Is it too early to ask about what will happen to A380 gates after the A380 is gone?
Sep 22, 2017, 10:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Boston
Posts: 148
Is it too early to ask about what will happen to A380 gates after the A380 is gone?
Here is what brought this thought into mind:
The fact that SQ decided to retire 5 A380's.
EK's profits stumbling mainly due to an excess of capacity....
And the well known fact that large 4 engined jets jets like this simply do not fit well in today's aviation market.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________________________
I'm sure FRA, LHR, DXB(!!!), JFK, LAX, SYD and many more will have to start planning far ahead.
The fact that SQ decided to retire 5 A380's.
EK's profits stumbling mainly due to an excess of capacity....
And the well known fact that large 4 engined jets jets like this simply do not fit well in today's aviation market.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________________________
I'm sure FRA, LHR, DXB(!!!), JFK, LAX, SYD and many more will have to start planning far ahead.
Sep 22, 2017, 10:50 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
Maybe just remove the 2nd level jet bridge from those gates?
I thought it was that other WB aircraft can use a A380 gate but an A380 can only use their gates? IRRC when I landed on LH A340 MUC-LAX we parked at an TBIT A380 gate.
I thought it was that other WB aircraft can use a A380 gate but an A380 can only use their gates? IRRC when I landed on LH A340 MUC-LAX we parked at an TBIT A380 gate.
Sep 23, 2017, 2:40 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
With A380 build still set to continue for several years and airlines currently using them for 10 years it could be a long time coming anyway.
Sep 23, 2017, 2:44 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Sep 23, 2017, 2:57 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2013
Programs: BAEC Bronze, HHonors Gold
Posts: 38
Yes it's too early to ask the question. Whilst the jet has clearly not been the success Airbus hoped, i believe they will be in widespread use for at least another 15-20 years,
It is even possible production will ramp up again as certain routes reach and exceed capacity for jets like the 777 of A350 as operators revisit the economics of the A380. Less so in Europe but certainly some of the Asian medium/long haul routes might suit the A380, in much the same way the 747SP was released way back in the 70's.
It is even possible production will ramp up again as certain routes reach and exceed capacity for jets like the 777 of A350 as operators revisit the economics of the A380. Less so in Europe but certainly some of the Asian medium/long haul routes might suit the A380, in much the same way the 747SP was released way back in the 70's.
Sep 23, 2017, 8:38 am
#7
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
Also to clarify, while SQ isn't extending the lease on the 5 older A380s, SQ is also taking delivery of 5 new A380s airframes over the next couple of years. So SQ's A380 fleet will ultimately remain the same size for the foreseeable future.
EK's financial concerns have several driving factors, not all of which are necessarily going to remain static, and EK certainly will still be operating lots of A380s for quite some time, barring an unforeseen catastrophic event.
In any case, dedicated jetways and gates are probably at the bottom of any airport's list of things to worry about for a long time.
EK's financial concerns have several driving factors, not all of which are necessarily going to remain static, and EK certainly will still be operating lots of A380s for quite some time, barring an unforeseen catastrophic event.
In any case, dedicated jetways and gates are probably at the bottom of any airport's list of things to worry about for a long time.
Last edited by 84fiero; Sep 23, 2017 at 9:14 am
Nov 26, 2017, 8:36 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Boston
Posts: 148
So is SQ replacing these older A380's just for the sake of having a "young fleet" title? Or is there something significantly different about the new ones they will be getting?
Nov 26, 2017, 10:11 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,805
Old builds were also heavier due to various manufacturing, construction and design factors (e.g., they had to be rewired extensively, partly because Airbus did not upgrade the (CATIA?) CAD software for everyone). That's why they may end up sitting in LDE for a long time. Early 787s were also heavier.
