V-Flyer

The VS 10 was a 747 last night, so I asked one of the cabin crew what was happening to it. I think that particular aircraft (G-VBIG) is being re-purposed for the LGW routes, but she said something else interesting:

"There is some talk of refurbishing some of the UC suites from the 747s (which are leaving the fleet) and putting them into the A330s."

I know, I know: this is the latest in a long line of guesses about what VS plan on doing with the A330 UC cabin, but I thought I'd report it nonetheless.

Galley gossip is notoriously unreliable - this is one I have little credence with ... if the A333 UC cabin is changed (and I don't think it will be, I think they'll leave them as is until the ten year lease is up) then wouldn't VS put in the same UCS as on the 789s? Well, I would.

But that would involve buying another 300-odd brand new UC suites when they happen to have 300-odd perfectly serviceable UC suites on planes that are about to leave the fleet. Reusing them would surely save them a considerable sum.

One assumes it would involve getting rid of the existing 1-2-1 config though, and going down to 1-1-1 in line with the A340s and Dreamliners - could they justify sacrificing so many premium seats?

Watch this space

There are 15 A330 UC suites in the middle (D/G) rows. If they import ex-747 suites and reconfigure the A330 UC cabin for 1-1-1, I reckon they could fit nine in the middle (D) row, so I suppose that's a loss of six suites per aircraft.

The other issue is weight: the A330 suites are significantly lighter than the 747 ones because they are not motorized.

virginboy747 wrote:Watch this space

Give us a clue!

I thought that the A330 floor could not handle UC suites (too heavy) but I suppose if you are fitting fewer of them.....