Out with the old, in with the new…
As Virgin Atlantic unveiled its beautiful new A350-1000s earlier this week, it also announced retirement plans for its 747-400 fleet.
Speaking to reporters outside a glistening new A350, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss stated that Virgin Atlantic would begin to retire its fleet of 747s now. By 2021, all eight remaining 747s will be retired.
Virgin’s 747s seat a whopping 455 passengers, including:
- 14 Upper Class (business class)
- 66 Premium Economy Class
- 375 Economy Class
These four-engine planes are relatively fuel inefficient and aging…the oldest 747-400 is 23 years old.
As I wrote about yesterday, the 747s will be replaced by A350-1000s, featuring a brand new business class cabin with a “Loft” seating area/bar and a new generation of business class seats. Economy and premium economy will also see new seats and economy class will offer extra legroom sections.
CONCLUSION
While there is nothing as beautiful as the Queen of the Skies, I’m looking forward to the interior of the A350 much more. While it is sad the 747-8 has not performed well, the A350 is a great replacement.
Are you sorry to see Virgin Atlantic retire its 747-400 fleet?
> Read About Other 747 Retirements on British Airways and KLM.
I am flying on one of these to Barbados in December. I know Virgin puts them on leisure routes but the business cabin being only 14 seats never ceases to amaze me
I’ll miss this Queen of the Skies. Great for Airbus but Boeing is probably not celebrating with this announcement.
Wow, that’s a small premium cabin for such a large aircraft! They must use these on their leisure routes. I never quite understood why lower margin leisure routes would attract the older, less fuel efficient planes. I remember HNL was one of the last markets to see lots of DC-10s/MD-11s before they were all phased out.
I intentionally booked a Virgin flight last year for the sole purpose of flying upstairs in the bubble. Yes, the A380 has an upstairs, but it’s not the same. The 747’s upstairs is much more like flying on a private jet. Cozy, but not claustrophobic. I also like the extra storage bin between the window seat and window. You don’t feel crammed in like a sardine, even if it’s only “premium economy” on Virgin.
Totally agree ! I fly VA Premium because it is a 747 and because its Virgin. I believe it no longer will be when joined by Air France and China .