A380plus: does this really work ?
Jul 5, 2017 | 1:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 616
A380plus: does this really work ?
More efficient according to Airbus, with 350-like wingtips, 11 abreast in Y (which is still wider than 10 abreast in a 777), less fuel consumption.
Will this work ? Is this the answer to the 777X ?
I doubt, one of the reasons is that this version is still 4 engine and not twin engine as all other modern aircraft are.
The other reason is that the 777X and the 350-1000 have almost the same capacity and range, but are more efficient.
Airbus discontinued the 340 for this reason.
http://www.bangaloreaviation.com/201...uperjumbo.html
Will this work ? Is this the answer to the 777X ?
I doubt, one of the reasons is that this version is still 4 engine and not twin engine as all other modern aircraft are.
The other reason is that the 777X and the 350-1000 have almost the same capacity and range, but are more efficient.
Airbus discontinued the 340 for this reason.
http://www.bangaloreaviation.com/201...uperjumbo.html
Jul 5, 2017 | 3:51 pm
#2
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Jam in more seats and add some winglets? I'm not sure that will solve the fundamental demand problems of a plane that big.
Jul 6, 2017 | 7:21 am
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I wrote about the A380plus a couple weeks ago when it was announced. I have no doubt that the proposed changes will meet the CASM reduction targets Airbus lists. But that's not enough.
Emirates is the main airline still considering new orders and its CEO just recently said that unless Airbus can sell it to other airlines Emirates would back away. Being the only customer for a product like that is a very challenging position to be in.
Ultimately I think the A380 is a product that could work, but it is probably a decade or more too early in the evolution of markets to hit the target numbers that justify its deployment more broadly. Airlines like ANA with a single hub and heavy loads in specific markets (HNL, LAX) could also benefit from the A380, but in very, very limited use. And even there it is not clear that the A380 beats the 777X overall.
Emirates is the main airline still considering new orders and its CEO just recently said that unless Airbus can sell it to other airlines Emirates would back away. Being the only customer for a product like that is a very challenging position to be in.
Ultimately I think the A380 is a product that could work, but it is probably a decade or more too early in the evolution of markets to hit the target numbers that justify its deployment more broadly. Airlines like ANA with a single hub and heavy loads in specific markets (HNL, LAX) could also benefit from the A380, but in very, very limited use. And even there it is not clear that the A380 beats the 777X overall.