November 16, 2005 at 2:58 pm
As of now, the maximum ETOPS available is 180 generally. ETOPS 207 is available only in North Pacific, only in case of airport closures – nowhere else. There is no LROPS – 3 and 4 engine planes can flow as far as they like without the extra precautions twins are subject to.
Which governments are prepared to have ETOPS higher than 180, like ETOPS 240 or ETOPS 330, or LROPS?
For example, does it affect airplane market if US were to allow ETOPS 330? You do not need it in the US anyway. I think that even American Samoa is reachable with ETOPS 180, so an US privilege of ETOPS 330 might be worth very little?
Where the high ETOPS-es and LROPS really matter is South Pacific and South Indian Ocean, and Antarctic. So, obviously, what matters is what the governments of nearby countries – Australia, NZ, South Africa, France, Chile, Argentina, Mauritius – think of ETOPS and LROPS. Does anyone know their opinion?