Originally Posted by
Flying Doctor
Interesting this has all been signed off. I still have my doubts.... I think if the 777X comes through by early 2025 then these A380's will be pensioned off.... Barring a very small number of routes such as JNB they are really hard for BA to fill - J (and hence by default F) are usually fairly full but Y in particular is just too large at 297 seats. Even with 97 CS which will take out a bit of Y the number of Y seats is still very high and other airlines have said they struggle too.... The only airline that thinks the A380 isn't big enough is EK but they are just on a very different strategy to everyone else......
I will believe the A380 being refurbed and lasting in the fleet beyond 2026 when I see it. I will be sad to see them go but everyone bar EK is cutting them back and planning on phasing them out. In simple terms the 4 engines is the killer, just makes them very fuel hungry.....
FD.
I may be speaking in isolation but certainly any time I have flown to/from DFW on the A380, there hasn’t been a seat left in the house. So certainly for some routes it must be working well.
That being said, if the plan to refit puts Y all on the lower deck, that would greatly increase overall capacity, which may impact loads (and I would be greatly disappointed as a frequent Y traveller)