A345 seating changes?

[zvezda]

If I remember correctly, the B787 is supposed to be a mid- to long-haul aircraft, with the Airbus A350 as a competitor? Is it supposed to an ultra-long-haul jet like the A345 and B772LR? I hope I've not gotten my facts wrong?

The 787-9 is nearly exactly the same size as the A340-500 and optimistic expectations are that the former will approximately match the latter in payload/range performance, but at much lower cost. It is likely that the 787-9 will offer satisfactory, though not ideal, payload/range performance for SQ on the LAX-SIN and EWR-SIN routes. As with the A340-500, cargo capacity west-bound will be very limited.

[EWR]

Hmmm this is surprising given that the A345s will be replaced very soon. Then again, the expense of doing the cabin retrofitting will be more than offset by the possible returns from the all-Business seats. One thing I wonder though: I know there are always long waiting lists for J seats, but does this justify converting the entire aircraft to J? I thought retaining some Economy seats might be the better way to go.

How are these flights doing now, going all business class. Would it have made more sense now to keep maybe a small cabin of economy seats given the situation today?

[dttj0069]

How are these flights doing now, going all business class. Would it have made more sense now to keep maybe a small cabin of economy seats given the situation today?

i've heard from some airline industry people that the loads are poor ... often less than 50% full. anyone can verify?

[kkjay77]

i've heard from some airline industry people that the loads are poor ... often less than 50% full. anyone can verify?

Probably true as these flights are on sale.
IIRC, LAX-SIN nonstop is $5,500~$6,000.

[andySYD]

Last time I checked with my TA, all-business class flights still carry around $1500 premium to the normal one. Has this changed?

[N_Architect]

i've heard from some airline industry people that the loads are poor ... often less than 50% full. anyone can verify?

I can't remember where exactly (meaning which thread) and when (approx couple of weeks to a month ago) but one reported that there was a LAX-SIN flight one day with 13 pax and 14 crew... So yes, loads are low.

[concept|infinit]

I can't remember where exactly (meaning which thread) and when (approx couple of weeks to a month ago) but one reported that there was a LAX-SIN flight one day with 13 pax and 14 crew... So yes, loads are low.

Yes, I came across that too here recently. If memory serves me right that was before the holiday season though.

Has anyone been on one of those flights in these last two months?

[Kyo]

How are these flights doing now, going all business class. Would it have made more sense now to keep maybe a small cabin of economy seats given the situation today?

According to a green kebaya I spoke to not 10 days ago who plies the SIN-LAX route frequently, numbers did drop quite a bit.