There is no diferentiation between 2 and 3 letter codes. They are just the different standards of ICAO and IATA like the difference in airport codes.

Looks like Jamie got it spot on. the window config gave it away to me more than anything.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0234931/M/

744 not due to appear until summer 07 schedule takes hold.

Tom – Yeah we took off at 0857z so over an hour before you got there. Shame!

Greekdude – Fairly common in the charter world due to the high density fit they employ and requirements for evacuation limits. Both Excel’s have 2 overwings (ex BY aircraft), Maxjet have a combination and I am sure there are others. It is totally dependant on the original customer.

There are actually 2 issues here as well IMHO. Mixed Fleet Flying and Cross Crew Qualification. MFF is what BA currently do as can be evidenced by 1L’s profile and CCQ is the 757/767 common type rating. I can go to work in the morning in a 757 and come home in a 767 whereas this is not permitted with MFF. Pilot training costs can be huge and do have quite an influence of direct operating costs and therefore the seat/mile cost as does the original purchase price.

Purchase price on its own is not a deciding factor but then I don’t think any one issue is. It is all about the package and the contracts that are offered. Many arilines don’t actually own their aircraft but lease them. Some even buy them, sell the to a leasing company and lease them back to be able to run the budget efficiently and not having millions tied up in aluminium. I think EZY ended up with the Airbus because the price was right and the fact that Airbus included some very favourable clauses in the contract like conversion of options and performance guarantees.

I don’t think you can ever say that someting that saves money in a very tight industry can ever be overhyped. Maybe the goal posts have moved though.

Andrewm – Am I to assume that my, and other pilots on the forum don’t hold the same regard as the others you mention?

I am not entirely sure but it may be the 767-200 that is parked up on stand infront of the cargo apron. It is all white with blue tail and cowlings and reg G-FJ??. ANy know anymore or have I missed something else here?

Must have been a quiet news day. What a non event! I love the way they claim 6 pax wanted to been seen by medics with a cracked windscreen on the bus. Sounds like they will be contacting their lawyers as a result.

That area has further parking restrictions on it these days. I think it is designated clearway these days so no stopping. If coming by car, there is a lay-by opposite the Flight Tavern where you can leave the car and make the relatively short walk. This is a fairly well frequented spot although not as much as the other end or the crash gate. There may be another way to get there from the terminal and that being a bus to Charlwood and then walking down Lowfield Heath Road (perimeter road). It goes past the Gatwick Aviation Museum with their Wessex (I think) parked out front.