Will Virgin get more B747-400s?

I have nothing against the A340s (I've never flown them, only the 747-400 with VS)exept the stories about the -300s being cramped ect, but will Virgin get more 747-400s? The A340-600 also looks exciting and just as good, or better than the 747, and it's great to see more ordered, but, I thought that, in a few years, G-VHOT and G-VFAB maybe retired as they will be getting old. For capacity, wouldn't VS need more 747-400s, as although they will have the A380, much larger than the 744, they may need an aircraft smaller than the A380, but larger than the A340-600. I know they will have the others, which are quite a lot, but wouldn't they need more? Any ideas? Thanks

Thanks very much

I much prefer the 747-400s in UC. The three cabins (nose, bar area and upstairs) make for a much more varied environment than the long regimented rows on a -600. And IMO the 747s have bags more character than the Airbuses, so I hope they'll stick around for some time.

If Boeing can give VS a good deal I'm sure that we might see a few more in the fleet.

BC

Yeah, the Boeing 747 is great! Maybe, in a few years time, Virgin may become interested in the new 7e7 too, ontop of the A380 and hopefully the 747.

[buns]

Blackcat

I have to add my vote for the 747.

you are absolultley right with the flexibility the upper deck gives, there is not the feeling that you are inside a metal tube

buns

Expect to see more airbus metal around (or should I say composite). Airbus' are more fuel economic than boeings. And also they just cost less.

The airbus is a wicked aircraft to fly on. Its quiet and smooth. unlike the jumbo which is noisy and jumps around like a mexican bean.

So here is a toast to airbus....Cheers....

747-400 in UC no contest it feels bigger and more personal with the 3 separate cabins, as long as I am in the back one with the bar.The number of rows on the A340-600 in UC makes it like a bus.In PE I like the LGW 747-400,in Y not bothered what metal it is.

VSDAN HOT and FAB are very young in terms of aircraft age!!

they have at least another 20 years use in them.

I remember G-VIRG or G-VGIN were built in the early 1970s!!!! I think!! and were flying write up until they were scrapped after 9/11.

Virgin will not invest in V-port and new seats if only for a couple of years, hence why the A340-300 are not being kitted out!!

As they're looking to expand, I'm sure VS would be interested in additional 747s if some came along at the right price - Take the LGW ex Alitalia planes for example.

There are lots of rumours at present that Virgin are considering the 777 to replace the A340. There are also rumours to suggest that Virgin are only holding talks with Boeing to get Airbus to drop the price. No mention is made about the 747 as the fleet expands more towards Airbus over the coming years.

A long-term reprieve for the 747 may be insight. Until now it hasn't made sense for Boeing to invest in the specialist engines and design to give the 747 another variant - all the many variant ideas over the past decade bar the 747ER have failed to become reality. Boeing are currently scouting for airline interest in the 747 Advanced. They plan to cut costs by adapting 7E7 engines for a plane that they claim will fill the gap between the 777 and the A380, by being a stretched version of the current 747.

It would have to be an extreamely attractive deal financially for VS to replace their A340s with 777s, considering they are still being delivered and have just ordered 2 more.

[Nottingham Nick]

quote:Originally posted by JonBuck
There are lots of rumours at present that Virgin are considering the 777 to replace the A340.

Are any of the rumours coming from reliable sources?

Nick

quote:Originally posted by arfortune
As they're looking to expand, I'm sure VS would be interested in additional 747s if some came along at the right price - Take the LGW ex Alitalia planes for example.

PLEASE will someone take the ex Alitalia planes... Sell them to BA for £1 each[8D]

Moodyflyer,

its okay! relax!

LGW 744's are getting V:Port and Suites soon, and will loose their "Alitalia Guise" forever!!

Rich.

You're right Richard28, and that's great news for all of us Vegas, Florida and Carribean addicts! Patience is essential!

I know, I know.

If only they were going to be upgraded by August.

Patiently sighing...[V]

quote:Are any of the rumours coming from reliable sources?

Nick

A friend who is contracted to ILFC.

Thanks for all replies. As for the rumour of the 777, I've heard that too, but also that they are looking towards airbus for more A346s, or, recently, the A345, I don't know if these are true, but should be interesting if they are.

I dont care if the airbus is quieter. Nothing beats the feeling of climbing the stairs on a 747 even the old tubs we get at MAN

Paul

I haven't flown on the A340 (yet) but I found the 747-400 to be not too loud, it was quiet enough.