http://www.centreforaviation.com/new...-and-sia/page1
This link goes to a business model of SIA vs CX.
There was a small hint of John Slosar saying that the A380 is not CXs' choice of aircraft at the moment, does this leave the 747-8 for CX at the moment? Is the A380-900 still on the plate?
Mr Slosar hints of more orders, saying “we may not be finished yet”. But he insists that for now Cathay has decided not to follow SIA in acquiring A380s.Cathay to rethink A380s and 747-8s
In recent years Cathay has conducted several studies of new jumbo jets, including the A380 and B747-8, but Mr Slosar says Cathay prefers to stick with twin-engine widebody aircraft because it “really wants to offer a good schedule”. He cites specifically two of Cathay’s biggest markets, Hong Kong and Sydney, where the carrier now offers four daily flights and says Cathay’s schedule really helps its premium business as its frequent flyers know there is always a flight when they need one.
Looming capacity constraints at Hong Kong, however, could persuade Cathay to re-evaluate its requirement for widebody aircraft over the next few years. Hong Kong International Airport is now projected to reach capacity within the next seven to nine years. Community discussion of a third runway will begin this year. If the airport does not get the green light to construct the third runway, Cathay would need larger capacity aircraft to better utilise its existing slots. Mr Slosar acknowledges that in a couple of years Cathay will have “another look at the 747-8s and A380s”.
The 747-8 does kinda make sense for CX, its' cargo ratio is greater than the A380, the amount of fuel it uses is less than the A380 and the queue for the A380 is far greater and longer than the 747-8 order line; if they order soon they could recieve the 747-8 faster than waiting for a A380.
However if the proposed 3rd runway at HKIA is rejected would CX consider capcity over frequency, due to the fact that flight slots and space at the airport would be limited.
If the 3rd runway does happen would CX keep on choosing the 777-300ERs over the 747-8? Only time would tell.