4 ms·

The A380 isn't that popular either. The A380 only makes sense for really popular routes with a guaranteed high passenger count, whereas the 787 is more flexible

The A380 isn't that popular either. The A380 only makes sense for really popular routes with a guaranteed high passenger count, whereas the 787 is more flexible because it has a similar range and takes less passengers but is almost as efficient per passenger-mile. And in 2016 there were fears Airbus might even cancel the A380 entirely: https://qz.com/782361/airbus-a380-airlines-are-abandoning-the-worlds-biggest-passenger-plane/ https://qz.com/782361/airbus-a380-airlines-are-abandoning-th...

gsnedders 9y ago
> The A380 isn't that popular either. The A380 only makes sense for really popular routes with a guaranteed high passenger count, whereas the 787 is more flexible because it has a similar range and takes less passengers but is almost as efficient per passenger-mile. Also with airports where you're slot limited, and hence operating a single aircraft is easier.
- seanmcdirmid 9y ago
  This is why they fly the 380 for some domestic flights (e.g. Beijing to Guangzhou). The only one I've been on actually.
- isostatic 9y ago
  To an extent, but Ba don't use the a380 on Heathrow to New York, despite being one of the busiest long haul routes and LHr (and I assume JFK) being full. High profit passengers value the near hourly service. They use them on long routes with low frequency but lots of connections - singapore, Joburg, LAX. A380 definitely works for hub and spokes though - emirates run about 10 a380 flights to the uk every day.
FabHK 9y ago
The A380 was a bet on hub-and-spoke (Emirates is the biggest A380 operator, with all flights going to/from Dubai), while the B787 was a bet on point-to-point.
- ericd 9y ago
  I know which model I'd rather go with as a passenger...
- filereaper 9y ago
  Yup, Wendover Productions (massive aeroplane nerd) did a fanatastic video about this, really recommend it if anyone's interested in the economics of airlines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSxSgbNQi-g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSxSgbNQi-g
  - mistermann 9y ago
    That whole YouTube channel is awesome, and there are a few related ones that are also fantastic.
- rapathak 9y ago
  I agree. Also wanted to add a bit more color. When I did my MBA, we visited Emirates, and I heard a cool story. Apparently, international airports limited the landing slots that Emirates could use. Emirates then pushed Airbus to create the A380 so they could maximize passenger volume per landing slot. I'm sure this is only part of the story, but it's a pretty cool angle and a creative response to a business reality :) I think high-efficiency twins and ETOPS (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETOPS https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETOPS) standards certifying twins for transoceanic flights have contributed to the reduced demand for four-engine jets. I will miss the B747 (and yes, I love airplanes).
gadders 9y ago
They might not be popular with the companies, but I flew regular cattle-class on a 380 to Dubai and it was better than premium economy on some 747s.

gsnedders 9y ago

> The A380 isn't that popular either. The A380 only makes sense for really popular routes with a guaranteed high passenger count, whereas the 787 is more flexible because it has a similar range and takes less passengers but is almost as efficient per passenger-mile. Also with airports where you're slot limited, and hence operating a single aircraft is easier.

seanmcdirmid 9y ago
This is why they fly the 380 for some domestic flights (e.g. Beijing to Guangzhou). The only one I've been on actually.
isostatic 9y ago
To an extent, but Ba don't use the a380 on Heathrow to New York, despite being one of the busiest long haul routes and LHr (and I assume JFK) being full. High profit passengers value the near hourly service. They use them on long routes with low frequency but lots of connections - singapore, Joburg, LAX. A380 definitely works for hub and spokes though - emirates run about 10 a380 flights to the uk every day.

FabHK 9y ago

The A380 was a bet on hub-and-spoke (Emirates is the biggest A380 operator, with all flights going to/from Dubai), while the B787 was a bet on point-to-point.

ericd 9y ago
I know which model I'd rather go with as a passenger...
filereaper 9y ago
Yup, Wendover Productions (massive aeroplane nerd) did a fanatastic video about this, really recommend it if anyone's interested in the economics of airlines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSxSgbNQi-g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSxSgbNQi-g
- mistermann 9y ago
  That whole YouTube channel is awesome, and there are a few related ones that are also fantastic.
rapathak 9y ago
I agree. Also wanted to add a bit more color. When I did my MBA, we visited Emirates, and I heard a cool story. Apparently, international airports limited the landing slots that Emirates could use. Emirates then pushed Airbus to create the A380 so they could maximize passenger volume per landing slot. I'm sure this is only part of the story, but it's a pretty cool angle and a creative response to a business reality :) I think high-efficiency twins and ETOPS (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETOPS https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETOPS) standards certifying twins for transoceanic flights have contributed to the reduced demand for four-engine jets. I will miss the B747 (and yes, I love airplanes).

gadders 9y ago

They might not be popular with the companies, but I flew regular cattle-class on a 380 to Dubai and it was better than premium economy on some 747s.