United 777

[Kieran Wells]

Rumor has it United will change the 744 that operates SFO-SYD to a 777. No date at the moment. Obviously being done either for the global downturn and the increased competition on USA - AUS routes.

[Sarah C]

I think that rumour has merit as United are advertising a position for an engineer who is qualified for both 747 and 777. Interesting if it is true - surely the loads would enough to keep a 747?

[lloyd fox]

Yes i will get all the details when i get home but aircraft then continues onto MEL.

Cheers Lloyd

[Steve Jones]

Am I right in thinking the 777s have personal IFE in Y class? That would be enough for me to go to the 777 service over the 744 on a 14 hour flight to the US!

[Sam Chui]

Am not sure the PW engined 777 can do the westbound SFO-SYD. But given the current economic conditions, most airline are trimming their 747 operation and replacing with something less costly. (e.g. JAL 747 to 777, 1 BA 747 to 777 etc) it is harder and harder to fly on a 747 now (apart from Qantas)

Steve, yes the 777 have 9 channels PTV, but it is not AVOD , just a loop program run on tapes. Their fleet of 52 777 haven't even been fitted with new F/C (due completion 2010) although half of the 744 fleet is fitted now with new F/C seats and running on SYD-SFO routes regularly.

[Marty H]

Originally Posted by Sarah C

I think that rumour has merit as United are advertising a position for an engineer who is qualified for both 747 and 777. Interesting if it is true - surely the loads would enough to keep a 747?

Sarah B747's are becoming less viable to operate, airlines are either converting them to freighters or parking them.

[NickN]

On a well configured 777 what is the difference in pax numbers in all classes compared to a 747?

[lloyd fox]

Sam howdy, i am not sure either but time will tell.However this is the planned operation.

UA863 eff tue 31mar arr 0725 from SFO out at 0905 to MEL.Flight no change in SYD
UA840 EFFtue 31mar arr 1345 from MEL out at 1530 to SFO-flight no change in SYD

From 5 apr all flights change by 1 hour.

[Marty H]

Originally Posted by NickN

On a well configured 777 what is the difference in pax numbers in all classes compared to a 747?

Maybe 30-40 seats which if they arent filling on a B744 arent going to be missed anyway, the B747 will be confined to a freight dog's B77W B77LR and A380's will rule the international skies.

[NickN]

For the sacrifice of 30-40 seats the 777 is a no brainer!