What date in 2017 [now 2018] will the last E190 VA flight be?

[Melburnian1]

VA announced the complete withdrawal of its E190 fleet.

These aircraft are comfortable to travel in.

What date in 2019 (even just a month) is the last flight likely to be? Is there a chance of their retirement being brought forward if trading conditions turn even uglier (oil price goes up, passenger demand drops further, VA shareholders demand quicker action to stem losses...

Will VA (or keen AFF members) give some notice about the 'last flight?'

I assume that these aircraft will have sufficient remaining value to be sold to perhaps an operator in Africa, South America or southeast Asia.

 

[Bundy Bear]

I am sure an AFF member or 2 might have an idea of when they are withdrawn from service but I don't think they will post the answer.

I had heard somewhere that the cost to operate them was almost the same as a 737-800

Like you I think they are comfortable to fly in and fast, flew in one over the weekend and thought it might be my last flight on a VA E190, but when you said 2019 I am sure there will be a few more flights to come.

 

[pauly7]

They've been an unmitigated disastrous experiment for VA so I wouldn't be surprised if they are ejected earlier than expected!

 

[Melburnian1]

They've been an unmitigated disastrous experiment for VA so I wouldn't be surprised if they are ejected earlier than expected!

pauly7, is this due to high operating costs or the need to train flight (and cabin) crew on them, or some other reason such as a small fleet that is expensive to maintain per seat kilometre?

Just out of interest, where is their hangar (i.e. longer than just a day) maintenance undertaken? SIN?

I and perhaps other AFFers would really appreciate it if anyone hears about a final flight date to let us know.

 

[oz_mark]

VA announced the complete withdrawal of its E190 fleet.

These aircraft are comfortable to travel in.

What date in 2019 (even just a month) is the last flight likely to be? Is there a chance of their retirement being brought forward if trading conditions turn even uglier (oil price goes up, passenger demand drops further, VA shareholders demand quicker action to stem losses...

How about the year!

Fleet restructuring well advanced:



Letter of Intent signed to sell six remaining owned Embraer 190 aircraft

Alll Embraer 190 flying to cease by the end of the 2017 calendar year

They are leaving at the rate of 1 every 6-8 weeks over this year.

 

[Pleb Status]

According to the VA H1 FY17 results released on 17 Feb, E90 flying will finish by the end of 2017.

Edit: Two minutes too late..

 

[deva22]

pauly7, is this due to high operating costs or the need to train flight (and cabin) crew on them, or some other reason such as a small fleet that is expensive to maintain per seat kilometre?

Just out of interest, where is their hangar (i.e. longer than just a day) maintenance undertaken? SIN?

I and perhaps other AFFers would really appreciate it if anyone hears about a final flight date to let us know.

A good mate of mine is an AME for VA. They are ferrying them to the USA for deeper level maintenance.

 

[Bagpuss]

They should exit by end of this year. However, if you look at booking between Sydney and Canberra in 2018 you will see them scheduled.

A flight I had booked on 30th December (early xmas planning) has switched from a B737-800 to an E190. So fingers crossed it stays as an E190

 

[OrangeRoughie]

I asked someone who should be in the know and they have been advised that they are planning on having them out of operation by October this year. The 737 Max's are to enter service in 2019.

 

[samh004]

Despite not being a VA flyer, I wouldn't mind catching the last scheduled service if they make a big deal of it (or even a little one) like QF did with the last 737-400 and 767.

 

[Luke B]

Despite not being a VA flyer, I wouldn't mind catching the last scheduled service if they make a big deal of it (or even a little one) like QF did with the last 737-400 and 767.

I think there will be quite a few of us in the same boat.

 

[Bagpuss]

I was at Sydney airport yesterday and a E190 pulled in operating VA625. It also got the attention of the staff at the gate I was waiting at. I overheard one say to the other that they had heard there was on 1 E190 left in the fleet. Though all seemed surprised it was operating.
Was still in VA colours so it's not as if it had been pulled out of retirement.
Here's the tracking of the aircraft Flightradar24.com - Live flight tracker!
Though, there still appears to be another one still operating very rarely Flightradar24.com - Live flight tracker!

 

[Rubix]

Good little planes. Last flew one BNE-MKY around May this year. Loved the 2x2 configuration. Looking forward to the 737 MAX.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I had one just a few weeks ago, BNE-CNS. It was a nice flashback but it was looking decidedly grubby. Possibly my last VA E190 flight.

 

[henleybeach]

Good little planes. Last flew one BNE-MKY around May this year. Loved the 2x2 configuration. Looking forward to the 737 MAX.

My favourite plane , used to love them on the ADL-PER runs . Comfy seats and a great “couples plane”

 

[737NG]

The last 2 are to be withdrawn at the end of January 2018 at this stage.

 

[Cryptarcadian]

I'd love to have the chance to fly them once last time! Any idea if VA will bother with any fanfare for the final?

Missed out on two E190 flights this year due to cancellation/rescheduling... I've probably already flown my last one!

 

[Rubix]

I'd love to have the chance to fly them once last time! Any idea if VA will bother with any fanfare for the final?

Missed out on two E190 flights this year due to cancellation/rescheduling... I've probably already flown my last one!

SYD>CBR or CBR>SYD???

 

[adampenrith]

SYD>CBR or CBR>SYD???

As a pax I find the E190 the best plane in the fleet for domestic travel. Spacious and comfortable seats. Be sad to see them go and if I had the chance I would travel on the final service. Friends of mine who are cabin crew - mixed feelings - one hates them with a passion, another loves them

 

[samas]

My favourite plane , used to love them on the ADL-PER runs . Comfy seats and a great “couples plane”

Agreed - now many of the ADL <-> PER are Fokker