Originally Posted by
OldLurker
There are. But the opponents of the A380 always seem to overlook the existence of slot-constrained airports. Heathrow has already been mentioned: yes, it's just one airport but, despite Brexit, it's still a very important one. If you're a long-haul operator into such an airport, it's surely attractive to bring in 500 pax with one slot rather than 200 or so. And which aircraft would a long-haul pax prefer to be in for six or eight hours: A380 or A321? I know which I'd prefer, given that choice. Given a wider choice for long-haul I like both B777 and B747 (at least in business class) but the sheer carrying capacity of the A380 has to be attractive, and it seems to work for Emirates.
Conceptually, the aircraft seemed to fit the problem identified: slot constrained airports.
The problem that remains for the A380 is the Fuel included CASK.
The seat cost swings widely with changes in fuel price, such that the stage length the aircraft was designed for becomes uneconomic very quickly.
Whether the use of different materials, an as yet created composite, or engine enhancement fixes the cost dis-economy, the accountants will win and the smaller aircraft will become less comfortable. Flown longer distances with more seats.