Originally Posted by batman
Contrary to previous post, I think United will be the only US customer for the A380. United is the only carrier with major hub operation out of slot restricted LHR AND NRT. As traffic picks up those slots will became even more valuable and thats why the A380 as a 747 replacement.
I just cannot see UA ordering the A380 in the near or even distant future. NRT has no plan to renovate the runways and terminals to meet the A380 requirements. Unless the Japanese carriers order the A380, no A380 are likely to land in NRT in the near future. In addition, I have not heard any US airports finalize plans to renovate to meet the requirements of A380.
Regarding LHR, I cannot see it either, as there is too much risk just ordering A380 for flights into LHR.
I do agree with other posters on the potential orders for 7e7s, 772-LR and 773-ER, if UA is in a sound financial condition to do so in the future.