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-   -   BA fleet developments: unconfirmed updates, speculation, and general discussion (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/2018386-ba-fleet-developments-unconfirmed-updates-speculation-general-discussion.html)

Prospero May 25, 2020 8:50 am

BA fleet developments: unconfirmed updates, speculation, and general discussion
 
http://prospelicious.com/wp-content/..._title_002.png
Image credit: British Airways

Welcome to the new "BA fleet developments: unconfirmed updates, speculation, and general discussion" thread. This is a continuation of the popular https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...r-tracker.html thread and has been purposefully created for speculative and more general discussion of this topic. A sister thread has also been established to cater for factual/confirmed updates and information concerning BA's fleet of aircraft.


Related threads:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...tirements.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit......-guide.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...-underway.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...n-refresh.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...8-onwards.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...fied-a321.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...h-changes.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...5-otp-lhr.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...ng-g-medn.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...-aircraft.html


Further information and resources:
South Wales Aviation Group BAMC tracker
The BA Source

BAeuro May 25, 2020 9:32 am

So I’ll start the ball rolling on the hot topic again :D.

Has anyone else heard anything from BA engineers about the reconfiguration of the 747? Just wondering if it was truth or just a rumour. I guess it would be carried out at Cardiff where a few 747s are stored anyway.

FlyerTalker39574 May 25, 2020 9:47 am

A350 orders to be converted to A321XLR to fly LHR-BOS in J & W configuration, no Y or F. MF crews.

KARFA May 25, 2020 10:25 am


Originally Posted by richardwft (Post 32402431)
A350 orders to be converted to A321XLR to fly LHR-BOS in J & W configuration, no Y or F. MF crews.

I assume this is in the speculation category of this thread?

Will100 May 25, 2020 10:48 am


Originally Posted by KARFA (Post 32402510)
I assume this is in the speculation category of this thread?

Wow. That’s BA really thinking out of the box if true

FlyerTalker39574 May 25, 2020 10:51 am


Originally Posted by KARFA (Post 32402510)
I assume this is in the speculation category of this thread?

Pure speculation.

KARFA May 25, 2020 10:51 am


Originally Posted by Will100 (Post 32402552)
Wow. That’s BA really thinking out of the box if true

It would be interesting if they were. As you say, very outside the box for BA.

I guess I am just trying to ask whether this is just complete speculation, or there is some source/information saying it may have legs - both obviously fine in the thread but it is useful to understand a bit of context as well.

McG May 25, 2020 11:04 am


Originally Posted by richardwft (Post 32402431)
A350 orders to be converted to A321XLR to fly LHR-BOS in J & W configuration, no Y or F. MF crews.

Might be easier to convert the 3 outstanding 321Neo orders to LR or XLR. Especially if it is for one specific route. The LR would be able to do LHR to BOS no problems. Air Transat have used it on LGW to YYZ which is a longer flight.

FlyerTalker39574 May 25, 2020 11:06 am


Originally Posted by McG (Post 32402586)
Might be easier to convert the 3 outstanding 321Neo orders to LR or XLR....

That’s a better idea.

FlyerTalker39574 May 25, 2020 11:14 am

Will the B779 be classed as a VLA?

Will100 May 25, 2020 11:18 am


Originally Posted by KARFA (Post 32402564)
It would be interesting if they were. As you say, very outside the box for BA.

I guess I am just trying to ask whether this is just complete speculation, or there is some source/information saying it may have legs - both obviously fine in the thread but it is useful to understand a bit of context as well.

I really think this would add some excellent flexibility to the fleet. I am no expert on range (could they make it to the west coast for example), but surely it would make sense to have a hand full of semi-premium (J/W) options for low season or additions where demand peaks. They could serve small
airports for specific events and charge a small fortune for a proper direct Club service where appropriate.

Post CODIV it would be great if BA could position itself to be a real leader in every way, including fleet mix.

This mess will wrong foot many operators, there will be opportunities.

BAeuro May 25, 2020 11:42 am

I always thought the 4 MidHaul A321s should have been replaced by some A321neos. It would really reduce fuel consumption on these routes.

As for the A321LR I just don’t think it fits with BA’s model. It is designed to link second tier airports which wouldn’t be able to sustain a widebody. BA have shown they can make thinner routes work with the 787-8 and any fewer seats probably raises questions. LHR is (was) short on slots so you want to have the biggest aircraft as that’s the only way to get extra seats. No need to waste a slot on an A321LR when you can use a 777 and get more money flying somewhere else.

I guess post-COVID19 some routes could probably work with a A321LR though - Pittsburgh and Charleston spring to mind as well as the current MidHaul destinations.

TedToToe May 25, 2020 1:53 pm


Originally Posted by richardwft (Post 32402612)
Will the B779 be classed as a VLA?

Yes, a Very Late Aircraft!

gliderpilot May 25, 2020 2:27 pm


Originally Posted by BAeuro (Post 32402675)
I always thought the 4 MidHaul A321s should have been replaced by some A321neos. It would really reduce fuel consumption on these routes.

As for the A321LR I just don’t think it fits with BA’s model. It is designed to link second tier airports which wouldn’t be able to sustain a widebody. BA have shown they can make thinner routes work with the 787-8 and any fewer seats probably raises questions. LHR is (was) short on slots so you want to have the biggest aircraft as that’s the only way to get extra seats. No need to waste a slot on an A321LR when you can use a 777 and get more money flying somewhere else.

I guess post-COVID19 some routes could probably work with a A321LR though - Pittsburgh and Charleston spring to mind as well as the current MidHaul destinations.

You've also got the cargo revenue to think about. Even if the aircraft isn't completely full of pax, with a widebody there is plenty of space for additional hold cargo which will can keep the flight in overall profit.

ISTFlyer May 25, 2020 3:30 pm

Also don't forget that IAG had an initial goodwill agreement with Boeing related to 200 Boeing 737-MAX aircraft.
We still don't have any further information if this would happen but if the MAX aircraft is certified within the next year or two, it seems that we would see 737-MAX's at the BA fleet before A321neoLR's or XLR's.


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