Emirates' phase-out plan

[ARNSpoty]

Hello Ladies (if any ;)) and Gentleman,

The other day I was doing some spotting at DXB, and saw few white painted A343's, parked by the hangar at OMDB. I mean, it looked in great shape and certainly didn't look like there were any intentions/reasons of sending the bird to the grave-yard.

So, if this is not considered as confidential material, does anyone know who these aircraft (A6-ERQ: one of them) are flying next for? Would one be able to find some sort of a "phase-out plan" for EK?

Appreciate your input guys,

-E

[SQnovice]

A few of Emirates A343 belong to HiFly so maybe they are being returned to them. I know last time Emirates phased some A332 out they were sent onwards to Virgin Australia for them. But who wants A343's these days, their the same size as A333 and have a higher fuel burn.

Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer.

SQnovice

[ARNSpoty]

That's true, as you mentioned, they are maybe being returned to HiFly. Regarding the A332, I remembered that as well, that that they were sent to Virgin.

True that, thirsty they are those "hair-dryers" ;)

Not too worry, you gave me some info that I didn't know.

Cheers:ok:

[SQnovice]

Just a bit off subject, but if they are being returned to HiFly who ever takes it on next will have Emirates cabin config unless they pay for a new design. I know HiFly also own Arik Air A340-500 which were meant for Kingfisher and they are fitted with Kingfishers excellent business product.

Just wondering if they would keep it or do a new refit.

[SQnovice]

Looks like they are being returned to thrill lessors, after doing some research, it looks like they were traded in by Singapore airlines for some 777's back in 2003, Boeing leased them to Emirates on 2004 on a 9 year leave to cover the delayed 777 frames they were waiting for from Boeing, they are being retured at the end of the month, a new user is yet to be found for them. My bet Is they will be salvaged off.