A lifeline for the A380?
 

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....457f68a660.jpg

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/n...80-superjumbo/

I must be thick, I don't get the joke.

And the article is behind a paywall.

A lifeline for the A380?
 

You do know that production ends this year ?

Whilst my few experiences of A380s were very pleasant, a lick of paint won't magically produce passengers. Not when most airlines are contemplating using narrow bodies rather than wide bodies.

I wasn't going to subscribe to read the article and ascertain what class that is. If it's Economy that's amazing. If it's Business then it's quite tight compared to other carriers.

Two seats between the aisle and window looks like BA Premium Economy or Norwegian Premium. Armrests are a bit thin and that wood looks like the dashboard on my Dad's 1968 Wolseley 6/110.

However I still think the problem is getting a full A380s worth of people that want to go to the same place at the same time.

How long do we think the last one off the line will live for? My guess is 7 years before it's scrapped.

It's Emirates new Premium Economy - looks very nice.

Is it true they take out the showers?

Just read in Aviation Week what a challenge there is for the 777X as everybody downsizes long haul aircraft. Especially as the three ME carriers have ordered 240 of the 350 on order. I can't see them being able to use A380s and 777Xs for a very long time. This makes it look as though Emirates 156 orders for 777Xs is under threat.

777X
 

All this shows me is how hard they're working to sell something that isn't needed. The 777X will be doomed for this, too big for the market again

I do hope that BA will hang on to some of theirs, as LHR will remain with two runways for the forseeable future (in my view, in perpetuity).

After only five sectors in 380s SQ + BA (all in Premium Economy) on both decks, I can confirm that it is a delight to ride in. She is not a looker and has none of the majesty of the Queen of the Skies, but she is great. I shall look out for any route I plan that has the 380.

Sadly, Airbus took too long to make up their mind to build. Five years earlier or more, would have been great.

PAXboy
Same here. I have been lucky to spend a lot of time on EK/SQ/LH A380 and she is my A/C of choice, but as you say not a "looker" but as a travelling experience far better than the rest. For a large twin the A350 in my opinion trumps the 777/787 the later of which I really do avoid.

The problem with the A380 has very little to do with individual customer’s preference for the onboard experience. It’s purely economics. Airlines are run by accountants, not hoteliers.

If the aircraft’s half empty it will haemorrhage money, and unlike other types it’s useless for hold loaded freight.

The designers put all their eggs in one basket with this design.

Emirates A380 First Class - shower ..
 

DAMN ! I was looking forward to my A380 first class , shower with Jennifer - when we are Covid clear
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...ion-promo.html

True it is all economics and I know that.
By the way, I concur with you Mr Mac about the 787. I have had four sectors on them and sworn off them for life. Looking forward to the 350 when possible. The 777 is a workhorse and reliable.

Paxboy the A350 is wonderful. Have flown Finnair machines many times in 2018/9 to HK, my usual destination. Used to fly BA A380 in F but they switched the first flight from LHR from A380 to B777 (which is very noisy in the front) so I responded by getting the timing that suits me with Finnair in C and saved some money in the process... BTW storage in AY C is poor compared to other C offerings, but it works if you think ahead.

I'll NEVER fly Emirates again. Nobody in my family will. Not after watching how they treated their expat staff last year, utterly disgraceful.

I have had the pleasure of C on the A380 LHR-AUH and last year, DOH-EDI also in C both wonderful but the A350 C with Qatar edged it totally fantastic. On that particular trip the outbound flight was EDI-ICN-ULN flew ICN-ULN on a Korean A330 their C class was exceptional.

Surprised to hear about the 787. Norwegian Premium from LGW-DEN was a serious improvement on BAs Queen of the Skies in Premium Economy on the LHR-DEN route. Service was better too.

However with the current restrictions when It'll concern me again is anybody's guess. Not soon I'll wager until the vaccine and anti-vaxers are both sorted out.