Regardless of the economics, I’ll miss the A380 once it’s gone - one of the quietest planes I’ve been on.
The Airbus was created for a hub system that is collapsing. Yes, for that UAE airlines the hub system works really well and simply as an accident of geography and some wise investment it will continue to work for them right up unit the Tribulation/Great Tribulation is underway.
The collapse of the hub system is inherently one caused by the fact that two engine planes can now service routes for what used to require (practically, not just legally) more engines.
Moreover, Airbus though was doomed because it was not designed to be from the start a cargo hauler the way the 747 was. It could have been a magnificent cargo hauler. But it’s not. The 747 as a sky truck will be nearly immortal as planes go the way the B52 has been.
It will also be in my book, "Astonishing Tales of the Sky."
I was on a 12-hour flight from Frankfurt to Johannesburg aboard a Lufthansa A380. It was the worst flight of my life. Every seat was full. I was super cramped with no leg room. The in-flight movie/TV selections were also awful. I’m sure the Emirates A380 flights are much better.
The Boeing managers who chose to not go double decker were standing on Joe Sutter's incisive and brave shoulders.
With the 380 out of the way, there is talk here (Seattle area) of an updated 747 making a comeback should the need arise. Airports are already congigured for it (35+ years ago)
Its not the first time BOEING has made the eurotrash walk the plank.
The 747-8F freighter has been modestly successful, but the 747-8I Intercontinental passenger version is an unqualified flop, and like Airbus, Boeing will never recoup their development costs on the 747-8.
It still exists today.
When I was young, air travel was exciting and even glamorous. People dressed their best, or at least, dressed "up" during travel.
You were not treated like a criminal during a laborious, impersonal, and intrusive process. You were not herded like cattle. You were fed, given drinks, and were treated in a friendly manner.
I flew this week, and the process only gets worse, never better.
The first time I saw a video story about the A380 I knew it was the wrong tact. If Boeing had been able to execute on the Dreamliner sooner the A380 would have died sooner.
Interesting article - thanks!
Boeing and Lockheed had already done their studies for a C-5-sized aircraft and knew what the right answer was. They feigned interest, got Airbus all jacked up for a super-jumbo showdown, and then said, “Uh no, we’re going with the 787. The market is all yours to expand into, have fun!”