Just a thought....

How on earth would Virgin introduce 777s onto the Caribbean when they don't have ETOPS clearance presumably?

From an earlier post on this thread: As Guadeloupe and Martinique are departements of mainland France, and are by far the most sophisticated islands in the Caribbean, I would not be surprised if they could handle the B773/A346.

Virgin does not currently have ETOPS clearance, but it can obtain it in the same way as all other ETOPS airlines.

Agreed Scroggs, VS is a VERY competent airline and can get ETOPS. But won't this take a year of twin operations? In the meantime, which routes will the hypothetical 777/350s be on?

Makes even more sense to take on the long haul part of bmi?

I'm not au fait with either ETOPS or non-ETOPS twin-engine operations, but the answer to your question would depend on what is the furthest a non-ETPS twin can be from a suitable diversion, and what other restrictions may be placed on it - or not. For instance, is ETOPS only relevant over sea, or is it a legal requirement overland also? If it's not a consideration overland, Lagos would be a player. Dubai, Delhi and Mumbai shouldn't be any real problem, though the routes may not be as flexible as on a four-engined type. In summer at least, I would have thought that the East Coast USA destinations would probably be OK too.

Not my specialist subject either, but my understanding is that it relates to the furthest distance a twin-engined aircraft is allowed to fly away from a field capable of taking it in case things go quiet. To be allowed to do the trick, the airline has to demonstrate the reliability of the aircraft and its engines in their operation - for a year. I would imagine, thinking about it, that VS would use a twin on DXB, the Indian routes, possibly Lagos, but I can't see it on the Atlantic in VS colours any time soon.

Thanks folks!

etops does not just cover over the sea, i think you will find parts of africa can be classified as etops as no suitable diversion airfield available.

etops can be operated off the back of someone elses approval initially anyway, did bmi not use monarch when they took delivery of the 330's ?.

Have been informed (reliably!) by 2 seperate sources within VS to expect an announcement this week. Better not say what they have heard just in case.:eek:

a330
 

The rumour I have heard is an order for 12 A330 aircraft to be annonced soon.:D

The most interesting thing is that these orders will replace the A380 orders and the last group of A346's.

Any idea what routes VS would use A330 on?

Manchester, Glasgow to New York/Orlando/Miami etc ? :}

mmeteesside

a380
 

From what I hear all the a340-600,s ordered are still coming as well as the :D330,s.:D

The last 3 346's are going downunder

so not foisting the 343s on VB then? (As with VK)

Virgin to Mauritius (Confirmed)
 

New Route*
Gatwick - Mauritius
Starting November 07
Mondays/Fridays

From - new Virgin Worldwide Brochure

why doesent man get anymore routes with virgin.

A330s?
 

Maybe that will happen if/when the rumoured A330s join the fleet?

Any more news on that? Possibly a Farnborough announcement.

Glasgow
 

Hey was on another website, was a guy saying the flights from GLA - MCO next year were just about sold out from JUN/JUL. So I looked on VH myself, looks about right, the first flight is only selling Upper seats, so that could be anything up to 14 seats left, not bad with 50 weeks to go, the second and third flights only have Premium and Upper left, so a max of 72 seats. the last of that period has economy left. On an aircraft with 451seats these are good load factors. If things continue this way could the managent extend the season, after all there is plenty of time to do so. Eitherway it bodes well for Summer `08. http://www.taxiwayalpha.com/forums/s...on_biggrin.gif :ok:

BHX VS????
 

Donk know if anyone can cast any light on this , rumour that Virgin may be looking at the possiblilty of either MCO or EWR routes from BHX? . Other current widebody carriers from BHX are , Air India (Delhi and Toronto on 777) , and Emirates (Dubai 777) , Continental (Newark 757) , PIA (Airbus A310).