Sure- an aircraft about 30% smaller achieving 700% more sales- CLEARLY it's only to do with size!!
The 747-8 sales have been slow and it's probably going to be the last 747, basically because four engine aircraft are dinosaurs. It will still sell about 75% as many units as the A380 will, having cost a fraction of the A380s development. The total 747 deliveries at the end of the type will be about 1600 . The 380 is looking like never making 350.
You talk about new v old technology? The bean counters don't care about BTV or nice EFBs- having four ponies to feed and maintain versus two is an anachronism.
Don't get me wrong, Emirates at least will make money operating the A380. It will be at the expense of the EU taxpayer, however, as Airbus will never come close to breaking even on the project.
The difference with the 777 (AND the 747) is that it has and will make a profit for both the operator AND the manufacturer.
Last edited by Wizofoz; 3rd Nov 2013 at 17:55.