No J on A330.

Looks like it's true then, first A330's in two class W & Y class, later aicraft in three class!!!

Looks like they could be operating for VH to take on the charter boys then...

! Bet these are the ones used on the GLA-MCO route v(

David

Looks like it's true then, first A330's in two class W & Y class, later aicraft in three class!!!

Looks like they could be operating for VH to take on the charter boys then...

And possibly a sensible move. I think VS and BA have been rather surprised by how well the "charter" type routes have been performing during this economic downturn. VS is also feeling the effects of being buoyed by buying the TCD name and goodwill.

Bet these are the ones used on the GLA-MCO route

Not necessarily, I would be surprised if GLA could not fill a 744 to MCO, especially as that is what has been operating this year and has been pretty much full. I think you will be looking at other routes for these W/Y only aircraft, possibly some destinations that are either not in service currently, or that do not have a very high J class demand. For example, how popular is somewhere like GND up the front?

And please not turn this into a "we are second best" type of issue, as we have seen for many years with the LGW PE. The point here is that, if true (and coming from Denzil I would imagine it will be), VS have had a look at the figures and decided that a W/Y aircraft is best for the market that they wish to serve these aircraft on. It is by no means a "second best" option, after all, for example, whats the point in flying around a 744, which is half empty in all cabins plus an empty J cabin to a tiny island. There is no point, it is much more cost effective, to scrap the J seat to that destination, place a smaller aircraft on the route and have it in a W/Y config.

[Scrooge]

Looks like it's true then, first A330's in two class W & Y class, later aicraft in three class!!!

Looks like they could be operating for VH to take on the charter boys then...

Oh !

Just to drag this old topic up, but it has now been confirmed by sources inside VS that there will be a J cabin on the 330.

It will feature an updated version of the UCS, more details to follow.

Just to prove I was kind of wrong, anyways, it is strange that VS would go this route in my mind.

[buns]

Irrespective of how the aircraft will be configured, an important point is that they are new aircraft and with all the criticisms in the past on the site of both the LGW / MAN fleet, and some of the older LHR fleet, surely this must be the positive to take hold of?

buns

The LGW 744 fleet is to be refitted. This will take them out of service and replacement is needed. On the MCO route there are frequently 2 flights running at similar times.

A LHR 744 running with a No-J 333 would still provide adequate J capacity. Alternatively if a re-fitted LGW has J upstairs as well as up front, that would fit well with a parallel No-J 333.

If the initial 333s are in a YWY configuration, the front Y cabin can very easily be converted to J in the near future.

One big unknown is how good the new PE seats will be - if they are as good as the NZ offering, there might be in high demand and allow high returns. If the new UCS is either not ready or not comparatively much better, VS might be predicting a decrease in UC bookings.

Lots of ifs & unknowns - but it can't be long before we all hear. Bookings are soon going to be taken for these aircraft.

If the initial 333s are in a YWY configuration, the front Y cabin can very easily be converted to J in the near future.

I think the use of B744 at GLA will be seasonal & not see the A330 all year round. I suspect the whole A330 project is depending on market forces & could end up opening up new regional options. Also some major fleet decisions to take, will the A333 replace A343/346 or open up new routes!!!!

I'm looking forward to hearing what VS plans for these aircraft & hope, with VH input, to see new openings for VS.

I'll be interested to Denzil, thing is, if they open up new routes and have no J, I won't be flying on them ...

So despite all the ridicule and the nay-sayers

I WAS CORRECT!!!! My inside info was spot on. ) ) ) )

Ah let me bask in the self-satisfaction.

So despite all the ridicule and the nay-sayers

I WAS CORRECT!!!! My inside info was spot on. ) ) ) )

Ah let me bask in the self-satisfaction.

Not really 100% correct, you said all 330's would be LGW based and without J.

From the other discussions around this topic it is now clear only 2-3 will be without J and unlikely they will be all LGW based.

However I for one did not ridicule you, V-F is all about debate by us armchair CEO's, your statement, in its context, was huge and of course it is only natural for one to air on the side of caution.

So the A330's are to have Panasonic EX2, great system & a lot more reliable than the 3000 system. Anybody that's flown on a newish EK aircraft will be familiar with it..