Bloomberg: Used A380 Superjumbos Threaten Airbus’s Drive for Sales
Jun 8, 2015, 12:01 am
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Bloomberg: Used A380 Superjumbos Threaten Airbus’s Drive for Sales
Airbus Group SE is set to face a fresh challenge in reviving sales of its flagship A380 superjumbo as used aircraft hit the market.
Malaysia Airlines Bhd. said June 2 it would like to dispose of two of its six A380s, deliveries of which began three years ago, while two built for failed carrier Skymark Airlines Inc. are seeking new owners. Thai Airways International PCL could also attempt to sell some of its six planes, all of them less than three years old, people familiar with the situation said.
Malaysia Airlines Bhd. said June 2 it would like to dispose of two of its six A380s, deliveries of which began three years ago, while two built for failed carrier Skymark Airlines Inc. are seeking new owners. Thai Airways International PCL could also attempt to sell some of its six planes, all of them less than three years old, people familiar with the situation said.
Airbus hasn't received a new order for this aircraft in 3 years. Is the end near for the production line?
Jun 8, 2015, 1:40 am
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There is a very small market for these aircraft, so I wonder what sort of price they will get for them.
There are rumors about an upgraded A380 which Emirates have requested.
There are rumors about an upgraded A380 which Emirates have requested.
Jun 8, 2015, 1:47 am
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Upgraded in terms of an even bigger aircraft with more seats, or just an aircraft with more amenities?
Jun 8, 2015, 1:53 am
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Enhanced engine (which I assume means more economical), rearranged seating to provide more seats in Y. I assume they can make further weight saving improvements as well.
Amenities are normally down to the airline.
Jun 8, 2015, 2:34 pm
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Who's the FTer that says he only ever flies on the a380 to go anywhere, otherwise he won't go? (I swear I recall reading this somewhere here)... I guess his travel options are going to start dwindling soon 
Jun 9, 2015, 2:02 pm
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The current backlog is a little over three years of production, so end can't be that near.
Boeing recieved only 2 orders for 747-8 last year, so I guess both manufacturers overestimated the market. IIRC, Airbus said the A380 "was launched a decade too early" - they anticipated airport congestion would force operators to go for larger aircraft to meet demand without new slots. I guess it hasn't happened yet.
Boeing recieved only 2 orders for 747-8 last year, so I guess both manufacturers overestimated the market. IIRC, Airbus said the A380 "was launched a decade too early" - they anticipated airport congestion would force operators to go for larger aircraft to meet demand without new slots. I guess it hasn't happened yet.
Jun 9, 2015, 2:39 pm
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Boeing invested in the upgrades that made 748i because the Air Forces needs to replace their two old VC25-A's. Also as the air-cargo market rebounds more orders will come in. Airbus started with a white sheet of paper, and missed. That is not the same thing.
Jun 9, 2015, 11:24 pm
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I agree they are different situations.
But I think both estimated the market for VLA to be fairly large. Boeing estimated around 700 aircraft, Airbus 1200 IIRC. In that respect it seems that both did overestimations or that something fundamental has changed.
But I think both estimated the market for VLA to be fairly large. Boeing estimated around 700 aircraft, Airbus 1200 IIRC. In that respect it seems that both did overestimations or that something fundamental has changed.