The future of the 4 ex VS A346

Sad to see them leaving as I do love the 346 but we knew it was going to happen

I don't quite get this but wouldn't it make more sense to get rid of the 343s first?

I guess gfonk that they get rid of some planes that are newer first because they can easier ie leases expiring ? Etc ,only guessing but I'm sure someone can tell us why exactly ,I'm pretty sure that the fuel expectations on the 346 never materialised which is why they are being phased out

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum but a life long aeronut. Recently for many reasons we just completed a lot of flights back and forth to SFO on BA, an experience that is as random in aircraft quality as the vast ages of the 747's on offer.

We would like to go on Virgin but nobody seems to be able to tell me if the two Heathrow 747's that service the route and I have seen often at SFO have the latest Premium Eco seating and the refits that I keep hearing were restricted to LGW 747's only.

Could someone please tell me what their condition is? I'd had to book a load of PE flights only to be disappointed!

I think the fuel burn on the 1st generation A346 makes them economically challenging. I wonder how long VS will keep their 747 fleet as well, so many airlines now have retirement plans in place I fear we will see them used as cargo only within the next 10 years if that. Great shame

Thanks

I guess gfonk that they get rid of some planes that are newer first because they can easier ie leases expiring ? Etc ,only guessing but I'm sure someone can tell us why exactly ,I'm pretty sure that the fuel expectations on the 346 never materialised which is why they are being phased out

You're probably right I fear. Unfortunately for me my regular route gets the hand me down planes.
Guess I just need to get a tablet computer loaded with my own IFE.

[honey lamb]

Hi and welcome to V-Flyer.

The SFO route is serviced by any of the five LHR configured 747s - G-VFAB, G-VROC, G-VWOW, G-VBIG and G-VHOT.

All have the same PE seating as the rest of the fleet. The refits to the LGW fleet were to bring them in line with the rest of the fleet. They were scheduled to be done some years ago prior to the recession but had to be put back because of that. Therefore the LGW 747s have the same seating (but a different configuration) as the LHR 747s but the difference is the IFE system. The LGW planes have VERA Touch while the LHR planes have VERA OnDemand.

The LHR-SFO route is a long time favourite of mine and this year is the first time in a decade that I am not flying that route

A shame to see these go whilst the 343's continue on with 90's style IFE. I guess there is a good reason behind it, but I've always enjoyed my flights on the 346's. Comfortable and spacious in economy.

When the first cull of A346 happened last year I was told that A346 are leased but the A343 are owned by VA and therefore cheaper to run. A346 are on phased 10 year leases, I stand to be corrected though. Still miss you Madame Butterfly

When the first cull of A346 happened last year I was told that A346 are leased but the A343 are owned by VA and therefore cheaper to run. A346 are on phased 10 year leases, I stand to be corrected though. Still miss you Madame Butterfly

I believe only 1 343 is owned (Molly). The remaining 3 are leased. The returns are purely based on when the leases are up and understandably with the 787 delays this has had a knock on effect of the 343's being in the fleet longer. They will all be gone by the end of next year as 787'scome online from SEPT to replace them.

Are there anymore due to leave the fleet before the new aircraft arrive next year?

All 346's are going by next year?

Ouch - that'll make it even harder to find a carrier flying with a 2-4-2 seat config over the Atlantic

I thought the replacement for the A346 was still undecided, there was talk that they were leaning towards A350 over the B787

Thanks

I thought the replacement for the A346 was still undecided, there was talk that they were leaning towards A350 over the B787

Thanks

I hope so
The Dreamliner seems more the frightmareliner. Well that's a bit harsh perhaps given that they will eventually get things fixed

I thought the replacement for the A346 was still undecided, there was talk that they were leaning towards A350 over the B787

Thanks

I hope so
The Dreamliner seems more the frightmareliner. Well that's a bit harsh perhaps given that they will eventually get things fixed

Nothing wrong with the Dreamliner... when it works.

Nothing wrong with the Dreamliner... when it works.

True
Does anyone know then if the dreamliners will replace the routes the current 346s and 343s are doing?

As VGOA and VATL have now left the fleet, Is any more leaving this year

with this many plans leaving the fleet this year and no replacements coming in immediately (ISTBK)
do VS have enough planes? and on long haul routes where there is a rotation between 343 and 346 what will be the replacement?

[Darren Wheeler]

with this many plans leaving the fleet this year and no replacements coming in immediately (ISTBK)
do VS have enough planes? and on long haul routes where there is a rotation between 343 and 346 what will be the replacement?

The 330s came on-line before anything left.

Unless there are any further delays (who knows..) the 789's should start arriving about this time next year.

Apparently, in an interview I read online with Ceo Craig Kreeger, The A340's will all be gone by 2018! Its sad to see the A340's to go. G-VBUG will most possibly take the honour as the last A340 in the fleet

G-VGOA has now gone to Lourdes for storage. G-VATL will soon be heading for MAN for repaint into all white

Having totally lost track of which planes have arrived departed...

I wonder if the aircraft database could show those retired from the fleet?

It would be great to see all aircraft that have ever been flown by VS, but add "...now retired" to the description?

Just a thought...

[honey lamb]

G-VGOA has now gone to Lourdes for storage.

No doubt hoping for a miracle!

with this many plans leaving the fleet this year and no replacements coming in immediately (ISTBK)
do VS have enough planes? and on long haul routes where there is a rotation between 343 and 346 what will be the replacement?

Due to not getting Moscow and an ealier than planned 330 return that created a surplus of 2 in the fleet - which covers the 2 A340-600 removals.

Thanks wwings
The A330s have the new UCDS?

G-VATL hasn't returned from maintenance yet, I wonder why its being held back