VS956P Virgin A340

[donnlass]

Hello All

Hope you are well.

I have heard on the Spotting Grapevine and seen in Flight Check that his aircraft is due to make an appearance on Thursday 01 April at 13:15 at MAN.

Last time it was due in it didn't show so do any Virgin pilots or staff know whether it will definitely show this time or will we wait in vain again.

Quite a few of us BTW

Thanks again

Donnlass

[Geezers of Nazareth]

... and did it?

... and what was it?

The 'P' suffix indicates that it was a positioning flight, so surely it was nothing special, just a Virgin A340.

Or was there something special about which I obviously misunderstood?

[spannersatcx]

1st planned VS 340-300 is due at MAN on Sunday 26th April.

[donnlass]

Hi

Fraid no it didnt show but if the planned visit isnt until April 26th then thats probably why.

Its just that it is a 4 engined plane which we dont see round here very often, apart from 747s.

Everything else is a twin so this is just unusual and worth a pic.

Thanks for all your replies, will try and be there on 26th

Donnlass

[spannersatcx]

From 1st May there will be a VS 340 every Friday night (leaving saturday) to Monday night until October.

[Ringwayman]

They were allegedly positioning an A340-600 to see it's compatibility with T2 but circumstances dictated otherwise. However, there may still be an A340-600 operations by another airline at MAN this summer according to the rumour mongers. And if we want to be pedantic, it's the return of a VS A340 to MAN as that was the original type used to go to Orlando (nor should we forget "their" 767 operation in the winter)

[spannersatcx]

However, there may still be an A340-600 operations by another airline at MAN this summer according to the rumour mongers.

Prey tell whom that might be please?

And if we want to be pedantic, it's the return of a VS A340 to MAN as that was the original type used to go to Orlando

Actually the VS 340's that operated at MAN a few years back were charters to the carribean for cruises and not the MCO scheduled flight.

[donnlass]

From 1st May there will be a VS 340 every Friday night (leaving saturday) to Monday night until October.

So does that mean it will be there on Sunday leaving on Monday?

What time on Friday night will it be in or what time leaving Saturday?

I don't ask for much do I?

May's Flight Check methinks.

[spannersatcx]

Scheduled arrival is Friday 18:15 or :45 can't remember. Leaves for Barbados Saturday 14:25 returns 09:40 Sunday departs 14:25, after returning on Monday at 09:40 it leaves for LHR around 21:00 Monday night.

Remember this is a VS schedule so most likely the Friday and Monday positioners won't be on time!

[Skipness One Echo]

The Virgin operation at MAN was launched by the A340-300 back in 1997, roughly....

[Ringwayman]

17th May 1996 is the day I've got in my book; the 2nd airline to have an A340 operation here.

The rumour is for one of the Middle Eastern carriers, but I can't imagine it myself as they don't come in our favourite 2 class configuration!

[donnlass]

Thanks lots everyone and spannersatcx.

Will endeavour to be there on the Sat or Sunday.


Have a great weekend!!!


Donnlass

[742-xx]

Virgin did use A340's in the early days of the MAN-MCO service.

I travelled on this service in it's first year (1997?) and it was a A340 both ways.

I remember it was a woman driver (OK Pilot!!) both ways.
A couple of hours into the return flight the toilets packed up on one side of the 'plane. After the announcement that explained this, she appeared with 'marigolds' on in an attempt to fix them !!
Also, on the outward trip the same pilot offered to let the winner of a 'quick quiz' join her in the cockpit to watch the 'plane land itself !

Of course soon after this they reverted to the 747-200's, that were a bit less pleasant.

Not sure how long they used A340's for but they did and it was to MCO.