AirxLiban From Lebanon, joined Oct 2003, 4491 posts, RR: 55 Posted (7 years 9 months 3 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 2192 times:
In the process of booking a few virgin atlantic (or BA, haven't decided yet) from LAX-LHR in september/december, january/march and april/june and I noticed that VS7/8 is scheduled for an A340-600 as early as October/November. Why the change? Where is the 744 going and why have they decided to do that? VS23/24 still to be A340-300 permanently?
AlitaliaMD11 From Spain, joined Dec 2003, 4068 posts, RR: 15 Reply 1, posted (7 years 9 months 3 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 2125 times:
I remember reading that JFK was going back to the A340-300 and that LAX was going to the A340-600. I imagine that the B747 is going to a new Caribbean destination.
AirxLiban From Lebanon, joined Oct 2003, 4491 posts, RR: 55 Reply 6, posted (7 years 9 months 3 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 1791 times:
Ouch. Any idea for after the winter schedule? It is going to be funny seeing the A346 at LAX on a regular basis. Where is the 744 going...I thoguht all the new Caribbean routes were out of Gatwick?
Isn't this is a significant reduction in capacity?
A346 is 48/28/233 and 744 is 44/32/318...so even though more UCS can be sold, there are still about 100 less total seats.
On the other hand isn't BA doing 3x on some days?
To be honest this move is putting me off booking with VS. I need to book four roundtrips between LAX and LHR and I need to decide between VS and BA. I've already booked one on VS...
Laxintl From United States of America, joined May 2000, 22021 posts, RR: 51 Reply 7, posted (7 years 9 months 3 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 1778 times:
Quoting AirxLiban (Reply 6): Isn't this is a significant reduction in capacity?
A346 is 48/28/233 and 744 is 44/32/318...so even though more UCS can be sold, there are still about 100 less total seats.
Less seats, but should be a much nicer mix of yields. Less pressure to sell lower fare buckets and holiday package holiday folks to fill planes especially during the winter period.
Good move in my book.
From the desert to the sea, to all of Southern California
Philb From Ireland, joined May 1999, 2915 posts, RR: 14 Reply 8, posted (7 years 9 months 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 1759 times:
This doesn't sound like Richard's style at all. He's made his money and built the airline on being first, or biggest or best.
He was certainly unhappy with the problems at US airports which will not be A380 ready in time for his original in service date.
As for the supposed "peak season" reason, I've flown transatlantic with Virgin regularly, year round and, whilst there are some troughs, the flights are regularly well loaded and the introduction of the A380 will generate extra traffic from regular travellers on other airlines, interested in trying the new type as well as those taking a trip for the experience
GQfluffy From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (7 years 9 months 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 1743 times:
Quoting Philb (Reply 8): He was certainly unhappy with the problems at US airports which will not be A380 ready in time for his original in service date.
Sounds like Branson was one of those kids in grade school who just HAD to have everyone play HIS game HIS way.
7LBAC111 From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2004, 2566 posts, RR: 43 Reply 10, posted (7 years 9 months 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 1732 times:
Quoting Philb (Reply 8): the A380 will generate extra traffic from regular travellers on other airlines, interested in trying the new type as well as those taking a trip for the experience
Maybe so - but 400 or so more per flight? Surely not....
7LBAC111
Debate is what you put on de hook when you want to catch de fish.
Wrighbrothers From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 1875 posts, RR: 10 Reply 11, posted (7 years 9 months 3 weeks 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 1675 times:
On the other hand isn't BA doing 3x on some days?
AirxLiban : Yes BA operate 3x EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK FOR THE SUMMER SCHEDUAL to LAX , all 3 operated by B744, However i belive it goes back down to twice daily ( both still operated by 744 )for the winter and back to 3x for next summer
BTW Summer schedual is FROM March 26th uptil and including October 29th and Winter is from October 30th-March 25th 2006
Happy Flying !!
P.S - If it was up to me i'd book BA
Always stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone..
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From Lebanon, joined Oct 2003, 4491 posts, 
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