Originally Posted by
G-BUSI
I’m really intrigued by this and hope someone can explain. For clarity not a BA flight involved.
A 737-800 today from EDI to LPA (LS715) took off and flew the whole journey at 25,000 feet refuelling at FAO
The delayed return (LS716) is currently airborne and flying back at 24,000. Unsure if it plans to refuel on way back.
What could be the reasons for this to happen? It is obviously perfectly safe or the flight would not be operating, I’m just intrigued and did not know where else to ask so hope some of our friendly staffers can explain.
Thanks
Due to the French ATC strike there have been severe capacity issues at the main busy flight levels. Going below (in the usually less busy levels) may have facilitated a better routing to avoid either a long delay waiting on an ATC slot or a longer routing around France to avoid the French airspace. For example yesterday below FL295 outbound and FL265 on the way back were far less restrictive than above that. Reduced the slots from 2-4 hours to about 20 mins for us. This is one potential reason.
There maybe another reason specific to the 737, some technical issues have a maximum altitude. I’m unsure of 737 specifics tho.
Edit: [MENTION=626839]Sigwx[/MENTION] has provided more 737 specific technical defect which is very probable. Out of pure curiosity the A320 limit with one pack is 31,500ft.
