Virgin Australia's first 773ER breathes life....photo incl.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Originally Posted by Nick W.

I heard somewhere that these aux tanks are relatively easily fitted and de-fitted, and hence quite a few airlines have them on hand if need arises, but that's just what I heard...

It's a little more major than that for the 777 Nick - it has to be done at a major service as it requires quite alot of fabrication inside the hold, plumbing and testing.

[Tony P]

Does anyone know when the first (test) flight will be?
Thanks

[Scott Lindsell]

Should have already happened but hasn't. I did see a photo yesterday where it looked like the engines were sealed in plastic (not a good sign) but it is Labor Day long weekend here so don't expect anything before Tuesday Aussie time at the absolute earliest.
S.

[Shameel Kumar]

Originally Posted by Scott Lindsell

Should have already happened but hasn't. I did see a photo yesterday where it looked like the engines were sealed in plastic (not a good sign) but it is Labor Day long weekend here so don't expect anything before Tuesday Aussie time at the absolute earliest.
S.

Yeah I saw that photo too on Matt's website. Why do you say it's not a good sign Scott?

[Scott Lindsell]

Originally Posted by Shameel Kumar

Yeah I saw that photo too on Matt's website. Why do you say it's not a good sign Scott?

They never wrap them in plastic unless longer term storage. I'm assuming it's nothing and the thing will probably fly tomorrow having said that but it's just weird. The time delay from roll out to first flight is already too long even if they are awaiting parts for the cabin fit-out. Having said that PAE is like the desert storage area of the PNW right now with the E-10, 767 tanker, and a couple of others lying around not doing much.
S.

[Radi K]

At this stage, I have been told, VGA won't be flying to AUS until late Oct.

[Shameel Kumar]

Originally Posted by Radi K

At this stage, I have been told, VGA won't be flying to AUS until late Oct.

As strange (and sad) as that sounds, it kind of makes sense, because it struck me as odd that if VA were to receive their first 77W by the end of September, they would still have to kill two and a half months before their Dec. 15 first flight to LAX. Of course you have to factor in training time and flights and so on, but an October delivery would probably make more sense (not to mention that a late October delivery would really steal the thunder from QF's A380 inaugural flight to LAX).

I wonder what the DJ/VA marketing folks are doing. They have to be planning some fantastic attention-grabbing extravaganza for -VGA's delivery.


Hmmmm.... I guess the waiting game continues.

[Michael Morrison]

Originally Posted by Radi K

At this stage, I have been told, VGA won't be flying to AUS until late Oct.

That is correct - Gofrey was on the Sky Business channel about a month ago and mentioned it would be arriving at the end of October.

[Shameel Kumar]

Originally Posted by Michael Morrison

That is correct - Gofrey was on the Sky Business channel about a month ago and mentioned it would be arriving at the end of October.

Thanks for confirming this information Michael.

Anyone have any idea when VA's second 77W will be ready for delivery. I read somewhere that VA expect a total of three aircraft to be delivered by year's end. Any truth to this?

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Originally Posted by Michael Morrison

That is correct - Gofrey was on the Sky Business channel about a month ago and mentioned it would be arriving at the end of October.

More like mid-November...sorry guys!

Cabin furnishing suppliers are struggling to fill aircraft manufacturers' backlogs at present, and VGA has been caught up in the delivery delays caused by this.