies into WLG would spoil the fun of getting chucked around while landing on an ATR in that crazy wind they get on the Cook Strait.

[globetrekker84]

It can make it, but not with a profitable load, as stated in the third line of the quoted article.

That's what I was thinking. Guess I didn't write it well.

Hm. WLG has only one runway at 1936 m. Tiny.

[MAN Flyer]

It is small and any extension would be difficult as it would probably involve reclaiming land. I guess the fact that it's the capital but with no long haul links is starting to grate.

Nice little airport though with a great Koru Club with fabulous views.

[SQflyergirl]

with a great Koru Club with fabulous views.

Agree. It's the best IMHO in NZ.

[lhrpete]

Nice little airport though with a great Koru Club with fabulous views.

Agreed, the best on the network with the best staff too - nothing is ever a problem for them.