FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - VX Becomes World’s First Airbus A321neo Operator

Apr 22, 2017, 5:35 pm

#5

dayone

Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan

Join Date: Feb 2005

Posts: 12,320

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eastbay1K

Not surprising at all. Plane and crew (VX) already allocated for the route, and they probably can't currently swap a DCA slot between AS and VX as they remain two separate carriers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamespvg

Also, wasn't it the 320s that were "north-south" planes (for range / capacity reasons)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lg20

The Investor Day presentation showed the A320 vs B739ER, with the transcons gaining the bigger planes. So I would guess the A321neos fit that as well with a similar seating capacity to the 739.

C'mon, guys, it's not like I made that up...

Minicucci said Alaska is learning a lot about the Airbus planes since taking over Virgin America, but noted Alaska's success has always relied on placing "the right airplane in the right market" and thinks the Airbus A321 has limited use on transcontinental routes.

"We think it's a better north to south airplane," he said, later continuing, "Whether they go to Hawaii or transcon, I think we will make the right decision to maximize their potential."

Alaska Air doesn't want all of the Airbus A321neo jets Virgin America ordered

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