Thursday, December 28, 2017

End of the road for the Airbus A380?


The Airbus A380 may be coming to the end of its production line, according to reports. Airbus is waiting for a key order from the largest user of this aircraft type, Emirates, but if this is not forthcoming, it would probably terminate production within four or five years.  

Even with oil prices still at historically low levels, most airlines are switching to smaller twin engine jets like the Airbus 350, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787, which tend to be easier to fill and cheaper to maintain. Only 13 airlines are using the A380 worldwide, and no North American airline. 

To the great disappointment of hundreds of millions of passengers who enjoy the spaciousness, quiet cabin and grace of the A380, it might soon follow its direct competitor, the Boeing 747, into retirement. 

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

The changing face of international air travel


BA's transatlantic services/capacity this winter has increased by 1%, compared to Norwegian's  111% and WOW Air's 31%. At this rate, the older established airlines will rapidly have to adapt to the new, low-cost, no frills international model or go out of business. Or have  Emirates, Etihad, Ethiopian and others found a third way?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/transatlantic-flight-statistics/