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2003 Airbus A340-600


2003 Airbus A340-600

In the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks, Valiant, as with many airlines struggled immensely. Amongst pay cuts, fear of flying, and questions about the future of the carrier, staff morale plummeted. In an attempt to build confidence and pride in its employees, the carrier planned a celebration of 2003, which it claimed to be its 75th Anniversary (this claim is contested by some historians). Nevertheless, the airline revealed that its 3rd A340-600, flagship of the fleet, would wear (a modified iteration of) Valiant Air Division's 1959 livery. It was the first of several of the carrier's aircraft to receive special liveries in celebration of 75 years. The A340-600 wore both the titles 75 Special and Schooner Endurance but the aircraft is generally referred to by the latter name that fit better with Valiant's standardized fleet names. Whilst none of the carrier's other special 75th anniversary liveries survived more than 5 years, N306VL still wears the retro livery only sans the 75th anniversary logos. The airframe is generally seen most frequently at the Detroit and Dulles hubs but it remains a symbol of the airline's rich history and regularly features in advertisements even though it is nearly 2 decades old. However, Valiant's A340s only lasted this long thanks to 777x delays and the airline seems to have finally decided that the fuel hungry beasts should be replaced even if only temporarily until the 777x is finally delivered. Already, used 777-300ERs and even a used A350 have joined the fleet and some of the A340-600s have been retired. It remains to be seen just how long Schooner Endurance will survive or if the airline plans to paint a new jet in a similar livery and keep alight the torch of its tradition.

[Edit: Past so bright gotta have window shades]



    This is gorgeous!

    Retrojets ftw

     

    Superb!

    Love this!

    This is gorgeous!

    Love this!

    Thank y'all so much!

    Retrojets ftw

     

    Superb!

    Indeed they are!
     

     

    Nice A340 , the tail it's just perfect . 

    Nice A340 , the tail it's just perfect . 

    Thank you so much!