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. 

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/

The world's best airlines 2017

Qatar Airways has been voted the best airline at the annual World Airline Awards. This is despite of its overflying difficulties brought about by sanctions imposed on Qatar by several of its Middle Eastern neighbours. 

Singapore is 2nd, All Nippon 3rd, Emirates 4th and Cathay 5th.


Lufthansa is the only European airline among the top ten. 

 Not surprisingly, Air Canada does not feature among the top 20, although it was voted the best 

North American Airline, and no American airline made it either to the top 20. 

From 'down under', Qantas came in at 15th and Air New Zealand at 19th. 

Africa's best airline is Ethiopian, ranked 46th in the world. 

Read more at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/world-airline-awards-2017-qatar-british-airways/

How to get that elusive empty seat next to you in economy class:http://www.traveller.com.au/the-best-time-to-fly-to-get-an-empty-seat-next-to-you-on-a-plane-gvidpm