V-Flyer

Hi all. We fly out to Orlando may 30th 2019, I know virgin planning to retire there 747 fleet starting with the Heathrow fleet first, I was taking to a stewardess yesterday in our salon and she's currently on the LGW routes for the summer, she heard from next May virgin may add the Airbus a350 to some of the gatwick routes. Does anyone have any more information on this.

There's been much speculation on this, as well as conflicting reports from multiple sources.

Yes the A350's were supposed to replace the 744's and 346's. However, since the original announcement, we've had the Trent1000 problems with the 789's. That in turn brought some 346's out of retirement as well as the addition of 332's to bolster the fleet.

As to where the 350's will go when they arrive is really anybody's guess now.

It's worth noting, they have 12 350's on order with 7 346's and 8 744's in the fleet. So they are essentially 3 aircraft short for a full replacement. However now including the 332's they have leased, they should be fine for a full replacement - when the 789 issues are all done with (assuming the extend the lease's on the 332's).

I may eat my own words, but I would be EXTREMELY surprised to see a VS A350 operating LGW routes before the end of 2019.

Agree with that... I think there's a bit of life in the 744's yet. In fact I have 2 vegas trips planned next year out via ATL from Man and back via JFK... both seat plans saying 744

Im heading to MCO in October 2019 and i hope they keep the 744 in service for those flights. I dont know much about the 350 but i love the 744 and would love to see it stick around for years (i know it wont for a variety of reasons)

Do you think 350 aircraft will be on the MAN/MCO and MAN/ATL routes by May 2020. Looking to book to go to Clearwater Beach for our 40th wedding anniversary. Love our 747 aircraft but would like to try the 350. Love Florida.

New aircraft deliveries are prone to slippage so it would be pointless speculating this far in advance I’m afraid.

I’m sure VS has a plan but it won’t be going public with it until it’s as sure as it can be that it can stick to it.

We flew back on Tinker Belle last week from Cancun, the Premium Economy cabin in the bubble was in a dreadful state, arm rests falling off, both my wife and i had rickety seats that it impossible to have in the full upright position. the carpet was worn and upon boarding i noticed that the economy seats had the touch screen vera yet the PE cabin had the old style removable phone. Certainty wasn't anything premium about it, a real let down compared to previous flights in PE.

They cant take this her out of service quick enough IMO.

Only plus point was our flight being delayed just over the 4 hour mark by a matter of minutes thanks to having to circle LGW due to congestion.

G-VBIG (TinkerBelle) is the ex-LHR 744 that was re-configured and has no bar installed in J.

I believe BIG also doesn't have VERA Touch installed. Whilst it is still on-demand, it's not touch screen as it's a 'lite' version of the IFE system that's not used on any other VS aircraft.

The IFE entertainment was definitely touch screen in EC up stairs, we were back row of premium and the exit row seats at the front of EC had what looked like small tablets , also whilst queuing to leave the aircraft I had a quick play with one built into headrest...the difference in picture quality between that and PE was very noticeable.