How long will BA's non refurbished 744's keep flying?
#17
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 712
In another thread, there was discussion of LGW's 777 fleet growing (separate to the refurbishment) from displayed LHR 777s. This to grow long haul out of LGW and start MAN.
The discussion here was that some 747s would be kept on a little longer. There's no like-for-like replacement, and the 4-class 86J wouldn't be quite a match for 3-class 777s. I suspect some of the mid-J might be refurbished and kept on instead - 5 were mentioned.
The discussion here was that some 747s would be kept on a little longer. There's no like-for-like replacement, and the 4-class 86J wouldn't be quite a match for 3-class 777s. I suspect some of the mid-J might be refurbished and kept on instead - 5 were mentioned.
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 15,822
Regarding the OP, have a look here for a start:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...r-tracker.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27571616-post1689.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...as-yvr-24.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...r-tracker.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27571616-post1689.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...as-yvr-24.html
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Boston
Posts: 148
I would think its safe to say that the 747 route network is pretty much set in stone now until retirement.
I would think at the earliest opportunity BA will look to get the 747's off routes to SA and West Coast USA once they have something that can replace them seat wise... obviously no more 380's and 777-300s in pipe work at the moment.
I would however suspect though if BA fill those planes to those destinations as they do atm hence the extra CPT service then maybe they don't see it as so much of an issue ?
Be very interesting to see what the 350 gets introduced on to and the continued development of the 787-9 network.
I would think at the earliest opportunity BA will look to get the 747's off routes to SA and West Coast USA once they have something that can replace them seat wise... obviously no more 380's and 777-300s in pipe work at the moment.
I would however suspect though if BA fill those planes to those destinations as they do atm hence the extra CPT service then maybe they don't see it as so much of an issue ?
Be very interesting to see what the 350 gets introduced on to and the continued development of the 787-9 network.
So as far as replacement goes, all I can see is the 777-9X replacing the 744 since it will run on 2 engines and should seat 400+ pax. Could anything else take the place?
#22
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Location: London
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If I were travelling in WT, I think that there are some other aircraft types I'd avoid before I avoided the non-refreshed 747s!
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Boston
Posts: 148
You are right about 747's not going to India often. (I believe they only operate BA139/138 to/from BOM.
But the flights to/from BOS are often on 744's and the uncomfortable seats make the flight feel much longer than ~6hrs.
Oh and Just curious... What are the other a/c you said would avoid before the old 744's?
#24
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: BA - Blue > Bronze > Silver > Bronze > Blue
Posts: 6,812
The 789, 380 and 772 and 77W all serve BOS at various times during the year, as do refurbed 747s.
By seeing and booking particular aircraft is flying your route should allow you to ensure you're in a more up to date (internally anyway) aircraft, assuming you have some flexibility on schedule.
QR should be a decent option for you to look at from BOS now too though. I'd avoid EK due to the 10 across the back 777s myself
edit- re aircraft to avoid bar the old 744s. The few remaining non refurbed 777s and the 788s if in economy
By seeing and booking particular aircraft is flying your route should allow you to ensure you're in a more up to date (internally anyway) aircraft, assuming you have some flexibility on schedule.
QR should be a decent option for you to look at from BOS now too though. I'd avoid EK due to the 10 across the back 777s myself
edit- re aircraft to avoid bar the old 744s. The few remaining non refurbed 777s and the 788s if in economy
Last edited by Cap'n Benj; Jan 15, 2017 at 3:25 pm
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Boston
Posts: 148
The 789, 380 and 772 and 77W all serve BOS at various times during the year, as do refurbed 747s.
By seeing and booking particular aircraft is flying your route should allow you to ensure you're in a more up to date (internally anyway) aircraft, assuming you have some flexibility on schedule.
QR should be a decent option for you to look at from BOS now too though. I'd avoid EK due to the 10 across the back 777s myself
By seeing and booking particular aircraft is flying your route should allow you to ensure you're in a more up to date (internally anyway) aircraft, assuming you have some flexibility on schedule.
QR should be a decent option for you to look at from BOS now too though. I'd avoid EK due to the 10 across the back 777s myself
Haha I actually got no complaints for 10 abreast 777's. I'd choose EK over QR due to higher frequencies and better layover times.
Unfortunately when flying to India, it is best to take the pm flights from BOS as they will lead to better connections to India bound flights. These flights are usually 744's during peak travel seasons(Which is when I travel). But like you said, the A380 will be coming to BOS so hopefully us Bostonians will see some of those 744s go away