Interesting article on A380

Idbatterim

just came across this interesting article on the A380...

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2024291896_airbusoutlookxml.html

Giant Airbus A380 finds sales not so big

The A380 has a list price of $400 million, but Airbus has cut prices as much as 50 percent. So far, Airbus has received 318 orders and delivered 138 planes to just 11 airlines — a disappointing tally given forecasts that the plane would be a flagship aircraft for carriers worldwide.
To get a sense of the Airbus A380’s size and ambition, walk up the grand staircase of an Emirates version of the aircraft, go past the showers and the first-class suites, then pass by endless rows in business class to reach the bar at the back of the upper deck
This sleek semicircle, alluringly underlit and fully stocked with pricey spirits like Grey Goose vodka, is undoubtedly one of the defining features of this aircraft, which can hold more than 500 passengers. The plane dwarfs every commercial jet in the skies.

Since it started flying commercially seven years ago, the A380 has caught the imagination of travelers. Its two full-length decks total 6,000 square feet, 50 percent more than the original jumbo jet, the Boeing 747. Its wingspan barely fits inside a football field.
Its four engines take this 560-ton airplane to a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet in less than 15 minutes, a surprisingly smooth ascent for such a bulky plane. Passengers love it because it’s quiet and more reminiscent of a cruise ship than an airplane.

The A380 was also Airbus’ answer to a problematic trend: More and more passengers meant more flights and increasingly congested tarmacs. Airbus figured the future of air travel belonged to big planes flying between major hubs.
“More than simply a big airplane,” one industry analyst wrote when the first A380 was delivered to Singapore Airlines in 2007, “the newest industry flagship will change forever the way the industry operates.”

The prediction hasn’t exactly come true.

Airbus has struggled to sell the planes. Orders have been slow, and not a single buyer has been found in the United States, South America, Africa or India. Only one airline in China has ordered it, and its only customer in Japan has canceled. Even existing customers are paring down orders.
The A380 has a list price of $400 million, but the pressure has forced Airbus to cut prices as much as 50 percent, according to industry analysts. So far, Airbus has received 318 orders and delivered 138 planes to just 11 airlines — a disappointing tally given forecasts that the plane would be a flagship aircraft for carriers worldwide.
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Eponymous

I wonder, given that this is in the Seattle Times, if the author is writing with his audience in mind?

The article seems overly critical of the A380 and its operation. He seems to be comparing apples and oranges in comparing it to the B777.

Idbatterim

Thing is, if you take away that Emirates order, you would be down to 10 airlines and 178 orders!

man98

Of course it has few operators, the plane is simply too expensive. Existing owners have gone above and beyond to ensure this plane is one of the least fuel efficient planes on the market. Some airlines see it as a B744 replacement, which it is not. This means there is imho too much room on board. All plane orders took a hit in the recession, but I'd expect more sales soon. Emirates still have that order for 100 aircraft, right?

Bob24

Eponymous wrote: »

I wonder, given that this is in the Seattle Times, if the author is writing with his audience in mind?

The article seems overly critical of the A380 and its operation. He seems to be comparing apples and oranges in comparing it to the B777.

Definitely - the article is very American biased.

Zonda999

The article is certainly very negative and biased toward American readers. Take the comment by the Delta CEO about state subsidies in it for example, no mention of Lufthansa, BA, Air France and Asiana for example, certainly not state subsidies there.

As well, I would nearly consider the 747-8i an even bigger sales disappointment. I look at aviation forums quite a bit and even though there is plenty of affection for the 747-8i there, no one is genuinely expecting any more big orders for the passenger version I don’t think, with people expecting it to run our production as a freighter, just as the 744 did, but with a hell of a lot less sales overall

That article as well makes very little mention of the A350 which isn’t exactly short of orders and is similar in size to the bigger versions of the 787 which are the more popular anyway

man98

Zonda999 wrote: »

The article is certainly very negative and biased toward American readers. Take the comment by the Delta CEO about state subsidies in it for example, no mention of Lufthansa, BA, Air France and Asiana for example, certainly not state subsidies there.

As well, I would nearly consider the 747-8i an even bigger sales disappointment. I look at aviation forums quite a bit and even though there is plenty of affection for the 747-8i there, no one is genuinely expecting any more big orders for the passenger version I don’t think, with people expecting it to run our production as a freighter, just as the 744 did, but with a hell of a lot less sales overall

That article as well makes very little mention of the A350 which isn’t exactly short of orders and is similar in size to the bigger versions of the 787 which are the more popular anyway

As you say about the B748i, the reign of the Jumbo may be coming to an end. Few sales on the B748i might imply some 747 operators will start flying more A380s. BA, LH and AF all fly aging 744s, as well as A380s. I wouldn't be surprised if A380s replaced them.

Simon Gruber Says

Does anyone other than LH operate the 748i? I've seen the 8F in a few different liveries but only LH for the passenger version.

L1011

Simon Gruber Says wrote: »

Does anyone other than LH operate the 748i? I've seen the 8F in a few different liveries but only LH for the passenger version.

Nobody else has them yet, but Korean, Arik, Air China and Transaero have ordered them. Korean build part of the plane through their engineering division so their hands are slightly forced in to it.

Air China should be getting their first imminently, its built and has flown.

Zonda999

The Air China livery really makes any jet look old!

To be honest I think some of the American press really have a chip in their shoulder when it comes to the A380. I'll look forward to many articles in future about the A350's smooth entry into service compared to the 787

murphaph

To be fair both companies make great planes.

starvin

One problem a lot of carriers are finding is the lack of cargo capacity on a full A380. I can't post a link, but there is a few threads about it on airmech.co.uk. In the BA forum.

pclancy

The 777s and A330s are the real workhorses and money makers for the airlines. All the hype about the A380 and the way it would change air travel for the masses just like the 747 did in the 60s was bull. The airlines still cram them with as many passengers as possible giving crap legroom and seat width and the massive cost of fuelling them means the long range twins will always prove more profitable.

I have been lucky enough to experience the Emirates bar upstairs in the rear (not with my own money), a very nice place to down a few cocktails and snacks whilst flying and you could see how nice flying could be for everyone if this service wasn't just for the rich and famous.