End of the Line for the Dugong
More importantly, perhaps Airbus should have been watching Boeing research into the market for larger capacity, longer range aircraft?Finally Boeing built the 747-8 largely from the 747-400 base plus existing Boeing technology and has sold 130 at December 2018, whilst the Airbus A380 was a €25 billion new technology project, 234 currently sold and in service and it appears production will cease in the very near future.
Interestingly of the 130 B747-8 delivered so far, 84 (64.6%) were 747-8F freighters. Boeing 747-8 base price $403.6M for 410 pax, three class seating, versus US$445.6M for the A380, typically 555 pax, three class seating.
I wonder whether surplus A380s may eventually turn up in cargo configuration, or whether that is even possible.
The A380 is a great aircraft, hope they survive into the future.
Interestingly of the 130 B747-8 delivered so far, 84 (64.6%) were 747-8F freighters. Boeing 747-8 base price $403.6M for 410 pax, three class seating, versus US$445.6M for the A380, typically 555 pax, three class seating.
I wonder whether surplus A380s may eventually turn up in cargo configuration, or whether that is even possible.
The A380 is a great aircraft, hope they survive into the future.
Was the 747 ever offered up as an alternative to the C5A or is it pure mythology from start to finish?
And yes, it was Jaun Trippe that drove the project. Including the lamentable decision to have a passenger lounge upstairs and not a far more sensible crew rest/lounge area!
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Troppo:
I believe that is at least in chronological order...... 
You forgot the DC3 and Catalina? If they park an A380 at Longreach tarmac side real estate will be at a premium, if there is any left!
I was there the day the B747 landed. The landing was a breeze but it took around an hour to turn the aircraft around due to the narrow runway and turn node. Will be even harder with an A380.........
I assume that is in chronological order and a nod to the kiwis 
A more important question is though, how are they going to get OQA into Longreach when the time comes, to park next to the L1049, B707-138 and 747-238B
I was there the day the B747 landed. The landing was a breeze but it took around an hour to turn the aircraft around due to the narrow runway and turn node. Will be even harder with an A380.........
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As Connie Kalitta says of a different model but same today... " When you park the last Airbus (A380 in this case ) in the desert we'll come pick the crew up in the 1970s DC8-70F or the B747F " All still flying hahahah funny dude but true.
Having done plenty (too much) long haul in my time, much of it just 2 pilot, the 8,400nm range of the modern twins is to me quite mind boggling. I'm wondering for you QF guys on the 787 doing limited routes, is going to work a real drag to be dreaded?? Or is money and lifestyle enough to overcome that? Although I guess we are all different and one man's opinion may not reflect another's. I for one now earn less than I have in the last 20 years, but I'm a very very happy little fruit bat. The flying I do now is fantastic and I've rediscovered the love of flying. Is the constant increase in the range of these sort of aircraft going to snuff out the desire for a nice jet job?
One of the early A380s has already been retired to the Musée de l'air in Paris.
Airbus A380 F-WWDD (MSN 004) is the first of its type to be preserved. The aircraft arrived at Le Bourget on 14 February 2017.
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Airbus A380 F-WWDD (MSN 004) is the first of its type to be preserved. The aircraft arrived at Le Bourget on 14 February 2017.
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I was there the day the B747 landed. The landing was a breeze but it took around an hour to turn the aircraft around due to the narrow runway and turn node. Will be even harder with an A380.........
It would have been much easier and quicker just to push it back from where it stopped!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_TD2
td, thanks, your perspective is always appreciated. It would be great to have you tell us about your experience with this vehicle:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_TD2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_TD2
Had a friend who raced bikes - we used to compare notes about speed at various points on some of the tracks we both ran (short story, he was faster in a straight line, but I was quicker in the twisty bits). He was killed riding his street bike back to the Puget Sound after racing in Spokane
Sorry, I never raced bikes - only stuff with four wheels. People who race motorbikes are crazy - at least crazier than me.
Had a friend who raced bikes - we used to compare notes about speed at various points on some of the tracks we both ran (short story, he was faster in a straight line, but I was quicker in the twisty bits). He was killed riding his street bike back to the Puget Sound after racing in Spokane
Had a friend who raced bikes - we used to compare notes about speed at various points on some of the tracks we both ran (short story, he was faster in a straight line, but I was quicker in the twisty bits). He was killed riding his street bike back to the Puget Sound after racing in Spokane
