N194UA (Old Cabin 747-400) Returns to United Fleet for Charter Flights [2012]
Jan 18, 2012, 2:17 pm
#91
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Jan 18, 2012, 2:32 pm
#92
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Seems to be a pretty half-@$$ed paint job. With the push for one unified look for all planes post-merger (not making any judgements on that design, but instead stating what is fact), it would appear this aircraft is only halfway done.
Also, with the "charter" designation painted on this aircraft, i'd doubt to see it in revenue service, and as such, don't see it getting a unified interior with the rest of the fleet.
Just my 2¢
Also, with the "charter" designation painted on this aircraft, i'd doubt to see it in revenue service, and as such, don't see it getting a unified interior with the rest of the fleet.
Just my 2¢
Jan 18, 2012, 6:16 pm
#93
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Jan 19, 2012, 1:04 am
#96
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Jan 19, 2012, 7:11 am
#98
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As suggested by someone up-thread, here's a what-if:
1. UA flight 8nn ex-SFO to Asia is a scheduled 747, and goes mx in advance of departure.
2. There are no other 747s available.
3. N194UA is sitting at SFO, has no scheduled work for a week, and is fully airworthy.
Would dispatch utilize N194UA for a scheduled revenue trip, rather than canceling the entire cycle of the mx'ed aircraft?
1. UA flight 8nn ex-SFO to Asia is a scheduled 747, and goes mx in advance of departure.
2. There are no other 747s available.
3. N194UA is sitting at SFO, has no scheduled work for a week, and is fully airworthy.
Would dispatch utilize N194UA for a scheduled revenue trip, rather than canceling the entire cycle of the mx'ed aircraft?
Jan 19, 2012, 10:01 am
#99
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As suggested by someone up-thread, here's a what-if:
1. UA flight 8nn ex-SFO to Asia is a scheduled 747, and goes mx in advance of departure.
2. There are no other 747s available.
3. N194UA is sitting at SFO, has no scheduled work for a week, and is fully airworthy.
Would dispatch utilize N194UA for a scheduled revenue trip, rather than canceling the entire cycle of the mx'ed aircraft?
1. UA flight 8nn ex-SFO to Asia is a scheduled 747, and goes mx in advance of departure.
2. There are no other 747s available.
3. N194UA is sitting at SFO, has no scheduled work for a week, and is fully airworthy.
Would dispatch utilize N194UA for a scheduled revenue trip, rather than canceling the entire cycle of the mx'ed aircraft?
Jan 19, 2012, 10:12 am
#100
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Have you seen any indication that United Charter has its own certificate? I would have thought it was just a brand, like PS ... there's non-PS metal that subs for PS flights all the time. That being said, I guess we'll have to wait and see where it goes first. For all we know, it's not even in service yet; just because it got paint doesn't mean they are ready to have it make flights.
One issue in all of this is that from what I've read, UA expected the Atlas lease to be two years and this is thus an "early return" -- so maybe this has been planned for a while, or maybe it's just being improvised a bit. Notice that we haven't seen any press releases about the "United Charter" branding?
One issue in all of this is that from what I've read, UA expected the Atlas lease to be two years and this is thus an "early return" -- so maybe this has been planned for a while, or maybe it's just being improvised a bit. Notice that we haven't seen any press releases about the "United Charter" branding?
Jan 19, 2012, 12:11 pm
#101
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IMHO, as far as dispatch for commercial routes is concerned, N194UA is dead to them. This would be similar to a case where Shuttle America has a UX E170 go mechanical, but they have a ton of Delta painted E170s lying around, and even though they are all Shuttle America planes, they can't use it for a UX flight. Now of course they do have two unmarked planes that are capable of being subbed for either United or Delta missions, but branded planes are required to stay with their own operations' brands. I'd imagine UA Charter and UA commercial simply don't mix.
Jan 20, 2012, 11:50 am
#102
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I like the fact it is officially designated Charter so that if it is subbed you have a little more leverage if you complain about not getting lie flat. It will be clear you were put on a non-standard craft.
Jan 20, 2012, 12:45 pm
#103
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Jan 22, 2012, 8:46 pm
#104
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Friend @ Willis said that ops will use it if they need to preserve schedule integrity, so yes, this plane could be used if there isn't another 747-400 available. Would you rather the flight be cancelled?
I think this is a great idea... some airlines (like Air Canada) have always had a few planes dedicated for charter - and if this means more flying for United, great news!
Regarding FlightAware, that is NOT the most accurate system out there. And an operator can opt to have flight plans blocked from public view, which is why you aren't seeing everywhere the plane goes. Just try to track some Vision flights. They will be spotty, at best.
I think this is a great idea... some airlines (like Air Canada) have always had a few planes dedicated for charter - and if this means more flying for United, great news!
Regarding FlightAware, that is NOT the most accurate system out there. And an operator can opt to have flight plans blocked from public view, which is why you aren't seeing everywhere the plane goes. Just try to track some Vision flights. They will be spotty, at best.
