UA to start IAD-FCO next Summer

Announcement here.

One wonders where they are going to get all the 777s from (they are also adding IAD-KWI)? The fleet is fairly well utilised already, unless the 744 fleet is going to be worked harder to release some of the 777s.

(I see that we won't get any UA 744s at LHR during this winter's timetable, just the 777s and one 763. I guess if we go back to 744 on SFO or IAD for the summer next year, that gets you a 777 to work IAD-FCO.)

Mike

[mcmbenjamin]

Maybe coming back from VCV or off a lease. Doubt VCV as saw (oddly) a UA flight Monday night at LAX going to VCV. Maybe Mx but was odd as the flight was listed on the FIDS and at the gate.

Yea. IAD will be a strong base again!

I don't think there's that much UA widebody metal left stored in VCV these days, other than 762s maybe.

N172UA, N176UA (that plane broke down on me 3 times, glad to see the back of it) and N190UA are now in the UK with "Blue Sky", as G-CEFD/E/F.

Most of the 777s made it out from VCV/GYR/MHP, only to end up with Varig and get repo'ed. Maybe some of those ships will rejoin the UA fleet?

I heard that some UA planes were going to VCV for paint, as well as at AMA. ISTR that Leading Edge, who have the contract for repainting the UA fleet, set up facilities at VCV?

Maybe there's some slack in the 744 fleet, there's usually between 4 and 6 of them sat around on remotes at SFO whenever I pass through.

Like you say, good to see UA pushing hard to strengthen IAD, and expanding in Europe.

Cheers,
Mike