AC A340-500s almost a done deal

[JMM]

Well a 747 has fit easily in all but 2 A-East Gates (BA/LH), so you can be certain a 340-500, which has a wingspan 3" shorter will easily fit into all but 1 A-West gate.

I find it really difficult to believe U.S. is going after the 9000nm 340-500 - it's an overkill and not really a popular aircraft sandwiched between the -300 and -600. Further the -500s have RR engines - can US maintain those or would the maintenance need to be contracted? Of course, they may have no other choice and with the -500 US could reach most anywhere in Asia (from PHL), except Singapore, including HKG, MNL,BKK and DEL. I would also have a problem believing Parker would get more than 2 or 3 of what ever he gets, unless he already has an agenda to start expanding to other than China, even assuming he gets the Route. As I proposed in an earlier Thread, if Parker is really serious about China, he should start gaining 6000+nm experience NOW. Looks like he is if this rumor is true.

I am really trying not to be overly negative however, I will believe it when I see it. We need the aircraft, that is no doubt, but HP and US have had a STRONG aversion to widebody aircrafts, so when I actually see them on the property and they are painted with our livery, then I will believe it.

 

[Art at ISP]

It would make more sense to get A340-300's if they are getting anything at all. I do not think they need the performance of the -500 at this time, nor do they need the capacity of the -600 either.

That said, since it makes no sense it probably means that's exactly what they will do.

 

[700UW]

Ever wonder why AC is getting rid of them and going with the 777 and the 787?

Even Virgin Atlantic is now delaying their orders of the A340.

And US does not overhaul any engine type, it does repair work for line and small mtc on it in heavy.

We all ready have RRs on the 757s.

 

[robbedagain]

can those rr engines be changed to the ge or pw engines or is too complicated?

 

[700UW]

Too costly.

 

[awausairtech]

can those rr engines be changed to the ge or pw engines or is too complicated?

WHATS UP MY FRIEND... THE RR ENG IS THE BEST. NOT LIKE THE PW THAT TAKES 1 OR SO QUARTS PER HR.

 

[SegmentKing]

I thought Mesa was buying the CRJ900XR for the new PHX-Shanghai service??

:mf_boff:

 

[EMBFA]

I thought Mesa was buying the CRJ900XR for the new PHX-Shanghai service??

:mf_boff:

Dont joke about that. Bombardier just announced a CRJ1000, a one hundred seat CRJ. Please dont let US Airways know or we are all doomed.

 

[phasersonstun2]

If US gets a long range aircraft (China), then it makes economic sense to get one that will go anywhere in the world non-stop.

It also is logical to serve other destinations on that side of the ball whilst you are over there.

There is little difference cost-wise between an A340-500 versus an A340-300. It's like building a five bedroom house when you only need three bedrooms. The extra two rooms ad little to the mortgage, but guarantee you never have to trade houses for more space.

US will announce either an A340 or a 777LR within the next month or so.

Training activity is expected to burgeon throughout the next two years.

 

[PA18]

I Don't think there will be an anouncement until Alpa works everything out with the pay rates. This trainer was a high up trainer, so he probably gets filled in on info before most others

ALPA is in negotiations for an improved joint East/West contract. The A340's are being dangled as a carrot in front of the pilots (especially in the East), in an attempt to get yet another concessionary contract. And why not? It's worked for previous managements many times before.

The reason you "heard" this from a sim trainer, is that next to chief pilots, they are the most loyal company men among the pilots. They have a nice little deal going, and they don't want to screw it up. Therefore, they are the most dependable "yes" votes in ALPA (especially since most of the bad stuff in contracts and LOA's doesn't affect them), and are exploited as company spokesmen. It is not uncommon for pilots to suffer through a pro-company "sermon" from a check pilot during the briefing prior to a sim session.

So I wouldn't advise holding your breath waiting for A340's. Even if the pilots do take the bait (again), you can be sure management will come up with some reason to not go ahead with the airplane deal, once the new pilot contract is safely in their pocket.

Besides, if it were a "done deal", you-know-who would have been on here already with another "exclusive".

 

[flyingcat]

Only 2 340 500s from AC does not seem very probable although TG alss has some they might not want anymore around 3 with 1 about to be delivered.

 

[whatkindoffreshhell]

Ah we have these already!!!

They can usually be found in the Galley on Trans Atlantic flights. 😀 😛

Bob, you can post interesting thoughts.

This is not one of them.

Along with your race-identifying posts (i.e 'African-American fa') are unnecessary.

Save your outraged reply. Just don't do it.

 

[FL430]

No truth to this rumor - Bruce Lakefield was just on my flight. Flt 774 Phl - Lgw 26 Feb 07. U S Airways is still committed to the A350's. IF AND WHEN IT EVER GETS OFF THE GROUND! He would not give any further details ( like how many or where they would be flying ). We ( the flight crew ) really bent his ear on giving Doogie a message to give us a contract though. He came up to the cockpit and chatted with us for about 15 minutes before departure. This man is a true gentleman and U S Airways would probably not be in business if it werent fot the efforts of this guy.

GW

 

[US1YFARE]

This man is a true gentleman and U S Airways would probably not be in business if it werent fot the efforts of this guy.

GW

and that is why I was SHOCKED when Fox News reported he got a DUI!!!!!

 

[Walmartgreeter]

and that is why I was SHOCKED when Fox News reported he got a DUI!!!!!

Lakefield too?