Originally Posted by
Copenhagen
Where is he going to get the experienced pilots to operate the 380? Which European airport is going to invest in the infrastructure needed for the A380?
Considering Virgin has continually struggled achieve profitably with a strong brand and quality Heathrow slots, and secondary long haul network carriers such as Air Europa in Spain and Air Berlin have not succeeded, I’m struggling to see where this airline can operate profitably. It has to be London or Paris, cities that have strong inbound and outbound demand to fill such an aircraft year-round. Both have strong business, long haul VFR and leisure demand, but are highly competitive.
Other potential mega-catchment areas surrounding Manchester, Düsseldorf or Milan don’t have the inbound demand to fill the A380
Actually, which long haul A380 routes operate successfully without onward connections (London - HKG? Tokyo - Hawaii?)
If he's a UK AOC'd carrier (and I'm doubtful he'll even secure an AOC with the current A380 scheme!) then he won't have access to EU traffic rights to 3rd countries. He could theoretically operate Paris to UK (which I assume is not the suggestion) but he could not operate Paris to [3rd country].
And if he imagines that he will secure viable interline agreements to suck traffic into Gatwick to fill that empty A380 - he's got a nasty surprise awaiting him.
Self-styled 'travel guru' Asquith (and any investors!) are about to get a harsh lesson in airline economics.