DL767captain From United States of America, joined Mar 2007, 2539 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (4 years 2 weeks 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 6962 times:
I think i remember that they were on a lease (either the 744s or A340s or both). So They could just be re leasing the planes until their replacements arrive
QANTAS747-438 From United States of America, joined Jan 2001, 1808 posts, RR: 2 Reply 5, posted (4 years 2 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 6756 times:
To add to the list of questions, why do the 744s no longer come to LAX?
My posts/replies are strictly my opinion and not that of any company, organization, or Southwest Airlines.
Gilesdavies From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2003, 2903 posts, RR: 1 Reply 9, posted (4 years 2 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 6248 times:
Quoting Gkirk (Reply 8): Who'd have thought, a first class equipped plane flying scheduled routes from Manchester? Wink
Its barely first class... Upper Class product Virgin Atlantic offers in just a very good business class product. US, AA, CO, DL, EK, QR and SQ all offer a business product from MAN and so do many of the short haul legacy carriers do too.
I thought Virgin only had three of four A380's on order (I am happy to be corrected), this will barely replace the 744 fleet!
APYu From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2007, 759 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (4 years 2 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 5861 times:
The existing A380 order was not to replace the current leisure 744 fleet. The project to look at replacing the leisure fleet was put on hold last year as part of cost cutting. They were looking at a number of options - including more 380s, 777s, more 787s, A350 etc.
We'd like to welcome in particular our Executive Club members and those joining us from our Oneworld alliance partners.
Stitch From United States of America, joined Jul 2005, 26953 posts, RR: 83 Reply 13, posted (4 years 2 weeks 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 5722 times:
I would think you'd want the biggest plane you could put on a route for the leisure fleet since you'll be mostly packing it full of Economy seats.
Though the 10m smaller span of the 747-8 might make it a bit easier to integrate into existing infrastructures at airports like MAN and MCO, though the A380 doesn't stick out as far from the gate, being shorter.
NASCARAirforce From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 3099 posts, RR: 5 Reply 15, posted (4 years 2 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 5549 times:
Quoting Rutankrd (Reply 6): Manchester fleet operate to Orlando -upto ten weekly
There are also High season (Northern summer) Glasgow- Orlando flights two days a week using a Gatwick/Manchester configured aircraft.
MAN -MCO - 10 a week
LGW-MCO -15 a week (3 on Fridays)
GLA - MCO - alternates with MAN I believe
Cba From United States of America, joined Jul 2000, 4530 posts, RR: 3 Reply 16, posted (4 years 2 weeks 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 5380 times:
Quoting APYu (Reply 12): The existing A380 order was not to replace the current leisure 744 fleet. The project to look at replacing the leisure fleet was put on hold last year as part of cost cutting. They were looking at a number of options - including more 380s, 777s, more 787s, A350 etc.
Seems like the 77W would be the most appropriate choice for the LGW-based leisure 744 fleet. If operated in the dreaded 3-4-3 Y configuration, you can pack quite a lot of seats in the 773 to almost match the capacity of the 744... coupled with lower fuel burn and operating costs, VS would make a lot more money on the route.
The A346 is great in VS's fleet, but with fuel prices on the climb again, this aircraft is at an economic disadvantage compared to the 77W.
the GLA ops appear to be tied in with Scottish school holidays.
Quoting Stitch (Reply 13): Though the 10m smaller span of the 747-8 might make it a bit easier to integrate into existing infrastructures at airports like MAN and MCO
Not sure if VS remote park their aircraft at MAN which I presume means potentially less prospect for unused terminal gates? Plus I'm pretty sure there's only going to be a single A380 stand for T2 and I can't see them converting up to 10 wkly 744s into a daily A380 or buying the B748 and operate the same programme ; much more likely will be 2 daily 787s.as I think the intention is to increase flying out of LHR, LGW and MAN with the 787.
Gvroy From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2008, 7 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (4 years 2 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4887 times:
I say long live the 747 400 for Virgin Atlantic, they are great cruising machines i feel safer on a 747, its big spacious confy and the youngest fleet of 747's are Virgin's I've been on G-VFAB in 2007 to JFK for my 28th was a great experience as it was my 1st virgin 747 400 and since then av gone on to fly 6 more Virgin 747 400 doing Gatwick- Las Vegas
G-VROM x 2
G-VROY x 2
G-VXLG x 1
G- VROS x 1
No disrespect to all those 777 fans id much rather fly to las vegas on a 747 400 then a twin engined jet, Virgin should push for the 748 think it will be a good decision. Though looking fowards to the A380 too but that project is a long way off as mentioned above. Like Jeremy Clarkson says why replace it if it works LOL.. happy flying guys x