V Australia Delays Last 2 777s

[Will H]

(Disclaimer--I wrote it )

V Australia, Virgin Blue's long-haul subsidiary, has converted its last two B777-300ER on firm order to options, according to a company spokeswoman.

Changing the orders to options "allow us better commercial terms, in particular more desirable delivery slots in mid-2012 to suit anticipated growth plans", she says.

More here: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/wi...-two-777s.html

[Andrew M]

That is sad news!

So VA will have 5 aircraft until 2012 at this stage!

[Will H]

And V will also likely not have new destinations unless it drops present ones or adds an infrequent (not daily) flight to somewhere within 10 hours.

[Andrew M]

Indeed!

Was hoping for Japan or San Fran flights!

Sounds like VA are happy just to use their current planes on the current routes, with the resumption of daily SYD-LAX and three times weekly MEL-LAX flights.

From the article and maybe I am reading into it too much...

"With Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey handing over the reins to former Qantas executive John Borghetti on 8 May, the move also "gives the incoming executive management adequate time to consider potential aircraft capabilities and to assess options," she explains."

B787s/A380's?

[Harry G]

and assess what QF/JQ will be doing with their new planes!

[Michael Morrison]

All the latest rumblings seem to suggest they are now proiftable with the current routes etc so I guess it makes sense to bed them down a little more before embarking on further expansion.

[Will H]

Originally Posted by Andrew M

Indeed!From the article and maybe I am reading into it too much...

"With Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey handing over the reins to former Qantas executive John Borghetti on 8 May, the move also "gives the incoming executive management adequate time to consider potential aircraft capabilities and to assess options," she explains."

B787s/A380's?

Don't think A380s are on the cards, but I don't think you're reading into too much with regards to the 787.

We also don't know how the Delta JV, if approved by the US, will change their current ops.

[Andrew M]

The 777-300ER is a big bird to fill

The 787 may be good for other routes

[Michael Mak]

Originally Posted by Andrew M

The 777-300ER is a big bird to fill

What about the B777-200LR? It's smaller than the 77W and has longer range, it shares many features with the 77W as well.

[Andrew M]

Surprised they didn't go for the 777-200LR actually!

Does anyone know if/how much the 777W's are weight restricted much on MEL-LAX or in particular LAX-MEL ?

I know the Air Canada 77W's had restrictions on passenger numbers on the SYD-LAX-SYD route when it was on it. Now they run the 777-200LR exclusively !