Virgin Atlantic

[El Bunto]

Originally Posted by azz767

VS orders A330neo for A330ceo (-200 and -300) replacement plus 6 options for expansion at Paris.

Odd considering that the A330-900 has basically the same floor area as the 787-9 which they already have in their fleet. Why diversify with a small fleet?

Perhaps they're cheaper.

[azz767]

Originally Posted by El Bunto

Odd considering that the A330-900 has basically the same floor area as the 787-9 which they already have in their fleet. Why diversify with a small fleet?

Perhaps they're cheaper.

i actually think it’s because they’re more cost effective on 6-8 hour routes like east coast USA, Israel and the UAE. The range of the 789 isn’t needed on these shorter routes. I think the 6 options for expansion show they see potential to grow at MAN, on the other hand it could easily cover replacing the TCX long haul fleet should they get the long haul part of the business they have bid for

[poolebob]

LHR - DEL

Flying LHR -DEL and return in November. VA only operate one flight per day in each direction and it is always late. Usually 2-3 hours DEL-LHR. NO doubt VA will blame closure of Pakistan airspace but BA & AI manage to arrive on time or thereabouts. Did wonder if it is because they are still using A340 on this route. Anyone know why VA timekeeping is so appalling on this route.

[A320baby]

It is because of the airspace closure! The dates keep changing when the airspace will reopen!

[CabinCrewe]

Fully painted A350 looking good! Though metallic red effect doesn't look as prominent

[poolebob]

Originally Posted by A320baby

It is because of the airspace closure! The dates keep changing when the airspace will reopen!

Thanks but it cannot be that because AI and BA operate the same routes and dont have the same delays

[EZYMAN]

Originally Posted by poolebob

Thanks but it cannot be that because AI and BA operate the same routes and dont have the same delays

British Airways have extended flight times.

[CabinCrewe]

Can't wait to see the VS A350 in a couple of weeks, not finalised yet, for various reasons, but likely to be at PIK and GLA exclusively for training. Ultimately likely to be seen on permanent scheduled services from their only Scottish departure point.

[Torquelink]

Perhaps they're cheaper.

By about $20m apiece

[Seljuk22]

VS to launch daily LGW-JFK flights next May and add additional frequencies to LAX and SEA; LHR-JFK will be reduced to 5 daily and MAN-BOS will be taken over by DL
https://corporate.virginatlantic.com...-schedule.html

[cornishsimon]

That’s interesting considering VS have 0 feed at LGW

the BA rotation seems to suffer proactive cancellations when we they are short a frame, it’s also the cheapest LON-NYC to booo that BA offer and that’s with feed at LGW to places not otherwise connected to the BA network at LHR, ie JER


cs

[Alteagod]

Unless the reinvented BE will start feeding into LGW

[cornishsimon]

Well yes that wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Iv said before that the only reason VS wants anything to do with BE is for them to cut the majority of flying that connect regional in/ Europe to a virgin or delta long haul operation.


cs

[PAXboy]

Hi, it is a long time since I travelled UC and we are booked out of LHR in Sept with a companion ticket for my partner - she has never been in UC before and I look forward to her amazement!

For the kerbside check-in, I understand I can book a timeslot and then, before arrival, phone ahead with the number plate. Please could folks confirm/deny/update?

Thanks.

[TCAS FAN]

Originally Posted by PAXboy

Hi, it is a long time since I travelled UC and we are booked out of LHR in Sept with a companion ticket for my partner - she has never been in UC before and I look forward to her amazement!

For the kerbside check-in, I understand I can book a timeslot and then, before arrival, phone ahead with the number plate. Please could folks confirm/deny/update?

Thanks.

Yes you are correct you need to phone in you vehicle reg. Unless its changed recently the number is 0344 412 4666. You can check on the VS website.

As you drive up to Terminal 3 you will see a sign on the left which directs you to the Upper Class Suite. Up the ramp to the check-in. Enjoy!

[BAladdy]

VS have made the following changes to there Caribbean network from LGW for next summer. All the changes listed will take place from 8th June 2020.

Antigua - Overall frequency increasing from 3 to 4 x weekly operated by a A332

Grenada - 2 x weekly service will be routed via Antigua instead of St Lucia from 8th June 2020.

Havana - 2 x weekly service will transfer to LHR from 8th June 2020, A333 will operate this service.

St Lucia - 3 x weekly service dropped from 7th June 2020

Tobago - Weekly service will be routed via Antigua instead of St Lucia from 14th June 2020

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38...gin%20Atlantic

[ETOPS]

Am I reading that right? VS are ceasing UVF?

[BA318]

Originally Posted by ETOPS

Am I reading that right? VS are ceasing UVF?

Yes. Was announced a few weeks back. Apparently VS asked for subsidies from St. Lucia and they said no so the route gets dropped.

https://www.businesstraveller.com/bu...t-lucia-route/

https://www.headforpoints.com/2019/0...moving-havana/
"There is an implication in the local press coverage that Virgin Atlantic had demanded explicit or implicit subsidies worth $2.5m from St Lucia in order to continue flights. This could have been, for example, via a payment for a marketing campaign in the UK, or via heavy discounts on landing fees. The Government was unwilling to meet these demands."

[PAXboy]

The RyanAir approach has spread ...

[gilesdavies]

Reading in other forums, it seems to be the reason DL/VS are opening JFK and BOS routes from Gatwick next year is the likelihood of Jet Blue launching their London operations from the airport, and they are keen to give them some competition on the routes.

I've not heard Jet Blue are definitely launching the transatlantic routes from Gatwick, but it seems DL and VS are making it clear they will have a fight on their hands!

Another blow for struggling Norwegian too!