Replacement Aircraft for B747s

Have heard that Virgin are in talks with a leasing company to lease some second hand 777's, so they may not go for new.

Have heard that Virgin are in talks with a leasing company to lease some second hand 777's, so they may not go for new.

There do seem to be quite a few out there on the 2nd hand market, ideally the 77W variant. In fact from 2017 we may even see the 1st few 2nd hand A380's come onto the market as SQ's could possibly come on the market if they don't choose to extend the leases.

Have heard that Virgin are in talks with a leasing company to lease some second hand 777's, so they may not go for new.

Wouldn't be the first time either if VS go for second-hand aircraft. Not that there's anything wrong with that as availability and price can often be attractive over buying new. It's also not unknown for big carriers to do this as well: DL have a long track record of buying second-hand aircraft and BA have acquired some second-hand A320s recently to be based at LGW to allow withdrawal of their 737-400s.

here do seem to be quite a few out there on the 2nd hand market, ideally the 77W variant. In fact from 2017 we may even see the 1st few 2nd hand A380's come onto the market as SQ's could possibly come on the market if they don't choose to extend the leases.

I thought some of Malaysia Airlines' A380s were already available? I'm sure there's also a handful of white tail A380s available brand new from Airbus after Skymark went bust.

With the 777-300ER's, I expect the first few to become available from Emirates towards the end of the decade as they take delivery of more A380's, 777X's and they make their mind up on whether to order A350's again or some 787-10's.

The 747 leases start expiring in 2019 so in order to secure delivery slots with whatever manufacturer they elect to go for they will need to get in soon I would imagine.

Leases can always be extended (that's what Thomson did with some of their 767s whilst awaiting their first 787s). In any case, I can't see a large queue of airlines wanting their hands on circa-20 year old 744's come the end of the decade, so if they needed to stay for a bit longer beyond the end of the decade I'm sure the leaseco can do a deal.

Leases can always be extended (that's what Thomson did with some of their 767s whilst awaiting their first 787s). In any case, I can't see a large queue of airlines wanting their hands on circa-20 year old 744's come the end of the decade, so if they needed to stay for a bit longer beyond the end of the decade I'm sure the leaseco can do a deal.

I'm sure the leasing company would be delighted to extend the lease, the issue is the 747 cabins were last refurbished 2011/12 and will be getting long in tooth by 2020, Virgin might have to spend some money to keep them going for just a handful of years.

[Darren Wheeler]

Makes sense. 777 and 787 are the same aircraft from a pilot qualification stance.

Makes sense. 777 and 787 are the same aircraft from a pilot qualification stance.

And Crew!

If these 77W's are for the LGW fleet replacement, it'll almost certainly be 3-4-3 down the back.

If these 77W's are for the LGW fleet replacement, it'll almost certainly be 3-4-3 down the back.

I think thats a given as they would endeavour to try and minimise the seat loss.

The seats on 744 are 17.5 wide. NZ do 3-4-3 on their 773 at 17.1, and EK at 17.0

Only 10 weeks till the end of the year - hopefully there will be a decision by then.

Well we're into 2016 and still no announcement - I can only assume they're still trying to work things out or are putting off an announcement...
Anyone heard anything on the grapevine?

I'm led to believe VS have been considering used Boeing 777-300ERs vs. new Airbus A350-1000s, with an EIS date sometime in 2018. My understanding is DL were pushing the used 777, whereas the VS preferred choice was the A350. Through the grapevine, I think a decision has now been made and it could well be the VS preferred choice!
Watch this space; I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a formal announcement over the next few weeks.

I'd be glad if that's the case. It fits in with Virgin's plans for a very young fleet.

I agree, IMO the A350 is a good choice .

Looks like those desiring a triple-7 may be disappointed: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/ ... -a350-deal

I strongly suspect any order announcement will also state they have cancelled their 380 order.

Article says 12 - I can't remember the numbers offhand but does that exceed the number that they are looking to replace? I remember CK saying that they were looking to expand the fleet to allow for growth.

Article says 12 - I can't remember the numbers offhand but does that exceed the number that they are looking to replace? I remember CK saying that they were looking to expand the fleet to allow for growth.

While it may be more aircraft, will it represent more seats? It will be interesting to hear at some point what sort of configuration VS are looking at.

Personally I am disappointed at the choice

I'm 99% sure that these 12 A350-1000's are 1 for 1 replacements for the 12 A346's currently still in service at LHR, nothing to do with LGW.

I'm 99% sure that these 12 A350-1000's are 1 for 1 replacements for the 12 A346's currently still in service at LHR, nothing to do with LGW.

I have posted on ANet to say the same, VS needs larger aircraft at LHR what with having to double up valuable slots to some destinations and being restricted on premium seat capacity to many others. There are still 12 A346s to be replaced, some will be by 789s but I strongly suspect that these are heading to Heathrow not to replace the 'leisure' 747s.

I'm 99% sure that these 12 A350-1000's are 1 for 1 replacements for the 12 A346's currently still in service at LHR, nothing to do with LGW.

The article says though it's intended for the leisure routes. That said, there's nothing to stop them from allocating a handful to LHR and exercising some options on 787s.

If this article is correct then it confirms my suspicion that the A350-1000 was always the natural choice to replace the remaining 747s. I maintain that an all-787 fleet (even if there were some -10s in the mix) would be too small for VS' needs.

If this article is correct then it confirms my suspicion that the A350-1000 was always the natural choice to replace the remaining 747s. I maintain that an all-787 fleet (even if there were some -10s in the mix) would be too small for VS' needs.

Though an all Boeing 787/777 fleet would of had its advantages too!

The A350 is a nice aircraft but didn't impress me as much as the 787 (only went on it at the BA open day though)