chambudzi
who are the airlines most usually quoted as being first in line to kick the tires of 747A? That would be BA and CX. SQ and QF are 380 customers, with possible 777s heading QF's way if D&G is to be believed.
UA and the other US 747 operators can't get shot of them fast enough, as did AC north of the border.
So who are the real operators you refer to then? Perhaps the Japanese airlines, who are conscious of Boeing's links to Japanese heavy industry. Who else?
Also, I understand the pax 744 has only 4 Philippine Air orders (of dubious likelihood of completion) apart from CAL orders currently under construction.
The problem for Boeing is that they have done such a good job pushing 207min ETOPS that 4-for-longhaul is a harder sell for an aircraft for the segment above 773. The ability of Airbus to offer A387 could squeeze 747A even harder if AI could get around to pleading with the Germans to let Chirac have his way and appoint another Frenchman for the top job.