Announcement

**WizzWaveSien** · 15-11-2024, 02:14 PM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

Agree WizzWaveSien,

If UL could do this as a short term fleet upgrade, and long term fleet renewal, UL can start more flights...UL should avoid A320Ns instead they should go with A321Ns since they can use for high density medium haul routes in off-seasons.
My suggestion as follows,

I guess there are no more slots available between Australia and Colombo, if there are UL can increase frequency between SYD, and PER.
Around the year,
DEL, BOM, BLR, HYD, MAA, CCU, AMD, COK, TRV
DAC, KTM, KHI, LHE, MLE, GAN
MEL, SYD, PER
LHR, FRA, CDG, MXP, AMS, OTP
NRT, ICN
BKK, KUL, SIN, CGK, HAN or SGN

Currently there is a surge of Sri Lankans' in Romania, so, need to find the possibility and slots between Bucharest (OTP) Romania...
and missed routes AMS Amsterdam, MXP Milan Malpensa....

A321N can operate OTP-CMB routes without a problem, same goes with CMB-MXP, CMB-FCO and maybe even CMB-ZRH? etc.. UL could pick up A321NX/NYs to begin routes to those destinations, UL could also use the A321 XLR or LR or NEO for that matter on long haul routes where much demand is not needed for a widebody aircraft, such as PVG-CMB, PEK-CMB, ICN-CMB etc.

A321Ns can be used as a replacement for A320's that UL has..

**channa** · 15-11-2024, 03:01 PM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

Agree WizzWaveSien,

If UL could do this as a short term fleet upgrade, and long term fleet renewal, UL can start more flights...UL should avoid A320Ns instead they should go with A321Ns since they can use for high density medium haul routes in off-seasons.
My suggestion as follows,

I guess there are no more slots available between Australia and Colombo, if there are UL can increase frequency between SYD, and PER.
Around the year,
DEL, BOM, BLR, HYD, MAA, CCU, AMD, COK, TRV
DAC, KTM, KHI, LHE, MLE, GAN
MEL, SYD, PER
LHR, FRA, CDG, MXP, AMS, OTP
NRT, ICN
BKK, KUL, SIN, CGK, HAN or SGN

Currently there is a surge of Sri Lankans' in Romania, so, need to find the possibility and slots between Bucharest (OTP) Romania...
and missed routes AMS Amsterdam, MXP Milan Malpensa....

To run above routes efficiently, UL should have at least 35 aircrafts and at least 15 of them has to be long range widebodies.

**n863gt** · 15-11-2024, 03:11 PM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

A321N can operate OTP-CMB routes without a problem, same goes with CMB-MXP, CMB-FCO and maybe even CMB-ZRH? etc.. UL could pick up A321NX/NYs to begin routes to those destinations, UL could also use the A321 XLR or LR or NEO for that matter on long haul routes where much demand is not needed for a widebody aircraft, such as PVG-CMB, PEK-CMB, ICN-CMB etc.

A321Ns can be used as a replacement for A320's that UL has..

UL may keep around some 320s considering they do certain routes such as GAN.
considering that the A321N is more fuel efficient than the A332, I guess it would be viable to go that way,(correct if i'm wrong)
as of A321NX, which would be better- the -251NX, the -252NX or -271NX or the -272NX

also, any updates on the following?
AND
ANE
ANF
ALH
ALM
ALN

**MAW2000** · 15-11-2024, 04:16 PM

Originally posted by n863gt View Post

UL may keep around some 320s considering they do certain routes such as GAN.
considering that the A321N is more fuel efficient than the A332, I guess it would be viable to go that way,(correct if i'm wrong)
as of A321NX, which would be better- the -251NX, the -252NX or -271NX or the -272NX

also, any updates on the following?
AND
ANE
ANF
ALH
ALM
ALN

Doesn't know about ALM, ALN is on weekly maintenance, as I heard, one A21N is near the hangar, one was at Apron Echo.

A321-27#N# is bit dangerous, Better to go with CFMI Leap 1A engine option, and also Better to consider LR version and also Business class configuration with 1-1 full lie flat seats just like Iberia's A321XLR cabins or Air Astana's A321N cabins. It will help UL to maintain long haul routes even in off-seasons instead of A332s, and also to cater short-haul routes instead of using dated A320ceos..

**n863gt** · 15-11-2024, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

Doesn't know about ALM, ALN is on weekly maintenance, as I heard, one A21N is near the hangar, one was at Apron Echo.

A321-27#N# is bit dangerous, Better to go with CFMI Leap 1A engine option, and also Better to consider LR version and also Business class configuration with 1-1 full lie flat seats just like Iberia's A321XLR cabins or Air Astana's A321N cabins. It will help UL to maintain long haul routes even in off-seasons instead of A332s, and also to cater short-haul routes instead of using dated A320ceos..

you're absolutely correct about the problems around the GTF(271/272) since it's still a relatively new design
but then, I also heard of problems around the LEAP as well, specifically in IndiGo's A321Ns.
A321 is the closest you might get to a B757(which is a medium-long haul narrowbody), and I see airlines like EXS replace their 757s with 321NXs
considering that the XLR started delivering in Oct 30th and having a significant backlog, UL might not be able to get their hands on one in the near future, rather by 2030 or later.
or they could go by dry-leasing A321N/LRs from other airlines(if that's economically correct to do and if airlines agree to lease them)
(I still have some questions about A321s serving lower passenger demand routes instead of A320s, or did you mean UL retiring the 320CEO and retain the 320NEO?)

**MAW2000** · 16-11-2024, 05:04 AM

Originally posted by n863gt View Post

you're absolutely correct about the problems around the GTF(271/272) since it's still a relatively new design
but then, I also heard of problems around the LEAP as well, specifically in IndiGo's A321Ns.
A321 is the closest you might get to a B757(which is a medium-long haul narrowbody), and I see airlines like EXS replace their 757s with 321NXs
considering that the XLR started delivering in Oct 30th and having a significant backlog, UL might not be able to get their hands on one in the near future, rather by 2030 or later.
or they could go by dry-leasing A321N/LRs from other airlines(if that's economically correct to do and if airlines agree to lease them)
(I still have some questions about A321s serving lower passenger demand routes instead of A320s, or did you mean UL retiring the 320CEO and retain the 320NEO?)

I was refering of current A320ceo retirement (around 2026-2028) and as a replacement, A321N LR is better option, even the pax number is lower, UL can utilise for Cargo...
However A321N XLR is bit dangerous to operate for UL and not suitable for UL's network, since its a much new aircraft, Design flaws can be there and lease amount is high, Cargo space is not enough (UL does the cargo business and makes profit), Aircraft delivery can be delayed (Backlog is huge),, instead UL should go as i stated earlier in the thread.

For the short term fleet : UL needs to get A330-300s (-343 RR772B powered, less than 12 years old, on 6 year lease) for long and medium haul operations and also with a cabin overhaul (Lie flat seats 1-2-1 for business, 2-4-2 reclining for Economy), and A320-200s(either -214WL or -232WL powered, less than 12 years old, in 6 years lease) with good cabins.

For the long term fleet : UL needs to get (at least 12 jets) A330-900s (-941, with the same cabins, Lie flat seats 1-2-1 for business, 2-4-2 reclining for Economy in total 297pax) and (at least 10 jets) A321neo (s) instead of A320neos ( -251N/NX 12 lie flat business and good seats with Economy). These aircrafts should join with UL by at least 2028.

Final word is What ever the aircraft model, should be easy to get, lower maintenance, bit younger (like 4R-ABT, ABS) and with a good cabin (consistent hard product) ; )

**WizzWaveSien** · 16-11-2024, 11:30 AM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

I was refering of current A320ceo retirement (around 2026-2028) and as a replacement, A321N LR is better option, even the pax number is lower, UL can utilise for Cargo...
However A321N XLR is bit dangerous to operate for UL and not suitable for UL's network, since its a much new aircraft, Design flaws can be there and lease amount is high, Cargo space is not enough (UL does the cargo business and makes profit), Aircraft delivery can be delayed (Backlog is huge),, instead UL should go as i stated earlier in the thread.

For the short term fleet : UL needs to get A330-300s (-343 RR772B powered, less than 12 years old, on 6 year lease) for long and medium haul operations and also with a cabin overhaul (Lie flat seats 1-2-1 for business, 2-4-2 reclining for Economy), and A320-200s(either -214WL or -232WL powered, less than 12 years old, in 6 years lease) with good cabins.

For the long term fleet : UL needs to get (at least 12 jets) A330-900s (-941, with the same cabins, Lie flat seats 1-2-1 for business, 2-4-2 reclining for Economy in total 297pax) and (at least 10 jets) A321neo (s) instead of A320neos ( -251N/NX 12 lie flat business and good seats with Economy). These aircrafts should join with UL by at least 2028.

Final word is What ever the aircraft model, should be easy to get, lower maintenance, bit younger (like 4R-ABT, ABS) and with a good cabin (consistent hard product) ; )

Do you think that if UL would hypothetically pick up an A350 (ULR or Normal) that they would be able to expand their operations to North America? such as YYZ, JFK, YUL etc? I don't think the A339 is sufficient to serve those routes (due to the limited range). Correct me If I am wrong but pilots who fly the A330 family can easily transition to the A350s, but the issue comes with maintenance such as high costs and more training (like you said).

I think UL's older jets will be going through a cabin refurbishment (eventually) after the restructure begins soon.. But will have to wait and see.

**n863gt** · 16-11-2024, 12:58 PM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

Do you think that if UL would hypothetically pick up an A350 (ULR or Normal) that they would be able to expand their operations to North America? such as YYZ, JFK, YUL etc? I don't think the A339 is sufficient to serve those routes (due to the limited range). Correct me If I am wrong but pilots who fly the A330 family can easily transition to the A350s, but the issue comes with maintenance such as high costs and more training (like you said).

I think UL's older jets will be going through a cabin refurbishment (eventually) after the restructure begins soon.. But will have to wait and see.

a330 pilots can do difference training to fly an a350 because cockpits are 'similar'. difference training takes less than a week as I've heard.
but the maintenance crew might need to be specially trained to maintain these new types(//correct if im wrong)
this is possible to pull off. and if they do, it will get demand because currently to get to these destinations you said, there are around 2-3 connections.
for example when flying to YYZ,
CMB->MAA->CDG->YYZ or CMB-DXB-YYZ

**banuthev** · 16-11-2024, 12:58 PM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

Do you think that if UL would hypothetically pick up an A350 (ULR or Normal) that they would be able to expand their operations to North America? such as YYZ, JFK, YUL etc? I don't think the A339 is sufficient to serve those routes (due to the limited range). Correct me If I am wrong but pilots who fly the A330 family can easily transition to the A350s, but the issue comes with maintenance such as high costs and more training (like you said).

I think UL's older jets will be going through a cabin refurbishment (eventually) after the restructure begins soon.. But will have to wait and see.

If UL fly to North America and Central Asia which flight number will they use?

As far as i know UL number being used as below

UL 1## - South Asia
UL 2## - Gulf
UL 3## - South East Asia (excl Thailand)
UL 4## - East Asia (excl China) (inc Thailand)
UL 5## - Europe
UL 6## - Australasia
UL 7## - Africa
UL 8## - China and Hong Kong
UL 9## - ?

**MAW2000** · 16-11-2024, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

Do you think that if UL would hypothetically pick up an A350 (ULR or Normal) that they would be able to expand their operations to North America? such as YYZ, JFK, YUL etc? I don't think the A339 is sufficient to serve those routes (due to the limited range). Correct me If I am wrong but pilots who fly the A330 family can easily transition to the A350s, but the issue comes with maintenance such as high costs and more training (like you said).

I think UL's older jets will be going through a cabin refurbishment (eventually) after the restructure begins soon.. But will have to wait and see.

This is an interesting conversation noh? isnt it? : )

UL should go forward with A350s (ULR or normal) once UL got financial stability (This can be happen after 2028/29), but before that UL should start fleet renewal at least by 2026 for the entire fleet, for that UL cannot go with A350s, since the aircraft is totally different from A330s, its a clean sheet design, engineering team must be overhauled, need new tech equipment, crew training (this is a significant cost, UL cannot bear this at this situation)

With the current route network and traffic operating such long flight to North America is not feasible and not profitable (There can be enough pax/load, but not feasible and not profitable with A350 ULRs, If this A350ULR is really good, most of airlines in this world operate this aircraft, only few airlines are operating this and those flights are also lower in terms of frequency.)

According to my opinion, instead UL should focus about Europe, Australia, East Asia (China/Japan/Korea/HongKong) if UL wants to make BIA a regional mini hub (Like DXB/ SIN).

**MAW2000** · 16-11-2024, 03:10 PM

Originally posted by banuthev View Post

If UL fly to North America and Central Asia which flight number will they use?

As far as i know UL number being used as below

UL 1## - South Asia
UL 2## - Gulf
UL 3## - South East Asia (excl Thailand)
UL 4## - East Asia (excl China) (inc Thailand)
UL 5## - Europe
UL 6## - Australasia
UL 7## - Africa
UL 8## - China and Hong Kong
UL 9## - ?

Hi Banu and WizzWaveSien

UL should do a feasibility study on Central Asia market, As far as I know there are only two or one major operators in international network.

But always for a passenger traffic between two cities, there should be a reason to fly, That means, There should be cultural or economical or defence or educational ties between two countries (without transit pax traffic). Without these things, UL cannot fly to a new destination.
(Examples : CMB ICN flights - for people who go there for work on gov to gov deal basis)

**n863gt** · 16-11-2024, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

This is an interesting conversation noh? isnt it? : )

UL should go forward with A350s (ULR or normal) once UL got financial stability (This can be happen after 2028/29), but before that UL should start fleet renewal at least by 2026 for the entire fleet, for that UL cannot go with A350s, since the aircraft is totally different from A330s, its a clean sheet design, engineering team must be overhauled, need new tech equipment, crew training (this is a significant cost, UL cannot bear this at this situation)

With the current route network and traffic operating such long flight to North America is not feasible and not profitable (There can be enough pax/load, but not feasible and not profitable with A350 ULRs, If this A350ULR is really good, most of airlines in this world operate this aircraft, only few airlines are operating this and those flights are also lower in terms of frequency.)

According to my opinion, instead UL should focus about Europe, Australia, East Asia (China/Japan/Korea/HongKong) if UL wants to make BIA a regional mini hub (Like DXB/ SIN).

in terms of the ULR, I think only SQ have them(7 aircraft). I think CMB also needs to increase their maintenance areas as well.
this conversation about UL having A350s has escalated more that I actually anticipated,
According to you then, UL should be doing their fleet renewal with A339s and A21NXs(-253)

The GE is over, and it might be sooner that UL might restructure itself.

**n863gt** · 16-11-2024, 03:50 PM

flash question: are ABS and ALT getting special c/s because -ABT is in UL c/s
also, updates on the aircraft that are in maintenance? What is keeping the A21Ns(-AND, -ANE and -ANF) from flying?(I suspect engine issues but I may be wrong)
And then, we have the 727 that's outside the 747 hangar(TU-TAB). what's its fate and why is it sitting derelict outside the 747 hangar?

PS- I'm new to this and still learning things

**channa** · 16-11-2024, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by n863gt View Post

a330 pilots can do difference training to fly an a350 because cockpits are 'similar'. difference training takes less than a week as I've heard.
but the maintenance crew might need to be specially trained to maintain these new types(//correct if im wrong)
this is possible to pull off. and if they do, it will get demand because currently to get to these destinations you said, there are around 2-3 connections.
for example when flying to YYZ,
CMB->MAA->CDG->YYZ or CMB-DXB-YYZ

CMB->MAA->CDG->YYZ or CMB-DXB-YYZ not going to happen for ever.
if it happens it may be via an European city like FRA, ZRH , CDG with fifth freedom rights only, But i do not see if for a fore-see-a-ble future

**n863gt** · 2024-11-16T21:09:17

Originally posted by channa View Post

CMB->MAA->CDG->YYZ or CMB-DXB-YYZ not going to happen for ever.
if it happens it may be via an European city like FRA, ZRH , CDG with fifth freedom rights only, But i do not see if for a fore-see-a-ble future

this actually did happen.

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