The Vegas flight from gatwick. Though frequency wouldn't change and the slots arnt an issue, Er ignore me :cool:

Malaysian (MH) are concerned about the low 'offers' they have received for their A380 fleet either for purchase or lease.

It appears Airbus may rescue their predicament if a large order for the A350 is forthcoming.

VS seem to be going smaller not larger?

Volga-Dnepr Group (Airbridge Cargo) just announced their intent to buy another 20 747-8F
Boeing gets cargo boost for 747 jumbo jet at Paris Air Show - MarketWatch

Given the lack of competition and the unique capabilities of the 747 Freighter, my crystal ball says Boeing will be able to keep the 747 line going at ~15-20 aircraft/year for quite a while, building mainly freighters. And if someone comes in and wants a few Intercontinentals, so much the better.

Firstly this is not a firm order. Secondly Volga-Dnepr I believe are Russian?? Aeroflot have just cancelled 22 787s and may also cancel further new ac as sanctions bite. If this comes to fruition great...I have my doubts. The 748 is in just as perilous a position as the A380 perhaps more so given its design age. Maybe less so due to its unique position as a freighter. Time will tell the LOI slates delivery over 7 years so If this becomes firm Boeing will need more orders to keep the line moving along or further reduce the production rate which may not be economically viable. They do have the 777X which should be a huge success to move the guys onto if further orders dry up. As for the poor old A380 Emirates should keep the line open for a while but unless the world economy picks up significantly then the days of four holders are surely numbered.....

I think a number of people are missing the point. When people have travelled in a 380 in what ever class there appears to be a palpable positive comment from them which you do not get from other A/C currently. The A/C wins with the customer, but may not win with the bean counters, as it as has been said. It is only useful on some high volume routes and this is where it will make its name and money. It will never be like the early 747 which were bought by every little country world wide with aspirations in a "mines bigger than yours" so to speak kind of way regardless of the economics - sub Saharan Africa to think of one area. It is not the game changer that the Jumbo was but it has a place on high volume long haul although its cargo capacity is limited in comparison with 747 I would agree. At the end of the day its is down to the accountants who will decide ultimately its success or otherwise, not the public / pilots / spotters / interested observers.
My two pennies worth.


Regards
Mr Mac ( an unfortunatly far too frequent 380 flyer)