corporate-wage-slave

I thought I saw Tango Papa at the gate on Friday and indeed it went to PEG and ALG yesterday from LHR. I'm in the "don't understand the fuss" category, it's very clear from MMB when you get a G-GAT. I seem to recall that ALG is a special case here, given the heat and heavy baggage on that route, and that G-GATs work better than some of the alternatives.

vectismanpaul

i am led to believe that the 737 Max order is more than likely destined for Vueling. I think most of the rest A320/A321neo orders will go to BA. As always, I could be wrong. Personally, I would prefer BA to stick with Airbus. Just another personal quirk!

BrianDromey

There are some other difference too. The exits are at at Rows 12/13 rather than 11/12 and the toilets are in the traditional location ahead of the aft doors rather than SpaceFlex’d to the rear wall.

The later Space-Flexing of the LHR A320 fleet means these “high density” A320s now seat fewer passengers than their mainline counterparts. I guess 3 extra seats doesn’t tip the balance for investment and the arrival of 737-8200s is going to herald the end of the G-GATx fleet anyway.

vectismanpaul

[QUOTE=BrianDromey;34484891]There are some other difference too. The exits are at at Rows 12/13 rather than 11/12 and the toilets are in the traditional location ahead of the aft doors rather than SpaceFlex’d to the rear wall.

The later Space-Flexing of the LHR A320 fleet means these “high density” A320s now seat fewer passengers than their mainline counterparts. I guess 3 extra seats doesn’t tip the balance for investment and the arrival of 737-8200s is going to herald the end of the G-GATx fleet anyway.[/QUOTE

I don’t think you should assume the 737 Max is for BA!
I think it is more likely that new A320/A321neos will go to LHR and the ‘younger A320/A321ceo will go to Gatwick. These more likely to replace the G-GATs and G-MIDs

stefan_nl

Is it any different from the A32Xneo? Airbus always seemed roomier than the 737's.

TedToToe

IIRC, BA LGW was specifically mentioned in the original press release at the time of the LOI. Obviously, it is IAG purchasing these aircraft and of late opinion seems to be more divided. Personally, I think the separate AOC makes it more likely that we will see them at LGW.

nivsy

Ach bring back the 737 400 series...now that was always fun and wonderful service! 😊🤭🤣

vectismanpaul

Yes but times have changed. Several sources within BA are of the opinion BA will stick with Airbus.Interestingly BA mainline and Euroflyer both advertising for direct entry First Officers to A320 fleet for 2023. No mention of the 737 max.

TheJayHatch

[QUOTE=corporate-wage-slave;34484878 it's very clear from MMB when you get a G-GAT.[/QUOTE]

This is true, hence my sudden panic this morning, but having never experienced the GAT frames from LHR I had not added this variable into the ever expanding algorithm of seat variables my long-suffering assistant has to commit to memory

TarquinMontague

I can sympathise, the problem I have with my PA is I always request 1A on all my flights but it doesn’t always oblige to it.

LCY8737

I just checked the speedbird.online database. There have been 104 G-GAT flights from/to LHR in the last month. No specific rotations, but fairly ALG, GLA & PSA heavy.

danmushman

I would say left side row 1 on the narrowbody Airbuses - particularly 1C - is my least favourite seat. If you board with group 1 you're just inviting your knees to be hit for the next 30 minutes by every roll on bag in ET.
Plus I use the tablet holders they have in the seat backs, and I like to have the option to have my hand luggage to hand rather than it having to be stored overhead. Row 2 all the way.

Oxon Flyer

For some reason 1C is championed by quite a number of our correspondents here. Presume these are the same who enter a nice restaurant and request a table right by the door, the kitchen, the cloakroom and the toilets ....

danmushman

We learnt the hard way earlier this year (I think from FT advice), thought we were so fancy in row 1......

corporate-wage-slave

It's more interesting to see the non-suggestions from those regulars here who have thereby chosen not to say anything.

By the way, 2F is a truly awful seat, you get a horrific draught up your ankles, probably from all the hot air from the galley.