If there is a need to hire someone to handle ETOPS legalities, then that would be added in with the costs.

An airline will make its choice of equipment almost completely based on costs. The simple fact is twinjets are more efficient than their quad counterparts for lots of aeronautical reasons that I don't 100% understand, so I can't explain. I'm not sure where all of this red tape would come from. This happens about 8-10 days per year.Įssentially twinjets ARE allowed to fly these routes, so long as they meet ETOPS criteria. A quadjet could still service the region, BUT the airline WOULD NOT allow it to do so. Now, a major international airline studied this, and found that on the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, in particular, the shutting down of those airports would prevent ANY operations regarding of engine multiplicity and due to that particular airline's operations manual.

The reason why ETOPS is an issue for these regions is in the event of the shutdown of two or three alternates due to seasonal weather issues. Now, 180 minutes ETOPS services ARE available for the last three major oceans. I guess we would agree that ETOPS is of no issue on the North Atlantic or North Pacific, but is certainly an issue for the lesser routes of the South Atlantic, South Pacific, and Indian Oceans. I think, Trent, that you have misunderstood how ETOPS is applied on the routes you have mentioned. From my perspective, the rules are the rules. To me, this whole debate seems more complex than it should be. The choice should be clear for airlines based on ETOPS regulations on whether a two engined aircraft is viable versus a four engined aircraft. So, why do airlines seem to continue with the debate of what aircraft to order and why does Boeing still continue to advertise the 777X a great success in ultra long range operations. Johannesburg to New York or Melbourne to Cape Town, etc.) doesn't this automatically mean that the 777X is out of the question since twin engine operations are not yet permitted for such a long over-water distance? What is strange to me is if such long distance operations for the 777X are not permitted, then it sort of makes the 777X an oddity-it can fly ultra-long distances over water, however because of regulations, it will not be allowed. With airlines such as Qantas and South African Airways who have destinations across wide spans of ocean (e.g. Many people have stated that ETOPS is a big factor in the decision.

I have noticed the increasing number of posts about airlines choosing between the 777X and the A340-500/600 for future orders.

Qantas 777x