Originally Posted by
JCO1406
In the short-term, the G-YMM* frames at LHR will be moved down to LGW to replace the G-VII* frames there and provide expansion. This will only happen once BA have ordered the replacements for the G-YMM* series, currently they only have the replacements for the G-VII* series sorted.
In the long-term, I think new frames will have to be ordered as none of the planes except for the G-YMM* frames are suitable for Gatwick operations unless they get refurbished. If they do order new frames for the Gatwick fleet, my guess would be either the 787-9, A350-900 or A350-1000 as they would need the range for some routes such as MRU which cannot be covered by the 787-10.
How old are the G-YMM* series at LHR on average? I'd imagine these aren't that much newer than the LGW 777 G-VII* frames, so even if, and when these move to Gatwick, I doubt they'll be there for too long, as they'll also be coming up for replacement.
Long term, I agree, BA needs to order new frames for Gatwick. I think they'd ideally want commonality for purposes of training/crews etc, similar to how they've maintained a 777-only long haul operation at Gatwick over the last 20 years or so. I wouldn't be surprised if it comes down to a mix of A350-9s and -1000s, which have the range to operate some of the longer sectors to MRU and BKK.
On a different note, am I right in saying that BA once had 742s and 744s based at LGW? (presumably prior to the 772s being delivered).