Virgin Atlantic Fleet Re-Alignment

[CMM]

Hello all

Virgin Atlantic are due, according to Wikipedia(!), to phase out their B747 and A340s in 2018 as new A350-100s join the fleet. In addition the page says the A330-300s will be 're-configured'.

At the moment the 787-9s seem to have displaced the majority of A330s to Manchester and Gatwick to support the B747s which are solely based there, due to the expansion in routes.

How will this play with the historical philosophy of 'Heathrow gets all new shiny planes'? Would it be safe to assume that the first batch of A350s will allow the A340s to be retired, or instead push the A340-600s out to replace the 747s and retire the Jumbos first?

Any clues on the A330 reconfiguration? Less Upper Class to pack in more premium and economy travellers?

Hello to the Senior First Officer I was chatting to at Manchester today if you're a member. Hope the free Cafe Nero got you on your way to San Fran

Thanks in advance

[toledoashley]

The A330 reconfig is similar to what was previously on the A340-300

[SARF]

What are virgins Vegas routes these days? Still Gatwick on the 747.
That always struck me as a route crying out for a 380

[Dobbo_Dobbo]

And from MAN (and I assume GLA?) (I think B744/A333 mix at the moment).

If they take the A380 (does this still appear on the VS books?!) Id say MCO, LAX, ATL would be the front runners. Personally, I doubt they ever take them.

[Skipness One Echo]

The A330 reconfig is to remove the current Upper Class Dream Suite and refresh it with ankess cramped product. Half the A330s remain LHR based.

[LAX_LHR]

Dobbo,

VS dropped GLA-LAS about 2 years ago.

In terms of the A330 fleet, it's 5 at LHR, 3 at MAN and 2 at LGW.

[Dobbo_Dobbo]

Cheers LAX

[22/04]

Was talking to flight attendant on a recent flight

Current plans were stated as A350s split between LGW MAN at LHR but she did say she wouldn't be surprised to see them more concentrated at LHR with A330s at LGW and MAN.

Guess it is wait and see.

[Dobbo_Dobbo]

I assumed VS would aim for an all A333 fleet at MAN, if it could cover all the routes they want year round.

VS seem to have slowed at MAN (and have retreated this winter for sure) so what they plan next is anyone's guess.

[cheesebag]

The 333's are going 1-1-1 in Upper as per the 789. Recently came back from ATL-MAN on VRAY and that was still 1-2-1

[Laughing Frog]

Anybody know what a/c they're going to use for the P&O charters to Barbados next winter

[LadyL2013]

Well, I, for one will be very sad to see the 4 holers going. The skies are becoming so boring now.

Hoping to get one last spin on the Queen next year.

[canberra97]

Originally Posted by Laughing Frog

Anybody know what a/c they're going to use for the P&O charters to Barbados next winter

I should imagine it was the 330.

[Wycombe]

Anybody know what a/c they're going to use for the P&O charters to Barbados next winter

Are Virgin picking up this business from Thomson/TUI?

[CMM]

Thanks for the replies, all.

[Laughing Frog]

Originally Posted by Wycombe

Are Virgin picking up this business from Thomson/TUI?

No another ship out there for the winter I think

[whitelighter]

Just booked LHR-ATL for April 2018. Shows as a 340-600, assume this won't change? Premium economy looks ok on the 340 though

[Skipness One Echo]

They frequently switch aircaft type on the US routes am afraid!

[whitelighter]

Originally Posted by Skipness One Echo

They frequently switch aircaft type on the US routes am afraid!

Boo.

I suppose PE is ok across the fleet.
What else do they operate out of LHR?

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by whitelighter

What else do they operate out of LHR?

As well as the A346, they operate A333 and B789 from LHR.