The current A380 is very heavy for the payload it carries. The wing is designed for a future stretch. Should this occur the economics will change considerably.
It now appears All Nippon and possibly Cathay may order the B747-8I. Emirates may also order the B747-8I for some routes (LAX and SFO) that are a real challenge for the A380.
The B777-200LR 'kills' Dubai to LAX and SFO, even HNL but the aircraft capacity is smaller than that desired by Emirates to LAX and SFO.
For those that are interested Boeing are guaranteeing the B747-8I trip costs over the range of the aircraft to be approx. 20% less than the A380. The seat mile costs are 5+% lower compared to the Qantas A380 configuration.
The B747-8I will be approx. 10% per seat lighter than the A380 and burn approx. 11% less fuel per seat.
I have been advised Qantas have reduced the passenger compliment of their A380 to 450. The resultant reduction in the seat and catering weights plus reduced potable and non-potable water will reduce the fuel burn trans pacific by approx. 3 tonnes in an attempt to guarantee LAX-MEL nonstop year round.
Last edited by B772; 23rd Sep 2008 at 04:20.