A340-500s for VS?

I've just seen this on airwise.com:

"Aviation news (APR.05) is reporting that QF is talking to AIRBUS about obtaining A340-500's for PER-LHR service., but the report states that VS is going to be flying LHR-PER with A340-500's aswell and both airlines are talking to AIRBUS about securing some 345's to route start-up."

I know Singapore have just begun operating them, but this seems a bit odd to me as they are having enough 'trouble' getting the SYD route passed.

Having scoured the net for confirmation I cannot find anything else. Any views? Alex

This is interesting. They were looking at replacing the older A343s with either 777s or more airbus A3436s. I think they will look for some aircraft slightly smaller than the A346, for route expansion and for routes which don't need much capacity. Singapore Airlines has bought some and as VS are very close with Singapore Air, they may be interested.

This isn't the first time i have heard this. I for one would love to see the A340-500 in VS colours. It would make sense, due to the existing operation of the A340-600 meaning that flight deck/cabin staff and engineering would need little or no re-training. If VS bought a brand new type such as the B777 it would be a different case. The A340-500 is an ultra long haul and ultra economical aircraft so in theory would be ideal for any long haul airline.

I agree. Buying the 777 will mean new staff training. The A345 cabin and emergency doors will, I imagine be operated in the same way as the A346 and A343, just in different locations and different row numbers. The flight deck will be similar. The 777 might not be the same as the 747, and because of Virgin ordering more A346s, it would be a good idea to talk to airbus for the slightly smaller A345. The A346 is a good replacement, but the A343s are great for route expansion and not as much demand for seats. The A345 will probably have some new ideas, and will come ready mage with Upper Class Suites, v:port and Kash and Wash Economy and Premium Seating.

Also, don't forget that Virgin adopted Airbus' '4 engines 4 lond haul' advertising campaign, with VS' own features like 'The Power of 4' and 'We're better by 4' slogans. If they bought the 2 engined 777, I would be fine with it, and would understand Virgin in some ways changing to meet demands, but some people might not agree, and it would be silly to have to not only put brand new staff training in, but remove the slogans with the advantages of 4 engines. I'm sure Virgin know what they are doing, and whether they choose the 777 or A345, they will put great ideas into it!

Does this mean VS are expecting 5th freedom rights at HKG to fail, and are instead planning a LHR-PER-SYD route?

Would be v. interesting if they did.

Could also mean the A345 being selected as the replacement for the A343 fleet.

Does anyone know if there are any ETOPS constraints on operating the new long range 777 on this route[?]

I think the LHR-SYD route will remain via Hong Kong, as they are still going to keep the A346, just like now they have 2 versions of the A340, the -300 and -600, if they had the A345, they would have it probably for replacing the A343, and to increase the size of VS, but will keep the A346, for extra capacity. But, maybe, as you said, they could expect the 5th Freedom Rights at HKG to fail and do a LHR-PER-SYD instead. I wonder[?]

quote:Originally posted by vsdan
I think the LHR-SYD route will remain via Hong Kong, as they are still going to keep the A346, just like now they have 2 versions of the A340, the -300 and -600, if they had the A345, they would have it probably for replacing the A343, and to increase the size of VS, but will keep the A346, for extra capacity. But, maybe, as you said, they could expect the 5th Freedom Rights at HKG to fail and do a LHR-PER-SYD instead. I wonder[?]

C'Mon Tripples...

VS Would have to order a MINIMUM of 10 aircraft to make it worth their while buying tripples.

Boeing is being used to drop the price of airbus's further...

I dont think an A345 can fly from London to Perth non stop!!!!!

Perhaps it could go via Dubai - many forums hint that it's a possible future destination.

[Pete]

Don't be surprised if you see DXB on the VS departure boards next summer

[Nottingham Nick]

quote:Originally posted by pixuk
Don't be surprised if you see DXB on the VS departure boards next summer

I hope so - that would be my second choice for a Virginflyer convention after LAS.

Nick

You're right, Perth is too far for the A340-500 [:I]

LHR-PER is 9009 miles, whereas the A345 has a range of 8500 miles

thats one theory out of the window!

LHR-PER: 7829 nm, A340-500: range 8500nm.

BC

Thanks BlackCat - I'm having a bad day!

getting miles and nautical miles all mixed up - think I'll go and have a rest!

Rich.

Virgin already has a Virgin Megastore in DXB!!

so how about Virgin Atlantic in DXB before christmas!!;)

[Nottingham Nick]

I think Virgin now has three megastores in DXB it has to be one of - if not the - fastest growing consumer / tourist markets in the world.

The new project 'The World' which was announced today

http://www.nakheel.com/nakheelweb/

or

http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/37059.html

makes it an even more appealing UC destination.

Nick

Concerning the route LHR-SYD, isn't it the case that the intermediate stop is dictated by the (separate)demand for that destination? The LHR-HKG-SYD route might be possible due the numbers of PAX wanting LHR-HKG only and also the number of PAX who could be picked up at HKG to go on to SYD. Whereas, the LHR-PER-SYD route might not be viable due to the lesser demand for the LHR-PER and PER-SYD segments. The same applies for DXB and SIN.
Ian

You're right Ian. VS/BA/CX have very high loads on LHR-HKG. VS could easily fill a second A340-600 from LHR-HKG if some of the pax were travelling onwards to SYD. LHR-PER certainly would not have the same demand.

BC

dont forget when SRB challenged the CEO of Qantas to work on the first VS flight from Lon to SYD that SRB said that his first day of work may be via BKK, SIN, HKG or KL!!!!

quote:Originally posted by declansmith
dont forget when SRB challenged the CEO of Qantas to work on the first VS flight from Lon to SYD that SRB said that his first day of work may be via BKK, SIN, HKG or KL!!!!

I can see VS going to DXB for real. Thats Where he wanted to take concorde... However, BKK is a big destination with 11 Flights a day from the UK to BKK... Its just over run with competition. SIN is possible but thats likely to be handed a codeshare with SQ. And KL... I just dont know.

HKG Could definatly use an extra few flights per week. Its always running full. And the amount of Cargo is through the roof. Had to wait near 3 weeks to recive a package on my cargo allowance because it was just so full.