Originally Posted by
krismiler
There might be a niche for a few freighter conversions. With them being gradually dropped from pax flights, their second hand value is negligible which may make the cost of modifications worth doing as the airframes are still relatively young. A low purchase price, expensive modifications but a long service life afterwards might swing the balance for a few operators.
The airports that can accommodate A380s are limited but fuel is likely to remain cheap for a few years so a handful may soldier on in the freight role.
I understood that the row between the ME oil states and Russia was settled a few weeks back and already prices have been rising.
A380 freighters? ... The B747 gets away with it having a nose opening, other freighters need a side cargo door, an A380 with a door on each level and is that upper floor strong enough to take heavy pallets rolling up and down it?
At least with reduced loads on such routes as DXB/SYD they'll be able to carry the baggage and not just the passengers!