Rumor: UA may buy A380 {UA CFO says "just doesnt really work for us"}
Jun 1, 2015, 1:22 pm
#16
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Looks like this is a hot topic at airliners.net this morning with someone saying he has a corporate contract he's getting info from. Is that where you saw it?
Another New A380 Operator Rumor....
Another New A380 Operator Rumor....
Negotiations are ongoing, and if successful, will be announced this summer (June/July/August).
Jun 1, 2015, 1:26 pm
#17
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Jun 1, 2015, 1:30 pm
#18
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They say: Never say never....i'm saying UA NEVER operates the A380!
What UA route is heavy enough to justify that plane but short enough to be operated with two air frames? Exactly.
What UA route is heavy enough to justify that plane but short enough to be operated with two air frames? Exactly.
Jun 1, 2015, 1:38 pm
#19
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Wild rumor... but maybe there is some juice to it?
Realistically, any A380s would be SFO-based, with somewhat limited application, perhaps SFO-HKG/PEK/LHR/FRA. Maybe SFO-PVG if UA decides to scrap the 2nd frequency due to ongoing slot allocation trouble. The question remains, however, whether an oddball type and engine comprised of 6-10 frames makes any kind of economic sense whatsover... they'd have to come really cheap. In fact, it would have to almost mirror the placement of the first A300s of the early 80s, whereby Airbus essentially paid EA to operate a few A300B2s on the Air Shuttle and some other routes for a few months as a way to get the airplane in the market. It was a political win for Airbus, but they also scored a major coup when EA was actually so impressed with the performance of the airplane that they decided to place an order for new builds.
I doubt history repeats itself, but one never knows...
Realistically, any A380s would be SFO-based, with somewhat limited application, perhaps SFO-HKG/PEK/LHR/FRA. Maybe SFO-PVG if UA decides to scrap the 2nd frequency due to ongoing slot allocation trouble. The question remains, however, whether an oddball type and engine comprised of 6-10 frames makes any kind of economic sense whatsover... they'd have to come really cheap. In fact, it would have to almost mirror the placement of the first A300s of the early 80s, whereby Airbus essentially paid EA to operate a few A300B2s on the Air Shuttle and some other routes for a few months as a way to get the airplane in the market. It was a political win for Airbus, but they also scored a major coup when EA was actually so impressed with the performance of the airplane that they decided to place an order for new builds.
I doubt history repeats itself, but one never knows...
Jun 1, 2015, 1:45 pm
#20
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I'm imagining you could get the Skymark birds really cheap -- and the MH ones pretty cheaply too.
But in addition you'd have the costs of outfitting. Oh, forgot we're talking United -- can just go to Victorville and strip fittings from the carcasses there.
But in addition you'd have the costs of outfitting. Oh, forgot we're talking United -- can just go to Victorville and strip fittings from the carcasses there.
Jun 1, 2015, 1:57 pm
#21
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SFO-HKG
I only fly a handful of routes, but both of these are loaded with elites and (at times) I end up in row 50+ even when I purchase a ticket 4-6 days in advance.
Jun 1, 2015, 2:17 pm
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Jun 1, 2015, 2:22 pm
#27
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If UA can get them at half price from MH (under warranty), then it makes sense. Buying new ones from Airbus doesn't since most airlines operating the planes are unhappy with their performance. UA does need to replace its aging 744s across the Pacific and cancelling some 787s for 77Ws suggests it feels transPac loads are looking to be larger than anticipated a few years ago. May also hint at UA shutting down another hub and consolidating transPac flights out of the remaining one. (Might as well escalate the speculation.)
Jun 1, 2015, 2:25 pm
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Jun 1, 2015, 2:28 pm
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Jun 1, 2015, 2:29 pm
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To be honest, I can't really see UA getting into the 380 - there are certainly UA routes that could in theory support the plane, but that doesn't mean it is the right thing to do economically.
IMO UA is fine with this getting out - it gives them more leverage with Boeing...