PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - B748i or A380 order?
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Old 20th Sep 2013, 20:32
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cxorcist
 
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LH was the last holdout to the old adage, "Four engines for long haul." So the fact that they have finally caved on big twin economics probably seals the deal across the industry. Note however that the 777-9 will not be available for 7 years in 2020. That's a long time, and many things can happen in that period.

The 747-8 really serves as little more than a bridge to the 777-9 (and a great freighter). I still think there is the possibility of CX operating a limited number of Intercontinentals, maybe on lease, especially if the global economy starts to improve. The airplane has better economics than the 777-300ER, but does not compete well against the new generation of A350 and 777X.

As for the A380, I think a -9 version would ensure that the program never breaks even. While the economics may improve, the capacity risk to airlines just gets worse. EK would undoubtedly be a fan, but I'm not sure there would be any other takers out there.
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