Here's my
woefully uninformed $0.02 on how Airbus can save the A380:
- New engines (GE9X?)
- Stretch to -900 and -1000 lengths
- Wing extensions with folding wingtips, like the 777X, resulting in a higher-aspect-ratio and more efficient wing. (The A380 pays a ~22% aspect-ratio-caused induced drag penalty due to having to fit into the "80-metre box")
- Putting business class and/or first class (depending on weight) in the rear, so that more bags / cargo can be loaded in the rear holds without adverse affects on C of G
- Relating to the above, partner with seat / IFE / cabin companies to design much lighter weight premium sections
- Strongly recommend that all A380s are sold with at least 600 seats, and that they are lightweight ones e.g. Recaro
- Look at possibly lowering the top deck floor slightly to increase A and K seat headroom, allowing an extra seat in each row (improbable)
- Look at finding even 3" of space on the main deck by reducing the thickness of the wall / cabin fittings by re-siting air ducts, thinner insulation etc., allowing an extra seat on each row (already mooted - we all know that the "whale" only starts to make money when it is totally stuffed)
- Find ways to push the utilisation way, way, way up (12x 12 hour flights in a 7 day period, for example, using irregular flight schedules instead of antiquated "daily" flights)
Unfortunately this will cost another several billion dollars
and also Airbus designed the wing to be
only just strong enough so it will have to be reinforced, adding weight.
There is some cause for optimism: pressure from airlines and competition from Boeing is forcing Airbus to move (see A330Neo, the announcement of which surprised me)... let's see.