Emirates A380 into Dublin?

I spent a number of years working airside at Dublin, so the following is not based on anything other than experience.

DAA are not exactly renowned for being proactive. How long ago were questions about the possible implications of A380's at Dublin being discussed on the board here, and the conclusion at the time was that while it was theoretically possible, there were a number of issues that would make the operation less than optimum. DAA have only just got round to sorting out the logistical issues of A380's like planning with Fingal CC.

Ground handling for a 380 is going to need some very specific and specialised equipment that may not be available at the moment, even though there are other wide body types being handled. Swissport may by now have push back tugs that will be capable of dealing with the 380, I hope they have, at one time, there was only one tug on the airfield that was capable of properly dealing with very large aircraft that needed push back from certain stands, it was a big monster of a thing that Aer Lingus had, twin engine, and it was the only tug capable of moving (for example) the big Antonov's from the old Cargo stands at the eastern end of the apron, due to the gradient and sharp turn required to get them pointing the right way.

Training used to be a major problem. The handlers had instructions on how to operate their equipment, but when it came to how to interface with a specific aircraft type, they had nothing, and if a diversion happened and a type that wasn't common came in, there were times when the only answer was to ask the aircraft commander, which was sometimes not easy, depending on the nationality and the nature of the inquiry, some crews are only "ATC proficient" in English, and anything beyond that can sometimes be a problem. Try asking a captain how much water has to be loaded into the toilet system after emptying, there are times when they don't actually know, and the information may not be in the QRH, as it's not normally a crew matter.

Then there's the issue of actually getting the equipment, I'd be prepared to put money on the issue that getting things like high loaders for the A380 may not be as easy as ordering off the shelf, given how many places they are starting to appear at.

In theory, (which is always a dangerous thing), a high loader that can deal with a 777 should be capable of dealing with a 380, but I can't be categoric on that, I don't have access to the up to date technical specifications.

Then there are issues with things like steps for the rear doors, which are often needed to facilitate cleaning, and even issues like the capability of de ice rigs to reach all the areas of the aircraft that need treating, and training people on the critical areas to NOT spray de ice fluid in to. Then there are other issues, like toilet and water servicing, the trucks have to be capable of reaching the access ports, among other issues. The 380 needs a LOT more ground power than other types, 4 x 90Kva, and in the event of an APU being unservicable, I suspect that at least 2 very large air start units would be needed, it used to be a major issue with even things like the 757 on occasions, and an airstart on stand with an A300 was not fun!

Engineers have to be trained, for turnround, and line spares like tyres have to be available, as well as any other maintenance items.

Then there's things like catering, in terms of making sure that there are enough galley carts on station, along with consumables needed for catering, while the menus may be the same on each airline, the specifics of how the carts are loaded, and where, all have to be arranged.

So, getting everything into place for 380 operations into Dublin is not going to happen overnight, and you may be sure that if it was about to happen any time soon, there would be evidence in terms of the preparations for it. For sure, quite a few people would know what is happening, and when.