British Airways

[John R]

It will be interesting to see how the competition reacts to Qantas’ non-stop service to London once it starts. Personally I’m very happy to have a couple of hours in the lounge in Singapore to break the journey, even with the benefit of a flat bed, so doubt I could be attracted to the non-stop service.

 

[Bald Rick]

It will be interesting to see how the competition reacts to Qantas’ non-stop service to London once it starts. Personally I’m very happy to have a couple of hours in the lounge in Singapore to break the journey, even with the benefit of a flat bed, so doubt I could be attracted to the non-stop service.

Given that QF already run non-stop to/from Perth, how have the competition reacted to that? (Genuine question).

 

[sh24]

Given that QF already run non-stop to/from Perth, how have the competition reacted to that? (Genuine question).

They haven’t, and QF have been making very good money on the PER non stop.

 

[Bald Rick]

They haven’t, and QF have been making very good money on the PER non stop.

It does seem to be reasonably priced too.

 

[Ted633]

British Airways has announced new services from coming winter, Melbourne (Australia) and Columbo (Sri Lanka).

I think it served Melbourne in the past, but stopped about 20 years ago

British Airways announces major winter 2026 expansion

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mediacentre.britishairways.com

I wonder if the engine problems that have seen number of long haul planes grounded are now coming to an end, because for last few months seem to have been very tight for serviceable long haul planes. Alternatively it could just be PR spin, and keeping quiet about other routes which are getting cuts to free up planes.

Not too sure how many are grounded at the moment. G-ZBJG & G-ZBLD are in storage at LHR, both haven't flown for months. Not sure if there are any stored elsewhere.
G-ZBLD is being prepped for flight at the moment (will be a short hop to Cardiff for a major check), however permission for that flight to happen with somewhat iffy engines is proving a tad tricky.

 

[RailWonderer]

Not too sure how many are grounded at the moment. G-ZBJG & G-ZBLD are in storage at LHR, both haven't flown for months. Not sure if there are any stored elsewhere.
G-ZBLD is being prepped for flight at the moment (will be a short hop to Cardiff for a major check), however permission for that flight to happen with somewhat iffy engines is proving a tad tricky.

BA has a shortage of widebodies, though they are getting 6 more A350-1000s, 38 787-10s and 24 777xs but not in time for this schedule. At the moment they need widebodies on Cairo and Tel Aviv, flights of that length need IFE, added legroom and galley space for hot meals for everyone. And if it costs too much to operate, drop the frequency. Demand is rising, fair enough, but I do wonder how they'll have the aircraft to run it. I hope routes like Jeddah aren't downgraded to an A321. I wouldn't put anything past BA these days.

 

[Snow1964]

BA has a shortage of widebodies, though they are getting 6 more A350-1000s, 38 787-10s and 24 777xs but not in time for this schedule. At the moment they need widebodies on Cairo and Tel Aviv, flights of that length need IFE, added legroom and galley space for hot meals for everyone. And if it costs too much to operate, drop the frequency. Demand is rising, fair enough, but I do wonder how they'll have the aircraft to run it. I hope routes like Jeddah aren't downgraded to an A321. I wouldn't put anything past BA these days.

I don't think there are any more narrow bodies due for a while either, and I am fairly sure couple of older planes have had extra major check to allow them to stay for a while, rather than be withdrawn.

Only the A350-1000 are due soon, the 787s will be few years yet (and are virtually a one for one replacement of aging 772s, so not increasing fleet size), and the 777x are heavily delayed and still awaiting certification. BA (IAG group) ordered 18 with 24 options 7 years ago (6 options were exercised last year).

The other option is to try and grab some secondhand aircraft, that are off lease, or surplus at another airline. Cannot be ruled out, even if they need major overhaul or refurb. Wouldn't rule this out if new plane deliveries are subject to further date slippage and backlog.

There are occasional rumours (no evidence) that BA might even take some ex Malaysia A380s and refit them. Guess it will depend if cheap enough then might happen (not that there is any signs of it). However is expected BA will start a mid life refit of their 12 A380s in few months time.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Not too sure how many are grounded at the moment. G-ZBJG & G-ZBLD are in storage at LHR, both haven't flown for months. Not sure if there are any stored elsewhere.
G-ZBLD is being prepped for flight at the moment (will be a short hop to Cardiff for a major check), however permission for that flight to happen with somewhat iffy engines is proving a tad tricky.

G-ZBLF is in store at Rhoose; it doesn't have any engines fitted at the moment.

 

[JCO1406]

I don't think there are any more narrow bodies due for a while either, and I am fairly sure couple of older planes have had extra major check to allow them to stay for a while, rather than be withdrawn.

Only the A350-1000 are due soon, the 787s will be few years yet (and are virtually a one for one replacement of aging 772s, so not increasing fleet size), and the 777x are heavily delayed and still awaiting certification. BA (IAG group) ordered 18 with 24 options 7 years ago (6 options were exercised last year).

The other option is to try and grab some secondhand aircraft, that are off lease, or surplus at another airline. Cannot be ruled out, even if they need major overhaul or refurb. Wouldn't rule this out if new plane deliveries are subject to further date slippage and backlog.

There are occasional rumours (no evidence) that BA might even take some ex Malaysia A380s and refit them. Guess it will depend if cheap enough then might happen (not that there is any signs of it). However is expected BA will start a mid life refit of their 12 A380s in few months time.

4 A320neos and 2 A321neos are due in the coming months. There are also 6 787-10s being delivered within the next year or so, one is in the Final Assembly Line now.

Acquiring second hand A380s is not being done. The costs don’t justify it now and there are limited spaces in T5 for more A380s. If BA wanted more A380s, they would’ve topped up their original order.

The aircraft shortage currently is due to the Rolls Royce engine issues which has forced BA and other airlines who have RR engines on their 787s to ground some of their planes. Fixes are being rolled out now, but it takes time and BA are hoping to have all the grounded planes back in the sky by the end of summer.
This is why BA have chosen to go for the GE engines for the 38 other 787-10s.

 

[John R]

Apparently BA has launched its Starlink WiFi service today, with the first plane being equipped a 787-8 which is flying from LHR to Houston.

 

[AlterEgo]

Apparently BA has launched its Starlink WiFi service today, with the first plane being equipped a 787-8 which is flying from LHR to Houston.

Great news. Starlink is genuinely market leading and a total revolution in onboard wifi.

 

[Ted633]

Apparently BA has launched its Starlink WiFi service today, with the first plane being equipped a 787-8 which is flying from LHR to Houston.

G-ZBJJ. The other 787-8s are planned to be done next, with the rest of the fleet to follow

 

[John R]

G-ZBJJ. The other 787-8s are planned to be done next, with the rest of the fleet to follow

And I gather the 787-8s didn’t have any WiFi, so makes sense to do them first.

 

[camflyer]

Great news. Starlink is genuinely market leading and a total revolution in onboard wifi.

I'm sure I will use it and it will become all part of what people expect but I kind of like being off-line when flying. Business will now be expecting their staff to do a full day's work on long haul flights.

 

[superalbs]

I'm sure I will use it and it will become all part of what people expect but I kind of like being off-line when flying. Business will now be expecting their staff to do a full day's work on long haul flights.

Just as long as nobody is yapping away on phone calls!

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Just as long as nobody is yapping away on phone calls!

Don't book the same flight as Dom Joly...

 

[camflyer]

Just as long as nobody is yapping away on phone calls!

Not just phone calls but video calls too. "Hey look at me, I'm on a plane!" with everyone around you being on different Zoom/Facetime/Teams calls with the DYKWIA aviation influencers live blogging their flights. "This champagne isn't the best vintage!"

Noise cancelling headphones and a eye mask will be essential for the passengers and I dread to think of the effects on the crew.

 

[londonteacher]

Just as long as nobody is yapping away on phone calls!

To be fair BA make announcement saying that it is forbidden to make calls and play sound out loud on their current services with WiFi. Well at least they did on the flight to HND and back.

 

[sh24]

I've been on Qatar flights fitted with Starling and no-one has misbehaved.

 

[Bald Rick]

Not just phone calls but video calls too. "Hey look at me, I'm on a plane!" with everyone around you being on different Zoom/Facetime/Teams calls with the DYKWIA aviation influencers live blogging their flights.

It’s not a new thing. I made a video call to Mrs BR from mid-atlantic 3 years ago. Headphones in, I’m not uncouth.

 

[jumble]

I don't think there are any more narrow bodies due for a while either, and I am fairly sure couple of older planes have had extra major check to allow them to stay for a while, rather than be withdrawn.

Only the A350-1000 are due soon, the 787s will be few years yet (and are virtually a one for one replacement of aging 772s, so not increasing fleet size), and the 777x are heavily delayed and still awaiting certification. BA (IAG group) ordered 18 with 24 options 7 years ago (6 options were exercised last year).

The other option is to try and grab some secondhand aircraft, that are off lease, or surplus at another airline. Cannot be ruled out, even if they need major overhaul or refurb. Wouldn't rule this out if new plane deliveries are subject to further date slippage and backlog.

There are occasional rumours (no evidence) that BA might even take some ex Malaysia A380s and refit them. Guess it will depend if cheap enough then might happen (not that there is any signs of it). However is expected BA will start a mid life refit of their 12 A380s in few months time.

I attended a lecture given by Sean Doyle 2 weeks ago during which he was asked if BA would take on any second hand A380s
He was emphatic that they wont be doing so.
I conclude these rumours can be put to bed

 

[Bill57p9]

Air Canada already offer fast complimentary WiFi on some domestic flights (it was faster than my home VDSL). Again everyone was well behaved - but this is Canada where the culture is pretty easy going.

I have heard multiple airlines prohibiting video and voice calls, yet streaming is permitted over the WiFi (if you're prepared to pay for it). I do wonder whether there is a regulatory thing.

 

[Mojo]

BA seem to have input mass cancellations on short haul routes for May with people on other forums reporting numerous cancellations including making rebookings only to find their rebooked flight cancelled!

The customer comms have been quite poor from BA with no formal explanation however the volume of cancellations (on days where there is quite clearly demand) suggests they know something is up. Perhaps jet fuel supply issues?

 

[zero]

It may not be supply per se, but the increased price of fuel may turn a flight that could have been marginally profitable into one that will be marginally unprofitable.

 

[DM352]

Air Canada already offer fast complimentary WiFi on some domestic flights (it was faster than my home VDSL). Again everyone was well behaved - but this is Canada where the culture is pretty easy going.

I have heard multiple airlines prohibiting video and voice calls, yet streaming is permitted over the WiFi (if you're prepared to pay for it). I do wonder whether there is a regulatory thing.

Air Canada offer free messaging for Aeroplan members. Most people are respectful using it but did have one person who kept their message Ding on for an overnight flight. At that time I was hoping the WIFI would drop out to the same service BA has!

I used to like flying BA but they took off some Canadian routes pre-covid, and looks as if Westjet got the Heathrow ones (was Gatwick). My last BA flight was a 747 8 series I think to Vancouver from Heathrow and was one of the most comfortable trips in economy..

 

[AlterEgo]

Air Canada offer free messaging for Aeroplan members. Most people are respectful using it but did have one person who kept their message Ding on for an overnight flight. At that time I was hoping the WIFI would drop out to the same service BA has!

I used to like flying BA but they took off some Canadian routes pre-covid, and looks as if Westjet got the Heathrow ones (was Gatwick). My last BA flight was a 747 8 series I think to Vancouver from Heathrow and was one of the most comfortable trips in economy..

BA have never operated the 747-8, you'd bave been on an older -400 variant. They were quite comfortable down the back!

 

[DM352]

BA have never operated the 747-8, you'd bave been on an older -400 variant. They were quite comfortable down the back!

Thanks for clarifying. As probably said by others shame they were scrapped during perhaps the worst time of covid uncertainty.

Be nice if BA did Calgary or Edmonton again even if seasonal but get there are challenges with fleet for their current schedules.

 

[317 forever]

BA seem to have input mass cancellations on short haul routes for May with people on other forums reporting numerous cancellations including making rebookings only to find their rebooked flight cancelled!

The customer comms have been quite poor from BA with no formal explanation however the volume of cancellations (on days where there is quite clearly demand) suggests they know something is up. Perhaps jet fuel supply issues?

As I am looking to ride some electric buses from Surrey to Heathrow later this year, I have felt like coming home, to Manchester, using BA.

However, I am so concerned about the likelihood of flights being pulled, including or especially the evening ones, that I am not proceeding with such an idea for now.

 

[telstarbox]

Quick question, is Heathrow - Tbilisi short haul or long haul?

 

[zero]

Quick question, is Heathrow - Tbilisi short haul or long haul?

Operated with short haul aircraft