Air France issues MOU for A220, dumps A380 in 2022
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There are. But the opponents of the A380 always seem to overlook the existence of slot-constrained airports. Heathrow has already been mentioned: yes, it's just one airport but, despite Brexit, it's still a very important one. If you're a long-haul operator into such an airport, it's surely attractive to bring in 500 pax with one slot rather than 200 or so. And which aircraft would a long-haul pax prefer to be in for six or eight hours: A380 or A321? I know which I'd prefer, given that choice. Given a wider choice for long-haul I like both B777 and B747 (at least in business class) but the sheer carrying capacity of the A380 has to be attractive, and it seems to work for Emirates.
The problem that remains for the A380 is the Fuel included CASK.
The seat cost swings widely with changes in fuel price, such that the stage length the aircraft was designed for becomes uneconomic very quickly.
Whether the use of different materials, an as yet created composite, or engine enhancement fixes the cost dis-economy, the accountants will win and the smaller aircraft will become less comfortable. Flown longer distances with more seats.
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It is quite likely that those owned A380s are only 35~40% depreciated, possibly less. Given that no other airlines will be lining up to purchase them, there is likely to be quite a hit from their subsequent write-off to AF/KLM financial results.
One wonders where such well-maintained but low-hour beasts may end up. Reconfigured as freighters, anyone? Or sold on the sly to NATO and mothballed in anticipation of another troop-lift to 'liberate' the next Middle Eastern nation in need of a Coalition of the Willing? Answers on a post-card pls...
One wonders where such well-maintained but low-hour beasts may end up. Reconfigured as freighters, anyone? Or sold on the sly to NATO and mothballed in anticipation of another troop-lift to 'liberate' the next Middle Eastern nation in need of a Coalition of the Willing? Answers on a post-card pls...
Ben Smith on the Air France A380 retirement:
https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea....a380-problems/
https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea....a380-problems/
2. A380 is Operationally Unreliable
Smith called the A380 “the poorest performer from an operational perspective” blaming many delays and cancellations on the A380 itself.3. Unplanned Heavy Maintenance Checks
Smith cited “unplanned” heavy maintenance checks on these aircrafts, noting that upcoming engine overhauls will cost €55 million per aircraft.And €55 million to overhaul the engines? €11 million per engine(!) - which isn't much less than the cost of a new engine. Big engine overhauls typically cost a couple million/engine (obviously depending on the scope) - when it approaches the cost of a new engine, they'll usually scrap the engine...
Except oil is cheaper now vs. when the A380 entered service in 2007.
In 2007, Brent crude averaged $72/barrel ($89/barrel inflation adjusted). These days Brent sells for around $66/barrel, and likely trending even lower since futures contracts for next year deliveries are below $60/barrel.
In 2007, Brent crude averaged $72/barrel ($89/barrel inflation adjusted). These days Brent sells for around $66/barrel, and likely trending even lower since futures contracts for next year deliveries are below $60/barrel.
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If that is remotely accurate, it's pretty damning - especially these two items:[h4]
I've not heard that the A380 itself was operationally troublesome, but if it is that's big - unless you have a spare A380 sitting around a cancellation means you need to come up with two replacement aircraft.
And €55 million to overhaul the engines? €11 million per engine(!) - which isn't much less than the cost of a new engine. Big engine overhauls typically cost a couple million/engine (obviously depending on the scope) - when it approaches the cost of a new engine, they'll usually scrap the engine...
I've not heard that the A380 itself was operationally troublesome, but if it is that's big - unless you have a spare A380 sitting around a cancellation means you need to come up with two replacement aircraft.
And €55 million to overhaul the engines? €11 million per engine(!) - which isn't much less than the cost of a new engine. Big engine overhauls typically cost a couple million/engine (obviously depending on the scope) - when it approaches the cost of a new engine, they'll usually scrap the engine...
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Massive A220 Order
Air France’s Massive Airbus A220 Order – Here’s What You Need To Know]25 December 2020Canadian Aviation NewsFrom Simple Flying – link to source story
By Justin Hayward, Simple Flying | December 25, 2020
By Justin Hayward, Simple Flying | December 25, 2020
Last edited by Longtimer; 25th Dec 2020 at 17:21.