Re: Knock-on effects
Er, the engines on the A380 are giant turbofans. Not quite up there with the GE90 perhaps. The RR engine is supposed to be half a ton lighter than the GE offering on the A380.
However, despite its age and engine count, the A380 is competitively efficient providing that you can fill it up. Sure you've got 4 engines to service. But the alternative is 2 x something else to carry the same number of passengers, and that's 4 engines 2 crews more brakes more wheels 2 landing and take-off slots 2 gates, and more fuel. Some airports charge less for an A380 because its bringing hundreds more duty free shoppers than anything else. And you can charge a comfort premium on A380 ticket prices that you can't on a lot of Boeing products.
It's only really Emirates that's made the A380 work, their geographical position being ideal. The Middle East really is a global hub.
They used to run 2 A380s Manchester to Dubai and 1 777ER. They couldn't sell tickets on the 777ER so they replaced it with another A380, which was a sell out success. People really do like flying on those aircraft.
The only comparable one for comfort is the A350, though that's not got a shower. I've heard the A330neo is nice too.
787 is a let down because most airlines don't buy the sound insulation... And it's cramped inside.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
