Virgin atlantic to upgrade their 747s ?

[Keith]

I'm sure I read or heard somewhere that virgin were going to revamp their 747 fleet this year?

Anyone know more about this? I always like the 747s but they really are starting to look a bit worse for wear now :/

[Deafjeff]

Ooooh when will that take place anyone know?


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[Wendy]

Barbarella is already in service at Gatwick, she has been to Barbados, Orlando and Vegas so far.

I think it will be 50/50 if we are lucky enough to get one of the new planes.

The way I understand it is that this year, G-VROY, G-VROS, G-VGAL, G-VLIP, G-VAST & G-VXLG will all be upgraded. The way it's being done is that now Barbarella is back another one has gone to Hong Kong for the refit.

PE and Economy have been upgraded with new seats, the whole plane has new carpets and has had a complete refurbishment.

The UC cabin still has the old suite but it has been cleaned and put back, it is sad that they couldn't have put in the new UC suite though.

There is also a brand new entertainment system, and new lighting

The new seating configuration on the refurbished 747 is here.

I can see a lot of unhappy PE customers, they have moved economy up into the bubble so that it is split 50/50, with PE down the front which means that the cabin won't be secluded as it was before as Economy passengers will have to go forward to use the toilets.

Also the PE exit seats that everyone loves are now economy seats

This link shows the work carried out in Hong Kong.

Here is a video of the refurbished plane

[Keith]

Barbarella is already in service at Gatwick, she has been to Barbados, Orlando and Vegas so far.

yep and G-VAST (Ladybird) is being done now apparently

The way I understand it is that this year, G-VROY, G-VROS, G-VGAL, G-VLIP, G-VAST & G-VXLG will all be upgraded. The way it's being done is that now Barbarella is back another one has gone to Hong Kong for the refit.

G-VROM (Barbarella) - Complete
G-VAST (Ladybird) - In Progress
G-VROS (English Rose)
G-VGAL (Jersey Girl)
G-VLIP (Hot Lips)
G-VROY (Pretty Woman)
G-VXLG (Ruby Tuesday)
G-VTOP will not be refitted, at it is leaving the fleet late 2012 / early 2013.

I can see a lot of unhappy PE customers, they have moved economy up into the bubble so that it is split 50/50, with PE down the front which means that the cabin won't be secluded as it was before as Economy passengers will have to go forward to use the toilets.

yeah that depresses me a little. The BEST thing about PE was being upstairs in the bubble without being disturbed by others.


I like the 747s I think the makeovers are MUCH needed. We're flying on the A330s in december though.

I do wish they'd add full internet though. I know it's controversial to some but I'd love that

[Deafjeff]

How do I know if our plane would be one of them?


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[Keith]

How do I know if our plane would be one of them?

Well you'll already know in theory if your plane is a 747 or an a330 ?

If it's a 747 then you wont know which one of those it is until much closer to your flight and then you'll need to hope it's one that's been upgraded in time.

In short, nothing you can do now you'll have to wait till much closer to the time

[Deafjeff]

Our plane is the 747


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[Keith]

Our plane is the 747

ok so then basically it's just a matter of operationally which plane you'll get that day and whether thats one thats been upgraded or not.

Up to now, there's only one out of seven upgraded, so it's a 1/7 chance but as time goes on, more will be done so your chances are better all the time

[Deafjeff]

Thanks


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[Wendy]

The seating plan for the refitted 747s is here

I'm hoping we will have a refitted 747 in September or if not when we come home in October.