V-Flyer

As the original topic is locked I don't see I have any other choice but to post my question under a new topic.

There is no mention of refits to 744s is that because they are not being done, or that they are done already?

Paul

They will be done once the A346's and A343's have been done.

LHR B744's should be done by the end of 2007 with LGW/MAN B744's down for re-fitting in 2008.

The LHR B744's are also having config changes with 10 extra J seats on the upper deck (ie upper deck will then be J only). 30 extra W seats are going on the main deck in zone C (which is currently the front Y cabin). PE will then only be on the main deck. There will be about 70 less Y seats.

The new LHR B744 seat map is on the VS web site already here

Regards

Thanks for the info James.

Paul

edit to add - Wow, put me down for one of those config next time I fly to MCO!

Nice config.

I REALLY really hope they're adding to the staff numbers of the UC cabin, along with changing the config... [:?]

A senior FSA on a recent flight said that the full upper deck UCS may not happen as there is a problem with the seat weight.

Only her view and not easy to ratify I am afraid.

Fantastic news.As the 744 are last what are my chances of getting the new seats for october to SFO as its operated by 744.

Originally posted by mitchja


The LHR B744's are also having config changes with 10 extra J seats on the upper deck (ie upper deck will then be J only).

So, LHR 744 will have 54J and a 5 seat bar area (the 340-600 has 51J and a 3 seat bar, and 744LGW/MAN 14J and a 2 seat bar)

With the increase in J seat capacity and no change in bar capacity this hints to me that the bar area is an under used resource (other than for galley prep!!).

Any thoughts? I've always seen the bar well utilised by passengers - are VS cutting back??

Originally posted by NS

Originally posted by mitchja


The LHR B744's are also having config changes with 10 extra J seats on the upper deck (ie upper deck will then be J only).

So, LHR 744 will have 54J and a 5 seat bar area (the 340-600 has 51J and a 3 seat bar, and 744LGW/MAN 14J and a 2 seat bar)

With the increase in J seat capacity and no change in bar capacity this hints to me that the bar area is an under used resource (other than for galley prep!!).

Any thoughts? I've always seen the bar well utilised by passengers - are VS cutting back??

Probably a space / cost issue? Firstly the 346 isn't as wide as the 747, so I guess this limits the seats, and then while the bar is great (and I too use it!) it could be replaced by UCSs to earn more revenue.

However, like you I find the creeping attachment of the bar to food prep to be a shame, a couple of times now I've actually been asked to sit down in my suite since the bar is covered in crisps, food and other items. I wonder if this is a stealth approach to encourage less use?

Originally posted by slinky09

I wonder if this is a stealth approach to encourage less use?

Less use = "less demand" = lets get rid of the bar?

Now the A346s have been completed does anyone know when the first 744 will be refitted and will it have the new econ seats as well?

Originally posted by slinky09
However, like you I find the creeping attachment of the bar to food prep to be a shame, a couple of times now I've actually been asked to sit down in my suite since the bar is covered in crisps, food and other items. I wonder if this is a stealth approach to encourage less use?

I think this largely depends on two factors:

a) The operating crew - some crews don't like being distracted during the main meal service, or seem to believe that the bar is "their domain" for doing service prep and paperwork.

b) The aircraft type - on the Airbus fleet, the bar is immediately adjacent to the J galley, hence it's used to stage parts of the meal service, because working 51J, plus the W cabin out of a single galley is potty.

I've been through both situations.

For (a) I'll say, okay, but I'd still like a glass of X please, although one guy (Beckham haircut) who snapped "the bar is closed" at me was a red rag, so I just sat on a stool, patiently read my book and watched him squirm until he poured me a drink. But that's because I'm pure evil!

As far as (b) goes, I've already suggested on this board that the front galley on the 346 could be used to great effect here. I don't work for VS, but I'm a logistician by training, and hell, even I can see that.

Mike

I would imagine that there will be the same crew compliment on the 744s just more seniors and less juniors as less Y seats, Possibly 2 IFBTs but nothing official on that front!

Oh the 346s only have 45j seats not 51 as mentioned earlier.