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AIRCRAFT |
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Boeing 747-200’s success made VARIG order more two B747. However, this time for 300 version, with lengthened upper deck and cargo-passenger convertible. The first Boeing 747-341C, PP-VNH, arrived on December 10, 1985 and the second, PP-VNI, on December 19. These were B747-300C model, cargo-passenger convertibles. They carried only 265 passengers, as the rear of the cabin was configured to carry cargo.
After observing an increase in demand, VARIG ordered more three units, this time full passenger version. The first, PP-VOA, arrived on April 30, 1988, followed by PP-VOB on May, 13 and PP-VOC on May, 27. VARIG also incorporated a Boeing 747-300 simulator for its Training Center. VARIG configured these units with 399 passengers in three classes.
During 80s and 90s, VARIG’s Boeing 747 perform daily flights to all continents, boasting the Brazilian flag on their fuselages. VARIG operated 11 Jumbos simultaneously at that time. Some of the routes served by Boeing 747-300 were between São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Buenos Aires, Lima, Miami, New York, Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, Milan, London, Copenhagen, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Nagoya.
In 1996, PP-VNH, was chosen to be the first aircraft to receive
VARIG’s new visual identity.
After thirteen years of service, VARIG decided to retire all Boeing
747-300 in 1998. They remained disabled in the hangar until they
were sold. PP-VOA, PP-VOB and PP-VOC were returned to the lessor in
January 2000. PP-VNH and PP-VNI were converted to freighter and sold
to Atlas Air in May and August 2000.
VARIG Boeing 747-300 Configurations:
80s
First Class: 16 seats (2 + 2 seats per row)
Business Class: 31 seats on the 1st floor (2+3+2 seats per
row) and 34 seats on the 2nd floor (2+2 seats per row)
Economy Class: 184 seats in 300C version and 318 seats in
300B version (3+4+3 seats per row)
TOTAL: 265 in version 300C and 399 in version 300B
90s
First Class: 12 seats (2 + 2 seats per row)
Business Class: 31 seats on the 1st floor (2+3+2 seats per
row) and 30 seats on the 2nd floor (2+2 seats per row)
Economy Class: 188 seats in 300C version and 318 seats in
300B version (3+4+3 seats per row)
TOTAL: 261 in version 300C and 391 in version 300B
90s - new seats
First Class: 26 seats (2+2 seats per row)
Business Class: 64 seats (2+3+2 seats per row)
Economy Class: 184 seats in 300C e 318 seats in 300B (3+4+3 seats per row)
TOTAL: 274 in 300C and 408 in 300B
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