Comments on: Why the Airbus A380 Will Be a Flop

By: David Nehme

David Nehme — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:42:40 +0000

It’s actually even worse for the A380. Per available seat mile, it’s less fuel efficient than the 787. That is, even if you could get the same load factors with the much larger plane, you would still have higher fuel costs per passenger. I have the analysis on my blog. The delays are costly for both Boeing, Airbus and Boeing’s customers. The A380 customers might be happy with the delay right now.

By: Farzand

Farzand — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:26:50 +0000

While we sit here in North America crying grapes are sour singapore airlines takes the fourth 380 and starting may 20 th the tokyo flight. If we guys out here are so smart then how come our airlines american airlines delta north west ( all bankrupt) and that the profitablle airlines are singapore airline and emirates who have quaterly profit of over a billion US dooar even with the gas price up. We are the fools and not airbus or the asian airlines who bought the airbus well in advance while we are still flying the old crap MD 9

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 10 May 2008 17:34:58 +0000

There are issues with the A380 being over engineered (for the stretch version) and with launch airlines being allowed to customise the early production planes too much slowing production, but there is a need for mass air transport, reducing the number of flights between hubs and to give economies of scale not just in the air but on the ground as well.

By: bluewaveted

bluewaveted — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:45:48 +0000

I agree with all this. Efficiency is the most important thing now, so focusing on small twin-jet planes should be an obvious choice. Only time will tell if Airbus will become successful.

By: webzealot

webzealot — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:53:55 +0000

Sure, there are a handful of high density routes in Asia and the Pacific rim that can support the plane. It will certainly find a niche. But not enough for 500 planes, much less 1000+. SQ might be able to make money for awhile until the novelty wears off… Then what?

By: jos

jos — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:28:45 +0000

on the other hand, they have to built new, better airlines for the industry to improve.
i’ve taken the SQ Airbus and it was really good though I think they are earning more money by having more business class seats