Virgin ordering £3 billion of new aircraft

[ChrisS]

Originally Posted by Segdude

The article in the link from ChrisS says "will use the -900 version of the re-engined aircraft to replace Airbus A330-300s and -200s". So my question is what, if anything, will replace the ageing 747's on the Orlando route? Will they swap the A330-300 and 200's onto the Gatwick and Manchester etc routes?
I don't like the sound of the PE seat width being reduced either

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You and me both Nick, very disappointed, 18.5" of width is no good for me, if the seat arms/side remain static it'll make for a very tight journey. Apparently no footrest either, PE is now similar to extra legroom seats, be interested to see how they spin it. VA, perhaps with Delta, KLM and AF making decisions, have reduced to the industry norm vs being known for one of the better PE cabins. VA refitted the PE cabin on the four A330-200's they leased to fill the Dreamliner gap to 17.7" of width and 36" of pitch.

Originally Posted by Cabbie

After the initial delivery of the first 4 A350's that are going to LHR the remaining 8 are supposed to be going to LGW/MAN to replace the 747's starting late 2020.

-Steve

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Thank you Steve - working on guesstimates, do you think VA may hold off on some 747's being put out to pasture until 2020, or is it more likely they'll use the A330-300/200's until the A350's begin at Man/LGW?

[PPM]

Chris
The age of the Jumbos , they must be running out of operational hours. Creek creek just like me

[ChrisS]

Originally Posted by PPM

Chris
The age of the Jumbos , they must be running out of operational hours. Creek creek just like me

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Hi Mannie, I remember 'talk' of the 747's going out to pasture this year, wonder if VA extended the timeline to 2021, perhaps due, in part, to the Dreamliner situation. I'd hoped VA would leave existing fleet cabins as they are, but perhaps they can't have two cabin configs, *shrugs*.

Chatted to a crew lass about cabin changes, bar a maintenance issue, VA keep the 747's on MCO routes, she doubts very much VA would do any refit on the big birds.

[Cabbie]

Originally Posted by ChrisS

Thank you Steve - working on guesstimates, do you think VA may hold off on some 747's being put out to pasture until 2020, or is it more likely they'll use the A330-300/200's until the A350's begin at Man/LGW?

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The 747's were never going to leave the fleet before 2020/2021. As VS sold the aircraft and then leased them back they have a bit of flexibility in thier retirement dates.

-Steve

[Segdude]

Originally Posted by ChrisS

You and me both Nick, very disappointed, 18.5" of width is no good for me, if the seat arms/side remain static it'll make for a very tight journey. Apparently no footrest either, PE is now similar to extra legroom seats, be interested to see how they spin it. VA, perhaps with Delta, KLM and AF making decisions, have reduced to the industry norm vs being known for one of the better PE cabins. VA refitted the PE cabin on the four A330-200's they leased to fill the Dreamliner gap to 17.7" of width and 36" of pitch.



Thank you Steve - working on guesstimates, do you think VA may hold off on some 747's being put out to pasture until 2020, or is it more likely they'll use the A330-300/200's until the A350's begin at Man/LGW?

See more...

I have probably one more trip (after this one) before they retire the 747's. I will make sure I use all my reward miles when I book that if they plan on making such big reductions/changes to PE seating. I'll go to Norwegian if they are still in business, or maybe try TUI.