But it should be remembered that we are just coming out of on of the deepest recessions seen in a generation in Europe.

Load factors may not in the recent past sustained a 744, and margin will be tighter than would be the case during a boom.

While the economics of a 777-300ER may stack up now, in three years, on routes where you cannot add additional daily frequencies, as 380 might be the right option if you can fill it to the rafters and maintain or increase margins vs. a 777-300.

We've had the luxury of using airlines which aren't at capacity for the past five years or so, reflected either in emptier terminals and aircraft or cheaper prices/lower margins to fill the seats plus plenty of upgrades (Christmas fare sales, anyone..?!).

That will change as the economy picks up and it's an important factor in any airline's (or is it airlines'?) planning.

BA has timed its A380/A350 delivery well in terms of taking advantage of the economic recovery; having all that spare capacity dumped on it prior to the recession would have been challenging.