BA4463 15 Feb on BAe 146-200
Feb 14, 2019, 3:09 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DUB
Programs: BA Gold; AA LTG MM
Posts: 103
BA4463 15 Feb on BAe 146-200
Tomorrow's BA4463 from DUB to LCY has been switched from an Embraer 190 to a BAe 146-200 (IATA code 142) which I think hasn't been made since 1993. Looking at Flightradar24, I can't see which aeroplane this is. I thought it might have been one of the CityJet planes borrowed from Aer Lingus, but they don't seem to have this type any more. Does anyone know where BA managed to find such an old plane?
Feb 14, 2019, 3:12 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LCY
Programs: Mucci des Ancients Matelots
Posts: 769
The CityJet planes are now owned/run by Aer Lingus so I would have thought that IAG moved some stock around and you'll be on one of those. I prefer the Embraers but some I work with fly the BAe planes for the uniqueness. They're a bit tighter with 6 seats across but for a 1 hour flight they're fine. Yes a bit older but they're well maintained and clean.
edit: it's not cityjet then!!
edit: it's not cityjet then!!
Last edited by GaxxyFlyer; Feb 14, 2019 at 3:20 am
Feb 14, 2019, 3:12 am
#5
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
It's WDL Aviation, according to EF.
Code:
Flight Details Search: Departing on 15/02/19 0:00 Flying BA flight 4463 Depart Arrive Airline Equipment Number Meal Time Miles Reliability DUB LCY Terminal: 1 Terminal: NA BA* 142 4463 M M M 1h 30m 293 85% / 24m 15/02/19 8:55 15/02/19 10:25 * OPERATED BY /WDL AVIATION FOR BA CITYFLYER . . . .
Feb 14, 2019, 3:22 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DUB
Programs: BA Gold; AA LTG MM
Posts: 103
Thanks all - you guys are quick!
Looks like I'm in for an episode of "Antiques Airshow". The three 142s in WDL's fleet were delivered between 1986 and 1988.
https://www.planespotters.net/airline/WDL-Aviation
Looks like I'm in for an episode of "Antiques Airshow". The three 142s in WDL's fleet were delivered between 1986 and 1988.
https://www.planespotters.net/airline/WDL-Aviation
Feb 14, 2019, 3:37 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Mucci de l'Arbitrage
Posts: 927
I have great memories of these planes powered by 4 hairdryers. Also remember with great fondness the very odd and loud noise that occurs around 30 seconds after take off and never fails to startle/freak out the less frequent flyer!
Feb 14, 2019, 3:42 am
#9
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I remember that Ansett New Zealand used to have a paragraph in the in-flight magazine specifically describing this noise, attributing its audibility to the quietness of the engines on the "Whisperjet". For an aircraft model of its vintage, it was pretty quiet - but judging by the occasions on which you can hear the noise from the ground that was a pretty thin excuse.
Feb 14, 2019, 3:46 am
#10
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Oh, I think that there are plenty of ways in which the UK still does. It's just that some are not obvious, and some are not crowd-pleasing.
To look at the positives, I seem to recall that the reason why Airbus wing production is located in the UK is the long-standing world-leading expertise that the UK has developed and still maintains in wing design.
To look at the positives, I seem to recall that the reason why Airbus wing production is located in the UK is the long-standing world-leading expertise that the UK has developed and still maintains in wing design.
Feb 14, 2019, 3:54 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 58
I have found myself in this situation before on this route (seems not uncommon for DUB) and called BA - they were happy to switch me to another service on the same day, so perhaps you like to do that if your time is flexible.
While I appreciate the nostalgia for the aircraft, I personally find the in flight experience horrendous. Loud, cramped (many have 3-3 layout and seats seem like they were designed for someone of pencil width), noisy and dated. I would feel aggrieved at this switch from a CF Embraer in your shoes but at least BA have done the right thing for me in the past. I hope it works out for you!
While I appreciate the nostalgia for the aircraft, I personally find the in flight experience horrendous. Loud, cramped (many have 3-3 layout and seats seem like they were designed for someone of pencil width), noisy and dated. I would feel aggrieved at this switch from a CF Embraer in your shoes but at least BA have done the right thing for me in the past. I hope it works out for you!
Feb 14, 2019, 4:13 am
#12
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Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DUB
Programs: BA Gold; AA LTG MM
Posts: 103
Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm going somewhere even louder - the London Motorcycle Show at the ExCel London. It's a perfectly timed flight, landing at 10:25 and then a fifteen minute walk to the show from the airport.
Feb 14, 2019, 4:14 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Glasgow
Programs: BAEC Silver, Sixt Platinum, HHons Diamond
Posts: 927
I have found myself in this situation before on this route (seems not uncommon for DUB) and called BA - they were happy to switch me to another service on the same day, so perhaps you like to do that if your time is flexible.
While I appreciate the nostalgia for the aircraft, I personally find the in flight experience horrendous. Loud, cramped (many have 3-3 layout and seats seem like they were designed for someone of pencil width), noisy and dated. I would feel aggrieved at this switch from a CF Embraer in your shoes but at least BA have done the right thing for me in the past. I hope it works out for you!
While I appreciate the nostalgia for the aircraft, I personally find the in flight experience horrendous. Loud, cramped (many have 3-3 layout and seats seem like they were designed for someone of pencil width), noisy and dated. I would feel aggrieved at this switch from a CF Embraer in your shoes but at least BA have done the right thing for me in the past. I hope it works out for you!
These days I'd much prefer an Embraer 170/190.
Feb 14, 2019, 4:25 am
#15
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,575
I'd have to agree that the in-flight comfort on a 3-3 layout plane is unpleasant even for a short flight, and the lack of overhead locker space under the wings also causes issue. I do quite like the quirky nature of the design of the 146 and have fond memories of watching Air UK's fleet taking off from EDI early in the morning in the late 80's, early 90's from Runway 13/30 and flying over my house.
These days I'd much prefer an Embraer 170/190.
These days I'd much prefer an Embraer 170/190.