GVSUN back with VS

I get the feeling from staff that not a lot was finalised until very recently on the fate of SUN and the a/c could have ended up in quite a few places. However, as you say Will, with no other extra a/c and two new routes in the past few months plus MRU to come, it does seem like the logical outcome, at least from an operational perspective.

45.

I wonder if the VS operational team are wondering whether deffering the A346s was a good idea?

Originally posted by VS045
It's good that it'll be kept route specific so no more wondering for the rest of the route network but sucks to fly NBO though as it's quite a long (night, at least outbound)) flight relative to, say, DXB[:?]

45.

Makes a change from the MAN-MCO route being the poor relation of VS, but then again that seems to have extended to all of the routes ex-LGW [:#]

Still, its a retrograde step by VS which won't go down well with some people.

Just to update from VS... when its refitted it will get UCS, new PE & New Y seats plus Vport installed which is actually good news in the long run. Looks like GVSUN will be hanging around for a while!

[Nottingham Nick]

Thanks for the updated info, Joey. [y]

It would appear that people are more concerned about the seats and the IFE than they are about the age of the aircraft.

I would certainly include myself in that category. As long as the plane is airworthy, my first concerns are about service, comfort, food and IFE - in that order.[:I]

I don't really care that much about how long the plane has been in service for, as long as the Engineers say its okay to fly. [:D]

Nick

The A340-300 is an excellent aircraft for lean routes & route proving. I'd put money on VS getting a good deal for extending the lease!!!!

Not to doubt you, but I can't see v:port being fitted; that would raise the question of the same refit for the rest of the A343s - no way are VS going to update just one of a type to keep while letting go of the others which I should think would be their fate if not updated as well.
Also, when news came of the other A343s being refitted with UCS, there was a VS announcement that they would also be fitted with v:port (I'll try to find the relevant thread) which was later retracted. However, I'd like to think you're right.

45.

Originally posted by VS045
Not to doubt you, but I can't see v:port being fitted; that would raise the question of the same refit for the rest of the A343s - no way are VS going to update just one of a type to keep while letting go of the others which I should think would be their fate if not updated as well.
Also, when news came of the other A343s being refitted with UCS, there was a VS announcement that they would also be fitted with v:port (I'll try to find the relevant thread) which was later retracted. However, I'd like to think you're right.

45.

It does have arcadia though and not oddesy like the other -300's

I think that some refit is in order for SUN but i dont know what.

I do hope that they get rid of Arcadia and and those horrible seats as they will be extremely worn and tatty by now.

Does anyone know when it is due to Fly for VS again?

ISTBC but I think the a/c has stopped flying with VK now. However, I'm not sure whether that means it has gone straight into service with VS or into a period of 'limbo.'

45.

[Scrooge]

For us old timers...

I bet I know someone who thinks it will only be used on the LHR - BOM route [:0]

For those of you a little new here...you should of joined earlier, it was a lot of fun [:w]

I hear there is major probs with the IFE on this a/c and thats why it is getting new IFE fitted, which will involve new seats in every cabin. If it goes ahead I would guess this will be the last 343 to leave us! I think September was the date it was returning to VS but cant remember for sure. The Refit is planned for early 2008 will check the dates when im back at work!

[Scrooge]

Joey, thanks for the info [y]

You know in many ways it is sad to see this aircraft come back into the fold, I feel like I know SRB real well, almost like a brother you could say and I honestly thought he would never bring this aircraft back in..oh well if need be then what can you do you know...however as I have said before I like the J2k.

I guess I could get into a serious amount of drivel on here, but no point, bit like every other J pax I have invested heavily in the airline to the point where over the years I could have probably bought it..there is a thought..me owning the airline..every J pax dream I guess..

Anyhoot's...of to plan my next trip in UC..wonder if the FSM will stop by on this one..such a nice change to be called sir and Mr Scrooge...hero form sent btw..wouldn't it be nice if all crew acted in this way.

You know in many ways it is sad to see this aircraft come back into the fold, I feel like I know SRB real well, almost like a brother you could say and I honestly thought he would never bring this aircraft back in..oh well if need be then what can you do you know...however as I have said before I like the J2k.

Unfortunately, SRB would have had little/nothing to do with the decision which is probably why VS is taking this 'retrograde' step.

45

[Scrooge]

True..but I feel so close to him....but you are right..it is Steve's doing..wait till I get my hands on him...he owes me a beer anyways..

Originally posted by Scrooge
For us old timers...

I bet I know someone who thinks it will only be used on the LHR - BOM route [:0]

For those of you a little new here...you should of joined earlier, it was a lot of fun [:w]

Malixifixit. I miss him. Goodness, gracious me.

GJ

[Scrooge]

You are a sick man GJ...I love you for it...

Here are some more dates and details for you.

G-VSUN will start doing VS flights again in October 2008 in the meantime she is available to lease until then. From October as we all know she will operate the NBO flights until April 08 when she will be retro fitted with New UCS seats New W seats the leather ones and new Y seats like the ones on some of the newer A340-600s. She will also get V-PORT.

She is going to be around with Virgin for a long time. That is a huge amount of money to be spending on an A340-300. Its a shame they did not plan ahead and allow time for this to be done when she returned from VK. I would not like to be a CSS on one of her flights with J2000 seats.

Originally posted by virgin is the best
I would not like to be a CSS on one of her flights with J2000 seats.

Just curious why you say this? Is it due to customer satisfaction with the J2000 or due to a cabin service issue with the J2000 config?

Thanks
Nick

[Decker]

Passengers will be expecting the suite and it will be the job of the crew to deal with the fall out.

Originally posted by Decker
Passengers will be expecting the suite and it will be the job of the crew to deal with the fall out.

Will VS not make it quite clear to passengers of the aircraft config - this is only going to used on the NBO route right?

Virgin Website

If G-VSUN is available for lease between now and October - Why don't VS get her re-fitted during this time and avoid the nightmare of having a non-UCS bird back in the fleet.

Time and I'm sure money is available, why wait until April 08???

Something to do with the people who retro fit the A/C in Dublin I think not being avail until April

[Decker]

For those who use the VS website yes but I'd lay odds people will be turning up surprised...

Originally posted by Decker
I'd lay odds

Lucky odds...

On a serious note, I am sure you are correct.

GJ