Virgin Atlantic A 345

Originally posted by dartie
Do they have plans for a non stop SIN-SFO serivice? I thought they were just doing the SIN-LAX atm?

I actually did some research and non-stop SIN-LAX starts on Feb. 3. Interestingly enough, SQ will continue to operate their ‘other’ 2 one-stop flights (744 via NRT and 772 via TPE) along with this new non-stop service for a total of 3 dailies to LAX. According to the timetable, the non-stop A345 flight is only 1 hour 15 minutes shorter than the 744 flight that stops in NRT and 2 hours shorter than the 772 flight that stops in TPE.

SQ’s website says nothing about upcoming SFO flights, but it does mention that a ‘New York’ flight is coming soon.

Originally posted by dartie
I still think that they will go for Airbus A346 even if they are looking at the B777, its his tactics hes just trying to get the aircraft as cheap as possible in my opinion!

I think it’s a common practice by most Airlines buying new equipment to play one off against the other

Do they have plans for a non stop SIN-SFO serivice? I thought they were just doing the SIN-LAX atm?

Originally posted by greekdude1
At the moment, the airlines that operate the A345, have a reason to do so. EK fly them non-stop DXB-SYD. SN plans on flying non-stop SIN-LAX/SFO (not sure if this has begun, anyone know?). Realistically, there are no routes originating in London that justify this type of range. You’d still need a hell of a lot more range to fly LHR-SYD/MEL non-stop.

The first direct SQ flight to LAX will start on 15th Feb. or around it. The SFO service has to begin in somtime in April i think. Not sure though.:)

At the moment, the airlines that operate the A345, have a reason to do so. EK fly them non-stop DXB-SYD. SN plans on flying non-stop SIN-LAX/SFO (not sure if this has begun, anyone know?). Realistically, there are no routes originating in London that justify this type of range. You’d still need a hell of a lot more range to fly LHR-SYD/MEL non-stop.

New orders will either be for A346HGW or B773ER. While there is no practical reason for them not to take the A345, there is no reason for them to choose it over the A346 which offers more seating capacity and freight capability.

Aren’t they mulling over an offer from Boeing for the 777 just now anyway ?

Originally posted by Matthew Murray
Hey,
VA could easily take the A345 into the fleet, they have the big brother so maintainence and crewing is not a problem. They could implement it on thinner routes where the A346 or 744 is far too large. They could easily get them for quite cheap. The just domn’t want it, and as many say it’s range capability wouldn’t be put to any great use!

Yes maintanence and crew wont be a problem…. but they dont need a that long-range aircarft at the moment.

I still think that they will go for Airbus A346 even if they are looking at the B777, its his tactics hes just trying to get the aircraft as cheap as possible in my opinion!

Virgin will well replace the older fleet of a340-300 in a couple of years… Have heard they are looking on the 777.

Virgin’s a340-600 is also a beauty, see it almost every day over OSL as VS901(Tokyo-London) Got the pleasure of see a close-up at LHR last week..

Yea i agree Virgin Atlantic position in the world where its base is doesnt need it to acquire the A345 as all its routes can be reached by the A346 if not via a city! But the A345 wouldnt be suitable for VS i think though!

Agreed, there is no need for the extreme range. I think some of their longer routes are to the U.S. west coast, Asia, and Australia. But of course U.K. to Australia is way to far for the 345 and 772LR for that matter, and the others can be accomplished by their current equipment. IMO, we could see 346HGW orders in the future but not the 345. But hey, maybe im wrong. The 345 would look very nice in the VS c/s:)

yea..in my opinion VS doesent need any A345s at the moment.

they aint going to buy them because the a340-600 is best suited/more seats for them

I probably would say no at this certain point i dont think they need the A345 atm!