Any truth to the rumor...

[USstew23]

Here is the link to the contact form for Senator Specter:

http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm...act.ContactForm

 

[Travelpro72]

What ever happened to US looking at those Swiss Int'l a/c? I remember hearing that management was over there "kicking the tires". There MUST be a few a/c to add to the fleet temporarily. I just don't understand why US can NEVER, EVER be a leader in the industry. We always do stuff half cocked and look like a jackass operation. Wait, we ARE leaders. Leaders of the bottom.

 

[700UW]

They are getting two A330-200s from IFLC.

Entered into a letter of intent with International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) for the lease of two A330-200s.

 

[PHL]

So 190 seats vs. 269 = 79 seats fewer per segment, and potentially fewer for weight restrictions. The rumors here say people in management have said they determined the 340 to be too costly to operate for a relatively short time. Yet, 2009 to 2013 (A350 delivery) is 4+ years. And, as we all know, that 2013 date is a pipe dream. So they decide to use A332's instead. A text book bait and switch. If this is true, then the question everyone should ask Dougie and friends is this -

Why didn't you do this analysis BEFORE submitting your fraudulent application promising 269 seats and a more reliable aircraft on this route??!

But I don't think Spector or DOT can really do anything until USAirways officially announces/publishes the schedule with the aircraft type finalized. Right now, it's all rumors.

 

[legacy-to-LCC]

time to re-visit the extortion accusation...me thinks...
the one reward doug parker is entitled to is: the BIGGEST ARROGANT DISGRACE ever!!
may he rot in peace!!

 

[givenup]

DC Jets is correct. The service will be with 330-200s. Don't know if the delivery schedule of these aircraft had to be changed or not. Perhaps Jim or someone else can help out on this.

The aircraft will be outfitted with 196 seats. They expect that the most they will have to block will be 20 or so.

Planned arrival fuel will be around 16,000 pounds. Hope this doesn't make NiceLandingCaptain too nervous.

I do not think 16K arrival fuel will be enough as the route will require 207 min ETOPS (not 180) and the + 10% cruise fuel plan + enroute alt fuel + at least one dest. alt + 30 min hold at 1500 ft. Take a look at tonights CAL trip route from EWR, adds around 650 nm over GC.

MERIT HFD PUT PQI J582 YZV YDP IRBIM
6000N 06000W 6500N 05800W 7000N 05700W
7500N 05500W 8000N 04800W 8500N 03000W
ABERI B934 TUREM B934 GILAR B934 MX B155
TUNIR A45 USONA G490 LIRTA SERNA M520
POLHO G218 TMR B458 TZH A596 KM OB

 

[night-ice]

I do not think 16K arrival fuel will be enough as the route will require 207 min ETOPS (not 180) and the + 10% cruise fuel plan + enroute alt fuel + at least one dest. alt + 30 min hold at 1500 ft. Take a look at tonights CAL trip route from EWR, adds around 650 nm over GC.

MERIT HFD PUT PQI J582 YZV YDP IRBIM
6000N 06000W 6500N 05800W 7000N 05700W
7500N 05500W 8000N 04800W 8500N 03000W
ABERI B934 TUREM B934 GILAR B934 MX B155
TUNIR A45 USONA G490 LIRTA SERNA M520
POLHO G218 TMR B458 TZH A596 KM OB

Can you break this flight plan up for those of us who would like to know? (looks cool but since I am no pilot, well...)

 

[wopr21]

So 190 seats vs. 269 = 79 seats fewer per segment, and potentially fewer for weight restrictions. The rumors here say people in management have said they determined the 340 to be too costly to operate for a relatively short time. Yet, 2009 to 2013 (A350 delivery) is 4+ years. And, as we all know, that 2013 date is a pipe dream. So they decide to use A332's instead. A text book bait and switch. If this is true, then the question everyone should ask Dougie and friends is this -

Why didn't you do this analysis BEFORE submitting your fraudulent application promising 269 seats and a more reliable aircraft on this route??!

But I don't think Spector or DOT can really do anything until USAirways officially announces/publishes the schedule with the aircraft type finalized. Right now, it's all rumors.

Sounds like a 82 inch seat pitch...nice
wopr21

 

[wopr21]

Sounds like a 82 inch seat pitch...nice
wopr21

Rather than blocking seats, why don't they increase the seat pitch to have a more comfy flight. 20 empty seat is just extra weight. If they are so concerned about the extra weight, take the seats out. How much you want to bet they still will have the last row crammed against the back of the plane with a 28inch seat pitch. The 330-200 will only be used in the China market anyway. Maybe with some forward thinking they could even advertise "more space in coach". But thats a long shot.

wopr21

 

[PHL]

There are 10 332s on order, IIRC. Configuring a few to 190 spaciously pitched seats would not make any sense because they will be flying these on TA routes as well. I think the Econ passengers on a China bound flight might appreciate an entire middle section of a row to themselves, though... Maybe Tempe can bill it is Enhanced Econ.

 

[AstroLounge]

What ever happened to US looking at those Swiss Int'l a/c? I remember hearing that management was over there "kicking the tires". There MUST be a few a/c to add to the fleet temporarily. I just don't understand why US can NEVER, EVER be a leader in the industry. We always do stuff half cocked and look like a jackass operation. Wait, we ARE leaders. Leaders of the bottom.

Lordy, please tell me they didn't send Shambles over there to "kick the tires" with her Jimmy Choo sandals swirling wine and making an EXECUTIVE Decision. Can you imagine.......Dougie partying his way over to Switzerland, Boy Wonder Kirby playing video games inflight and whom else would make up our version of "The Fantastic Four". (Maybe Derek Kerr since he writes the checks). Why they continue to make poor decisions is AMAZING!

 

[Travelpro72]

Every decision that comes from the upper management continues to be more ridiculous. Just when you think you've heard it all they top it and top it in a BIG way. We ARE the greatest show on earth folks. Step right up folks, the seats are selling out faaaaaast.

 

[LCC_#1]

We will be starting our Romaine Noodle service AT THIS TIME!! Yes sir, that IS dinner. Here, catch your fortune cookie.

 

[galley princess]

I heard this, and the story goes that the 340's are very expensive to maintain and fly. They're floating around available for that reason. Whoever holds the leases wouldn't want a short term lease, leaving US with an expensive airplane long after they cease needing it. Hence, a weight restricted A330.

Now, hear me out a second. This wouldn't actually be such a bad idea if they would think outside their nightmare accountant's brains for a bit. Since the silly thing will be weight restricted, why not reconfigure two of them to an industry leading pitch and service? Take out heavy seats, give generous leg room on a very long flight, and formulate an industry leading service. Asian flying is very competitive, Singapore airlines is in they fray! They have to run it light anyway, why not tout it as their service? They could actually make a good (gasp) name for it, then whenever the 350's come they could do the numbers and see whether they want to return to domino seating or not. The thing is, assumably there will be an Asian population to fly as well, right? Well, guess what? Culturally, that population does not complain. They simply do not fly you again. And they tell their friends. Wouldn't it be nice if US actually planned something out for a positive outcome?

Okay, I'll wake up now.

 

[Travelpro72]

Galley Princess...what you wrote is absolutely how a REAL airline management would respond to the situation. That being said.......Well we just know what we're in for. Crew rest will be rice mats in the galley. If for ONCE we could be a leader in something positive and not an embarrassment. I'll wake up now too. 🙄