New PE seats Gatwick fleet... when?

Does anyone know when they will start on the Gatwick fleet? also, as they always seem to be very stretched with the Gatwick metal, how do they pull one out of service to do this sort of thing?

[Neil]

I was wondering the exact same thing only this morning. I thought they were due to start early/mid this year but then I thought I remembered an old thread in which someone said that for the time being nothing was going to happen to the LGW/MAN fleet (but couldn't find it so I could just be getting my wired crossed). Hopefully somebody in the know well help us out.

As for how they do it, well I imagine they will just use one of the LHR 744's ex LGW whilst the a/c being re-fitted is out of action.

Neil

ISTBC, but I belive VS are waiting, since the lease is almost up on most of the LGW fleet, and they arent quite sure weather to renew it or not.

Originally posted by G-VFLY
ISTBC, but I belive VS are waiting, since the lease is almost up on most of the LGW fleet, and they arent quite sure weather to renew it or not.

Erm didn't they extend the leases on a few 747-400s last year when they deferred the A380 order? Originally the A380s were due to start delivery this year.

Originally posted by VS075

Erm didn't they extend the leases on a few 747-400s last year when they deferred the A380 order? Originally the A380s were due to start delivery this year.

No the 744 leases are starting to come up so VS have put out a tender to A and B. A are going to offer the 380 and B are going to offer the 748. Was discused here a while back.

So to answer the question if they are waiting until the new a/c arrive in the LGW fleet then it wont be until 2012 when the new PE seats arrive. There is still a big if surrounding new a/c arriving for LGW though. I would think we will see them come online the current 744's sooner rather than later.

The lease on the 5 B744 that VS purchased & sold to GECAS would still have a few years to run as the lead in time for any replacement would be 2+ years. To ignore cabin updates for 4+ years (if 2012 is the start of delivery) appears a bit of an own goal. Though perhaps getting G-VSUN updated should be top of the list???

This is getting all too familiar for VS - another delivery delay - although not clear if VS will be affected. If they are it's sure to delay their fleet cascade again.

Originally posted by Neil


As for how they do it, well I imagine they will just use one of the LHR 744's ex LGW whilst the a/c being re-fitted is out of action.

Neil

If that is the case then some lucky punters will have the new PE seats early doors from LGW, because I think I'm right in saying that LHA have upgraded their 744 fleet now.